The Forgotten Stoic Path to Executive Greatness

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” - Marcus Aurelius

We often find ourselves clinging to familiar paths, afraid to let go of what we have built. Yet, the paradox of the executive's journey lies in the very act of letting go, for it is in surrender that we discover true growth and transformation.

Imagine a world where you could leave it all behind at any moment. This sobering thought, inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a mindset of fluidity. We are conditioned to believe that holding on makes us strong, but what if strength lies in the courageous act of release?

• The Symphony of Executive Evolution

• Embracing the Inevitable Forgotten Known to Executive Greatness

• The Forgotten Stoic Path to Executive Greatness

• We Only Deserve a Styrofoam Cup

• Stripped of the Trappings of Success

• 5 Symptoms to Understand That It Is Time To Go

• Embracing the Stoic Path in Modern Leadership

• The Art of Letting Go for Executive Growth

The Symphony of Executive Evolution

"It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live," - Marcus Aurelius

We navigate the cyclical nature of life – the ebb and flow of seasons, the rhythm of days, and the ever-changing landscapes of our careers. Yet, too often, we become trapped in the repetitive melodies of our own making, forgetting that change is the only constant. We cling to familiar patterns, afraid to disrupt the harmony we have carefully orchestrated.

But what if we dared to step off the well-trodden path? What if we embraced the dissonance of the unknown, allowing ourselves to explore uncharted territories? It is in these moments of bold departure that we unlock the true potential of our executive journeys, shedding the constraints of the past and embracing the infinite possibilities of the future.

"You only have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius

Imagine a world where your legacy is not defined by the positions you have held or the empires you have built, but by the courage to evolve, adapt, and transcend the boundaries that once confined you. Envision a realm where your leadership is measured not by your unwavering grip on the status quo, but by your willingness to let go, to surrender to the ebb and flow of change.

In this paradoxical dance, we discover that true strength lies not in stubborn resistance, but in the graceful acceptance of life's ever-shifting rhythms. For it is in the act of letting go that we create space for new opportunities, new perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing the Inevitable Forgotten Known to Executive Greatness

In pursuit of success and the never-ending chase for more, we often forget the one inescapable truth that binds us all – the inevitability of death. The ancient Stoics, with their unwavering wisdom, reminded us of this reality through the concept of "memento mori" – remember that you have to die.

In ancient Rome an enslaved person held a laurel crown, during Roman Triumphs, over the head of the dux, standing at his back but continuously whispering in his ears "Memento Mori" to prevent the celebrated commander from losing his sense of proportion in the excesses of the celebrations.

This profound truth, so often overlooked or willfully ignored, holds the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of our executive journeys. It is a sobering reminder that our time on this earth is finite, and that the legacies we build are but fleeting moments in the grand tapestry of eternity.

Yet, paradoxically, it is in this acknowledgment of our mortality that we find the courage to truly live. For when we embrace the inevitability of death, we are liberated from the shackles of fear that so often constrain us. We are freed from the illusion of permanence, empowered to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to leave an indelible mark on the world around us.

So, let us confront the forgotten known head-on, for in doing so, we unlock the true essence of our executive journeys. Let us embrace the inevitability of death not with fear, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to live each day with unwavering courage, compassion, and authenticity.

“Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off--then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship.” ― Herman Melville, Moby Dick

The Forgotten Stoic Path to Executive Greatness

At the same time, as a leader, it's easy to get caught up in titles, achievements, and the external markers of success - the corner office, the prestigious C-suite position, the accolades that come with years of hard work. But Stoic philosophy invites us to step back and ask a more profound question: What remains when it’s all stripped away?

Imagine, for a moment, that you are no longer the CEO, the CFO, the CRO, or the Head of Strategy. The shiny plaques on the wall, the meetings with influential clients, the authority you wield - it’s all gone. Who are you in that moment? Not what you have achieved, but what remains of you when the titles vanish.

This is the very heart of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that challenges our attachment to external success and material achievements. It’s a path that’s been traveled by some of the greatest leaders in history, yet somehow, in the modern corporate world, it has been forgotten.

But what if this “forgotten path” is exactly what we need to rediscover executive greatness in today’s chaotic world?

We Only Deserve a Styrofoam Cup

Remember who you are, by Simon Sinek.

During a large conference, a former Under Secretary of Defense shared a powerful anecdote while delivering a speech. He began speaking and paused to take a sip of coffee from a Styrofoam cup, smiling as he looked down at it.

“You know”, he said, “I spoke here last year on this same stage. But last year, I was still an Under Secretary”.

He went on to describe how, when he held that title, he flew business class, was greeted at the airport by a driver, escorted to a pre-booked hotel, and served coffee in a fine ceramic cup. His experience this year, however, was vastly different. He flew coach, took a taxi by himself, checked into the hotel on his own, and poured his own coffee into a simple Styrofoam cup backstage.

With a smile, he raised the Styrofoam cup for the audience to see and said, “The ceramic cup wasn’t meant for me - it was meant for the position I held. I deserve a Styrofoam cup”.

The lesson he shared was profound: All the perks and privileges we receive in leadership roles are not for us, but for the position we occupy. When you leave that role, those perks will pass on to the next person who fills your shoes. The only thing that remains, after all the benefits are gone, is you - and the reality that in the end, we all deserve a Styrofoam cup.

Again. Remember who you are, by Simon Sinek.

Stripped of the Trappings of Success

In Stoic thought, the external world - your wealth, job, power - is largely beyond your control. Stoics believe that the only true mastery is over your internal world: your values, your principles, and how you react to the ups and downs of life. So, if everything external can disappear overnight, what will be left when it’s gone?

Consider this: after a career filled with accolades, if you were suddenly let go from your organization, would your identity crumble along with the position? Would your sense of self be shaken if your nameplate was removed from the corner office door?

This reflection is uncomfortable, but it’s also freeing. Because beyond the title, the awards, and the office with the view, there’s something deeper. There’s you - the person who you are at home, in a coffee shop, or walking down a quiet street alone.

Are you building your sense of worth on temporary privileges, or on something deeper, something lasting?

5 Symptoms to Understand That It Is Time To Go

Symptom 1: Lack of Passion

When you find yourself going through the motions without feeling a genuine passion or drive for your work, it might be a sign that it's time to move on. Losing interest in your role can lead to decreased motivation and effectiveness.

Symptom 2: Stagnation

Feeling stuck in your current position with no clear path for growth or advancement can be a strong indicator that it's time to explore new opportunities. If your role no longer challenges or excites you, it could be holding you back from reaching your full potential.

Symptom 3: Conflict with Values

If you find yourself frequently compromising your personal or ethical values to fit into your current role or organization, it may be a sign that you are no longer aligned with the company's culture or mission. This can lead to feelings of frustration and disconnection.

Symptom 4: Health Issues

Chronic stress, anxiety, or other health issues that are directly related to your work environment can be a red flag that it's time for a change. Your health and well-being should always be a top priority, and staying in a toxic or unhealthy work environment can have serious consequences.

Symptom 5: Lack of Purpose

Feeling disconnected from the purpose or mission of your work can indicate that it's time for a change. When your role no longer aligns with your values or sense of purpose, it can lead to feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction.

Embracing the Stoic Path in Modern Leadership

First, embrace the idea that change and loss are inevitable. Your position and accomplishments are temporary, and that’s okay. By accepting this reality, you gain control over how you respond to these changes. A Stoic executive focuses on what they can control: their mindset, their decisions, their values.

Second, practice humility and self-reflection. Don’t let success inflate your ego. Remember, leadership is about service, about guiding others, and about leaving a positive impact, regardless of the role or title you hold. Humility allows you to step back and recognize that your value doesn’t come from external symbols of success, but from the internal qualities you cultivate.

Lastly, cultivate resilience. The Stoics viewed hardship as an opportunity for growth. Instead of fearing failure or loss, consider them as steps along the path to becoming a better, stronger leader. When adversity strikes, ask yourself, What can I learn from this? How can I grow?

"Slow success builds character, fast success builds ego." - Ratan Tata

The Art of Letting Go for Executive Growth

Reflecting on Marcus Aurelius' profound reminder that we could leave life at any moment, we are prompted to examine the grip we maintain on our current paths. This mindset challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, encouraging us to act, speak, and think in ways that align with our deepest values and aspirations.

True transformation emerges when we dare to step off the well-trodden path. By embracing the discomfort of the unknown, we unlock the potential for profound growth and innovation. It's not in stubborn resistance but in graceful acceptance that we discover our strength, creating space for new opportunities, perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As you walk the path of leadership, consider what will remain when the titles, the perks, and the privileges are gone. Will you still feel grounded in who you are, or will the loss of external symbols leave you adrift? The Stoic path invites you to build your identity on something deeper - on your character, values, and virtues that no role or organization can take away.

So, dear executive, dare to let go of the familiar, and welcome the unknown with open arms. For it is in the courageous act of letting go that you will find the true essence of your executive journey – a journey defined not by the paths you have trodden, but by the boundless horizons you have dared to explore.