Lessons from Roman emperors for today’s (interim) managers.
Adaptability as the true measure of professional strength
Interview with Luc Devoldere
Luc Devoldere, born in Kortrijk, studied classical languages and philosophy at the universities of Kortrijk and Leuven. From 1978 to 1996, he taught Latin and Greek at Sint-Barbaracollege in Ghent.
Between 1996 and 2020, he was affiliated with the Flemish-Dutch cultural institution “Ons Erfdeel vzw”. On the first of January 2023, Devoldere was appointed Chairman of Literature Flanders.
In 1994, he debuted as an essayist with “Grand Hotel Italia. A Journey in the Mind”. Since then, he has authored five other books, the most recent being “Wandering Along the Limes: The Edges of the Roman Empire” (Athenaeum – Polak & Van Gennep, Amsterdam), published in 2024.
Those fortunate enough to have attended his classes or lectures know how passionately and eloquently this classical scholar can captivate audiences, inspiring them to think more deeply while delivering his insights with wit and precision.
TIP-IM engaged Luc Devoldere for an exploration of Classical Antiquity—an era that often resonates strikingly with the present—focusing on one central question:
Are Roman emperors, or at least some of them, sources of inspiration for today’s (interim) managers?
Naturally, Devoldere consciously disregards emperors driven purely by power lust, tyranny, and cruelty. Instead, he highlights a select group of inspirational figures, each characterized by specific virtues, offering today’s (interim) managers valuable food for thought.
The authority of Augustus
The turbulent and unstable times facing today’s global economy perhaps call for strong personalities—revered (the Latin Augustus) figures—to guide the way forward.
Devoldere cites the poet Virgil, who regarded Augustus as a founder of stability. Stability that in turn fosters trust among communities, employees and stakeholders alike.
Luc: Octavian Augustus, the first emperor, managed to impose the Pax Romana, emerging as the savior of a Rome torn apart by civil wars. He was the bringer of order and peace and the architect of an empire. The key phrase in his political testament reads: “auctoritate omnibus praestiti” which means ‘I have surpassed all in authority.’
Auctoritas is a Roman concept: authority rooted in reputation and one’s position in the hierarchy. More precisely, it denotes the superior standing someone holds based on character, ethos and experience—an authority recognized by others. This is authority, not raw power. Such moral authority, though non-violent, remains formidable. Augustus positioned his personal auctoritas alongside and above the Republican government. He offered it, yet also enforced it.
Upon his death, his successor could inherit this authority without opposition. The system proved effective and, with modifications and maintenance, endured for over three centuries.
Could it be that a successful (interim) manager today is, above all, someone who is following Augustus’ example? They ensure their authority lives on in their successor, leaving behind a lasting legacy of inspiration, still evident long after their departure?
The pragmatism of Trajan (53-117 AD)
The larger and more geographically dispersed a company or organization is in the 21st-century free market, the greater the likelihood of encountering diverse perspectives, habits and potential resistance among employees. Managers dealing with strong unions or opposition that spreads virally via social media, fueling skepticism about leadership, might take a lesson from another iconic Roman emperor – Trajan, a Spanish-born military officer adopted by the childless Emperor Nerva—on how to avoid counterproductive paranoia.
Luc: Trajan teaches us that efficiency often outweighs rigid adherence to theoretical principles.
In the second century, the writer Pliny the Younger—appointed governor of Bithynia by Trajan—sought the emperor’s advice on governance and political challenges. Unsure how to handle Christians accused of violating imperial bans on private associations, Pliny turned to his ruler. Trajan’s response was brief, pragmatic and illustrative of the political system at work: he advocated a policy of tolerance, rejecting witch hunts. Those caught were given a chance to seek and receive forgiveness. Moreover, his stance on anonymous accusations was clear: “nec nostri saeculi est”—‘this is not of our time.’
His response was driven by the desire to avoid unnecessary disruptions to the empire’s daily operations. Rarely have common sense, moderation and pragmatism been expressed so succinctly.
The ethos of Marcus Aurelius
While Augustus and Trajan might be considered exemplary political managers of their time, throughout the discussion, Luc Devoldere’s deep admiration for Marcus Aurelius—the reluctant emperor—shines through.
Luc: The struggle between idealism and the reality of wielding power is once again evident in one of antiquity’s most remarkable texts: the personal (and likely never intended for publication) notes of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180), written in Greek.
Ruling weighed heavily on him, particularly the personal burden of leading military campaigns along the Danube. Yet he did it—driven by duty and the belief that humans are called to cooperate as parts of a greater whole: the Roman-Stoic ethos in its purest form.
This emperor understood better than anyone that power corrupts. He cautioned himself against it. Modeling his leadership on his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, whose perseverance, moderation, self-discipline, tolerance and equanimity (aequanimitas) served as a moral directive for any ruler.
Marcus viewed the state as an interconnected whole, with each part fulfilling a role, contributing to a unified entity. He likened himself to the ram leading the flock, the helmsman steering the ship—his leadership was not questioned; it was a service to the common good.
Yet, reality is stubborn. Marcus acknowledged that people are flawed due to ignorance and must be tolerated. Fundamental change is impossible. Instead, individuals should be accepted as they are and positioned where they can contribute effectively.
Many managers today could draw profound wisdom from Marcus Aurelius—perhaps even more from his actions than his words. Lead by example takes on its full meaning here. Those who recognize that their power must serve the greater good, that their authority is temporary, grant themselves the freedom to act with integrity and conscience. The best managers often reference an inspirational role model—someone who shaped them into the leaders they are.
Inspirational interpretations
Great leaders from Classical Antiquity can, of course, continue to inspire today’s leaders through the lens of more recent authors and their interpretations of history.
Luc Devoldere highlights the ideal of the Roman Empire’s political structure and the pragmatic, flexible and empirical exercise of power. This also is vividly captured in Mémoires d’Hadrien (1951) by author Marguerite Yourcenar (1903-1987). In this historical novel, Emperor Hadrian, at the end of his life, reflects on his rule and power.
For those who aspire to lead with authority, pragmatism, adaptability and ethos—regardless of the duration of their leadership—there is always inspiration to be found in the political genius of Rome. For us Europeans, it seems almost ingrained in our very DNA.
Such inspiration can undoubtedly be rekindled by walking along the borders of the Roman Empire, as Luc Devoldere masterfully describes in his latest book. In today’s often bleak world, filled with tensions and threats, it can be both healing and motivating to rediscover that, here in Europe, centuries of governance have fostered progress and stability. The texts and books remain—ours to open once again.
