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Laurence Mussio: Turning Historical Experience into Judgment
Thought Leader: Laurence Mussio
April 4, 2026
Source: The Globe and Mail
Written by: Laurence Mussio and Cosimo Pacciani
In this essay for The Globe and Mail Futures @ Risk Series, historian and strategic advisor Dr. Laurence Mussio argues that modern institutions have lost the ability to transform historical experience into sound judgment. Drawing on examples ranging from shipwrecks and infrastructure failures to geopolitical disruptions and supply chain crises, he introduces the concept of “Mnemonic Capital” — the institutional capacity to convert past lessons into present-day decision-making. Mussio contends that organizations increasingly document risks without acting on them, creating a dangerous cycle of strategic amnesia. He proposes practical frameworks for restoring institutional memory and embedding historical learning into governance, helping leaders better navigate an era defined by complexity, uncertainty, and adversarial risk.
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
Visit The Globe and Mail to read the full article and explore why institutional memory may be one of the most important strategic assets for navigating uncertainty and building resilience.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, contact us today.
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