A submarine is one of the most demanding workplaces on Earth. Confined, tense, and utterly dependent on trust and focus. William Spears has spent his career in that world, learning how to lead and think clearly when everything around him demands perfection. His journey led him to Stoicism, a philosophy that teaches emotional discipline, clarity, and responsibility.
In this episode, William explains how the same ideas that once guided ancient philosophers can help today's service members, veterans, and families face the stress of modern life. He talks about the link between Stoicism and modern therapy, how the idea of total responsibility changes how we lead and parent, and why writing down our thoughts can be one of the most powerful tools for mental clarity. This conversation is a practical guide to keeping your balance when life feels like it's closing in.
Timestamps:
- 00:07:00: How Stoicism became a modern tool for resilience
- 00:13:00: The connection between ancient philosophy and therapy
- 00:21:00: Redefining responsibility and control
- 00:29:00: The "Responsibility Heuristic" and how it applies to leadership
- 00:49:00: The journaling habit that builds steadiness and focus
Links & Resources
- Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Website: https://williamcspears.com/
- Follow William Spears on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/
- Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy Book: https://a.co/d/j09noDt
- How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Book: https://a.co/d/cJagK5C
Transcript
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