Welcome to the Deploy Yourself Newsletter, where I gently provoke you to show you your own power. This newsletter is an invitation to your leadership. You can also read this issue online.

Hey,

Are you Leading “From Love” or “For Love”?

In our fast-paced world, where leadership is often associated with authority and ambition, it’s time to explore a different approach—one that stems from genuine care and compassion.

Have you ever stopped to reflect on your leadership style?

Are you leading “from love” or “for love”?

This can make all the difference in the impact we have on others and ourselves.

Leading “for love” often involves seeking external validation, climbing the ladder of success, or pursuing recognition – both consciously and subconsciously.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with these aspirations, leading for love or approval from others produces very different results as compared to leading from love.

On the other hand, leading “from love” means love is the place your actions and behaviour come from – irrespective of the situation.

When we lead from love, we prioritize building meaningful connections, fostering trust, and inspiring those around us.

Now, here’s the challenge: How can we shift our leadership approach from “for love” to “from love”?

It starts with self-reflection and becoming aware of when we fall back into leading “for love”. And we all do that – as it is human to want approval and recognition that we often fall into the trap of basing our actions on others’ approval.

Ask yourself, “Am I leading with the intention to serve my company and team’s vision?” If the answer is yes, that’s a fantastic starting point!

But if you discover any hidden expectations or attachments, it’s time to recalibrate.

Leading “from love” requires us to embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and the willingness to put others before ourselves.

And that takes courage. Especially when there is money, promotions, or bonuses at stake.

Over time, this approach builds stronger teams, encourages collaboration, and nurtures a sense of belonging that enhances productivity and innovation. You need to have the courage to take some short-term losses or long-term gains.

Throughout our journey, let’s remember that leading “from love” is a continuous practice. It is NOT a concept to understand. It is a PRACTICE to live each moment, as, in every moment, you are either leading from love or for love.

It’s not about being perfect but about showing up with compassion and empathy, even when faced with challenges.

It’s also about recognizing that our leadership impact goes beyond professional settings—it extends to our personal lives, communities, and the world at large.

This can be very hard to do, yet it is so desperately what our workplace and colleagues needs.

Keep leading from love and hit reply to share your biggest insights from the above.

I read and respond to every reply.

Fascinating Articles & Stories

One

I have been interviewing VCs and Investors

I have been busy interviewing and learning from VCs and investors in the last few weeks. After interviewing more than 120+ entrepreneurs, I wanted to understand from the other side, for the perspective of the investor.

This is what I have been learning from these amazing VCs and investors:

1. I learned from Anil Joshi that “Your IQ may be very strong but your EQ is a very integral part of your leadership”. Anil Joshi is the Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures. Previously, he was heading operations at Mumbai Angels and Bangalore Angels, leading Angel Investment forums in India as President.
   
2. I learned from Bryony Cooper about her unconventional journey, rooted in a creative background as a professional singer and writer, which sets her apart in the world of venture capitalists. For individuals struggling with confidence, Bryony encourages deliberate practice and stepping outside comfort zones. Understanding one’s worth, believing in oneself, and exuding confidence while remaining humble are crucial factors she advises. Bryony is a startup enthusiast and serial founder-turned-investor. She has led a few tech startups, a venture builder, an accelerator program, and is now a Managing Partner at Arkley Brinc VC. 
   
3. I learned from Rajiv Vaishnav how to lead and manage by storytelling. Rajiv Vaishnav is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Cornerstone Venture Partners Fund. He is the Honorary Executive Chairman of Start-ups council of India, and was an integral part of NASSCOM’s senior management team for 13+ years. His management style is rooted in storytelling, using anecdotes and experiences to inspire and guide others. He believes in the power of faith, confidence, and trusting mentors to navigate the unpredictable path of success. 
   
4. I learned from Paulina Jänsch that if you have a bias, you are not a bad person. It is human to have bias. Paulina Jansch is the Founding Partner at Leanox Impact Capital and one of the TOP 100 most influential women in the European VC and startup space. She emphasizes the importance of education, dialogue, and unlearning biases to achieve equality.
   
5. I learned from Francisco Badia that there is a need for meaning in every person. Francisco Badia is the Managing Partner at Grow Venture Partners and the author of “Meaningful Entrepreneurship”. As you delve deeper, discover the pivotal role of purpose in startup success and failure. Explore the power of listening, bringing people together, and embracing resilience on the entrepreneurial journey. Uncover the unexpected link between meditation, gratitude, and building meaningful companies. 
   

Two

5 Fundamental Claims at the Deploy Yourself School of Leadership

In my work with CEOs and executive teams at the Deploy Yourself School of Leadership, we uncover, talk about, and go deep into certain fundamental claims behind all human behaviour, leadership, and team performance. The current list has 20 such fundamental claims. Below are 5 for you.

These are deliberately simple, and thought-provoking, and can invite resistance and challenge.

At the same time, they are deep, not concepts to understand but practices to do, and often not easy.

Find the 5 Fundamental Claims (out of 20) below:

1. The quality of our questions determines the quality of our lives and the results we have.
2. We always get what we are committed to.
3. Emotions are a choice. Others can’t make you feel anything without your permission.
4. All results come from prior conversations. If you want new results, look for new conversations to have or stop.
5. We can not motivate or change anyone else. We can only change ourselves and create the space for others to change.

If they are not making sense, that is exactly the way it should be.

And if you get any insights or questions after reflecting on these, shoot back a reply.

Three

Curated resources for your leadership

Here are my best finds from all over the internet for your leadership. Make yourself tea/coffee as you read, listen and learn.

Pro-tip – Listen and read the below about YOU – not about the author. (reply back and ask if you do not understand what that means)

• Becoming Flawesome – Book Review and Summary
• Thinking How We Think – by Adam Grant
• The True and the False Self
• Andrew Huberman – What to do When You’re Stressed Out

That’s it for now. If you have any questions or feedback, or if you are new and want to introduce yourself, hit reply. I read and respond to every reply. All the best,

Sumit

P.S. – I am looking to interview more inspirational leaders on my podcast. If you know anyone I should interview, make an introduction.

(Twitter) @SumitGupta
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