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The revolutionary idea that "no one is above the law" was a 16th-century Renaissance death knell to the long-established medieval adherence to Latin Christianity’s heretical doctrine of the "divine right of kings." The coronation on Christmas Day 800 A.D. of Frankish King Charlemagne by Pope Leo III created the Holy Roman Empire (it was none of the three). A millennium later, on Aug. 6, 1806, Napoleonic war victories and the American and French Revolutions ended the medieval version of Christian nationalism’s days of political dominance in Western Europe and the U.S. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Arkansas WR Andrew Armstrong declares for NFL draft, skipping bowl
Global Times: China’s long, profound pursuit of peace embedded in Hehe culture By Wang Qiang
Carvana's chief product officer sells $11.4 million in stockIn the realm of business leadership, few names resonate with the same level of respect and admiration as Wilf Wikkerink . As the current CEO of Book Depot, Wikkerink has carved a niche for himself as a leader who not only understands the art of business development but also the importance of fostering strong relationships. His journey from the son of Dutch immigrants to a business leader is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innovative approach to business management. Early Life and Education Wikkerink’s story begins on the picturesque Vancouver Island, where he was raised on a dairy farm. This humble beginning instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity—principles that have guided him throughout his life. His academic journey took him to Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the business world. Wikkerink's upbringing on a farm taught him invaluable lessons in discipline and perseverance, which he carried into his professional life. His parents, Dutch immigrants, played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic. These early influences became the bedrock of his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes treating others with respect and gaining trust through consistent and ethical behavior. Career Beginnings and Rise to Leadership Before making his mark at Book Depot, Wikkerink spent nine years at Legacy Entertainment. During this period, he served as Partner and Operations Director, where he demonstrated his knack for business strategy and operations management. Together with his business partner, he built one of the industry’s leading budget music companies, which they successfully sold to a UK-based company. This successful venture was a springboard for Wikkerink, showcasing his ability to identify opportunities and execute strategic business decisions effectively. His transition to Book Depot in 2005 marked a new chapter in his career. As CEO, Wikkerink has been instrumental in transforming the company into a leader in the book distribution industry. His passion for sharing the company’s vision with employees, customers, and suppliers has been a driving force behind Book Depot's success. Wikkerink’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to building lifelong relationships and investing in both people and technology to enhance operations. Leadership Philosophy and Business Strategy Wikkerink’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a methodology he introduced to Book Depot five years ago. EOS has been a game-changer for the organization, providing a structured framework for setting and achieving long-term goals. Under his guidance, the company has embraced strategic priorities, or "rocks," to manage objectives and track progress effectively. Wikkerink believes in the power of vision casting and ownership thinking. By clearly communicating the company’s direction and goals, he empowers his team to make decisions and feel a sense of ownership in the business’s success. This approach not only motivates employees but also fosters a culture of innovation and accountability. His strategy emphasizes building long-term relationships with business partners, a key factor in Book Depot's growth. Wikkerink understands that trust is the foundation of any lasting business relationship, and he has consistently invested time and effort in nurturing these connections. Challenges and Achievements Throughout his career, Wikkerink has faced numerous challenges, but his ability to navigate them with resilience and strategic foresight has been a hallmark of his leadership. One of his most notable achievements at Book Depot has been the successful completion of several acquisitions, which have significantly expanded the company’s footprint in the industry. Wikkerink’s approach to decision-making is pragmatic and decisive. He advocates for making informed decisions efficiently to avoid the pitfalls of analysis paralysis. By fostering a culture where team members are encouraged to take calculated risks and learn from failures, he has created an environment where innovation thrives. Personal Life and Legacy Away from the boardroom, Wif Wikkerink is a family man. Together with his wife Natalie, they have six children and a growing number of grandchildren. The family enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as traveling and playing Spikeball. Wikkerink’s personal life reflects his belief in the importance of balance and the value of creating lasting memories with loved ones. As he continues to lead Book Depot, Wikkerink remains committed to his vision of building a company that values its people as much as its profits. His leadership has not only transformed Book Depot but has also set a benchmark for ethical and effective business practices. Wikkerink’s legacy in the business world is one of innovation, integrity, and inspiration—a testament to what is possible when one combines visionary leadership with a commitment to fostering genuine relationships. In reflecting upon his journey, Wilf Wikkerink stands as a beacon of visionary leadership in the business world, continually shaping the future of his industry with a focus on sustainable growth and meaningful connections. As he looks to the future, Wikkerink's influence and legacy continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. He remains dedicated to evolving Book Depot to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing market while staying true to the values that have defined his career. This commitment ensures that Wikkerink's impact will be felt for years to come, not only by his company but also by the wider business community, as he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders. *The San Francisco Examiner newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
UN General Assembly adopts convention on cybercrimeMaybe 15 minutes before the Wild hosted and defeated the Nashville Predators on Saturday, general manager Bill Guerin took a few minutes to talk to the media about his first noteworthy acquisition of the season—the trade with Columbus, which will bring David Jiricek to the State of Hockey in the first few days of December. ADVERTISEMENT Maybe it’s just the pessimistic nature of a fanbase that hasn’t seen a men’s professional team play for a championship in more than three decades, but the grumbling had begun even before the collected media had reached the press box for Saturday’s game. “Seems like a lot to pay for a minor-leaguer,” was one of the comments overheard at the rink on Saturday. Indeed, to get Jiricek – the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft – and a lower-round pick, Guerin surrendered defenseman Daemon Hunt and four draft picks, including Minnesota’s 2025 first-rounder and a second round pick in 2027. He wasted no time in getting an up-close look at the new guy, calling Jiricek up to the NHL level on Sunday, and sending former Gophers forward Travis Boyd back down to Iowa. Guerin and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell are old friends from their time working together with the Pittsburgh Penguins. But there was no discount offered from Waddell to his old pal in Minnesota. “It took awhile. Donny,” Guerin said with an exasperated grin. “He played with me. He’s one of my old mentors. He made me work for it. He’s the best.” ADVERTISEMENT Still, Guerin would not have pulled the trigger had he not believed in two things: 1) The Wild can turn all of Jiricek’s size (6-foot-4) and potential into another piece of their bright future on the blue line. 2) The price they paid was not as steep as it might look on the surface. To that second point, consider that Hunt was not really part of the Wild’s NHL-level defensive picture, even at a time like this when Jonas Brodin’s long-term viability is a serious question mark. And after getting two points with an overtime win over the Predators on Saturday, the Wild were tied for the most points in the NHL, meaning that at this pace, that 2025 first-round draft pick is going to come in the 25th spot or later. If the Wild go into a tailspin this season, the pick sent to Columbus is lottery protected, meaning the Blue Jackets will not get to pick in the top 10 at the Wild’s expense. ADVERTISEMENT To the first point, Jiricek is a player Guerin and his assistants have had their eye on for some time, even before he was named the top defenseman in the tournament while playing for Czechia in the 2023 World Juniors. “He’s not 30, he’s not a rental. He’s a 21-year-old defenseman that we can invest in. And we did. That’s how I look at it. It’s an investment,” Guerin said. In 2022, the Wild grabbed Liam Ohgren with the 19th overall pick, more than a dozen selections after Jiricek was picked by Columbus and was posing for pictures in a new red-white-and-blue sweater. ADVERTISEMENT “He was somebody that we really liked (during) his draft year. We knew we weren’t going to get him, but we liked him,” Guerin said. “And, you know, when this became available, I did my due diligence and asked our staff what they thought. They were all on board with it. So it’s good.” Perhaps in hopes of getting the fans on board, Guerin also stressed patience. Jiricek has not yet been a star in the NHL, despite his high draft stock. But the Wild are confident that their system of developing players — especially defensemen — is the change the new guy needs. “He’s a young player. He’s got a lot to learn. He’s going to continue to improve, just like all young players,” Guerin said, name-dropping two youthful every-night members of the Wild roster who still have ample room to grow. “Brock Faber’s got to get better. Matt Boldy’s still going to get better. All these guys are going to continue to improve because they’re so young. So just because they’re in the NHL doesn’t mean they’re not going to develop their game and get better. That’s our job as the coaches, management. That’s our job to help him get better.” If he has to spend some future draft capital to put those pieces in place, that is clearly a chance Guerin is willing to take. ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
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