The Indian Boss at Work

Thinking Global Acting Indian

The Indian Boss is a must-read for global leaders of all types—in all industries, private and public sector and geographies! It provides an important reminder about contextual leadership—understanding in this case, the uniqueness of India as nation, its leaders and individuals as part of a ‘global leadership playbook’. It’s also a reminder of the opposite: the power of Indian leadership on a global stage.

I highly recommend this book to build, enrich and refine one’s understanding of Indian leadership and recognize that which is uniquely Indian that will separate the winners from the rest in an increasingly VUCA world.

An ancient culture awakens and is beginning to find its voice in today’s world. Steve provides a comprehensive insight of ‘Indian-ness’ and the psyche of the Indian leader. A must-read for all young people who wish to be future leaders.

Steve reveals an indigenous Indian orientation that is in contrast to conventional notions of leadership. Its principles are universal, relevant and timely to the issues we face today. He goes beyond gender, bringing insight to what it means to be a self-leader. This book is a bridge to the two worlds of the East and the West and argues that the twain must meet.

An exceptional narrative, one of its kind, that deals with the Indian cultural context influencing leadership. Steve delves deep into the recesses of Indian-ness, combining research insights and his own experience to reveal the Indian leaders’ distinctiveness. This book is a must-read for students, practitioners and those who truly wish to leverage on Indian leadership. Insightful and reflective, it invites the reader to explore within deeply.

This book is on a very relevant topic: Who we are impacts how we are as leaders and professionals. Indian-ness is inherent to who we are and understanding how that impacts us can make us more self-aware and effective. Steve has bought his vast experience and considerable research to bear on this subject and every aspiring Indian leader must read this book.

Brilliantly argued, the book captures the essence of ‘Indian-ness’ and uses it as a lens to analyse the complex Indian leadership ethos. Lucidly written to engage with the reader, Steve draws over his Indian and global experiences in the corporate world, significant insights from Indian leaders and deeply mined research data. The book is a fount of wisdom. A recommended and very refreshing read for every aspiring leader who strives to excel.

Steve and I were colleagues while the brand Hutch was being given a body and a soul. Going through the chapters reminded me of our free-flowing conversations, during smoke breaks, near the rear gate. While the context of the 10-minute chats was linked to the business, the content travelled across space, time and beliefs. One line in the book, ‘What is the right thing to do, depends on circumstances. There is no absolute yardstick,’ summarized it all for me.

Steve and I go back years starting from Unilever, later Diageo. His book reminds me of the innumerable conversations we have had on business and life. Steve is an enthralling communicator, gifted to see beyond the obvious. A valuable and timely piece of work, for both Indian readers and those fascinated with India.

This book is an honest, insightful and nuanced look at the Indian leader drawing on deep understanding of India’s cultural DNA, but also the author’s multifaceted experience in local and international companies. Steve sets out a vision for Indian leaders that should inspire us all.