Two Birds in a Tree: Timeless Indian Wisdom for Business Leaders

by Ram Nidumolu, Chip Conley (Foreword)

The health of business is inextricably linked with the health of humanity and nature. But our current approaches to leadership treat business as entirely separate—and the result has been recurring economic, environmental, and human crises. In this extraordinary book, Ram Nidumolu uses evocative parables and stories from the ancient Indian wisdom texts, the Upanishads, to introduce Being-centered leadership. This new kind of leadership is anchored in the concept of Being, the fundamental reality that underlies all phenomena. Being-centered leaders are guided by an innate sense of interconnection—the good of the whole becomes an integral part of their decisions and actions. Using the experiences of over twenty trailblazing CEOs, as well as those from his own life, Nidumolu describes a four-stage road map every aspiring leader can use to reconnect business to the wider world—to the benefit of all.

Genres: Business

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Alice Maldonado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding a deeper sense of purpose. Important for businesses to always take into account that they are not separate from humanity and nature. Everything is interdependent. As we have seen and experienced, there are dire consequences to all and the earth when profit is the only consideration. "Being-centered business" is an interesting model to consider, however, we must address the ideology of consumerism first. Finally, I wish there was an alternative to a hierarchical structure of leadership, but that may be too challenging for our limited human nature. This book seems to be an effort to bring enlightenment to a capitalist system. If this is what we have so far, fine, then let's make it better. The examples used, like Southwest and The Body Shop are now unfortunately outdated.

[Willcaban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep it REAL:
Recognize there is something Higher than yourself
Experience a connection to something higher than yourself
Anchor yourself in a vision that higher than yourself
Leadership by being a servant leader

[Yaman Gogia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cases of mentors covered by Professor Ram and the personal experiences really make a good, convincing and powerful case for Beingful Leadership. His insights make the book more than just a study. It's an insightful, personal and humanistic way of looking at Leadership in the corporate world.

[Malik Aljabri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finish it as summary in Blinkist

[Ashish Rastogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read when you are tasked with leading a team. Helps create a mindset of a people centered leader

[Felipe CZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Businesses should not be about harming nature and humans, but instead of supporting them, and developing a being-centered leadership by linking company goals to the Earth.

[Prathyush · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whole new way of looking at business, leadership and self.

[Poonam Shidlyali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ram gives various examples of business leaders and quotes from upanishads to show the qualities needed for business success. although I have not read any other business books, I don't think it's a great book. some quotes from upanishads doesn't seem relevant to point he is trying to make.

[Eric Danforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Marlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was acceptable, but I’m so tired of parable-centered business theology.