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Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
What does it take to become a leader? Is it a gift you're born with, or does it take years of effort, resilience, and growth to get there?
Rising to Lead challenges the idea that leadership belongs to a select few. Through powerful and relatable stories, this book reveals how leaders are shaped by unconventional paths, tough decisions, everyday struggles, and moments of insight that spark transformation.
These pages explore the many faces of leadership, including how courage is built when opportunities seem scarce, how small, consistent efforts lead to breakthroughs, and how setbacks can teach lessons that no success ever could. The stories capture leaders as they really are: individuals learning, adapting, and finding their way through challenges with empathy, resilience, and creativity.
At its heart, this book is about possibility. It shows that leadership doesn’t require perfection or privilege. It requires a willingness to take the first step, embrace the journey, and rise to the occasion, no matter where you begin.
Whether you’re looking to grow as a leader, guide your team, or find leadership lessons in your own life, these stories will inspire you to see potential in yourself and those around you. Leadership is a path you build every day, and this book will help you take the next step.
Vijayalakshmi Babukumar
Vijayalakshmi is a seasoned supply chain leader and mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing, automobile, and project industries. Her professional journey has been shaped by a love for learning and connecting with people.
A classical dancer and an avid storyteller at heart, Vijayalakshmi also finds joy in writing Tamil poetry, drawing inspiration from her roots in Coimbatore, a city she holds close to her heart and is situated in the serene Siruvani River belt.
The idea for this book grew from her own journey and her interactions with remarkable leaders who taught her invaluable lessons. Over time, Vijayalakshmi began to see that leadership is not limited to boardrooms or titles; it unfolds in the everyday moments of life. These reflections led her to challenge the long-standing myth that leaders are born. Through stories of resilience, empathy, and innovation, she proves that leaders are made, crafted through experiences, effort, and a determination to grow.
Vijayalakshmi currently lives in Coimbatore with her husband, Babukumar, and her son, Thejasvin. Her ability to blend professional expertise with her storyteller’s spirit brings a unique and inspiring perspective to leadership, making this book both relatable and transformative.
