After reading The Daily Stoic every day for five years, I finally had the opportunity to sit down with the man behind the wisdom—Ryan Holiday. His work has shaped not just my mornings, but the foundation of The Daily Thought Leader, my newest book.

This wasn’t just a conversation. It was a rare moment of alignment—between timeless wisdom and the urgency of our modern world.

Insights from our conversation today with Ryan Holiday: Navigating Life with Stoic Wisdom

Ryan—bestselling author and modern Stoic—shared insights on how to lead with clarity, act with intention, and grow through challenge.

Key Takeaways:
• Wisdom isn’t perfection—it’s showing up daily with purpose
• Control the controllables—especially in chaotic times
• Curate your inputs—what you consume shapes who you become
• Stay anchored to your principles, even when it’s inconvenient
• Raise thinkers, not just achievers—curiosity is a superpower

Ryan’s own journey—from marketing to philosophy—is a reminder that our path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful. His words affirmed what I believe deeply: that discipline, humility, and intention are the hallmarks of true leadership.

One quote stayed with me:
“If you don’t know what port you’re sailing toward, no wind is favorable.”
A call to live by design, not by default.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, this is your reminder to stay grounded in what matters. Focus. Learn. Lead with purpose. Thank you to Jeffrey D. Jude Olinger and Entrepreneurs’​ Organization EO Louisiana for making it possible.