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 Executive Research Initiative

The "Becoming Samurai" 
online course

Launch Kit

(Revision: 9.01.25 Update)

 

You are now part of a unique research project for audience members and their facilitators (Chairs, Guides, and Coaches).

You’re receiving this because you volunteered during Don Schmincke’s speech or were invited by a colleague. Thank you for stepping up to pilot something new.

This only for those ready to go deeper. 

The Launch Kit shows you, as a Facilitator or a Member, will test how ancient Samurai principles sharpen your executive performance.

Quick Intro Video
from Don Schmincke

less than 2 min

 

Introduction


Welcome. I'm Don Schmincke. 

You’re now part of a research project that started a few years ago when Facilitators asked me to make the Samurai training from my book digital during COVID. Many said earlier 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. Then coaches started using it.  I was approached for publication. Then facilitators (Chairs, Guides, and Coaches) asked if they could research the impact of this on 1-1s and coaching experiences.

Now that is a good idea! If it produces results, I'll release it to industry. 
 

So, here we go . . .

The Program

Purpose: Explore whether applying Samurai wisdom boosts executive performance.

Metric: Increased speed of execution, decisiveness, and real-world problem‑solving.

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

Method: Built to be fast, actionable, and meaningful—complete with short lessons, practical exercises

  • - Self‑paced, 7‑module course delivered digitally.
  • - Developed from my early Samurai research (Hopkins/Oxford). 
  • - Fast, bite-sized lessons.
  • - Designed for busy executives: quick modules, rapid application.
  • - Samurai training on fear, death, bravery, honor.

Flow: Facilitators (Chairs, Guides, Coaches, or a peer paired-up with you) will explore lesson insights with you during 1-1s or assigned meetings.

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.

 

BONUSES:

- Guest insight from George Stalk on the OODA Loop (yes, that Harvard one)

- An unexpected guide: SamurAI. An AI warrior developed to support you. She will challenge, provoke, and occasionally bewilder (just like a real Zen master).

Get Started: How to Launch This (Fast and Easy)


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. Move to the next Step.

 

Not enrolled yet? Use the links below:

- Members of executive peer-groups or coaching communities:
👉 Enroll here if a Member

- Facilitator - Chair, Guide, or Coach of these members (Complimentary):
👉 Enroll here if you are the Facilitator
 

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, peer-pair-up, or coaching session:

  • - Take your assigned lesson Module. (you may double up Modules as your Facilitator instructs)
  • - 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 assigned 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: Review your actions, reflections, and Progress Tracker form to your Facilitator or Peer.
 

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.

That's it!
 

Now Just Rinse and repeat Steps 2 and 3.

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.

When Finished The Program:  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:

Submit Member Results

 

This will be the end of the research project.

 

 

Thank you all so much for participating!

 

 

Let's get started!

 

 

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 or a trusted manager be your contact for progress checkpoints.
c. Or, if you are paired-up with another member, use them.

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