Book Review: Why Every Modern Leader Needs Siddhartha’s Journey

This is the last book of our Book Club Season 2. While reading this book, I was surprised to know how much this ancient journey mirrored the realities of our corporate world, especially for those of us navigating rapid change, uncertainty, and the search for meaning at work. Siddhartha’s path isn’t just a spiritual adventure. It’s a playbook for anyone leading teams, businesses, or even themselves through flux and transformation.

The Early Wins: Comfort Isn’t the End Game

We all start our careers with a certain comfort. Maybe it’s a proven process, a respected mentor, or early wins that boost our confidence. Siddhartha was the same: secure, comfortable, and praised. But deep down, he wanted more.

In business, too, real growth begins the moment the old methods stop challenging us.

Early achievement is just the springboard.

The Middle: Uncertainty, Experimentation, and the Leap

Siddhartha steps out from all he knows, braving discomfort and risk. In leadership, disruption arrives whether you invite it or not e.g. company restructurings, market resets, or the AI revolution forcing new skills. It’s rarely comfortable, and it’s almost always messy. On my own journey, leading teams through new technologies or business models, those moments of uncertainty became turning points.

Not everything works, but leaders must be willing to let go of old identities and try anew.

The Value of Unexpected Teachers

It’s easy to think lessons only come from classic mentors or official training. Siddhartha learns most from unusual places: his peer Govinda, the ferryman, Kamala. I’ve found the same in business. Sometimes, it’s a colleague in another department or a client with fresh perspective that pushes your thinking forward. The greatest insights come when we’re open to learning from anyone and anywhere.

One of my co-hiker during my Everest Base Camp trek mentioned that how she learned from difficult boss what not to do.

Listening Inward: Purpose Over Position

Eventually, after years of chasing outside validation and success, Siddhartha finds wisdom by listening inward. In corporate life, resumes and KPIs are necessary, but they can’t define a career. The true north for a leader comes from aligning personal purpose with professional mission.

During uncertain times, whether I felt ‘on track’ came not from promotions but from knowing I was true to my values and doing meaningful work.

Finding Meaning in the Ordinary

Siddhartha’s journey ends not with a big external victory, but inner clarity and peace. In my own work, the highest impact has come not from big launches or titles, but small moments like helping a team member grow, finding calm in a crisis, or simply learning to trust my own judgment amidst the noise.

The Journey Continues

Leadership is never a straight line. Siddhartha shows us the value of curiosity, resilience, and humility, whether on the riverbank or in the boardroom. For anyone building teams, shaping change, or seeking personal growth in the modern corporate world, this story isn’t just a classic, it’s a living map and one step at a time. I have summarized my life lessons here I Turned 45 and Learned What Not to Do

Who has been an unexpected teacher in your corporate life? I’d love to hear your story.