Field dispatches for people building story into sovereignty.
Read dispatches from the ground, strategy notes on Media Company in a Box, and updates on the movement to help creators and communities own their stories.
A clear field update on the shift from waiting for perfect conditions to deploying sovereign media training through the infrastructure that already exists.
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This newsletter is for people who care about story, sovereignty, media literacy, creator ownership, and real-world community infrastructure.
Updates from Cameroon, Uganda, and developing mission corridors where sovereign media infrastructure is being tested in real conditions.
Practical thinking from Media Company in a Box, Bridge to Media Empowerment, and the systems behind independent media ownership.
Strategies for turning story into intellectual property, content into infrastructure, and lived experience into economic possibility.
The newsletter is the signal. These are the core systems, missions, and pathways behind the work.
Welcome to the premiere episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan.” After a six-month hiatus, Joshua returns with a dynamic new format that uncovers the hearts and minds of his guests. This episode features Faris Aranki, the visionary strategist from Shiageto Consulting, who shares his profound insights and experiences.
Joshua T Berglan opens the interview with enthusiasm, thanking Faris for his patience and participation. “I am absolutely honored to have you here,” Joshua remarks, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere for the discussion.
Joshua kicks off with a thought-provoking question: “If Shiageto, your amazing organization, were a superhero, what would its superpower be?” Faris delivers a compelling answer:
“It’s the ability to become friends with absolutely everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, or Kim Jong-un. I would imagine Shiageto the superhero would just have this ability to be everyone’s best friend.”This response highlights the unique ethos of Shiageto Consulting.
The conversation explores how IQ, EQ, and FQ (Focus Quotient) combine to craft effective strategies. Faris recounts a story of working with a brilliant yet disconnected team. By introducing gamified interactions, he transformed their dynamics. “What they didn’t realize was the real prize was getting to know each other,” he notes, showcasing his innovative approach.
Faris shines as he recalls his work on the UK government’s pandemic flu preparedness project in 2008-2009. “They said, ‘What if we get hit by a pandemic? We need to be ready,’” he explains, spending 18 months developing strategies that proved his expertise in tackling complex challenges.
When Joshua asks, “If a company’s culture were a recipe, how would you adjust your strategy to be the perfect seasoning?” Faris draws from his childhood cooking lessons:
“If culture was a recipe, we’d be looking for the simplest way back. It might just be adding a bit of salt or a bit more connection in the team.”His analogy underscores simplicity and connection as key ingredients.
Faris emphasizes the critical role of Focus Quotient (FQ):
“Without the focus quotient, without saying, ‘This is so important to my life, I’m going to restructure things,’ the strategy is going to fall apart.”This insight reinforces the need for dedication in strategic success.
Faris shares a gripping “Mission Impossible” moment where his team rescued a client from disaster by refocusing on fundamentals. “I want to get everyone in and train them how to run a meeting,” he proposed, a simple step that dramatically boosted performance.
Reflecting on history, Faris observes:
“We kind of belittle them and say we’re cleverer now. But you know what? We’re not that much cleverer, and we do make those mistakes over and over again.”His humility and respect for past lessons resonate deeply.
Joshua likens Faris’ career to assembling a strategy Avengers team. Faris reflects on his journey—from teaching economics and math in high school to corporate consulting—saying, “Each of those experiences has been an Avenger,” illustrating the diverse skills he brings to the table.
Asked what drives him daily, Faris reveals:
“The secret ingredient is that I’m not done. I’m not done learning, meeting new people, or having an impact on the world.”His relentless passion for growth is infectious.
Faris recalls a transformative moment from teaching in Nepal:
“I remember the first kid I helped get over that barrier of not getting it. For me, it was a beautiful moment seeing a client get something that would change their life.”These breakthroughs continue to fuel his work.
Joshua wraps up by praising Faris’ authenticity and wisdom, encouraging viewers to connect with him via Shiageto Consulting and LinkedIn to keep the dialogue alive.
This debut episode of “Unmasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan” offers an enriching glimpse into Faris Aranki’s mind. His blend of wisdom, humility, and strategic innovation provides actionable insights for leaders and professionals. Catch the full episode and engage at The World’s Mayor Experience.
Below is the living archive of field notes, frameworks, and reflections from the work of building sovereign media infrastructure through Media Company in a Box, The Sovereign Protocol, and The Sovereign Franchise.
