Ever wondered what books inspire those who inspire us? In this new feature, we peek into the reading lives of our Lions leaders. From current page-turners to life-changing classics, we explore how the written word shapes their thoughts, actions, and visions for service.
This month, we speak to PID Sangeeta Jatia on her favourite books, how her taste in books has evolved over the years and her go-to book for leadership advice. Which of these books is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
What book have you recently finished that left a lasting impression on you? What about it resonated with you?
Devdutt Pattanaik’s Business Sutra. I love his books and his different take on mythology. This one on doing Business was brilliant – I love his style of writing.
Is there a book from your childhood or youth that still influences you today? How has its impact changed over time?
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach was one of my favorites as a young person – to be somebody more than ordinary, to excel in what you do and to break free of shackles which we sometimes impose on ourselves.
Over time – it has come to mean different things. It meant to learn a skill at one time, it meant to research at another time in life and today it means looking for solutions outside the normal. It means innovation and creativity.
How has your taste in books evolved over the years, especially since taking on leadership roles?
In my early years I loved fiction especially the Jane Austen, Jeffrey Archer types. However, for the last 20 years, it has been non-fiction for me.
Reading different perspectives, understanding different mindsets made me read a lot of biographies – especially women leaders. And authors like Stephen Covey, Malcolm Gladwell, Anthony Robbins and Subrato Bagchi helped me in my leadership role.
“We are free to go where we wish and be what we are.”
~ Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Is there a particular author or genre that has significantly influenced your thinking or leadership style?
I think simple books like – Who moved my cheese by Spencer Johnson helped me as I worked with my fellow members in this organisation. I must have read a dozen books on Body Language when I was working on modules on communication skills. When I worked with women membership growth I read a whole lot of books on Women and Leadership.
How do you balance reading for personal growth versus reading for pleasure?
In the last few years reading for pleasure has changed to listening for pleasure – I love hearing Ted talks of all genres. It is relaxing as well as easy to navigate. I love reading editions of magazines like Harvard Business Review and Infinithoughts, among others. They serve both the purposes.
If you were to start a book club for Lions members, what would be your first book selection and why?
All books by Anthony Robbins – they are simple and would be extremely helpful as we work with diverse individuals. They are inspirational and so practical.
Do you have a go-to book for leadership advice or motivation? What makes it special to you?
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. I have learnt a lot from his books and they are relevant even today.
Can you share a powerful quote from a book that you often find yourself reflecting on or sharing with others?
“Effective leadership is putting first things first.” ~ Stephen Covey
What role do you think reading plays in developing empathy and understanding for the communities we serve?
Reading is imperative for growth. As I said earlier, understanding different perspectives is so important. And different writing styles give us versatility in thinking. Reading autobiographies is also a powerful tool. It makes us understand why things happened and helps us take better decisions.
If your life as a Lions leader was a book, what genre would it be and what would be its central theme?
The central theme of my book would be all about being creative in volunteering.