Every Great Leader Has THIS Secret Weapon | Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams GM)
The Daily Stoic
Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures
4.6 • 4.7K Ratings
🗓️ 18 October 2025
⏱️ 54 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
The difference between panic and power comes down to a few simple rules. In today’s episode, Ryan dives into Les Snead’s philosophy on “panic rules” and why it’s stuck with him ever since they first talked. Ryan and Les discuss how these rules help leaders stay calm under pressure, make hard decisions, and mentor the next generation. Then, they wrap up the conversation at The Painted Porch, where Ryan shares some book recommendations with Les and his wife Kara.
Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers’ perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
📚 Full list of books that Ryan gave to Les and Kara:
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh
It’s Better To Be Feared by Seth Wickersham
The Way of the Champion by Paul Rabil
Levels of the Game by John McPhee
Plato and The Tyrant by James Romm
The Second Mountain by David Brooks
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
On Character by General Stanley McChrystal
📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work
🎙️ Listen to Les Snead's first episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast
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Transcript
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