https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C67392YY
The Digital Agile Leader looks like a great
book. What can you tell us about it?
The Digital Agile Leader is more than a book about
leadership; it is about exploring how you want to show up in all areas of your
life. Throughout the book I share relatable anecdotes and tools and encourage the
reader to self-reflect. I also recall my own experiences navigating change and
conflict.
The book lends practical advice on developing key skills
like communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. It includes a
matrix to identify how you are dealing with change so you can build self- and
social awareness and adjust to different situations.
Any plans to turn it into a series?
For The Digital Agile Leader, I am developing a
workbook, assessment, and course. My next book will be related but different.
That’s an amazing cover.
Can you tell us about it?
The cover of my book showcases the Agility Matrix©,
which is a tool I created. The Agility Matrix is useful to explore how we
respond to change from the lens of four different animals: the coyote, moose,
ostrich, and bear.
You can use the matrix and assessment to have conversations
about how change is impacting you and other people. As you build self-awareness,
you can learn how to deal with change and conflict more effectively. Do you
want to shift or stay where you are? Is it helping you or holding you back?
What scene or section did you have the most fun writing?
Throughout the book, I share stories about dealing with change
and challenges in the workplace and beyond. In the Think Like a Scientist
chapter, I recalled my days as a chemistry undergraduate and how the lessons I
learned in science carried forward into my future.
In addition to writing about the animals in the Agility
Matrix, I also enjoyed sharing the story of Kevin, a military veteran who
transitioned to the civilian workplace.
What inspired the idea for the book?
From enduring life-changing events to leading high-profile
projects, I have learned many valuable lessons. I was inspired to write my book
after reflecting on my experiences, talking to others, and realizing I was not
alone in hitting obstacles in my career. I wanted to create a guide to help
people deal with change and develop key leadership skills. My hope is to
inspire people to find opportunities amidst constant change.
In my career over the past 2 decades, I have had the
opportunity to work in multiple roles and industries including technology,
healthcare, manufacturing, and restaurant – to name a few. During my time at PwC,
Deloitte, and Taco Bell Corp, I successfully led complex technology and
strategic change initiatives. I grew passionate about organizational psychology
and the people side of change. I wanted to capture my insights and share them
on a broader scale with my book.
I also had the honor of watching my father build his
company, Applied Membranes, Inc from the ground up in our garage. I learned the
ins and outs of business while working with him, which has made me a better
executive coach and strategic advisor.
How did you come up with the title for the book?
I knew I wanted something about leading in the digital age
and being agile, since that represents who I had to become over the years. I
needed to adapt quickly, learn new tools, be discerning and strategic, and show
up as a leader for myself and my teams.
The word “digital” may mean different things to different
people. Is it about going paperless or using AI? Is it about shifting your mindset and thinking
about how technology can drive efficiencies? As someone who has implemented
technology, I have my own perspectives.
Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when
writing The Digital Agile Leader?
Initially, I just poured everything from my head and heart
onto paper. None of it made sense and I had to be comfortable with the process.
It was going to be messy. I rewrote it a few times and continued to shape
it.
Staying motivated and consistent was hard at first, until I
found my stride. Then it almost became an obsession. I still encountered
creative blocks and had to take breaks or try new approaches, like changing my
environment. When it came time to publish the book, I would feel unsure. There
was always something more to tweak, but eventually I realized it was time to
let go.
It is also important to be mindful of the comparison trap.
You have your unique story and voice – even if there are thousands of other
books out there.
What do you like to do when not writing?
I like to spend time with family and friends, travel, try
new restaurants, connect with people, work on creative projects, and step into
nature.
Where can readers find out more about your work?
My book is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Agile-Leader-Attract-Ever-Changing/dp/1957651377
You can also visit my website www.mpathcoaching.com (or www.manishadhawan.com), and follow me
on social media, such as LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishadhawan/
or @mpathcoaching.