Christina Kitova interview
Christina Kitova, Sun Tzu extraordinaire
As Sun Tzu enthusiasts, we at Sonshi can't seem to get enough of written material about The Art of War. For example, although we don't read comics, today we learned that in issue Superman #5, Superman quoted Sun Tzu, and that got us excited. Strangely, the person who informed us was disappointed that Superman mentioned Sun Tzu. To him, Superman wouldn't quote Sun Tzu or agree with his strategic principles. If you're the strongest man in the universe, would you really need strategy?
However, the answer to that question is an emphatic Yes! Sun Tzu believed in taking whole, especially if he has overwhelming advantage. Just because you can destroy all your enemies who stand in your way doesn't mean you should. In fact, because of your incredible strength, you are capable of making them harmless, and with luck, also make them your friends. Bad guys with sufficient power want to destroy their opposition but Superman's whole shtick is the opposite: subduing enemies without harming them. That indeed is an expected skill and mindset that Superman would have, which Sun Tzu fully advocates.
Unfortunately, a good understanding of Sun Tzu's principles is rare. We believe this is due to people's focus on the individual quotes and not contemplating more on how they all connect together. This is analogous to the difference between an average biologist and a good biologist: the former can name all the animals correctly but only the latter can tell you whether those animals belong together in a specific ecosystem. Likewise, articles mentioning or discussing The Art of War mostly employ snippets of the book. But it takes a rare Sun Tzu student to take on the book as a whole and display the level of mastery that transcends mere quotes.
Our special guest today, Christina Kitova, is one of those rare Sun Tzu students. Her remarkable article "Applying the Principles of Sun Tzu in Everyday Life" clearly shows us someone who not only studied The Art of War but has grasped Sun Tzu's lessons down to the nuances:
What we listed above came from just the article's first two short paragraphs. There are more but this introduction would be too long. Like the succinct Art of War, Christina Kitova's article is packed with practical insight. Because of her apparent mastery in the nuances, she then was able to bridge all the principles and explain the entire book comprehensively, having already taken each concept whole. It is like she has positioned all the little puzzle pieces together to form a larger coherent picture so others can see and understand better The Art of War.
Born in the Soviet Union, Ms. Kitova currently works in international contractual law. She is also a writer and blogger. Her articles and name have been featured in Yahoo Finance, Spark News, News Republic, CCTV, and Get Real America. Her hobbies include law, physics, history, and languages (she is fluent in six languages). Her passion is animal rights and she volunteers for animal advocacy projects.
Impressed by her article and background, Sonshi has invited Ms. Christina Kitova here so we all can learn more. Her answers below show that was a good idea. You will learn, for instance, what one important aspect Sun Tzu has over Machiavelli. Enjoy her interview!
However, the answer to that question is an emphatic Yes! Sun Tzu believed in taking whole, especially if he has overwhelming advantage. Just because you can destroy all your enemies who stand in your way doesn't mean you should. In fact, because of your incredible strength, you are capable of making them harmless, and with luck, also make them your friends. Bad guys with sufficient power want to destroy their opposition but Superman's whole shtick is the opposite: subduing enemies without harming them. That indeed is an expected skill and mindset that Superman would have, which Sun Tzu fully advocates.
Unfortunately, a good understanding of Sun Tzu's principles is rare. We believe this is due to people's focus on the individual quotes and not contemplating more on how they all connect together. This is analogous to the difference between an average biologist and a good biologist: the former can name all the animals correctly but only the latter can tell you whether those animals belong together in a specific ecosystem. Likewise, articles mentioning or discussing The Art of War mostly employ snippets of the book. But it takes a rare Sun Tzu student to take on the book as a whole and display the level of mastery that transcends mere quotes.
Our special guest today, Christina Kitova, is one of those rare Sun Tzu students. Her remarkable article "Applying the Principles of Sun Tzu in Everyday Life" clearly shows us someone who not only studied The Art of War but has grasped Sun Tzu's lessons down to the nuances:
- "Sun Tzu is not just a philosopher for the elite. His advice has merit to everyone" - Ms. Kitova understands that Sun Tzu's principles aren't rhetorical philosophy dealing with fine words useful for only rulers or CEOs. They are down-to-earth and every bit practical to everyday people. With diligence, people who apply The Art of War can at the very least act with leadership within themselves and within their circle of family and friends.
- "Soft power can best be described as exerting energy in incremental steps to achieve an objective" - This is an extremely effective way to build a bridge across a chasm -- an impossibility! -- but few people truly understand it. With each small advancement of commonality, two opposing sides can form a habit of trust, assurance, and even friendship. Pretty soon you would see both sides building this bridge together toward completion, a bridge that seemed impossible before is now inevitable.
- "He had a simple few metrics that need be followed to determine whether someone is ready to set forth on a campaign, or they should wait" - We can't remember the last time we saw someone pointing out Sun Tzu's metrics (e.g., the five factors, measurements to victory, six Ways of defeat) for success or failure. Ms. Kitova's use of the words "simple few" is then followed by "need," the critical decision to move or wait. Master the simple few but critical matters correctly and not make mistakes in them -- in football terms, the basic blocking and tackling -- and victory would be within grasp.
What we listed above came from just the article's first two short paragraphs. There are more but this introduction would be too long. Like the succinct Art of War, Christina Kitova's article is packed with practical insight. Because of her apparent mastery in the nuances, she then was able to bridge all the principles and explain the entire book comprehensively, having already taken each concept whole. It is like she has positioned all the little puzzle pieces together to form a larger coherent picture so others can see and understand better The Art of War.
Born in the Soviet Union, Ms. Kitova currently works in international contractual law. She is also a writer and blogger. Her articles and name have been featured in Yahoo Finance, Spark News, News Republic, CCTV, and Get Real America. Her hobbies include law, physics, history, and languages (she is fluent in six languages). Her passion is animal rights and she volunteers for animal advocacy projects.
Impressed by her article and background, Sonshi has invited Ms. Christina Kitova here so we all can learn more. Her answers below show that was a good idea. You will learn, for instance, what one important aspect Sun Tzu has over Machiavelli. Enjoy her interview!
Sonshi: As mentioned, you wrote an article titled, "Applying the Principles of Sun Tzu in Everyday Life." What motivated you to write this incisive piece? Can ancient books like The Art of War truly be as relevant to the modern world as the latest business books?
Kitova: I chose to write this article for several reason. First, and foremost, Sun Tzu’s principles have a fluid, practical, and relevant application to business. Even more, like Machavelli, Sun Tzu’s principles can be used wisely in a vast majority of human interactions. Strategy can often be misplaced as manipulation, but many of our interactions as people require forward thinking, preparation, and building a base where war (conflict, tension, and aggression) are negated before they occur. Sun Tzu teaches us preparation for victory, and being prepared to win is the best defense!
To answer the second part of your question, YES! The Art of War, alongside Machavelli’s “The Prince”, and various military strategies laid out by Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and Clausewitz provide excellent strategies for today’s modern business mind. “The Art of War” drives home all the key tactical components that makeup a successful business strategy. Sun Tzu teaches thrift with wisdom of where, when, and why to use resources. He does not advocate for cheapness. Businesses grow when monies are applied at the right time; not hoarded away. There are other many principles that Sun Tzu gives for strategy that have modern relevance. The most important is to take stock of your retinue, physical, fiduciary, discipline, talent and morale, before launching a campaign. Any weakness in these areas may lead to defeat, or worse in today’s business climate, unrealized/lost profit. Basically speaking, Sun Tzu advised analysis of all assets and liabilities before engaging in new or expanded ventures.
Sonshi: In your article, we really like your interpretation of Sun Tzu's spies to doing your research in everyday life before taking action. Nowadays there is a lot of information available. However, do you believe there must be boundaries to winning, for instance, on moral grounds? What are your thoughts on this and would Sun Tzu agree?
Kitova: Boundaries matter. Morality matters. In today’s business world, morality matters a whole bunch. Let’s look at this from Sun Tzu’s perspective. Sun Tzu advised against protracted campaigns as they wear down the troops physically, mentally, and lead to diminished morale. Not applying a moral campaign ultimately degrades victory, saps morale, and may lead to future losses. Basically, it is impractical. I believe that this is a place where Sun Tzu and Machavelli greatly differ. Machavelli believed in an almost “by any means necessary” style of leadership to achieve your ends. Sun Tzu believed that a loss of honor i.e. practicing immoral acts, would lead to a greater defeat and dishonor. Dishonor will come back to haunt you, and may cause you to give up any gains achieved, and then some.
Sonshi: Based on our global competitive business environment, how important do you think young professionals need to read and understand Sun Tzu's Art of War, and why?
Kitova: First, yes, I do believe young business executives should study Sun Tzu. However, like any officer within an organization, they should only apply the steps they understand and are within their total grasp. Let us not forget, we can all Cherry Pick applicable principles set out by Sun Tzu in “The Art of War” to our lives, but when practicing and working within the corporate business structure, we must adhere to the rules set forth by our employers. Even if we don’t agree with our bosses’ strategies, we must adhere to them. Young executives would do well to study “The Art of War”, but they should remember their place within their organization. Just because they think one part of a strategy may be better achieved through methods gleaned from Sun Tzu does not mean they see the entire strategic picture. We should do well remembering that “The Art of War” was written for the highest in the lands; feudal masters, and generals. It was written for those that had complete stock of the tangible and intangible items within their possession.
Sonshi: What is the top mistake you see young people making today? What is your advice on preventing that? Also, what is the top misunderstanding older generations have about the younger generations? How can they approach it to bridge that misunderstanding?
Kitova: No generation will ever truly reconcile differences between generations. The older generation will always have a paternal, and judgmental view of the younger generation. Inversely, the younger generation will always be looking to improve upon the misdeeds and mistakes of the former. No true understanding can, nor should, be had. This conflict renews life, and, hopefully, improves upon it. This is an area where friction leads to growth. However, truth will always be the truth. Practical choices and principles will always be true. Youth should find wisdom in the previous generation’s pragmatism and thought. That is why college students still read Plato; truth and wisdom are, and will always be, just that.
Sonshi: What is an important upcoming trend, technological or otherwise, that you see that most people aren't talking about?
Kitova: Automation. Machines will do a vast majority of labor very soon. This seems to be the “giant elephant” that society is too afraid to discuss.
Sonshi: Please share with us what you are working on and what is in store for you in the future.
Kitova: I am currently involved in a project that involves nanotechnology polymers. I am planning to have a Kickstarter launch in the near future, and my goal is to make it onto the television show "Shark Tank".
[End of interview]
Kitova: I chose to write this article for several reason. First, and foremost, Sun Tzu’s principles have a fluid, practical, and relevant application to business. Even more, like Machavelli, Sun Tzu’s principles can be used wisely in a vast majority of human interactions. Strategy can often be misplaced as manipulation, but many of our interactions as people require forward thinking, preparation, and building a base where war (conflict, tension, and aggression) are negated before they occur. Sun Tzu teaches us preparation for victory, and being prepared to win is the best defense!
To answer the second part of your question, YES! The Art of War, alongside Machavelli’s “The Prince”, and various military strategies laid out by Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and Clausewitz provide excellent strategies for today’s modern business mind. “The Art of War” drives home all the key tactical components that makeup a successful business strategy. Sun Tzu teaches thrift with wisdom of where, when, and why to use resources. He does not advocate for cheapness. Businesses grow when monies are applied at the right time; not hoarded away. There are other many principles that Sun Tzu gives for strategy that have modern relevance. The most important is to take stock of your retinue, physical, fiduciary, discipline, talent and morale, before launching a campaign. Any weakness in these areas may lead to defeat, or worse in today’s business climate, unrealized/lost profit. Basically speaking, Sun Tzu advised analysis of all assets and liabilities before engaging in new or expanded ventures.
Sonshi: In your article, we really like your interpretation of Sun Tzu's spies to doing your research in everyday life before taking action. Nowadays there is a lot of information available. However, do you believe there must be boundaries to winning, for instance, on moral grounds? What are your thoughts on this and would Sun Tzu agree?
Kitova: Boundaries matter. Morality matters. In today’s business world, morality matters a whole bunch. Let’s look at this from Sun Tzu’s perspective. Sun Tzu advised against protracted campaigns as they wear down the troops physically, mentally, and lead to diminished morale. Not applying a moral campaign ultimately degrades victory, saps morale, and may lead to future losses. Basically, it is impractical. I believe that this is a place where Sun Tzu and Machavelli greatly differ. Machavelli believed in an almost “by any means necessary” style of leadership to achieve your ends. Sun Tzu believed that a loss of honor i.e. practicing immoral acts, would lead to a greater defeat and dishonor. Dishonor will come back to haunt you, and may cause you to give up any gains achieved, and then some.
Sonshi: Based on our global competitive business environment, how important do you think young professionals need to read and understand Sun Tzu's Art of War, and why?
Kitova: First, yes, I do believe young business executives should study Sun Tzu. However, like any officer within an organization, they should only apply the steps they understand and are within their total grasp. Let us not forget, we can all Cherry Pick applicable principles set out by Sun Tzu in “The Art of War” to our lives, but when practicing and working within the corporate business structure, we must adhere to the rules set forth by our employers. Even if we don’t agree with our bosses’ strategies, we must adhere to them. Young executives would do well to study “The Art of War”, but they should remember their place within their organization. Just because they think one part of a strategy may be better achieved through methods gleaned from Sun Tzu does not mean they see the entire strategic picture. We should do well remembering that “The Art of War” was written for the highest in the lands; feudal masters, and generals. It was written for those that had complete stock of the tangible and intangible items within their possession.
Sonshi: What is the top mistake you see young people making today? What is your advice on preventing that? Also, what is the top misunderstanding older generations have about the younger generations? How can they approach it to bridge that misunderstanding?
Kitova: No generation will ever truly reconcile differences between generations. The older generation will always have a paternal, and judgmental view of the younger generation. Inversely, the younger generation will always be looking to improve upon the misdeeds and mistakes of the former. No true understanding can, nor should, be had. This conflict renews life, and, hopefully, improves upon it. This is an area where friction leads to growth. However, truth will always be the truth. Practical choices and principles will always be true. Youth should find wisdom in the previous generation’s pragmatism and thought. That is why college students still read Plato; truth and wisdom are, and will always be, just that.
Sonshi: What is an important upcoming trend, technological or otherwise, that you see that most people aren't talking about?
Kitova: Automation. Machines will do a vast majority of labor very soon. This seems to be the “giant elephant” that society is too afraid to discuss.
Sonshi: Please share with us what you are working on and what is in store for you in the future.
Kitova: I am currently involved in a project that involves nanotechnology polymers. I am planning to have a Kickstarter launch in the near future, and my goal is to make it onto the television show "Shark Tank".
[End of interview]