Project [TBD]: Bliss + Dustin

Attendees: Dustin J Ross, Bliss Perry Date: December 9, 2025 Type: Partner Session

Summary

Shift approach from identifying future problems to analyzing drivers of change
- Technology drivers: AI, Quantum computing
- Political drivers: Populism, polarization, immigration flows
- Energy demand as major factor
- All interconnected (AI drives energy demand, climate affects migration, etc.)
Quantum computing implications
- Encryption changes
- Enhanced simulations for drug discovery, economic forecasting
Burke agreed to sponsor independent study on any topic
Monday framework providing structure for data collection and analysis
- Plan to review collected insights third weekend of January
- Use whiteboard session to synthesize learnings

Richard Dasher actively mentoring and connecting
- Proposing follow-up meetings
- Sees potential for actual execution vs just ideas
Benjamin T meeting (Head of Innovation, National University Singapore)
- Connected through Dasher via Manus AI panel
- Offered GMIX or job opportunities in Singapore
- Singapore positioned as gateway to Asia with deep tech focus
Jbperry’s family connection: Anjani Sinha (US Ambassador to Singapore)
- Close family friend, Trump supporter
- Potential access for Singapore opportunities
Spring break timing conflict
- Jbperry invited to exclusive Hoover “Future of 21st Century Warfare” seminar
- Big names attending (Mattis, McMaster)
- May limit Asia travel window

Condoleezza Rice + Stephen Kotkin co-teaching class
- Jared Siegel (NSC under Biden) more excited about Kotkin than Rice
- Kotkin described as “favorite historian” and “genius”
Dan Wang (Breakneck author) panel moderated by Kotkin
- Kotkin has distinctive speaking style, regional accent
McFall sighting - significant gravitas, “TV face”

Evaluation of intelligence vs intellectual curiosity
- Horsepower (processing, quantitative skills) vs love of learning
- Intellectual curiosity more valuable for meaningful conversations
Personal interests alignment
- Dustin: Geopolitics, travel, international experience, emotional depth/vulnerability
- Jbperry: Geopolitics, history, political theory, languages/linguistics
Social relationship quality focus
- Prioritizing mutual respect and reciprocity
- “Busy” = prioritization signal, not absolute constraint
- Quality over quantity in interactions
Housing discussion for next year
- Dustin planning with Marcello, Quang, Spencer
- Open to including Jbperry if space allows
- Commitment to direct communication about arrangements