Anyone who has read Raj Sisodia’s several books will be familiar with the evolution of his thinking on how business can transform the world. From Firms of Endearment through Shakti Leadership, Raj has taken his readers on a journey that describes the many benefits of implementing a more conscious, loving form of capitalism, and why doing so can dramatically raise quality of life for everyone.
In Awaken, Raj takes us on a much more personal journey. Raj reveals details of his family history, his attempts to live up to the demands of his domineering father, his failed marriage, and his relationship with his children. In each case, Raj describes the impact each of these experiences and relationships had on shaping his life’s trajectory and how, with every apparent success, there remained a deep sense of lack, uncertainty, failure, and emptiness.
The personal nature of Raj’s story does not take away from the book’s value, it enhances it. In many passages, I was stunned to read – almost verbatim – the words that I have heard from my own inner critic. For anyone who has enjoyed outward success while experiencing inner discontent or a feeling of not being good enough, Awaken offers powerful lessons in how to transmute pain and suffering into healing and flourishing.
Finally, for anyone who may be put off by the title of the book or about how such a personal account may be applicable to the reader’s own leadership journey, consider Raj’s description of what the word “awaken” means: “To me, it means that your life makes sense; you know who you are and why you are here. Awakening means letting go of judgment and bitterness and choosing to live in gratitude. It means doing what’s right, not what’s comfortable. Awakening allows us to experience deep connection and joy by realizing that life is ultimately about giving and receiving love. It means losing your fear of dying.”
Those who have the courage to follow Raj’s lead undoubtedly will experience greater personal joy and fulfillment. They will also, to quote from the final chapter of the book, “help heal the world, and leave behind a legacy of love and healing for future generations.”
And that is a leadership model worth living.
Chris Kenny, The 3 Life Questions™
