Ever wondered what books inspire those who inspire us? In this 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.
In this issue, we speak to PID Sunil Kumar R, a voracious reader and a prolific writer, who believes reading, writing and leadership are deeply connected. Thoughtful reading transforms when paired with writing, and leaders who cultivate both habits can express themselves more clearly and create greater positive impact.
Which book are you reading currently and what drew you to it?
I am currently reading ‘The Ride of a Lifetime’ by Robert Iger, the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. The book chronicles Iger’s leadership journey as he reinvented one of the world’s most innovative companies after becoming its CEO in 2005. He took the helm during challenging times—low employee morale, intense competition, and rapidly evolving technology.
He shares the leadership principles that guided his management of 200,000 employees through these challenges. His four core values resonated deeply: Optimism, Courage, Decisiveness, and Fairness. I particularly loved his response to the incredible success he created – “But I couldn’t have articulated all of this until I lived it. You can’t fake it” he candidly declared.
Which book is next on your reading list?
My next read will be ‘The Story of TATA 1868-2021’ by Peter Casey. I’m eager to explore how the spark ignited by Shri Jamshedji Tata grew into today’s large conglomerate. The book features exclusive interviews with Ratan Tata.
How has your approach to reading changed since your early days?
Just like ‘Happiness begets happiness’, the desire in you to read intensifies your desire to be read. This isn’t a conventional perspective, but there’s profound wisdom when you explore it deeper. It can transform your entire approach to reading.
Initially I read primarily for enjoyment. Now, reading has become a catalyst for deeper thinking. The more I read, the more I think—and the more I think, the stronger my drive to continue this practice becomes.
While I still seek thought-provoking content, I’ve discovered that even simple texts can spark new ideas and help maintain an expansive mindset. I often tell participants in my training sessions that good trainers must be exceptional listeners and interpreters. The same applies to readers. The true power comes when you connect your reading with your life experiences and character development—this connection supports personal evolution.
Do you prefer to read one book at a time or juggle multiple books? How do you choose?
It depends. My reading habits are directly influenced by my work commitments, travel schedule, and the various projects I’m actively managing. As someone who loves to read on the go, I often find myself juggling multiple books.
Which leader’s memoir or biography taught you the most valuable lessons?
My father’s book, ‘My Tryst with Lionism,’ continues to impact me profoundly. Similarly, ‘My Experiments with Truth’ by Mahatma Gandhi has been a significant positive influence on my thinking and approach to life.
Looking back over your years of reading, which book has stood the test of time and still influences you today?
‘Psycho Cybernetics’ by Dr Maxwell Maltz, continues to resonate with me. I often reflect on its teachings about self-image and the behavioral science principles that motivate people toward positive, outward-focused action.
Another enduring influence is ‘I’m OK – You’re OK’. This classic introduced me to ego states and their management, guiding my understanding of self-image and providing a foundation for personal growth that remains relevant today.
If you could gift a book to every member of your Lions Club, which would it be, and why?
My choice is clear: ‘Where’s my Couch? – Discover Comfort in Discomfort,’ – a book I had the privilege of writing. This work continues to be close to my heart, and I am eager to release a new edition with updated content to address contemporary challenges. The book invites readers to delve into thoughtful reflection, helping them discover approaches for better living and personal optimization.
The huge positive feedback from many readers, including a large percentage of young adults, confirms that this is a book for everyone. Lions are great people. Many leaders need to “live out of their positional influence” to empathize, care yet, lead positively.
Share a book that helped you become a better leader. What key lesson did you learn?
It’s difficult to zero in on just one book. It would not be fair to other authors. ‘Bhagavad Gita’, to begin with. The discourse from Lord Krishna to Arjuna is full of great wisdom on portraying situational leadership. In a way, ‘Business @ the Speed of Thought’, inspires people to embrace “relevance” which is a must for leadership as well. There are more books – ‘Future Shock’ by Alvin Toffler; Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why?’.
Key lessons are always learnt from great thoughts. It is thoughts that define people. This is one most important take-home lesson.
Sometimes books find us at just the right moment. What book intersected perfectly with a challenge you were facing in either your professional or personal life?
My most recent book, ‘Where’s my Couch? Discover Comfort in Discomfort’, was born in the ICU, when I was hospitalized with COVID-19 in May 2020. I was among the opening batsmen and there were no medicines then. This book kept my mind active amidst the most challenging time of my life, when it appeared that I was being dragged towards the end of life. Such moments are rare.
The writing process became my lifeline. As I wrote, my thinking deepened. I recalled meaningful experiences, envisioned possibilities, and found myself genuinely enjoying the creation of content despite my circumstances. I don’t rely on internet searches for ideas—my writing flows from within, drawing on personal experiences and life lessons.
Looking back, my journey toward wellness from that health crisis happened alongside the development of this book. Once completed, the work that sustained me through my darkest hours has gone on to serve many others.
What’s the most valuable reading advice you’d share with the next generation?
As you read, connect what you are reading with your life. Mere reading isn’t enough—what matters is how it inspires you to approach challenges and achieve success. Discover lessons in what you read, and most importantly, make reading a consistent habit.
While the world encourages us to ‘Think outside the Box,’ I believe in ‘Living outside the Box.’ Where conventional wisdom says, ‘Go to places that people have reached,’ my philosophy is different: ‘There is only one place I want to go—to all places I have never been.’ Where others focus on ‘Growth,’ I emphasize ‘Evolution.’ Blend reading with living. Readers can grow more, do more, and live more. They can even shift paradigms!