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The U.S. Marine Corps: 250 Years of Tradition & Innovation

One of the world’s most enduring organizations, the United States Marine Corps, celebrates its 250th birthday on November 10th, 2025. The Marines have deep, rich tradition and, remarkably, the Marine Corps has been able to innovate while reinventing itself over the course of its history. 

In this interview, Col. Ben Davenport (Ret.) discusses what makes the Marine Corps unique. He shares why he believes the Marine Corps is so resilient and has maintained its relevance throughout its history. Ben also discusses what leaders in business can learn from the Marine Corps culture, discipline, and approach to leading through uncertainty. Ben also looks into the future while sharing what he believes the next 25 to 50 years will look like for the Marines. In a sign that “imitation is the sincerest form of flatter,”  Ben finishes the conversation by talking about how other countries have attempted to pattern portions of their militaries after the United States Marine Corps. 

Ben Davenport retired from active duty following 25 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is a Naval Aviator, an operational planner, and an Olmsted Scholar. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering; Masters of Art in International Law and Chinese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy from Fudan University, People’s Republic of China; Masters of Art in Operational Studies from Marine Corps University; Graduate from the School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW), and Graduate from the Grand Strategy program with a Master of Strategic studies from Air University.

Ben is currently serving as the Deterrence Analyst and Strategic Advisor on China with NATO Allied Command Transformation, one of two Bi-Strategic Operational Commands within the NATO Alliance.  

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Meet Your Host, Don MacPherson

Don MacPherson is the founder, CEO, and Host of 12 Geniuses

Don MacPherson is host of 12 Geniuses - a podcast for curious and voracious learners. A six-time entrepreneur, Don spent 25 years researching the employee and customer experiences, the attributes of great leadership, and how healthy organizational cultures are created and sustained. Now, Don interviews geniuses from around the world about the trends shaping the way we live and work. From AI to biotechnology, aging to addiction, cybersecurity to privacy, and climate change to space travel, Don uses these insights to help business leaders better understand what these trends are, how they are positioned to disrupt companies and industries, and how new value can be created for those willing to make the necessary changes.

An avid traveler and volunteer, Don has visited every corner of the world and been a Big Brother mentor for more than 20 years. He is the former executive director Think2Perform Research Institute where he helped to create the organization’s Future Leaders Academy. Don is a board member of Leadership Garden, an organization that helps young people develop the life skills needed to make a positive difference in their community. In October 2024, Don co-founded Home at Home - an organization that enables seniors to age gracefully, safely, and vibrantly in the comfort of their own homes.