Conversation between Prof. (Dr.) Jolly Jose, Professor & Chairperson, Strategic Engagements – Research & Innovations, St. Aloysius University and Mr. Sridhar Aranala, Vice President -Sales & Distribution at The Hindu Group, Author & Leadership Mentor.
Book Review: A Leader’s Best Pathfinder: Within by Sridhar Aranala | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
This book is a ready reckoner for anyone serious about leadership. Sridhar Aranala shares thoughts that stay fresh every time you read them. The words are simple; the lessons are deep.
This is not a book to read once and keep aside. It is a Team Reading Book. It is for people who want to grow together. It is best read with timely talks; small discussions with mentors; quiet chats with friends. It gives new meaning when you share it with others.
Leadership is not a one-day skill. It is daily work. Each page reminds us of this. Every chapter asks us to look within first. Pressure is real; the true test is how you carry it. A leader absorbs stress; filters it; transforms it into calm action.
The KITE framework is one example. Knowledge; Impact; Timing; Execution. These four simple words guide big actions. They remind us to know what we do; see the ripple effect; choose the right moment; and follow through till the end.
Emotional strength is another lesson. A leader must stay balanced when things get tense. The room may have silence; unspoken fear; hidden stress. A good leader senses this. They stay steady. They give comfort by staying calm. They listen. They wait before reacting. They try to feel what others feel.
When people feel heard, trust grows. When trust grows, work flows. Small actions build strong teams. Small pauses stop stress from spreading. A good leader becomes a cushion for the team. They protect people from outside noise.
Many books talk about leadership in big words. This book stays simple. It talks about real moments; small actions; daily choices. It asks you to look at how you speak; how you listen; how you react when things go wrong. These small things shape trust. They shape teams.
This book also reminds us that good leaders do not stand alone. They build people up. They help others find their own strength. They share credit. They guide without noise. They know when to step in and when to step back. They teach by example; not just by words.
This book does not shout big slogans. It does not make empty promises. It shows you how to stay true inside and outside. It asks you to make peace with yourself. It reminds you to set clear boundaries; to care for your own mind too. This book is not for people who chase power without purpose. Politicians may read it but they will not practise it. Real leaders can. They will. A Leader’s Best Pathfinder: Within is a quiet companion. Keep it close to your desk.
Open it when you feel tested. Read a page when you feel lost. Talk about it in a group. Ask questions. Let it guide you back to your own answers. Learning never stops. This book proves it. Leadership is not about showing you know everything; it is about finding better ways together. Keep this book on your side. Keep your mind open. Keep growing. The book is highly recommended for those who grow with a purpose in their life. You will be governed to go in the right path.
Highly recommended.
Bang On. Proud to work under one of the finest leader in my tenure of 35 Years of work.