From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better and Being Bolder

Amazing book and I loved it

I have read this book three times now and counting, and each time it has stimulated enhancements to the 'trade craft' of my working life and living in general. It's an empowering guide on fulfilling more of our potential, through the intriguing lens of the working practices and culture of the CIA. The book is writtten with warmth and humour, with lots of practical steps, which makes for an enjoyable and rewarding read. This book is like having a sage friend, who shares insightful advice into high performance life and the mindset required to be a business pioneer. Picking out a few highlights, the author introduces the concept of Tactical Ignorance, which seems a vital skill these days to help cope with the overwhelming flow of information and feedback flooding our businesses and senses...and it reminds us we have the power to choose what goes in and accordingly influence what comes out. The author also emphasises the importance of working on yourself to stop self-sabotaging, while being vigilant of folks around you (intentionally or not) who may be hampering your progress. If you are striving for success then this book can be a steadfast companion to help chart your journey ahead.

If Carlberg made books…. Rupal Patel will be one who got away. Then again it be expected she worked for the CIA. All jokes aside. Rupal Patel takes reader on her personal journey while helping reader transform on their journey. What gives this book competitive edge is that it also addresses challenges faced by women, minorities and being parents. Excuses are not tolerated. Honest conversations and objectives are taking place.If you’re new reader and/or seasoned reader when it comes to reading self development books. Pick up the book and execute and live bolder, better and meaningful life.

I enjoyed this book. Rupal’s style is clear, easy to read and engaging, I kept turning the pages. But it’s also a dip-in book. Fortunately mine’s the Kindle copy or it would get dog-eared and full of PostIt notes as do other books I enjoy!It’s a book for anyone, any gender, any race, culture and background, and certainly not just for business people. It’s about living, and living authentically and with integrity. How many of us seriously do that? Reading and working – it’s a workbook too – your way through this helps show you where you’re not quite walking your talk. And it gives you pointers how to get back on your own, true, message as well.Rupal’s had an amazing life – so far! And she’s by no means at the end of it, in fact it looks like she’s really getting into her stride now. I’m looking forward to more from this exciting woman. She does great things and is a great encouragement to us women whether we’re working business women or not. And she actually offers loads of pointers to all men too. But what she’s talking about isn’t really gender, race, culture, or background oriented. It applies to all of us. It’s about how to be a functioning, compassionate, honest and authentic human being … and the god only know we need a ton and half more of those.Go for it, Rupal! When’s the next book coming out?

To start : Rupal left the CIA after helping the Director transition (she didn’t- as an analyst she’d never have gotten anywhere near the Director)The special forces all admired her handshake, muscles and gave her the call sign Arsenal (clearly none of that happened)Then onto the business advice- she gets up at 4am after 7 hours sleep, in the next chapter she gets up at 5am after 9 hours sleep- which one is it?She’s redefined Mondays by not working, then in the next chapter she says she works Mondays.Have some stress at work? Rupal advises you to delegate anything you don’t like and hire an executive and also a virtual assistant.This book isn’t going to charity it’s going into the recycling bin so at least some good may come of it!

This book is not just for business owners or those in the corporate world, it's for everyone. I'm freelance and work in media and it's packed full of tips and insights to get to know yourself and your working habits better. It helps you shape a career and life that is best for YOU, rather than following conventional paths laid before us. For example, I love the 'cancel Mondays' , 'mission mottos' and 'tactical ignorance' ideas. There's so much great stuff in this book.Rupal's writing is clear and easy to follow, the tone feels like a friend and mentor guiding you along, while crucially keeping you accountable and constantly reflecting on your own ideal lifestyle and goals.Rupal's personal experiences are woven throughout the book and really bring to life what we can all learn from the fascinating and enigmatic world of being a Secret Agent and transferring the most useful skills into real life and work.As a woman of colour in the male-dominated worlds of business, CIA / war zones and MBA programme, Rupal has TONS of super valuable and unique advice and insights - we need more voices like hers in this sphere and she is trailblazing the way!! A must-read book for everyone.

Rupal sets out a helpful example of how to succeed in life by playing to your strengths, taking pride in being different and transfer seemingly “nontransferable” skills into the area of your interest. Her book is packed with useful tools and action steps to find your mission and a way to accomplish it.She is an inspiration to any minorities who see themselves different to others and therefore « not belonging » to their environment. She shows how your « uniqueness » that can make you uncomfortable can be turned upside down and used as a competitive edge.I relate to many things described by the author and will be returning to this book to reset my bearings and find inspiration when I need it.Despite its depth, it’s an easy, enjoyable, and funny read which I hugely recommend.

Just wow! A hands on book on some powerful leadership toolkit for those of us leading small teams and startups. Rupal shares her some insights in easy to read and apply manner. Love the style of setting up the context. My latest find in book gifts for friends and colleagues.

It’s Not Orginal Print !! But I paid for orginal price ,observed lot dirty pages inside ..