Lucio Buffalmano's Blog, page 7

Why Aggressive US Foreign Policy Undermines Its Hegemony

Trump’s rhetoric has become increasingly combative toward former allies.

For instance, he has hinted at ambitions involving Panama, and Greenland.
Or making Canada a US state.

That approach has some advantages.

It might secure concessions, showcase America’s dominance, and resonate with nationalist and power-seeking voters at home.
But long term it diminishes American global influence.

This article explains why.

Machiavellian Leadership Principles

We long emphasized on th...

The WEIRDest People in the World: Summary & Review

The WEIRDest People in the World (2020) by Joseph Henrich explores how unique historical developments made Western societies more individualistic, pro-social, and cooperative, fostering a WEIRD psychology that drove commerce, innovation, and expansion.

Exec SummaryIndividualism and weaker family ties enhance societal progress by fostering larger cooperation, impartial institutions, democratic governance, universal moral norms, long-term thinking, conscientiousness, and hard work....

The Visibility Quadrant: Self-Promotion Strategies for Success

Self-promotion is a critical career skill, but doing it right requires strategy.

This guide explores when, how, and why to promote yourself for maximum impact.

Learn how to balance bragging with performance, adapt to different roles, and tailor your approach for career advancement.

Calibrate to Visibility

Career coach Marie McIntyre proposes the “visibility quadrant”. 

It’s similar to Stephen Covey‘s time quadrant of effective management, but it applies to how visible your work i...

10 Powerful Tips for Women to Exude Confidence at Work

Want to exude confidence and command respect at work?

Confidence isn’t just about how you feel; it’s about the signals you send.
At TPM, we specialize in decoding power dynamics and teaching how to adopt confident nonverbal communication so you can thrive—whether in the boardroom, meetings, or casual interactions.

These 10 powerful tips will help you project confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage your presence to advance your career.

Let’s dive in.

1. Keep Your Head Straigh...

From Simps to Empowered Women: Why Men Hate Simping

Simping refers to excessive or unreciprocated emotional or material investment in women.

The term, often used pejoratively, mocks men are overly eager or submissive in pursuing women.

In this article, we explain the underlying dynamics of this phenomenon, how it changed dating, and we’ll shed new light on the true drivers of simp ridiculing.

Namely, we contend that “simp ridiculing” is a form of competitor derogation, manipulation, and reactionary politics.

Intro: Simps are n...

Handbook of Relationship Initiation: Summary & Review

The Handbook of Relationship Initiation (2008) reviews the empirical literature on the dynamics that govern the beginning stages of relationships.

Exec SummaryRelationships make people happier and healthierSelf-monitors, or people who care about self-presentation, are most successful in socialization (albeit sometimes at the cost of genuineness)Gender roles and expectations in dating are still the same, despite all the cultural changesFULL SUMMARY

About the Author:
Various...

Who Is Michael Ovitz? Book Summary & Review

Who Is Michael Ovitz? (2018) is Hollywood super-agent Michael Ovitz’s no-holds-barred autobiography, spilling the gritty, behind-the-scenes truths of power plays, fame, and influence at the top of the entertainment industry.

Exec SummaryLearn to read people and characterIf you want great friends, you must be a great friend yourselfDon’t expect gratitude in lifeKeep business and friendship dividedVideo ReviewFULL SUMMARY

About the Author:
Michael Steven Ovit...

Oxford Handbook of Evo Psych and Romantic Relationships: Review

The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology and Romantic Relationships (2023) presents the empirical and theoretical advancements in the evolutionary study of dating and romantic relationships.

Video ReviewSUMMARY

About the Author:
Justin K. Mogilski and Todd K. Shackelford are the editors, both holding a PhD in evolutionary psychology.
As it’s often the case with handbooks, each chapter is written by different authors.

Selection Is Intrasexual & Intersexual

The two processe...

The Mindsets to Win At Life (& Crush the Competition)

Winners think differently than losers.

It’s a paradox of sorts.
While to win you need to beat the competition, winners don’t think that way.

This article explains how winners think about the competition.
Adopt these mindsets, and you too can crush the competition.

1. It’s Always About The Game, Never The Players

Here’s the principle:

Losers don’t compete. Average men focus on beating individuals. Winners focus on dominating the game

The “game” is the ecosystem of end...

Too Much and Never Enough: Summary & Review

Too Much and Never Enough (2020) provides an insider view of Donald Trump, and the Trump family. The author, who is Trump’s niece, paints a dark picture of the former US president as a callous, selfish, and manipulative personality.

Exec SummaryDonald’s father Fred Trump was a sociopath who ruined Donald’s psychological development Donald Trump is a narcissist at a minimum, probably a sociopathTrump’s re-election could mean the end of democracyFULL SUMMARY

About t...