Shakti Leadership: Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power

Unlocking the Source of True Leadership

Too many leaders, men and women alike, have bought into the notion of leadership that exclusively emphasizes traditionally “masculine” qualities: hierarchical, militaristic, win-at-all-costs. The result has been corruption, environmental degradation, social breakdown, stress, depression and a host of other serious problems.

But there is another way, one that restores balance to this lopsided way of leading. Reaching into ancient spiritual and mythical teachings, Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia revive a “feminine” archetype of leadership: generative, cooperative, creative, empathetic. While these qualities are often thought of as feminine, we all have them; however, for people in leadership positions, they tend to be undervalued and underdeveloped. In the Indian yogic tradition, this feminine principle is recognized as supremely intelligent and responsive. It is personified as the Great Mother or Goddess Shakti and is the source that powers the cycle of life.

Using exercises and inspirational examples, Bhat and Sisodia guide us through our own heroic journey to discover and responsibly access this source of infinite energy and lead with our whole selves. Leaders who understand and practise Shakti Leadership act from a consciousness of caring, creativity and sustainability to achieve self-mastery internally and be of selfless service to the world. When leaders across genders learn to embrace this mindset, they can restore sanity, elevate humanity and heal the planet by evolving joyously and consciously together.

About the Author

Nilima Bhat is director of the leadership consulting firm Roots & Wings and founder of the integrative medicine practice Sampurnah (wholeness). She speaks and consults globally on organizational culture, women’s leadership, self-awareness and wellness and is the co-author of My Cancer Is Me. Nilima’s work leverages her corporate experience and seventeen years of consciousness-based health and growth practices to help build enduring institutions and change agents, especially women, who can lead the planet to sustainable solutions and positive impact. Nilima has delivered leadership training and facilitation for Microsoft, Whole Foods Market, Tata, Societe Generale Bank, Vodafone and YPO, as well as academic institutions and developmental organizations such as Indus International School and SKS Microfinance. Raj Sisodia is the F.W. Olin Distinguished Professor of Global Business and Whole Foods Market Research Scholar in Conscious Capitalism at Babson College. He is also co-founder and co-chairman of Conscious Capitalism, Inc., and the co-author of Conscious Capitalism, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller that has sold over 110,000 copies In 2003, he was cited as one of “50 Leading Marketing Thinkers” and added to the “Guru Gallery” by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Marketing (the largest marketing association in the world). In 2007, he was honored with the “Award for Excellence in Scholarship” by Bentley University. In 2008, he received the “Bentley University Innovation in Teaching” award. He was chosen as one of twelve “Outstanding Trailblazers of 2010” by Good Business International, and one of 2010’s “Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior” by Trust Across America. Raj is best known as the lead author of Firms of Endearment: How World Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose.