11/20/2025

This Ancient Philosophy Can Transform Modern Leadership

It's time to adopt the philosophy of the Stoics

The first time I remember my emotions getting out of control was when I was 7 years old and crossing a flooding river on horseback. I couldn't swim, and I was deathly afraid of water because I had seen fences torn apart and animals drowning as a raging river passed our ranch house.

After a heavy rain, I helped my dad move our cattle to safety on the other side of the flooded river. As my horse and I moved further into the strong current, I felt very shaken. It seemed like both of us were drifting downstream. I saw calves being pulled into the current, and they risked drowning. All I could do was hold on to my saddle horn and hope my horse could save us.

My emotional brain kept sputtering until I got to the other side safely. It wasn’t a proud moment as I realized how completely my feelings had taken over my thinking. I was there to do a job, and I failed badly. It was my dad who took over and saved the calves.

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