Executive Research Initiative

The "Becoming Samurai" online course

Launch Kit

(Revision: 7.31.25 Update)

For audience members and their facilitators (Chairs, Guides, and Coaches)
who expressed interest in the project during Don Schmincke's speech.

Quick Intro Video
from Don Schmincke

less than 2 min

Introduction

Welcome. I'm Don Schmincke. You probably got here because during my speech you expressed interest in this project on the audience request form, or another audience member invited you.

Thanks for stepping up to participate in this research. You’re now part of something that started with a few asking, “Could we make Samurai training digital?” I asked why. Many said my earlier live workshops changed their lives and they wanted to share it. So, I said yes, uploaded it, and figured that was that.

I was wrong.

Suddenly, execs were using it for International Women’s Day. Coaches asked to weave it into 1-1s. Colleagues started pitching it for publication. Apparently, ancient Samurai wisdom still has some legs left.

Then facilitators (Chairs, Guides, and Coaches) asked if they could research the impact of this on their member’s 1-1 experience. This was a good idea. If it produces results, I'll release it to industry.

So, here we go . . .

The Program

Purpose: Test how ancient Samurai principles impact modern executive performance.

Metric: Improvement in the speed of execution, decisiveness, and problem-solving.

Environment: CEO or Executive peer groups using 1-1s or member pair-ups, or coaches doing direct CEO coaching.

Method: A 7-module, self-paced online course developed from my early Samurai research (Hopkins/Oxford).
• Bite-sized lessons
• Designed for busy executives – quick modules, rapid application
• Samurai training on fear, death, bravery, honor
• Guest insight from George Stalk on the OODA Loop (yes, that Harvard one)

Group facilitators will explore lesson insights with members during their 1-1s.

Tuition: At-cost enrollment for Members and complimentary tuition for their Facilitators (Chairs, Guides, and Coaches). We are funding Members with an at-cost scholarship to support this research base.

BONUS: You’ll meet SamurAI, our AI support coach—a digital warrior designed to challenge, provoke, and occasionally bewilder (just like a real Zen master).

Early Results

Participants are already reporting progress:

“I now wake up every morning asking, ‘How can I be braver today?’”

“The OODA Loop helped me fall in love with feedback. I was once scared of it. Now it’s my daily vitamin.”

“The hourly reminder that I must die? Surprisingly... freeing.”

“After two modules, I tackled a fear from my past to improve my marriage. Had the conversation. Took the action. It worked.”

“I finally overcame my fear and called the owner of a company I wanted to acquire. We had dinner. I’m now on their radar.”

Bottom line: This course is for busy people who want to do brave things faster—with more clarity, purpose, and effectiveness. Plus, your 1-1 sessions just got a lot more powerful.

So, let’s get started!

Get Started: How to Implement This (Fast)

Simple. This takes very little time. Don’t overthink it. The Samurai didn’t have spreadsheets.

Step 1: Get Enrolled

Already enrolled? Awesome. You’ve completed this Step.
Not yet? Use the links below:

Members of executive coaching or executive peer groups:
👉 Enroll here

Facilitator - Chair, Guide, or Coach of these members (Complimentary):
👉 Your link here

NOTE: Spam algorithms aren't smart. So check your JUNK folder if you don’t see your login and receipts. Look for something from "Kajabi", our learning management system.

Step 2: Take the Lessons

Members: Before your next 1-1, paired-up, or coaching session:

Watch your assigned lesson Module(s).
After the lesson, fill out the Progress Tracker form (get the PDF below)

Facilitators: Let your members know which Modules(s) to take before their next session with you or their pair-up partner.

Download your Progress Tracker Form here

Step 3: Do your 1-1s or Pair-Ups

At your next session, dive into the lesson's impact

Members: Present your actions, reflections, and Progress Tracker form to your Facilitator

Facilitators: Guide your member deeper. If you expected this lesson would help them realize something you anticipated before they took this course, then segue into that conversation. Or explore new issues together as they surface.

Rinse and repeat.

Final Step: Report Your Results

At the end of the course, we'll collect your data.

Facilitators: Tell us what happened—wins, weirdness, epiphanies, resistance. We want it all. This helps us shape future publications (including one we’re submitting to HBR and other academic journals). Just email: [email protected]

Members: Take a minute to fill out this form so we can collect performance results data:

https://forms.gle/Do65qfemEz1uKFvM7

This will be the end of the research project.

Thank you all so much for participating!

FAQ

1. How long does this take?
a. Not long. Most modules are less than 10 minutes. Short enough to squeeze in during coffee breaks.

2. What if I feel I’m too busy?
a. Remember, this was designed by CEOs and Chairs for busy people!
b. The busiest executives always invest time sharpening the blade.
c. Transform your "busyness" into bold, strategic action.
d. Try one module — resistance shrinks.

3. If I’m a Facilitator, do I have to be an expert?
a. Nope. The course does the heavy lifting. You just guide the conversations.

4. Can I space out the Modules?
a. Yes, up to you and your Facilitator. We usually recommend doing one per week or month, depending on your meeting schedule. You can even double up modules as needed.

5. In the Progress Checkpoint halfway through this course, how do we apply this.
a. If you are a Facilitator, process it with your member during the 1-1s using the instructions in that module.
b. If you’re a member in a VP group without 1-1s, have your CEO be your contact for progress checkpoints.
c. If you are paired-up with another member, use your partner.