In this episode, join Rob and Sarah as they delve into the life, philosophy, and leadership of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. They explore his humble beginnings, his profound stoic teachings, and how his writings still resonate today. They discuss the essential qualities of stoic leadership, the impact of historical context, and the importance of aligning actions with core values. This deep conversation also touches on personal growth, the Enneagram, vulnerability, and the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom in modern times. A must-watch for anyone interested in self-mastery, leadership, and philosophical introspection.

00:00 Introduction to Note Taking and Personal Reflections

01:08 The Backstory of Marcus Aurelius

02:13 Philosophical Insights and Personal Connections

03:49 The Stoic Leader and His Values

06:37 Comparing Historical Leaders

11:49 Modern Reflections on Leadership and Stoicism

20:01 Exploring the Connection Between Ego and Emotion

21:23 The Core of Leadership and Vulnerability

25:31 Understanding and Resolving Conflict

27:13 The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Discovery

33:29 The Impact of Industrial Revolution on Human Behavior

35:59 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

£2 trillion was wiped from the world's stock markets last week.

Economist's estimate that the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs will be $1 trillion. If you ever believe you alone can't make a difference, consider the impact of Mr Trump. One man creating worldwide havoc financially and diplomatically.

Millions of Americans think he's just what America needs.

Billions around the world think he's nuts. And dangerous. But the point is, all the upheaval, uncertainty and anxiety is created by a narrative.

Every day in our workplaces and families we operate on narratives.

Whether it's to fight a war. To work from home or the office. Or to eat your veg and get up at 5am.

It's all a narrative.

Some are true and positive. Some are dangerous dogma. But we all work from a narrative.

Friction in our relationships and our workflows have a cost.

That cost is because the narrative we work on isn't true. When people protest at Tesla and in the streets, it's a reaction to not being told the truth. Humans have a built in BS radar for lies and they retaliate.

Sometimes with violence and sometimes by quietly disengaging.

Some lies are agreed. Some are manipulative. And some are borne from ignorance.

The money today doesn't go to the people who do the work.

It goes to the people who create the narrative for the people who do the work. Most of us today are knowledge workers. We play our part in creating that narrative.

Creating a better narrative is the most valuable activity of our time.

In this podcast episode Clark Ray, Tony Walmsley and I discussed the importance of narratives.

"Once more and I'm going to deck him".

Do you love or hate open plan offices?

I tried working at a co-working space at my local Uni. It was quiet when I got in, but once the Uni staff got in, they would be gossiping through the day. I really struggled to be able to concentrate in that environment.

When we go to work, we don't choose who we work with.

We are put together with a group of strangers. Some become friends. But others grate on us.

Their little habits irritate us.

The one who chews so loud. The one who plays music so loud through headphones that everyone else has to listen. The person who's always cold and ramps the heating up.

It's these little frictions that build up resentments and can explode in anger.

Tony Walmsley and I were talking about the personality differences that create these frictions. And how understanding can help us to ease personality conflicts.