Leadership Alchemy - No.3: Reading Matters – Navigating Life’s Success through the Pages We Turn

By Anupama Vaidya    

Dhruv Shah, a name that will remain etched in my memory through my life. The vibrant innocence of an 18 year old, venturing beyond the comfort of his home to explore the offerings of the world. As a first year undergrad student of Pharmacy at an US university, with dreams & aspirations of rising the corporate ladder of leadership, our paths crossed during a recent business trip as I returned from Ahmedabad.

The last flight of Air India, 8:30 pm, a flight known for its perpetual tardiness, with most of the travelers internationally bound, Dhruv found it amusing that both of us, flanking him on his left and right, were bound for Mumbai. His eagerness to share that he was enroute to the U.S., having briefly visited home for his cousin's wedding, was palpable.

As usual after the initial pleasantries of settling down, I delved into iPad, engrossed in the pages of  “Think Again by Adam Grant”. Just  a few pages through my reading, Dhruv, breaking the silence, asked,  “Can I ask you a question, if you don’t mind?”

Without  hesitation, I welcomed his inquiry.

“Why are you reading, Is there any value you get by reading? I hate reading…..”  Dhruv confessed, a sentiment not unfamiliar to me… ...

Echoing a common thread in career conversations that I come across different generations, levels, and roles - decline in reading habits. 

Picture the dialogue that unfolded in the next 15-20 minutes with a concluding remark by Dhruv “Oh had never thought in this direction, surely will build this habit and start with at least  15-20 minutes each day to reading, apart from my  academic commitments…”

I genuinely hope that our exchange has influenced his perspective & makes a difference. One day, Dhruv, hope to see your name among the leaders to be reckoned with.

Here’s a glimpse of our conversation for your coffee break read!!!

In an effort to capture more attention, I queried Dhruv, "Do you love eating? What's the underlying purpose of having food?" Our shared conclusion extended beyond relishing the flavors and tantalizing taste buds. We acknowledged its vital role in providing nutrition, serving as an energy source, fostering growth and development, and sustaining overall health—a comprehensive regimen for our physical well-being. The absence of food triggers unmistakable signals from our stomach, audibly growling and grumbling, reminding us to nourish ourselves. This led us seamlessly into a discussion about his exercise habits, where, unsurprisingly, he affirmed his commitment to maintaining physical fitness by hitting the gym, a typical response from a health-conscious youngster.

As our conversation unfolded, the next question, obviously was to direct him to understand what he does to  nourish the brain, the very orchestrator of his cognitive functions. Beyond the realm of academic pursuits, I prompted him to contemplate how he envisions sustaining the well being of this vital organ, often referred to as the body’s CEO. In the morning we ask ourselves of what breakfast, lunch and dinner.... what does he ask towards what his brain will be fed with? Is it left to chance or is there a systemic approach to nurture our brain, which is such a vital organ for our very "Being".  

In contemplating life beyond the confines of study sessions, his conclusion of “Work” will provide him the engaging and mental stimulation once he completes studies; raised an intriguing question. The idea that professional responsibilities alone might suffice as the primary source for the nourishment and nurturing essential for optimal brain function prompted a more comprehensive conversation.

A vibrant youngster who could not visualize years beyond academics and me, with my share of early learnings of invested and wasted times of this habit; I couldn’t hold myself to help him be able to see through this one leadership habit that will make a huge difference to him through his entire “Life”.

It dawned on me that this perspective echoed a common dialogue I've had with my mentees, with many of them in good leadership roles as well as making it to the big cut — breaking the misconception that work inherently fulfills all the brain's needs. The realization surfaced that one might unknowingly treat the mind as a limitless repository, failing to recognize its insatiable need for constant replenishment. Moreover, this need evolves and broadens as one grows, requiring a diverse range of nourishment to satiate the appetite or quench the voracious thirst of the brain. 

A plethora of leaders flashed in front of my eyes, each one to reckon with, how I follow several leaders including the Summer list of Bill Gates, or that of each of my own leaders in my ecosystem, or globally be it political or corporate! Reminded me of the dialog in Dharmakshetra OTT, where Lord Krishna tells Arjuna when Yudhisthir's knowledge is being challenged,  that "Knowledge is such a thing, the more you know and use it, the more you require to replenish it. 

Then, talking cues from my extensive work in the space of neurosciences, I walked Dhruv through the concept that the brain in a simplistic manner, and much like any other part of the body, benefits from a holistic approach to well-being. Drawing analogies to the food we eat, the need to provide a variety, a buffet to our brains also being a vital responsibility of ours; yeah, seeing your OTTs, playing, eating, exercising, reading, the brain craves for diversity, novelty, and continuous learning.

Engaging in activities that stimulate creativity, digital games on one hand, problem-solving activities on the other, engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations, hobbies, all do contribute significantly to the brain's overall health.

However, the significance of the "Habit of Reading" cannot be underestimated; it stands as the cornerstone of development and serves as the foundation for all cognitive activities in the brain. Reading is like serving wholesome nutritional well-rounded buffet for the brain, with the varied nutrients it needs to thrive.

Reading goes beyond merely browsing the internet or skimming through concise articles and short notes. It involves the tactile experience of turning formal pages of books, reading chapters sequentially, and flipping back to cross-reference information. It's an immersive process that cannot be substituted by the quick consumption of information akin to fast food. While fast food may satiate immediate hunger, it falls short in providing the sustained, long-term nourishment that we seek.

Drawing a parallel to the shift from the 2-minutes noodles generation to the recognition of the value in a well-cooked, wholesome meal that requires time and effort to prepare, the analogy extends to the art of reading books. The depth of understanding and intellectual nutrition derived from engaging with the content of a book surpasses the transient satisfaction of rapidly consumed information.... such a vital leadership quality ! 

In a moment of contemplative silence, Dhruv eventually broke his quietude with a single query: "Which book would you recommend for me to start with?" Recommending a book that had left a positive impact on my daughter Ishita during her formative teenage years, I suggested "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. With this, we went back to our respective pursuits, mine into continue to read, while Dhruv making some notes in his cell-phone followed by some digital games!!!

This exchange left me reflecting on the imperative need to advocate for the cultivation of the "habit of reading," recognizing it as a fundamental aspect crucial for nurturing our leadership capabilities. It's a foundational practice that not only broadens our intellectual horizons but also serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, a vital to our existential role as a leader !!! I am sure many of you are voracious readers, and will concur on this, while those who are yet to make this a habit, are inspired to pick up this habit and make it a way of leadership life!