At school, history often felt like a boring subject filled with names, dates, and facts that had little use in daily life. Many of us memorized timelines only to forget them right after exams. What we did not realize at the time is that history is not about dates. It is about decisions. It is about patterns. And it is about lessons that repeat themselves in new forms.

As leaders, we often underestimate how valuable history can be in shaping our strategic thinking. When you begin to look at history as a guidebook rather than a textbook, the meaning changes. Suddenly, history is not about remembering. It is about applying.

Experiencing History Firsthand

I was reminded of this during a recent trip through Italy and France. Walking through Rome, Florence, and Paris, the weight of history was everywhere. Standing inside the Vatican, surrounded by centuries of ritual and culture, you realize that what exists today is the result of thousands of decisions, both brilliant and flawed.

In Rome, we visited the ruins of the great empire. At one time, it looked indestructible. Yet even the Roman Empire eventually collapsed. Power, wealth, and influence were not enough to stop decline. In France, you see the pride of a nation reflected in its architecture, culture, and people. Those moments of strength and weakness hold lessons that are still relevant to the way we lead today.

History tells us that every empire, every business, every leader faces turning points. Some adapt. Others fall.

The Red Bus Tour

If you have ever been on one of those open-top red bus tours, you know how quickly they move through centuries of history. In a couple of hours you get a condensed version of wars, rulers, inventions, and revolutions.

As leaders, we need our own red bus tour. A way to collect lessons, stories, and warnings from history and apply them to our businesses. Just as a tourist sits and listens to a city’s story, your team is sitting on your bus, learning from your choices and from the history you carry forward.

The point is not to know every detail, but to know enough to see the patterns. To recognize that mistakes repeat themselves and that preparation matters.

History Shapes Strategy

Younger leaders often do not consider history in their decision-making. They are caught up in the present moment, chasing growth, building teams, and trying to survive. Yet history is one of the greatest strategic tools you can use.

History repeats itself. Economies rise and fall. Markets overheat and cool down. Political shifts reshape industries. Technology disrupts systems and creates new ones. The details may change, but the rhythms remain the same. Leaders who study history anticipate these shifts. Leaders who ignore it are caught off guard.

Adding history to your strategy gives you perspective. It allows you to see beyond the immediate moment and prepare for cycles that others fail to recognize.

Philosophers

Some of the greatest lessons from history come from the thinkers who shaped societies. Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, still influences leadership and culture today. The Greek philosophers, too, left insights that apply far beyond their time.

Even in sport, you can find historical parallels. In Rome, we walked past the site of the old chariot races, the Formula One of its day. The most successful racers were among the richest people of their time, cheered by crowds and rewarded by patrons. It may look different today, but the same principles of fame, wealth, and influence still shape modern athletes and entrepreneurs.

History repeats itself, but in new disguises.