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The CEO Mindset: Developing Leadership Habits and Mental Models for Success
The CEO Mindset draws on Shiv Shivakumar's years at Hindustan Unilever, Philips India, Nokia, PepsiCo and the Aditya Birla Group, alongside insights from thirteen other leaders, to explore what makes leadership effective. The book's personal touch emerges in its dedication to “the 274 colleagues who directly worked with me in my career”, followed by the simple acknowledgement, “I owe them a lot.” It captures a central truth that leadership is never a solitary achievement; it is shaped by the people who contribute to the journey.
Mr. Shivakumar introduces practical frameworks, including CHARLIE's seven pillars of leadership, the PERT habits of Prioritisation, Exercise, Reflection and Time, and four “fatal P's”: Procrastination, Picking sycophants, Pitting people against each other, and living Past-forward.
What makes the book particularly relatable is its emphasis on everyday gestures. A thoughtful email, a regular town hall or a proper farewell may seem small, yet such acts, when genuine and consistent, help build trust and belonging.
One of its most valuable lessons concerns the art of asking questions. “It's better to ask great questions,” Shivakumar observes, reminding leaders that curiosity and attentive listening can be more powerful than having all the answers. His assertion that “Performance alone is not enough, you need to build the perception of a good performance” is equally candid, highlighting the importance of communicating achievements and earning confidence. Though the abundance of acronyms and frameworks may occasionally interrupt the narrative, the practical insights remain valuable.
Ultimately, The CEO Mindset reminds readers that leadership begins long before the designation.
The book is for aspiring CEOs, board members and anyone who leads others, it is a thoughtful guide to building the habits, relationships and trust that make success sustainable.
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Shiv Shivakumar
He currently serves as the Operating Partner at Advent International. Prior to this role he held the position of Group Executive President, Corporate Strategy at Aditya Birla Group and served as the Chairperson & CEO at PepsiCo Holdings Private Limited in India. Additionally, he has held the position of CEO for emerging markets at Nokia. He is a distinguished alumnus from both IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta. Mr. Shivakumar has also authored the books: "Reflections, a compilation of Shivs articles", "The Right Choice, Resolving Ten career dilemmas", and "The Art of Management.”
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
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