“Much like the parallel nature of light and dark, the line between a madman and a leader is thinner than we like to admit. “
Both walk the same path, driven by a vision that most can't see, fueled by conviction that defies reason, and powered by an intensity that borders on obsession. At first glance, they are nearly indistinguishable.
A madman is consumed by his vision, unwilling to bend or compromise, no matter the consequence. He charges forward, often leaving destruction in his wake, convinced that his way is the only way. There is no room for collaboration, no space for alternative perspectives. His pursuit becomes a solitary crusade, fueled by ego, unchecked ambition, or an inability to see beyond himself. A madman believes the end justifies any means, even if it costs him everything and everything has a cost.
A leader, channels that same vision with discipline and purpose. Like the madman, he dreams of what could be, but he chooses to bring others along on the journey. A leader listens, adapts, and empowers those around him. Where a madman isolates, a leader builds. Where a madman demands blind loyalty, a leader earns trust through authenticity and service. A leader's obsession is not with personal glory, but with creating something that outlasts him—something bigger than himself.
The difference lies in intent and impact. Both stand on the edge of chaos, but the leader makes sense of the chaos, guiding others through it. The madman stares into the abyss and is consumed by it.
As entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries, we all wrestle with this dynamic. Light and Dark. Madman and Leader. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we must push harder, ignore dissent, and forge ahead at all costs. But the true mark of leadership is knowing when to listen, when to pivot, and when to invite others into the vision. It’s about balancing conviction with humility.
At Hickory Algorithm, we believe in building bridges, not burning them. In leading, not isolating. The difference between a madman and a leader may be thin—but it’s everything.
#fortheloveofthegame
The Original Algorithm: Quality People. Quality Networking
In a world flooded with digital platforms, marketing strategies, and the latest “must-try” tools, it’s easy to forget that the best business growth tool has been around since the dawn of humanity—people connecting with people.
At Hickory Algorithm, we believe in leveraging modern strategies like social media, podcasts, and content marketing. But none of it matters if you’re not surrounding yourself with quality people. The rooms we are in matter. That’s why our Members Only space focuses on more than just strategy—we’re about relationships. Real connections that don’t require an app or algorithm to thrive.
If you’re looking for a space where old-school business values meet modern innovation, the Hickory Algorithm Members Only community is where you belong.
“The strength of the wolf is the pack, the strength of the pack is the wolf.”
Seats are filling up quickly. Reach out to me if you are interested!
Chris@Hickoryalgorithm.com
🎧The MADMAN Playlist: Featuring Lindsey Buckingham
🎧 The Madman Playlist: Featuring Lindsey Buckingham
A madman can reach the highest highs. They see the why, they know the path—but they don’t exactly play well with others.
For me, the ultimate madman has always been Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. Since I was young, Lindsey Buckingham has been my creative north star. A creative source I draw energy from. I’ve seen him live 24 times (maybe 26—my brother keeps the official count).
His intensity, vision, style, range, and raw talent are unmatched. I spent many hours on the Fleetwood Mac The Ledge message board over the course of my life with fellow die hard Fleetwood Mac fans - I lived on that Lindsey message board!
So this month, we’re kicking off our brand-new Madman Playlist with a tribute to him.
If I had a time machine, I wouldn’t go back to change history—I’d go back to 1982, the year I was born, just to catch Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage Tour. The energy, the era, the passion, the magic… unreal. A madman unraveling on stage every night. Burning like a shooting star on a dark night.
Hit play. Let the madness inspire you.
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac (Mirage 1982) - This is up there with Woodstock Jimi Hendrix. Go Ahead. Roll your eyes because by the end of this version you're going to be leaning forward in your chair with your eyes wide open - unreal - watch it on YouTube here. I believe this was on HBO at one time?
Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac (Mirage 1982) - If you ask The Hickory Algorithm what his favorite song of all time is? Go Your Own Way. Great version. Lindsey and Stevie just screaming at each other is Fleetwood Mac 🏆
Big Love - Lindsey Buckingham (live solo - no band) - The range of talent is what makes Lindsey such a dynamic madman. His finger picking style blazes on the guitar on this one.
Go Insane - Lindsey Buckingham (live solo - no band) - As much as his finger picking style blazes on Big Love, his range is even more broad with his remake of his 1980’s title song to this album. One of my wife’s favorites.
“And I go insane - like I always do. And I call your name. “ - Lindsey Buckingham (my favorite Madman)
🚨YouTube Music: MADMAN PLAYLIST FEATURING LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM LINK HERE🚨
🚨Podcast Preview🚨
If you haven’t checked out the latest episode with LINDSEY SANDOVAL of eXprealty. Here is a PREVIEW that is only 3 minutes long if you don’t have the time but want to check it out.
3 minute PREVIEW CLIP of LINDSEY SANDOVAL PODCAST <~~~~ LINK
🌆 EVENTS 🌆
📆 March 28th - March 29th
Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival <~~~~ LINK
VIP and Premier Passes are still available! <~~~~ HERE
This event begins Friday night with a cocktail party for Premier passes. The festival itself begins Saturday morning 9am to 5pm at the Hickory Metro Convention Center.
The goal of the CVPAF is to bring together traditional potters and dealers to create a quality show that will celebrate our region's pottery heritage, one of North Carolina's most treasured cultural resources. The mission of the CVPAF is to foster an educational event where the public may learn about traditional North Carolina pottery, within the wider context of Southern pottery, and to provide an opportunity to purchase, collect, and study this unique cultural resource through contact with working potters and knowledgeable pottery dealers
👀I met Ricky Boscarino, Itinerant Artist - Portraits and Plein Air Landscapes, at Happy Sips who will be manning his table number 57 at this show this weekend. If your curious about what kinds of work he does here is a link to his instagram: Ricky - Table 57 @ Hickory Pottery Show <~~~ LINK
📆 Saturday, April 5th
We're back and ready to rock our favorite people in Granite Falls!
Sing, dance, and party with us!
This is a ticketed event. Tickets include AYCE Pasta Bar, one drink ticket, a shot at the door, and a raffle ticket. Tickets are limited.
Purchase tickets by calling LaRae at 828-217-9446 or pickup at Ale Yeah Fyreside.
📆 Thursday, April 28th
Hickory Algorithm is looking to partner with brewery, tap house, sports bar, restaurant, or event venue that will be showing the NFL Draft.
🛸 Visit the Future of YOUR Marketing 🛸
Navigate the Algorithm. Find your signal. Build your network.
Our marketing and podcast are just the beginning. Jump aboard the ship, we are orbiting around Hickory. Content that connects. Connections that matter.
🛸 Beam up at hickoryalgorithm.com—the future’s already here.
#fortheloveofthegame