Book Recommendation: “𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒔” by 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐥
Discover how centuries-old karate wisdom can transform modern leadership. Shihan Rahul Agarwal blends purpose, discipline, and presence in this inspiring new read.
Ram’s Reflections: Book Recommendation Series: “𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒔” by 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐥
Earlier this week, I attended a virtual event where 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 Rahul Agarwal—my Coach and a 6th-degree black belt (Shihan means “Master teacher") with over three decades of karate experience—unveiled his new book, 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑠.
Though I haven’t read the full book yet, the conversation alone left me inspired and eager to dive in!
Below are a few highlights that I learnt from Rahul’s words during the Launch event:
𝟏. 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞
Inspired by Master Gichin Funakoshi’s motto—“Spirit first, technique second”—Rahul underscores how a clear purpose and inner conviction matter more than raw skill.
𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝
Karate is often called “moving meditation.” Rahul explained how staying calm under pressure in the dojo translates into sharper leadership decisions and better stress management.
𝟑. 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞
Bowing before entering the dojo and cleaning the floor together aren’t just rituals—they nurture humility, respect, and shared accountability. Imagine bringing that team spirit into the workplace!
𝟒. 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐬. 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
Instead of meeting conflict with aggression, deflect and redirect it. Rahul’s approach: truly hear the other side, adapt, and seek solutions that lift everyone rather than fuel tension.
𝟓. 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞
Despite juggling martial arts and corporate work, Rahul finds they enrich each other. It’s a reminder that multiple interests can coexist beautifully when driven by a unifying sense of purpose.
Congratulations to Rahul on this incredible milestone! I’m excited to read 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑡𝑠 and learn more about blending ancient wisdom with modern leadership.
#BookRecommendation #LeadershipDevelopment g#MartialArts #PersonalGrowth #RamsReflections
About the Author: Ram Dittakavi, Sr. Director of Enterprise Analytics at Ascension, the largest non-profit healthcare organization, is a Multi-Disciplinary, purpose-driven Leader passionate about transformation, continuous learning, relentless improvement, and sharing insights for personal and professional growth through mentoring and coaching.