Often, when people set out on their career journey, their focus remains firmly outward. Success is measured by promotions, pay raises, and the steps they have climbed on the corporate ladder. Comparisons with peers and benchmarks of external achievement dominate the narrative.

However, this relentless drive leaves little room for self-reflection or an understanding of the deeper purpose behind these pursuits. For many professionals, it is only in mid-life — or sometimes even later — that they pause to reflect on their journey, grappling with profound questions about their life, career, and identity.

Deepak Jayaraman, the author of Play to Potential: Lead a Full Life, Become the Best You, brings a wealth of experience to these questions. An alumnus of IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad, and London Business School, Jayaraman has built an impressive career with stints at KPMG, McKinsey, and Egon Zehnder, a global executive search firm.

Yet in 2016, he made a conscious decision to step off the corporate treadmill. This was not an escape but rather a reorientation toward his “genetic USP”: helping others unlock their full potential.

Since then, Deepak has worked as a certified CEO coach, offering guidance to corporate leaders in aligning their professional aspirations with their inner values.

His efforts go beyond traditional executive coaching. Through his “Play to Potential” podcast, launched in December 2016, he has delved into meaningful conversations with business leaders, management thinkers, Olympians, and artists.

The podcast revolves around two essential questions: “Where to go?” and “How to grow?” These explorations have shaped the foundation of his book.

The Premise of Play to Potential

The book focuses primarily on mid-life, a stage when the demands of a professional career often reach their peak. For many individuals at this juncture, goals tend to blur.

Success, which once seemed so clearly defined, now feels less satisfying. It is here that Deepak suggests the need for constant introspection and internalisation to craft a personal “playbook” — a unique framework that aligns with one’s character and disposition.

What sets this book apart is its tone. Unlike prescriptive self-help manuals, Play to Potential presents a reflective narrative. Deepak shares real-life experiences and insights, inviting readers to draw their conclusions rather than offering rigid solutions.

The Structure and Key Themes

The book is divided into nine chapters, but it is from Chapter 6 onward that a central theme emerges: the alignment of personal and professional lives.

Deepak explores this alignment not as a simple work-life balance issue but as a deeper, more holistic integration of one’s values and aspirations. Through anecdotes and case studies, he demonstrates how individuals have managed to harmonise these aspects, making their lives not just productive but fulfilling.

One of the book’s standout features is its clean and pragmatic framework for self-actualization. Deepak introduces the acronym FLAVOUR, representing six dimensions of a meaningful life: Family context; What you Love; Aspirations; Being of Value by seeking Opportunities; Investing in yourself and Building healthy Relationships

Jayaraman unpacks each dimension with relatable examples. For instance, in discussing “making space for what you love,” he shares his own journey: “While there are many technical explanations to the word ‘play,’ I would suggest a simple filter: Does the activity replenish you, energise you, or stimulate you? Or does it drain you, deflate you, or dull you? … When I moved from Egon Zehnder to what I do now as a podcaster, I felt I had moved to what I truly love and find energising. To that extent, work feels like play.”

This personal anecdote exemplifies the book’s core message: success is not about climbing ladders but about finding joy and meaning in one’s pursuits.

Stories That Inspire

The book brims with stories of individuals who have discovered their unique FLAVOUR. Among these is the inspiring journey of Smita Deorah and Sumeet Mehta, co-founders of the edtech company LEAD.

After successful corporate careers with Procter & Gamble, the couple pivoted to education, driven by their passion for transforming learning in rural India. Their company has since become a pioneering force in the edtech space, valued at over $1 billion. Deepak highlights how Mehta’s calling to “reimagine education” reflects his alignment with his FLAVOUR.

Such examples add richness to the book, making it relatable to readers across various professional domains. The language is simple yet profound, ensuring accessibility without diluting depth. It offers more than strategies for career success — it provides a framework for leading a balanced, meaningful life. It challenges readers to reflect, recalibrate, and rediscover their essence. This is not a book you read once and set aside; it is a companion for continuous growth and self-discovery.

Pre-reviewed by the likes of Harsh Mariwala and Harish Bhat, the book comes highly recommended. Brand Samrat Harish Bhat aptly describes it as “a compelling read for every person who wishes to walk through life thoughtfully.” 

Find the book here.

(The reviewer is a keen observer of polity and the economy)