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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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.
Most people have an understanding of just how devastating social media and unrestrained access to technology have been to teens and young adults. What’s less understood is what the next threat is going to be to young people and their mental health. Evidence is mounting that it’s likely to be artificial intelligence and the very strange relationships people are starting to create with AI companions.
People are using AI as their coaches, therapists, trusted friends, and even their romantic partners. According to Common Sense Media, more than half of American teens are using AI companions at least once a month. What’s forgotten is the deep, dark secrets being shared with AI companions are not protected or private. More concerning, many users lose touch with the fact that the AI companions are not real people.
In this episode, Mandy McLean, CEO of ClassWaves, discusses what AI companions are, the risks they pose to users, why AI companions are appealing, and what parents and educators should be doing to avoid safety and manipulation risks AI companions introduce to students. Mandy says now is the perfect moment for AI companions to exponentially grow because of the loneliness epidemic, the amount of time people are spending using digital devices, and the quality of the AI companions in market.
Mandy also discusses what is likely happening to the brains of children who frequently use AI companions. She talks about what happens to people who lose an “AI spouse” when outdated technology is sunset. She closes out the interview by providing advice to parents and educators who want to help children avoid the dangerous use of AI companions and she shares what is filling her with a sense of optimism.
Mandy McLean is the co-founder and CEO of ClassWaves, an AI-powered platform that helps teachers transform learning by fostering learner agency and social capital through dialogue. A former high school teacher with a PhD in education and statistics, she has spent over a decade studying how people learn and later held leadership roles at Guild as Director of Research, Head of Applied Science, and Director of AI Transformation. At ClassWaves, Mandy is redefining the teacher’s role—not as a content deliverer, but as a guide for deeper conversation and connection. She also writes on Substack and speaks widely about education, adolescent development, and the social impact of technology. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and two cats, and she loves running, mountain adventures, and exploring big questions.
12 Geniuses Podcast
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.
