The Stoic Trick CEOs Use to Stay Calm When Everything Goes Wrong

At Richards Rodriguez & Skeith, we help business owners think beyond legal issues, toward long-term strategy.  

This year, we’re exploring lessons from the Harvard Classics, a collection of foundational works that have shaped generations of thinking on leadership, discipline, and decision-making.  

As we review these volumes, we will share insights relevant to today’s business owners. Today’s reflection is from The Golden Sayings of Epictetus. 

Separating What You Control from What You Don’t

Epictetus, a former slave who became a leading Stoic philosopher in ancient Rome, taught that freedom and success begin with self-mastery, not external circumstances. 

This is the “trick” many effective CEOs rely on, whether consciously or not. Business owners can apply this immediately. 

You can’t control the economy. You can’t control competitors. You can’t control employee decisions or client reactions. But you can control how you respond. 

There is strength in controlling the systems you build, the standards you enforce, and the values you uphold. 

Real strength lies in the systems you build, the standards you enforce, and the values you uphold.  

Much business stress comes from focusing on unpredictable outcomes instead of decisions within your control. 

Why External Metrics Are a Trap

Epictetus also warns against tying identity to external outcomes. 

In business, it is easy to tie success and self-worth by: 

• Revenue numbers
• Titles
• KPIs
• Public recognition

However, these measures are inherently fragile. 

What endures is character. It is evident in how leaders treat others during difficult deals, respond to setbacks, and perform consistently when unobserved. 

These factors shape reputation, culture, and long-term success, and they are entirely within a leader’s control. 

Read Our Blog: Aligning Employee Motivation with Business Success 

Adversity Isn’t the Problem

Another key insight from Epictetus is that adversity itself does not cause harm; our interpretation does. 

For business owners, challenges are not a sign of failure but part of the process. Leaders should address obstacles with discipline, clarity, and perspective. 

This mindset distinguishes reactive decisions from steady, strategic leadership. 

A Framework for Leading Through Uncertainty

In a volatile environment, Epictetus offers a rare framework for staying grounded. 

While external outcomes can’t be controlled, internal consistency can. Over time, that consistency becomes a competitive advantage. It can help inform better decisions, stronger leadership, and more resilient organizations. 

Continuing the Conversation

At Richards Rodriguez & Skeith, we believe strong businesses are built on sound legal strategy, disciplined thinking, and principled leadership. 

We will continue sharing insights from the Harvard Classics, focusing on what matters most to business owners navigating growth, risk and change. 

If these reflections resonate, we welcome your thoughts. How do you approach control, adversity, and long-term decision-making in your business?