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. This month we speak to ID Pankaj Mehta on his favourite books. How many of these have you read?
What books are on your bedside table? And how would you rate them?
At the moment, I am reading ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear and ‘Measure What Matters’ by John Doerr.
If one is looking into improving performance in any area of life, John mentors in his book Measure What Matters.
Atomic Habits is great book which helps readers understand why we do what we do. The book can empower us to improve our habits and imbibe good habits which can result in us developing the required qualities and changing our behavior for good. These insights ultimately guide us in making the right choices.
Both the books are excellent.
Do you have a favourite genre or author? What appeals to you about them?
I do not have any favourite author as such. However Life, Mortality, Mind, Happiness and Time have always perplexed me since my early days. This curiosity drives me to explore books across different genres.
To find answers to these fundamental questions, I read works on Philosophy, Self-Help, Spirituality, Management, Training, and Mind Science. These diverse perspectives offer valuable insights that often inform my approach to service and leadership within Lions. Each book becomes a tool for personal growth and, by extension, enhances my ability to serve others effectively.
Is there any book that you keep going back to and what draws you to it?
There are few books that I keep going back to, again and again.
- The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy. Every time I read it, it helps me gain different perspectives on our mind and life.
- Mystic’s Musings by Sadhguru. I read and re-read this to understand the many mystical aspects of a human, and life, which I continue to explore.
How do you make time for reading in your busy schedule as a Lions leader?
In today’s world, with advancement in technology, many options are available to quench your thirst of reading in a busy schedule. I always have my iPad with me and while travelling, or during free time in hotels, before hitting my pillow I read or listen using Kindle, podcasts, audio books, watching documentary films, etc. I do read or listen to the subjects of my interest.
Which book has had the most significant impact on your leadership style?
Leadership by itself is a package of many leadership essentials like communication, team work, time management, delegation, decision making, conflict resolution, integrity, innovation, change management and so on…. Well, for me developing communication excellence was the number one priority and the first book I read which had a lasting impression on me was Dale Carnegie’s ‘The Art of Public Speaking.’
Nelson Mandela’s autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ had a significant impact on my leadership style.
Is there a book you believe every Lion should read? And why?
I would recommend a book by Henry Todd – ‘Die Empty.’ It embraces the philosophy of Lions
What’s one book on your “to-read” list that you’re excited about?
One book that I am looking forward to read is ‘Abundance’ by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler
Has a book changed or challenged your perspective on an important issue? If so, which one and how?
One book that has challenged my perspective was ‘The Power of Your Subconscious Mind’ by Joseph Murphy. I now know the truth that “You do not get what you want in life, but you get what you deserve.”
Do you have any reading rituals or habits you’d like to share?
My ritual is to read or listen to at least 20 pages worth of content before I go to sleep.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would its title be? And why would you choose that title?
I have not yet thought of writing a book about my life. I have not reached there yet! My life is still a private one. I may rather write a book on my various seminars that I have conducted over the last 20 years. I have conducted more than 750 seminars and publishing a book on these seminars may help me accomplish my mission to make difference in the lives of people.
As regards the title of the book, I am just reminded that during the time of the Covid pandemic, I thought of organizing virtual seminars and get connected with people and help them stay motivated and learn. With this idea, I started virtual webinars titled ‘7 PM Success Club.’ Every Tuesday, at 7 PM, I used to run my online seminars, which were very well received. I wish to give the same title for my book – ‘7 PM Success Club.’
