The Stoic Inner Strategy

Ep 192 – Why Stoics Don’t Chase Respect

• The One and Only Scott Smith • Season 2 • Episode 192

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Meta Description:
Marcus Aurelius warned against living for reputation. Scott Smith explains why respect is an outcome of disciplined behavior—not something leaders should pursue directly.

🎙️ Episode Summary

“Be indifferent to what makes no difference.” — Marcus Aurelius

Respect isn’t something you demand. And it’s never something you chase.

In this episode, Scott Smith explores the Stoic distinction between dignity and approval, and why leaders lose authority when they try too hard to be liked. Reputation lives in other people’s minds. Dignity lives in your conduct.

The Stoics understood that respect is an output, not a pursuit. It emerges from consistency, restraint, and predictable character—especially when no one is watching.

Trying to manage perception weakens leadership.
 Managing behavior strengthens it.

🧠 What You’ll Learn Today
• Why respect cannot be pursued directly
• Marcus Aurelius on reputation and dignity
• How approval-seeking erodes authority
• Why consistency builds trust
• What respect looks like when no one is watching

🔍 Tags:
Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius, Respect, Leadership, Authority, Character, Discipline, Inner Strategy

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The Stoic Inner Strategy is your daily shortform podcast—your blueprint for modern leadership rooted in timeless truths.

Hosted by Scott Smith, founder of Akhada Consulting, co-founder of ChatWorx, and host of The Outsourcing Blueprint podcast, this series blends ancient Stoic wisdom with real-world business strategy to help you lead with clarity, manage both your teams and yourself effectively, and move with purpose.

No fluff. Just focused, grounded insight you can apply right now.

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