Gautam Mukunda profiles a mix of historic and modern figures from Thomas Jefferson to Winston Churchill, telling the stories of how they came to power and how they made the most important decisions of their lives.
By identifying and analyzing the hidden patterns of their careers, and by exploring the systems that place these leaders in positions of power, Mukunda reveals how, when, and where a single individual in the right place at the right time can save or destroy the organization they lead—and even change the course of history.
The importance of leadership and the impact of individual leaders has long been the subject of debate. Are they made by history, or do they make it?
Press & Praise for Indispensable
“Indispensable is indispensable, an eye-opening analysis of how we should evaluate leaders in our politics and our organizations, and a set of gripping narratives about some of the most fascinating people who have ever lived.”
—Steven Pinker, Harvard College Professor of Psychology, Harvard University; author, The Better Angels of Our Nature and How the Mind Works
“Indispensable provides a masterly, absorbing, and exceptionally original approach to the age-old study of leadership.”
― Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and presidential historian
“Indispensable provides fascinating insights into how leaders are shaped by their unique personal and professional journeys and by the context of their times. Whether they were focused on saving countries, saving companies, or saving lives, the individuals profiled here are memorably illuminated through Mukunda’s sharp and engaging analysis.”
— Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman, President, and CEO, Merck & Co
“Why do some leaders change the course of human events, while others find themselves not quite up to the task when history knocks? In a study that applies to business as well as to civil society and politics, Mukunda explores the filtration’ systems through which we choose our leaders, providing fresh and fascinating insights.”
— David Gergen, CNN senior political analyst