I had calmness when I was individual contributor working alone on difficult long-term projects, involving both research and development.

Bi-monthly or weekly meeting with the CTO, and that was it.

Delivery was on time simply because I adjusted the work and constraints to match the expected deadline. If something wasn't possible or required compromises, I would just let the CTO know. It was often fine.

The problem for me starts when you have chaotic product people in-between business owners and you.