Deepak Gupta Shares Insights From Success Is a Choice

PHOTO: Deepak Gupta, the celebrated author and global leader, discusses the transformative principles behind his book Success Is a Choice.
Unlocking Potential Through Leadership, Communication, And Intentional Action
Deepak Gupta, seasoned leader and author, discusses his journey, his transformative book Success Is a Choice, and practical approaches to unlocking potential, overcoming barriers, and thriving in personal and professional spaces.
Deepak Gupta, renowned author and global leader, has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to surpass their perceived limitations and achieve their fullest potential. With over three decades of leadership tenure at Procter & Gamble across multiple countries, Gupta merges his professional excellence with his deep insights into human behavior, resulting in his transformative book Success is a Choice. This guide is not just a handbook for success but a robust framework designed to inspire, elevate, and enable aspiring leaders and individuals from all walks of life.
Gupta believes that success is built upon purpose, intentionality, and self-awareness. In Success is a Choice, he skillfully unpacks the invisible barriers many individuals face—ranging from underdeveloped communication skills to self-imposed doubts—offering actionable insights to overcome them. Combining corporate strategies with spiritual and sociological principles, Gupta emphasizes that success is not a destination but a constant journey requiring empathy, inclusion, and continuous growth.
Deepak Gupta empowers individuals with wisdom, empathy, and decades of leadership experience, providing actionable tools to succeed and thrive globally.
Transitioning from Corporate Leadership to Authorship
When asked about his journey from corporate executive to author, Gupta highlights the deliberate choices he made to devote time to shaping lives beyond the boardroom. “I set a target to leave corporate life before 55 to start a phase of giving back. Writing Success is a Choice gave me an opportunity to distill my professional learnings into a meaningful guide to help others,” he explained.
Gupta was compelled by the challenges he observed among talented professionals who struggled with unexplainable barriers that hindered their growth. His book demystifies these barriers, empowering individuals to achieve breakthroughs both in their professional and personal lives. “This was my way of giving back to society,” Gupta noted, as he reflected on his purpose in crafting the book.
Leadership Lessons and the Power of Communication
From his time at Procter & Gamble, Gupta derived two significant lessons on success: one, that success requires intentional, ongoing effort, and two, that leadership thrives on empathy and collaboration. These principles lie at the heart of his success philosophy.
When it comes to the most vital yet underdeveloped skill in today’s workforce, Gupta does not hesitate: communication. “Effective communication is often misunderstood as simply talking. Real communication intertwines thought and emotion to create clarity and purpose,” he explained, quoting his book:
“THOUGHT is the mind, and FEEL is the heart of effective communication; both are essential to enhance its efficacy and impact.”
He stresses the importance of pausing to think before communicating, to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. This focus on reflection and intentional dialogue makes his work resonate with professionals navigating the complexities of modern workplaces and relationships.
A Global Perspective on Leadership
Raised in the culturally rich environment of India and exposed to diverse global landscapes while working for a multinational corporation, Gupta developed a deep appreciation for how cultural differences shape leadership styles. Yet, he found that the core principles of success—empathy, inclusion, focus, and intentionality—transcend cultural boundaries. His global experiences informed the practical universality of the frameworks in Success is a Choice, ensuring its relevance for readers anywhere in the world.
Breaking Through Mental Barriers
One of the most common obstacles Gupta identified among professionals is the undue emphasis placed on others’ opinions. This mindset, according to Gupta, derails both potential and performance:
“We are too conscious about what others may think and say… this compromises our potential and performance.”
By encouraging people to focus their energy on what truly matters—actions rather than external validation—Gupta provides a liberating approach to navigating professional environments.
Spirituality as the Foundation of Growth
Spirituality deeply informs Gupta’s outlook on success. The principle of focusing on actions while detaching from the outcome lies at the heart of his philosophy. “Our actions are in our control; the results are not. Worrying about results generates unnecessary anxiety, which undermines the very actions needed to achieve success,” he says. This wisdom aligns with his overarching message: success stems from a harmonious balance of intentional actions, inner peace, and self-awareness.
Advice for Aspiring Self-Help Authors
Gupta encourages those who aspire to write self-help books to be fearless in sharing their personal and professional experiences. “Even simple experiences can hold immense value for young professionals seeking guidance,” he remarked. He believes that lived experiences provide a roadmap for those starting their journeys, helping them avoid pitfalls and uncover opportunities.
Reflecting on the impact of his book, Gupta shares a recurring sentiment he’s received from readers: *“I wish *Success is a Choice* was available when I started my career.”*
Deepak Gupta’s ability to illuminate practical life lessons with compassion and wisdom makes his work a uniquely transformative resource. By turning decades of leadership insights into timeless advice, Gupta continues to unlock potential and inspire greatness in those who dare to embark on the journey to success.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine.