Inflection

A Roadmap for Leaders at a Crossroads

By: Sharath Jeevan OBE

Narrated by: Sharath Jeevan

About Inflection

As leaders, not all our time is created equal.

Inflection moments are those points at which we stand at a crossroads and ask ourselves: what’s the next mountain to climb? These are the critical moments when we have the chance to futureproof success – for ourselves, our organisations and others – for many years, even decades, to come.

But it all comes down to how we navigate these moments. How we dare a new direction, ignite potential in ourselves and others, align motivations and learn to keep learning. That’s the complete roadmap that Inflection provides us with as leaders.

Written in short, punchy and compelling micro-chapters, this book will leave you with a lifetime of insight. So that you can be the leader that you were meant to be, and the leader those around you deserve. And make a difference in the ways that deeply matter to you.

About the Author

Sharath Jeevan OBE is a globally recognised authority on leadership at inflection moments.

As an acclaimed advisor, facilitator and author, he supports a diverse range of leaders and organisations to safely navigate their own inflection moments and futureproof their success using an innovative guided journey process. These include pre-eminent global corporations, public sector organisations, non-profits, growth businesses and venture funds.

Sharath also teaches leadership at both University of Oxford and Cambridge University.

Sharath’s groundbreaking first book, Intrinsic, received widespread acclaim, including from former prime ministers and fellow authors Dan Heath and Nir Eyal.

Sharath was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours and an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the field. He holds degrees from Cambridge University, University of Oxford and INSEAD and has worked at Strategy& and eBay.

He founded and led two education organisations – STiR Education and Teaching Leaders – which collectively impacted more than 10 million children across 40,000 schools in the UK, US, India, East Africa, Indonesia and Brazil. Sharath’s work has been featured in a wide range of global media, including The Economist, The New York Times, CNN, Forbes, Inc, CNBC, Financial Times and The Telegraph.

Sharath writes regularly on LinkedIn for a wide audience.

©2024 Sharath Jeevan OBE (P)2024 Sharath Jeevan OBE

Critic reviews

“A new way to make our time and impact as leaders count most.” - Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable and Hooked

“The power of Inflection lies in its empathy for leadership. The book transforms how we see inflection moments: from challenges to be avoided, into exciting opportunities to be seized.” - Mike Diiorio, CEO, Marble Bar Asset Management

“We all face forks in the road that can change the course of our own lives, and the future of our organisations. Inflection provides a refreshing, practical guide for leaders about how to embrace these moments with courage, conviction & inspiration, and what we might need to “let go” of along the way in order to truly transform.” - Radha Ruparell, Head of Global Leadership Accelerator, Teach For All; Author of Brave Now

Grounded advice & insights for human leaders

In Sharath Jeevan’s own words (always a bonus when authors narrate their own work) he takes us on a meandering journey through leadership. Referencing sport (tennis & basketball), musical icons (Tina Turner) and drawing on his own rich international experience and observations, he poses a number of pertinent leadership questions and thoughts.

What’s your big ‘P’ Purpose and your small ‘p’ purpose? And how, as a leader, can you enable your teams to motivate themselves? After leaving a leadership role, ask yourself whether you left the organisation in a better, worse or the same position. Are leaders there to serve? How can you clearly articulate your personal mission statement? How willing are you as a leader to wear your humanity on your sleeve? Is vulnerability a strength or a weakness? Are you what Sharath calls ‘a humanity role model’? Don’t underestimate the value of taking a step back to breathe, reflect, pause. A ‘corporate retreat’ from the cut & thrust of everyday business can lead to a fresh perspective. Embrace serendipity as a leader. And cut yourself some slack. Imposter syndrome lurks in the shadows for many a leader. Sometimes leaders need to allow the sun to set on a particular chapter, before the sun or a new dawn in their journey begins. Leaders need to be authentic, to empower & enable their teams. Harness the talents you already possess. All of us can stretch and flex.

None of the questions posed or advice shared is presented didactically. Sharath brings us on a journey of human leadership in this book, allowing us to draw what lessons and insights we choose.

I’m pretty sure though that there’s something for everyone in here.