The Irresistible Manager (Hardcover)

The Irresistible Manager - Managing, Leading, and Thriving in a Disrupted World is a timely leadership playbook for managers navigating the complexities of today's ever-evolving workplace. Sparked by bold moves like Bayer's elimination of middle management, the book asks: What makes a manager truly indispensable? Drawing on over two decades of corporate experience, Bhushan Kulkarni reimagines the manager's role-not as a controller of tasks, but as a catalyst for trust, empathy, and transformation.

Structured as an 18-chapter journey, the book blends behavioral science, real-world Indian corporate examples, and global research to help managers evolve from stressed performers to purposeful leaders. From the existential question of "Why do I want to be a manager?" to building future-ready capabilities in a VUCA and AI-powered world, each chapter offers practical frameworks, stories, and strategies.

Readers explore how to balance efficiency with impact, hire and onboard with intention, develop high-performing teams, and foster culture through everyday actions. Bhushan elevates often-overlooked skills like coaching, facilitation, business acumen, and agility, showing how they shape irresistible managers who don't just survive disruption-but lead through it.

Whether you're an emerging manager, a seasoned leader, or someone rethinking your leadership identity, this book invites you to reflect, rewire, and rise. The Irresistible Manager isn't just about managing better-it's about becoming the kind of leader the future won't want to live without.