In a world transformed by AI, shaped by post-pandemic realities, and driven by shifting generational values, leadership stands at a critical crossroads. Dr. Saquib Najmus, former CEO of an engineering firm and visionary founder of a nonprofit, presents DEEP PACT-a groundbreaking framework that redefines leadership for the modern era.
This revolutionary model, rooted in eight timeless principles of whole-person leadership, integrates purpose, meaning, happiness, and ethics. DEEP PACT offers a practical, values-driven approach that places people at the center of leadership-empowering leaders to inspire, foster well-being, and achieve sustainable success in today's complex, AI-enhanced world.
As workplaces grapple with burnout, disengagement, and rising demands for meaningful work, this book calls leaders to action: create environments where people thrive, realize their potential, and find purpose and happiness in their work. Moving beyond outdated paradigms, DEEP PACT introduces a people-first model that delivers results while enriching the lives of those being led.
Through vivid storytelling and insights from history, philosophy, psychology, and cutting-edge research, Dr. Najmus guides readers in addressing modern leadership challenges. From navigating burnout and generational shifts to adapting to post-pandemic complexities and remote management, this book equips leaders with tools to build cultures grounded in empathy, trust, and integrity. It is the most comprehensive and deeply researched whole-person leadership manual available today. It operationalizes theory through a step-by-step process-turning research into impact and reflection into leadership that truly matters.
More than a guide to leadership success, DEEP PACT inspires a profound mindset shift. It challenges readers to break through psychological barriers that limit change, transform their character, and bring happiness and fulfillment into every sphere of life-work, personal, and community. You will return to this book again and again as your leadership deepens, your context evolves, and your calling becomes clear. Whether you are a new leader or a seasoned executive, this book is a call to lead with purpose, inspire change, and create lasting impact.
MOST CHANGE EFFORTS FAIL BECAUSE THEY:
- Focus only on performance, not the person.
- Offer inspiration but no structure.
- Address behaviors, not beliefs.
- Ignore emotional, interpersonal, and cultural blind spots.
DEEP PACT is different. It develops the whole person, pairs inspiration with a practical operating system, and dispels mistaken beliefs- reshaping mindsets and driving behaviors that build a happy, high-performing workplace. That's how change sticks.
About the Author :
Dr. Saquib Najmus, a distinguished leader and visionary, earned his PhD in civil engineering from the University of California at Davis. Renowned for his pioneering contributions to the field of water modeling, he received the prestigious Hugo B. Fischer Award from the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum. This honor recognizes his exceptional leadership and lasting impact in shaping California's water modeling landscape.Dr. Najmus founded WRIME Inc., an engineering consulting firm that he led as president and CEO. Under his leadership, WRIME rose to become the leading groundwater firm in California, culminating in two successive mergers into larger corporations. Currently, he serves as vice president of Woodard & Curran Inc., a nationwide engineering firm, where he continues to drive innovation and inspire excellence.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Najmus has dedicated two decades to community service as the founder and leader of a nonprofit organization established in 2004. Through his dual roles in professional and community settings, he has provided leadership and project management training for over 20 years, inspiring individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.Dr. Najmus's thought leadership extends to invited speeches delivered to corporations, professional associations, client organizations, and universities. A trailblazer in both his professional and philanthropic endeavors, he embodies the values of purpose-driven whole-person leadership, fostering transformative impact across industries and communities.
Review :
"DEEP PACT offers a powerful approach to leadership at the intersection of purpose, happiness, and performance. I recommend it to leaders at all levels."
-LISA EARLE MCLEOD, best-selling author of Selling with Noble Purpose and Leading with Noble Purpose"As we stand at the crossroads of a new era, this book serves as a rallying cry for leaders everywhere. It challenges us to rethink our approach to leadership, to break free from outdated models, and to create workplaces where people can realize their potential and find happiness in their work."
-ALYSON WATSON, CEO and Chair, Board of Directors, Woodard & Curran, Inc. (from Foreword)"An insightful guide to whole-person leadership, Saquib presents eight thought-provoking, transformative principles for leaders to embrace as they navigate the complexity of leading individuals and teams to their highest potential. Combining his own experiences, modern business theories, and timeless philosophical quotes, this book offers a roadmap for personal and professional excellence. Embracing these principles drives sustainable business success. A great read for anyone aiming to lead with purpose and achieve remarkable results."-DAVID SWEENEYPresident and CEO, RS&H"The book is rich with insights from other learnings, and Saquib seamlessly blends them together with wonderful stories to provide a powerful leadership manual around his eight DEEP PACT principles. At a time when leadership needs to drive more than just shareholder returns, this book provides a provocative challenge for leaders. This 'manual' will help those leaders to find their voice and live out their leadership calling for sustained success and lifelong happiness."-DOUG MCKEOWNFormer president and CEO, Woodard & Curran, Inc."The California water community would benefit from practicing DEEP PACT leadership, founded on time-tested principles and cutting-edge research. Integrating people, process, and technology is the power and secret sauce of DEEP PACT leadership, which is about leading-and living-collaboratively with character, compassion, humility, and commitment for happiness, success, and well-being at work, personally, and in the community."-KAMYAR GUIVETCHIFormer division chief, California Department of Water Resources"I worked with Saquib for many years and was continuously impressed with his management and leadership skills. Because of his successful leadership approach, individuals jockeyed to be on his teams and clients constantly sought his commitment to their projects. I highly recommend DEEP PACT for anyone looking to improve their management and leadership skills."-LYNDEL MELTONFounder, RMC Water and Environment"There is no time like the present to unlearn old bad habits and start learning new, better ones brought to life in DEEP PACT!"-MATT TONKINPresident, S. S. Papadopulos & Associates
