Lotus Leadership: A Modern Playbook of Ancient Wisdom

A former tech leader’s modern playbook for success, culled from the inspiring stories of a largely unrecognized cadre of luminary women of Indian heritage.

We’ve been ignoring the surging force of Indian women in American business for far too long. Not anymore. In this one-of-a-kind book, Silicon Valley tech executive Kamini Ramani tells the story of these women for the first time; highlighting not just their successes, but unveiling how they got there. And the answer is powerful. Notably, it wasn’t by following the same playbook of (white or Indian) men, and it wasn’t by “leaning in.”

Instead, these women—often unconsciously—drew on the learned wisdom of their heritage, and specifically the stories of the main Hindu goddesses they were raised with. At the core of this is an embrace of duality similar to the tenants of Yoga that encourages harmony rather than dissonance; an emphasis on the collective over the individual; and the ability to own your power with calm and resilience.

Ramani spent a year interviewing more than thirty of the top women of Indian heritage in American business. In Lotus Leadership she distills their paths into a framework likened to a “yoga for business” practice that can be followed by everyone, no matter where they are from.

In her no-nonsense “Auntie” style, Ramani unveils—petal by petal—a new way of leading based on five principles:

Embracing both your so-called feminine and masculine sides in harmony, and using one or the other as the situation demands.

With inspiring stories and practical advice, Lotus Leadership is a pioneering guide to blossoming in business and in life.

“Lotus Leadership is a totally new framework that can help any leader fulfill their ideals and kick ass in the market at the same time.” —Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor

“I love, love, love this! I believe the yoga approach to work is exactly what the world needs - a Lean In 2.0 if you will - in which we lead in a calm, centered, and powerful way. I'm looking forward to reading about how Indian women Lotus Leaders have blossomed in business and beyond.” —Amy Chua, author of The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother & The Triple Package and Yale Law professor

“Indians in America are 5 million strong today. At Indiaspora, the only group focused on fostering their influence, we have watched them make an impact as Fortune 50 CEOs, founders of unicorn startups, academic leaders, medical luminaries, Michelin starred restaurateurs, yoga studio owners and more. As a Silicon Valley leader with a 40-year career in marketing, Kamini is seen as a peer to the Indian women highlighted in this book. I believe that the insights she will glean from their journeys will help shape the next generation of leaders.” —MR Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora.org - MR Rangaswami, founder, Indiaspora.org