Control the controllables, perfection is the enemy of excellent… Live in the moment… And breath…
Seriously though, if you’ve not read The Daily Stoic, you really should. A book that resonates now more than ever. It reminds us to focus on what matters, and lead with intention. We take a look at some of its lessons and how they can inform better relationships, customer engagement, and deal making.
Focus on What You Can Control
The Stoics teach us that while life throws curveballs, our response is always within our control. For leaders, this means focusing on what you can influence—your actions, decisions, and the stories you tell your team—rather than fixating on external chaos.
When Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag took over as manager, he inherited a club mired in drama, underperformance, and skepticism. Instead of reacting to the noise, he focused inward—building trust within the team, creating clear expectations, and prioritizing discipline and culture. His steady approach helped shift the narrative from crisis to potential, earning respect on and off the pitch. Leadership is about being the calm in the storm. When you focus on what you can control, your actions create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.
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Reflect on Legacy, Not Just Results
It’s humbling to think about, but none of us are here forever. The Stoics’ concept of memento mori—remembering our mortality—isn’t meant to be morbid. It’s a call to focus on what truly matters: legacy, relationships, and impact.
Howard Schultz, during his time at Starbucks, wasn’t just selling coffee; he was creating spaces for connection. His decision to offer healthcare to part-time employees in the US wasn’t a flashy PR move—it was rooted in the belief that businesses can be forces for good. Schultz’s leadership reminds us that the legacy we leave is often found in how we treat people, not just in profit margins. As leaders, how often do we reflect on the stories our actions are writing? Are we building something meaningful, or simply moving from one task to the next?
Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
Challenges are part of the game, and the Stoics teach us to embrace them with open arms. The idea of amor fati—loving your fate—means seeing obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow and innovate.
Take LEGO’s near-collapse in the early 2000s. Faced with mounting debt and declining sales, the company could have blamed external factors. Instead, they embraced the challenge, refocusing on their core mission of inspiring creativity. Today, LEGO is a global powerhouse, proof that adversity can lead to reinvention. The narrative you create around challenges will shape how your team sees them. Make them believe in possibility, not defeat.