How to Manage Stress, According to the CEO of $13B Snap

I've always believed that how we handle pressure defines our leadership, and Evan Spiegel's approach at Snap truly exemplifies that. Leading a $13 billion social media powerhouse isn't easy, yet he reframes stress not as a burden, but as a valuable gift and chance to grow. In a candid podcast chat, he shares how viewing challenges this way transforms our ability to cope, echoing what researchers like Kelly McGonigal have found: seeing stress as a positive force boosts resilience and performance.

What strikes me most is Spiegel's commitment to being a buffer for stress rather than passing it along. He takes it upon himself to shield his team and family from the weight of his decisions—think rejecting a massive acquisition or going public. By keeping that intensity internal, he preserves emotional balance everywhere else.

To stay grounded, he leans on everyday rituals like exercise, sauna time, and meditation. These aren't flashy; they're reliable anchors that help him lead with clarity. It's a reminder that even at the top, simple habits can make all the difference, especially when you've been in the CEO seat for over a decade and stress becomes routine.

In contrast, not every leader sees it this way—some thrive on constant anxiety as a motivator. But Spiegel's mindset feels empowering for anyone navigating high-stakes worlds. If you're an entrepreneur facing tough calls, this perspective could shift how you tackle your next challenge.

Check out the original article for more on Spiegel's strategies and why this framing matters so much today.