About the Book
People take great pride in flaunting their punishing work routines. The Seductive Illusion of Hard Work establishes that hard work is necessary but insufficient for success. In fact, misdirected hard work is way worse than no work at all. This book includes various real-life examples from the corporate world that has constantly exaggerated the role of hard work and underplayed the critical role of choices and mentorship in creating conditions for success. The young workforce is experiencing burnout and it is suspected that the romantic proclamations and obsession about hard work has lots to do with it. This book discusses all these issues and finally offers a solution-oriented approach to the myth about succeeding in work life.
About the Author :
Utkarsh Amitabh is the founder of Network Capital (network capital.tv), one of the world's largest career intelligence communities, Chevening Fellow at Oxford University and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, who represented the community at the Annual Meeting in Davos. Set up with the core belief that everyone has something to learn and something to share, Network Capital has organically grown to become a global tribe of 100,000+ mentors from 104 countries, and content created by the community has been published by Harvard Business School, Harvard Business Review, Mint and The Economic Times.
Being passionate about public-private partnerships, Utkarsh shaped Network Capital's partnership with Government of India's Atal Innovation Mission to build India's largest mentoring program.
Utkarsh graduated with an MBA from INSEAD Business School where he was recognized as the Andy Burgess Scholar for Social Entrepreneurship. He is a Chevening Fellow at Oxford University and the torchbearer of Ashoka University's Young India Fellowship.
His work experience includes working with Microsoft, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Teach for India. He is passionate about using technology to match talent and opportunities, and was part of the team from Microsoft that helped build India's first smart village, which is now recognized in the Prime Minister's book of pioneering innovations.
Utkarsh has a weekly column focused on future of work with Mint, one of India's largest business newspapers with an online reach of 33 million readers. His articles have been published by the World Economic Forum, Indian Express, The Economic Times, The Times of India and Scroll.
He has been selected among the 20 most distinguished Indian professionals by international media outlet, Quartz. The 'Quartz Pros' list includes Padma Vibhushan winners like Kris Gopalakrishnan, and Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of the USD 21 billion conglomerate, Mahindra Group.
Last year Utkarsh was awarded two fellowships for distinguished achievement: Raisina Young Fellowship by Observer Research Foundation and the INK Fellowship for being among the top 20 young achievers around the world who are both making a difference at work and in society.
Utkarsh has delivered speeches and participated in panel discussions on the need to democratize career intelligence and inspiration at Davos, Harvard, INSEAD, University of Michigan, IIT, IIM, etc. He regularly appears on television shows to share his views about how technology is changing career principles. His networkcapital.tv podcast has been downloaded more than 100,000 times.
Review :
"The author busts several common workplace myths... (He) is unafraid of technical jargon, and ably explains it and makes it accessible for us... The book is structured into bite-sized chapters that will fit the smallest of attention spans."--MoneyControl, 19 September 2020
As the creator of the term FOMO, I loved how Utkarsh explored its nuances and offered tangible principles for shaping meaningful careers. The case studies in The Seductive Illusion of Hard Work are powerful--from the cognitive biases of the creator of Sherlock Holmes to the quirks of Paul Erdos, the legendary mathematician and networker. Given its cross-cultural and multi-generational appeal, I recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the future of work.--Patrick McGinnisis, "Creator of the term FOMO and leading Venture Capitalist"
Community, collaboration and courage are timeless. In the new world we live, these three defining themes will determine how we relook at work and life itself. Utkarsh has captured beautifully how these will work together and their interplay. An important book. An essential read.--Farzana Haque, "Patron, The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and The Juilliard School; Global Head for Strategic Group Accounts, TCS"
This book hits so many sweet spots: It is broad (containing examples from science, arts, sports and, of course, business) but deep; it is academic yet actionable; it offers complex ideas but in bite-sized, readable, simple prose. One reason for this is Utkarsh Amitabh's career achievements, which span mainstream career success, entrepreneurial achievement and academic knowledge. The book contains none of the self-promotional clichés typical of business successes--he speaks as a trusted advisor who has the authority, experience and compassion to be the voice of his generation.--Tanya Menon, "Organizational Psychologist and TED Speaker"
This book is a fascinating collection of mental models and career principles for discovering one's purpose. Utkarsh is a powerful storyteller whose narratives cause us to rethink how to work effectively.--Tarun Khanna, "Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor, Harvard Business School"
This is the book every millennial needs to read! Utkarsh's engaging storytelling provides a roadmap for what it means to 'find your passion' and other misconceptions of the business world. Insightful and practical--you won't be able to put it down!--Marshall Goldsmith, "New York Times #1 bestselling author of Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There"
Utkarsh has a very interesting and sometimes counterintuitive take on the paths to success in life. This book is a very practical guide with tips that will make you rethink many things that you assumed or took for granted, especially your definition of success.--Sri Rajan, "Partner in Bain & Company, San Francisco, US"
Utkarsh's book is an uniquely interesting take on career intelligence and the future of work. It is sprinkled with original insights and relatable stories that will resonate not only with millennials but also with senior executives and founders.--Pramath Raj Sinha, "Founder of Ashoka University, Harappa Education"
