Lt Col Navinder Narang: Lessons in Leadership from the Army to Authorship – Bring Your Own Shark

Lt Col Navinder Narang: Lessons in Leadership from the Army to Authorship – Bring Your Own Shark

• Reflections on 21 years in the Indian Army and seeking new challenges beyond military boundaries
• How a management course and Army Group Insurance Fund tenure prepared him for the private sector

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Lt Col Navinder Narang, army veteran, author, and corporate leader, joined TBCY to share powerful insights from his book, Bring Your Own Shark, and his journey across the Indian Army, corporate world, and writing.

Dive into our episode recap, organized around key questions and timestamps for an easy podcast blog read!

00:01:06-What motivated Lt Col Navinder Narang to transition from the Army to the corporate world and then to becoming an author?

• Reflections on 21 years in the Indian Army and seeking new challenges beyond military boundaries
• How a management course and Army Group Insurance Fund tenure prepared him for the private sector
• The realization of unique challenges outside the military
• Inspiration to help others, especially ex-servicemen and middle-aged professionals, navigate transitions

00:04:13-How did experiences in counterinsurgency and border deployments shape his leadership style?

• Counterinsurgency’s demand for initiative, flexibility, and connecting with local populations
• The importance of motivation, persistence, and quick decision-making under pressure
• Border deployment as rigorous preparation for unforeseen “D-Day” events

00:06:38-What inspired the metaphor of sharks in the book, and how does the Japanese fish tank tale influence this concept?

• The need for guidance without judgment in professional growth
• Inspiration from a Japanese story: introducing a shark in a fish tank keeps other fish active and alert
• Turning external fear into an internal drive for self-motivation and growth

00:09:27-How did a real-life encounter with shark fins in the Nicobar Islands impact Lt Col Narang’s worldview and writing?

• A formative encounter with baskets of shark fins led to reflections on human responses to fear
• Learning from sharks’ role as apex predators and survival across eras
• Using this experience to develop the shark metaphor for personal and professional growth

00:11:26-How do different shark species in the book relate to corporate lessons?

• Nine shark types are used as metaphors; two highlighted:
• Mako Shark: Fastest shark, symbolizes timely, decisive action in business
• Blacktip Shark: Emphasizes accountability and owning one’s space and responsibilities
• Lessons on decision-making, accountability, and leadership ownership

00:13:18-What’s the difference between fearlessness and recklessness in leadership?

• Fearlessness: Clarity, competence, and conviction in facing danger
• Recklessness: Denial of danger and disregard for risks
• The Great White Shark: Takes calculated risks and embodies bold, strategic leadership

RESOURCES:

Learn more about  Lt Col Navinder Narang: Linkedin

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Thanks for listening! 

• Reflections on 21 years in the Indian Army and seeking new challenges beyond military boundaries
• How a management course and Army Group Insurance Fund tenure prepared him for the private sector
• The realization of unique challenges outside the military
• Inspiration to help others, especially ex-servicemen and middle-aged professionals, navigate transitions