Dear strategy enthusiasts,
I have an exciting announcement to share with you today! After much reflection, I've decided to relaunch this newsletter under the name "Stoic Strategy." Let me explain why.
The Journey So Far
In recent years, "Make Strategy Great" has been my platform for compiling insights from my two decades in the strategy field. I've collected here essays about strategy and business that I originally published on other platforms. Together, we've explored frameworks, theories, and best practices to help us excel in our jobs.
However, parallel to my strategy work, I've been on another journey—a personal exploration of Stoic philosophy. Over time, I've come to see deep connections between this ancient wisdom and the challenges we face as modern strategists.
The Wisdom of the Stoics
The Stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, developed a practical philosophy for living well. Philosophy as "the art of living," or as a "way of life." They emphasized wisdom, justice, courage, self-control, and cosmopolitanism. They taught the importance of focus, resilience, and aligning our actions with our values.
They believed in living according to nature, which means empirical reality. They applied the power of reason to solve problems, create better organizations, and improve our societies.
As I delved deeper into Stoicism, I started seeing its relevance to strategy work. After all, what is strategy if not the art of solving problems and making wise, rational choices in the face of uncertainty? What is leadership if not the courage to pursue the right prosocial path, even when it is challenging?
Bridging Two Worlds
This is where "Stoic Strategy" comes in. It's my attempt to bridge these two worlds—to explore how Stoic principles can inform and enhance our approach to Strategy, and vice-versa.
Imagine facing a tough strategic decision and drawing on the Stoics' clarity of thought. Picture leading your team through a crisis with the serenity and resilience that Stoicism cultivates. Envision setting strategic priorities based not just on data but on a clear sense of purpose and values.
Consider also how strategic thinking can enhance our search for wisdom and self-improvement. Strategic analysis, long-term planning, and calculated decision-making can be powerful allies in our practice. They can help us set more meaningful goals and focus our efforts. Strategy also encourages us to consider many views and potential outcomes, just like the Stoic focus on rationality. Melding Strategy with Stoicism, we can develop a more structured and effective approach to living a life of virtue.
This is the promise of Stoic Strategy. It's not about ancient history but about timeless wisdom. It's about drawing on proven principles to navigate the complexities of the modern world, in business and our personal lives.
What to Expect
In the coming weeks and months, "Stoic Strategy" will explore topics such as:
Making wise decisions under conditions of uncertainty
Focusing on what's in our control as strategists
Cultivating strategic resilience in the face of setbacks
Aligning strategy with the core universal virtues
Leading with courage and integrity
We'll draw on Stoic texts, Strategy books and articles, modern research, and real-world case studies. And as always, I'll share my own experiences and reflections.
A Unique Approach
You might be thinking, "Stoicism and Strategy? Has anyone done this before?" Not together, not to my knowledge.
Separately, sure. There are incredible newsletters on Stoicism—I subscribe to and highly recommend:
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The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
And there's a lot of excellent Strategy and Business content as well, in particular:
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But a focused exploration of the intersection between Stoicism and strategy? That's what makes "Stoic Strategy" unique.
An Invitation
So here's my invitation. Whether you're a long-time reader of "Make Strategy Great" or a newcomer drawn by the Stoic angle, I'd love to have you join me on this journey.
Subscribe to "Stoic Strategy" to receive new articles directly in your inbox. In the comments, share your thoughts, questions, and experiences. If you know others who might find value in this unique perspective, please invite them to subscribe.
Together, let's explore how ancient wisdom can guide us toward modern strategic excellence. And how deep strategic thinking can enhance our path to inner tranquility. Let's make strategy not just great but truly wise.
Onward,
-Felipe Bovolon