You need to know Ryan Holiday, not personally, just his work, although I'm sure a one-on-one conversation would be a great experience. His latest book, The Obstacle Is The Way, The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage explores the roots of stoicism and its impact on the Western world's greatest leaders, from Roman times to modern day.

For those looking to balance work and life, seeking to smooth out the highs and lows, and somehow differentiate between the things we can and cannot control, this is a practical guide steeped in the wisdom of history.