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The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar: A Novel About Personal Transformation In Business Leaders
A CEO’s Tale of Midlife Rejuvenation.Embark on a transformative journey blending personal discovery with leadership excellence, leading to an unexpected renewal. At the intersection of fiction and business insights, this narrative offers senior executives a compelling way to explore midlife growth and renewal, infused with deep emotional undercurrents and the quest for meaning.
Written by a former tech CEO turned C-suite executive coach, who serves as a senior advisor at McKinsey and an external facilitator at Deloitte University.
"Serendipity, according to the author, is ‘the heart’s way of finding what the mind doesn’t know it wants.’ This interweaving of heart and mind is a recurring element of Haddad’s powerful work, which compellingly fuses elements of a novel, a spiritual guide, and a leadership manual." — Kirkus Reviews
"Fans of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma will be delighted." — The Book Commentary
"A uniquely eye-opening professional guide." — SPR
Discover a journey marked by personal loss, a transformative manuscript by a mysterious author, and the pursuit of mindful, authentic leadership. This path, rich with the echoes of trials and triumphs familiar to seasoned executives, weaves a tale of profound change and the quest for a legacy beyond the boardroom.
Esteemed by readers and critics alike, this book is an indispensable guide for any leader seeking to leverage midlife's unique opportunities for invigorated leadership and a renewed zest for life.
Written by a former tech CEO turned C-suite executive coach, who serves as a senior advisor at McKinsey and an external facilitator at Deloitte University.
"Serendipity, according to the author, is ‘the heart’s way of finding what the mind doesn’t know it wants.’ This interweaving of heart and mind is a recurring element of Haddad’s powerful work, which compellingly fuses elements of a novel, a spiritual guide, and a leadership manual." — Kirkus Reviews
"Fans of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma will be delighted." — The Book Commentary
"A uniquely eye-opening professional guide." — SPR
Discover a journey marked by personal loss, a transformative manuscript by a mysterious author, and the pursuit of mindful, authentic leadership. This path, rich with the echoes of trials and triumphs familiar to seasoned executives, weaves a tale of profound change and the quest for a legacy beyond the boardroom.
Esteemed by readers and critics alike, this book is an indispensable guide for any leader seeking to leverage midlife's unique opportunities for invigorated leadership and a renewed zest for life.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2022
7 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 11, 2022
Brilliant book
This book has so many great ideas, it’s difficult to know where to start. Aneace Haddad has brilliantly written a novel about personal transformation. Even though the book is focused on business leaders, anyone could use these principles for personal development. There are basically five steps to personal and organizational transformation. Beginning with having a deep desire to change. I love the idea that hummingbirds represent laughter and joy. Everyone has hummingbirds in their lives, the people who want to give without asking anything in return. I also loved the idea of changing the concept of “or“ to “and.“ This is a true game changer!
This book has so many great ideas, it’s difficult to know where to start. Aneace Haddad has brilliantly written a novel about personal transformation. Even though the book is focused on business leaders, anyone could use these principles for personal development. There are basically five steps to personal and organizational transformation. Beginning with having a deep desire to change. I love the idea that hummingbirds represent laughter and joy. Everyone has hummingbirds in their lives, the people who want to give without asking anything in return. I also loved the idea of changing the concept of “or“ to “and.“ This is a true game changer!
August 27, 2023
"The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar" by Aneace Haddad is a thought-provoking book that provides a summary of five simple concepts for joyful wisdom. The book is an easy read and presents these ideas through the self-discovery process of the main character, a former tech CEO's journey to become a life coach.
The five concepts presented in the book are:
1. Choosing to enter the path of transformation
2. Learning to see the paradox of our beliefs and noticing our mind's attempts to avoid new information that contradicts our beliefs
3. Letting go of old labels and not letting our ego get in the way of transformation
4. Relinquishing the lust for control and empowering others
5. Embracing the joy of being a lifelong beginner and letting go of expertise and authority.
While these concepts may not be new, the anecdotes presented in the book make a lasting impression. For example, in Step 2 - Learning to see the paradox of our beliefs , the author uses the example of elephants in Thailand tied to thin ropes, trained from birth to believe that they cannot break free, to illustrate the paradox of our beliefs. Similarly, in the discussion of work-life balance, the author notes that modern society often associates busyness and working overtime with importance, which runs contrary to what most people actually want.
On Step 4 - relinquishing the lust for control and empowering others, the author tells a story about the main character's behavior during a high element course. The main character's desire to lead and help his partner led him to deprive her of the opportunity to learn and overcome her fear. This highlights the danger of satisfying our need to be needed in the name of helping others.
The author also discusses the importance of letting go of expectations, both of others and ourselves, to build trust. Building trust is crucial for any relationship, whether it is personal or professional. The book highlights the fact that we trust people who act in the ways we expect, and distrust them if they fail our expectations. So much of what we call trust is actually control. When trust in someone is low, the desire to control them goes up. When we're too controlling, people often believe we don't trust them, and in a way, they're right. The book raises the question of how we can trust someone without being controlling, and this is an idea that is worth exploring.
Lastly, embracing the joy of being a lifelong beginner keeps one grounded and reminds us that we do not know everything. The book highlights the importance of staying curious and open to learning, even when we have achieved some level of expertise.
In addition to these concepts, the book also provides several thought-provoking quotes. One such quote is "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." This quote reminds us that while we cannot avoid pain in life, we can choose how we react to it. Another quote is "Celebrating the breaks and imperfections with gold can turn them into signs of age, resilience, and wisdom." This quote highlights the importance of embracing our imperfections and seeing them as opportunities for growth.
Overall, "The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar" is a book that provides valuable insights into how we can transform our lives and become more joyful and wise. The book is well-written and easy to read, making it accessible to anyone who is interested in personal growth and transformation.
The five concepts presented in the book are:
1. Choosing to enter the path of transformation
2. Learning to see the paradox of our beliefs and noticing our mind's attempts to avoid new information that contradicts our beliefs
3. Letting go of old labels and not letting our ego get in the way of transformation
4. Relinquishing the lust for control and empowering others
5. Embracing the joy of being a lifelong beginner and letting go of expertise and authority.
While these concepts may not be new, the anecdotes presented in the book make a lasting impression. For example, in Step 2 - Learning to see the paradox of our beliefs , the author uses the example of elephants in Thailand tied to thin ropes, trained from birth to believe that they cannot break free, to illustrate the paradox of our beliefs. Similarly, in the discussion of work-life balance, the author notes that modern society often associates busyness and working overtime with importance, which runs contrary to what most people actually want.
On Step 4 - relinquishing the lust for control and empowering others, the author tells a story about the main character's behavior during a high element course. The main character's desire to lead and help his partner led him to deprive her of the opportunity to learn and overcome her fear. This highlights the danger of satisfying our need to be needed in the name of helping others.
The author also discusses the importance of letting go of expectations, both of others and ourselves, to build trust. Building trust is crucial for any relationship, whether it is personal or professional. The book highlights the fact that we trust people who act in the ways we expect, and distrust them if they fail our expectations. So much of what we call trust is actually control. When trust in someone is low, the desire to control them goes up. When we're too controlling, people often believe we don't trust them, and in a way, they're right. The book raises the question of how we can trust someone without being controlling, and this is an idea that is worth exploring.
Lastly, embracing the joy of being a lifelong beginner keeps one grounded and reminds us that we do not know everything. The book highlights the importance of staying curious and open to learning, even when we have achieved some level of expertise.
In addition to these concepts, the book also provides several thought-provoking quotes. One such quote is "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." This quote reminds us that while we cannot avoid pain in life, we can choose how we react to it. Another quote is "Celebrating the breaks and imperfections with gold can turn them into signs of age, resilience, and wisdom." This quote highlights the importance of embracing our imperfections and seeing them as opportunities for growth.
Overall, "The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar" is a book that provides valuable insights into how we can transform our lives and become more joyful and wise. The book is well-written and easy to read, making it accessible to anyone who is interested in personal growth and transformation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
Powerful book about a former tech CEO’s transformative growth beyond his life as a CEO. It’s written as a novel where the CEO discovered a manuscript in which there were five steps to self transformation. Together with his experience, he used what he learnt to coach younger business leaders, especially those experiencing midlife crisis.
The first step is to recognise our impermanence. One way to redirect one’s path is to ask the question ‘Who will you be at a hundred?’. It will shine light on the relative insignificance of many things we strive for today.
Second step is to get rid of the self limiting thoughts that are holding us down. We are anchored by our own perceived roles and beliefs and are unwilling to let go of them. Because letting go can mean losing a lot or even pain. One quote I like is - Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. It’s how we perceive the losses and pains that validate them, but we can also diminish them in our minds.
Step three is about letting go of our old identities. We all put on masks as we take on new roles in our lives, as a child, student, spouse, parent, worker and leader. But more often than not, once we put on these masks, we don’t put them down. Over the long run, they tire us and we don’t even know who we are anymore. By unlabeling ourselves, we let ourselves go and become our authentic selves, and form the truest relationships with people around us.
Fourth step is to relinquish our lust for control. We all have goals and dreams. We want them to be achieved as quickly as possible. Reality is that there are more things outside our control than there are within our control. We have to accept that. We have to relinquish our need for control, and also our tightly held expectations of how things should be done or should turn out to be. We need to learn to let go. From letting go, that’s when trust begins. Trust that someone else will have our back, trust that things will turn out to be okay. Trust that we can manage whatever the consequence that comes along.
The last step is to embrace the joy of a lifelong beginner. Embrace the child like curiosity about things and people. Once we let go of our old selves and our ego, we can enjoy the thrill of learning and see the world in a different light. We can then attain the joyful wisdom and inner peace.
Very deep message wrapped around a short personal story. Good read.
The first step is to recognise our impermanence. One way to redirect one’s path is to ask the question ‘Who will you be at a hundred?’. It will shine light on the relative insignificance of many things we strive for today.
Second step is to get rid of the self limiting thoughts that are holding us down. We are anchored by our own perceived roles and beliefs and are unwilling to let go of them. Because letting go can mean losing a lot or even pain. One quote I like is - Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. It’s how we perceive the losses and pains that validate them, but we can also diminish them in our minds.
Step three is about letting go of our old identities. We all put on masks as we take on new roles in our lives, as a child, student, spouse, parent, worker and leader. But more often than not, once we put on these masks, we don’t put them down. Over the long run, they tire us and we don’t even know who we are anymore. By unlabeling ourselves, we let ourselves go and become our authentic selves, and form the truest relationships with people around us.
Fourth step is to relinquish our lust for control. We all have goals and dreams. We want them to be achieved as quickly as possible. Reality is that there are more things outside our control than there are within our control. We have to accept that. We have to relinquish our need for control, and also our tightly held expectations of how things should be done or should turn out to be. We need to learn to let go. From letting go, that’s when trust begins. Trust that someone else will have our back, trust that things will turn out to be okay. Trust that we can manage whatever the consequence that comes along.
The last step is to embrace the joy of a lifelong beginner. Embrace the child like curiosity about things and people. Once we let go of our old selves and our ego, we can enjoy the thrill of learning and see the world in a different light. We can then attain the joyful wisdom and inner peace.
Very deep message wrapped around a short personal story. Good read.
March 29, 2023
Allow Aneace Haddad to take you on a life-changing five-part transformation journey where your wish for change eclipses your existing state of affairs. Let the author help you succeed in dealing with limiting beliefs to appreciate and acknowledge the power of coherence of cognitive biases. Methodically learn to play it safe with nature’s transitory professional identity to create room for new ways to grow. Benefit from designing breakthrough results by renouncing your unbridled desire for control. You will enjoy the author’s step-by-step approach to starting over, again, by relinquishing authority and expertise.
This is a book for those with corporate cultural experience questioning and reevaluating their priorities during midlife. Aidan, a 50-year-old widower, is the book’s storyteller: an empty nester who quit his CEO tech job to become a coach for other business professionals. The text has its foundation in Buddhist doctrines of impermanence, suffering, and no self. You’ll certainly appreciate the uplifting gist of the book’s theme: nothing is more beautiful than observing someone bloom into a new phase of their life.
This is a book for those with corporate cultural experience questioning and reevaluating their priorities during midlife. Aidan, a 50-year-old widower, is the book’s storyteller: an empty nester who quit his CEO tech job to become a coach for other business professionals. The text has its foundation in Buddhist doctrines of impermanence, suffering, and no self. You’ll certainly appreciate the uplifting gist of the book’s theme: nothing is more beautiful than observing someone bloom into a new phase of their life.
April 9, 2023
Upon completing "The Eagle that Drank Hummingbird Nectar," I was left with a profound sense of awe and admiration for the author, Aneace Haddad. The book is an exceptional work of literature that masterfully weaves together themes of transformation, leadership, and social change.
Haddad's writing style is truly remarkable, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and captivating storytelling. The story of the Eagle, in particular, is a powerful metaphor for rising above adversity and finding hope in even the darkest of circumstances.
What I appreciate most about this book, however, is its insightful commentary on the state of the world today. Haddad challenges readers to think deeply about their own role in shaping the world around them, and offers thought-provoking insights on innovation, leadership, and making a difference.
Overall, "The Eagle that Drank Hummingbird Nectar" is a truly exceptional work of literature that deserves high praise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Haddad's writing style is truly remarkable, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and captivating storytelling. The story of the Eagle, in particular, is a powerful metaphor for rising above adversity and finding hope in even the darkest of circumstances.
What I appreciate most about this book, however, is its insightful commentary on the state of the world today. Haddad challenges readers to think deeply about their own role in shaping the world around them, and offers thought-provoking insights on innovation, leadership, and making a difference.
Overall, "The Eagle that Drank Hummingbird Nectar" is a truly exceptional work of literature that deserves high praise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
February 14, 2023
I realized that exploration of labels would at some point lead here. Perhaps this is where the path to wisdom crosses into the spiritual domain of the sage.”
The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar is a must-read book for anyone who is ready to go on a journey of exploration to uncover the treasures within.
Aneace’s writing style promotes growth and transformation for all areas of our lives in a relaxed, engaging, and entertaining manner. I love Part Three — Detaching from the Illusion of Self — as it spoke directly to my heart. It reminded my conditioned body/mind complex to allow that sense of freedom to come alive in my moment-to-moment experiences.
This book is much more than a book, it is a best friend who wants to us to be free, joyful, peaceful, and wise. If you are contemplating “The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar”, it is a sign of existence calling you to experience your highest potential in business and in life.
It was a wonderful experience to have met Aneace Haddad. His wisdom, clarity, and kindness reflected his commitment to inspiring lives!
The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar is a must-read book for anyone who is ready to go on a journey of exploration to uncover the treasures within.
Aneace’s writing style promotes growth and transformation for all areas of our lives in a relaxed, engaging, and entertaining manner. I love Part Three — Detaching from the Illusion of Self — as it spoke directly to my heart. It reminded my conditioned body/mind complex to allow that sense of freedom to come alive in my moment-to-moment experiences.
This book is much more than a book, it is a best friend who wants to us to be free, joyful, peaceful, and wise. If you are contemplating “The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar”, it is a sign of existence calling you to experience your highest potential in business and in life.
It was a wonderful experience to have met Aneace Haddad. His wisdom, clarity, and kindness reflected his commitment to inspiring lives!
August 26, 2022
This is one of those transformative books that comes along once in a blue moon. Part narrative, part psychology, part leadership training, this book mixes them into a meaningful tale that impacts in many different ways. On the surface a tale about a CEO dealing with loss in his life, Aiden Perez is a man stuck between a stale existence and losing all he has. Taking steps to learn how to cope with losing everything that defines him he learns about how transform himself and learn to enjoy life.
Beneath that, is very real and actionable lessons for us readers who find ourselves in those very same situations. Aneace Haddad is coaching us, giving us life lessons and tips that make sense without coming off as preaching to us. While reading this book I found myself reflecting on my own life and when I walked away from a 12 year career without a plan. This one hit home more than I expected it to, and it just may for you as well.
Beneath that, is very real and actionable lessons for us readers who find ourselves in those very same situations. Aneace Haddad is coaching us, giving us life lessons and tips that make sense without coming off as preaching to us. While reading this book I found myself reflecting on my own life and when I walked away from a 12 year career without a plan. This one hit home more than I expected it to, and it just may for you as well.
April 5, 2023
"The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar" by Aneace Haddad is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges conventional thinking on how to achieve success in life. The book is written in a conversational style, making it easy to follow and engage with the author's ideas. Haddad's book explores the idea that success is not about following a formula or set of rules, but rather about being authentic and true to oneself. He uses personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate how embracing one's unique identity and pursuing one's passions can lead to a fulfilling life. One of the book's strengths is its practicality. Haddad offers actionable advice on how to identify one's strengths and leverage them for success. He also emphasizes the importance of relationships and collaboration in achieving one's goals. It is a refreshing take on success and personal growth. It offers a unique perspective that will be valuable to anyone seeking to live a fulfilling and authentic life.
March 29, 2023
The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar: A Novel About Personal Transformation In Business Leaders by Aneace Haddad is a well-written and timely book. The story is captivating, and the quote "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away" was particularly relevant. The protagonist is facing a career crossroads of sorts, struggling to balance the desire to share valuable lessons with the need to explore new opportunities. As he starts on a journey of self-discovery, he gains insight into habits and beliefs that are hindering his progress. This tale is inspiring for anyone seeking to reinvent themselves, making it an insightful and thoughtful read.
April 2, 2023
The author takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery that focuses on how everyone at a certain point in their lives struggles with the issues of personal identity and how it affects the different stages and transitions of life. In the form of a novel, the author shows how mindfulness in the corporate culture can be implemented and work in harmony together. The protagonist discovers the tenets of Buddhist wisdom that says that watching someone transition and bloom into a new phase of life is one of the most beautiful things in the world. While going through this phase of life is often difficult, it also allows us to discover the imbalances in our life and the adjustments that need to be made. This book is a perfect blend of fiction and how to fix yourself.
April 1, 2023
The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar” by Aneace Haddad is a powerful and insightful novel about personal transformation in business leaders. The book follows the story of Tom, a successful CEO who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life, despite his professional achievements.
The author, Aneace Haddad, has a gift for storytelling, and the book is both engaging and thought-provoking. I found myself deeply invested in Tom’s journey and rooting for him to succeed. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the dialogue is realistic and insightful. The book also incorporates elements of spirituality and mindfulness, which add depth and richness to the story.
The author, Aneace Haddad, has a gift for storytelling, and the book is both engaging and thought-provoking. I found myself deeply invested in Tom’s journey and rooting for him to succeed. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the dialogue is realistic and insightful. The book also incorporates elements of spirituality and mindfulness, which add depth and richness to the story.
April 10, 2023
This book tells a great story but also holds such a valuable lesson. The main character snd protagonist mist go on a joirney within himself in order to make changes for the better snd to grow. Indulging in life experiences are so important and we must step out of our comfort zone from time to time. This book was very enlightening on a business level but also on a personal one. 100% reccomend to young adults!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews