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The Dolphin and the Shark: Stories on Entrepreneurship
The Dolphin and the Shark is born out of Namita Thapar's experiences of being a judge on Shark Tank India and running the India business of the pharma company Emcure as well as her own entrepreneurship academy. The book emphasizes how leaders of today need to strike a balance between being a shark (aggressive leader) and a dolphin (empathetic leader).
It is divided into fifteen chapters which focus on various business mantras. The author shares personal stories, anecdotes about Emcure's evolution over the years as well as learnings from entrepreneurs who have inspired her. The Dolphin and the Shark also includes references to pitches from Shark Tank India 's Season 1. Straight from the heart, candid and authentic, this book will inspire and motivate every reader to push their limits.
It is divided into fifteen chapters which focus on various business mantras. The author shares personal stories, anecdotes about Emcure's evolution over the years as well as learnings from entrepreneurs who have inspired her. The Dolphin and the Shark also includes references to pitches from Shark Tank India 's Season 1. Straight from the heart, candid and authentic, this book will inspire and motivate every reader to push their limits.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2022
14 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 24, 2023
I’m pretty sure all these other reviews are paid because this is one of the worst books I ever read - I’m saying this despite getting a free copy.
Do not read it. And if you do, don’t go in expecting to learn anything. It is a shallow book where neither a dolphin or shark could swim.
Do not read it. And if you do, don’t go in expecting to learn anything. It is a shallow book where neither a dolphin or shark could swim.
February 5, 2025
Imagine that you are running a company. You need to be a shark when it comes to making tough decisions, such as firing an employee or closing a product line. But you also need to be a dolphin when it comes to building relationships with your employees and customers. If you can strike a balance between being a shark and a dolphin, you will be a more effective leader.
The above lines are not my saying these are the lines which book I'm going write the book review which is titled as The Dolphin And The Shark stories on entrepreneurship by Namita Thapar and the points justify the book's title.
Thapar uses her own experiences, as well as the stories of other successful entrepreneurs, to illustrate how this balance can be achieved. She shares insights on topics such as pitching, fundraising, networking, and building a strong team. She also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and resilience.
One of the things that I appreciate most about The Dolphin and the Shark is its authenticity. Thapar is not afraid to share her own vulnerabilities and challenges. She writes candidly about her own failures and mistakes, as well as the lessons she has learned along the way. This makes the book relatable and inspiring and the cheery on top is the shayari and quotes she uses in her paragraph which makes me glued to this book.
Another thing I like about the book is its practical advice. Thapar provides specific tips and strategies that entrepreneurs can use to succeed. For example, she offers advice on how to craft a winning pitch, how to network effectively, and how to build a strong team culture.
Here are some more specific takeaways from the book:
The importance of vision. Thapar argues that the best entrepreneurs and leaders have a clear vision for their businesses and teams. This vision is what drives them forward and motivates others to follow them.
The power of storytelling. Thapar is a master storyteller. She uses her own experiences, as well as the stories of other entrepreneurs, to illustrate her points. This makes the book engaging and relatable.
The importance of empathy. Thapar believes that empathy is essential for effective leadership. She writes, "Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is about seeing the world from their perspective." Empathetic leaders are better able to build trust and motivate their teams.
The power of resilience. Thapar emphasizes the importance of resilience for entrepreneurs. She writes, "Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. It is how we learn and grow." Resilient entrepreneurs are able to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams and become a better leader, then I highly recommend The Dolphin and the Shark by Namita Thapar.
Namita Thapar's writing style in The Dolphin and the Shark is clear, concise, and engaging. She uses a conversational tone and shares personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate her points and constantly motivate women to pursing their carrier despite many hurdle in their life. This makes the book relatable and easy to read.Thapar is a role model for women and entrepreneurs everywhere. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The above lines are not my saying these are the lines which book I'm going write the book review which is titled as The Dolphin And The Shark stories on entrepreneurship by Namita Thapar and the points justify the book's title.
Thapar uses her own experiences, as well as the stories of other successful entrepreneurs, to illustrate how this balance can be achieved. She shares insights on topics such as pitching, fundraising, networking, and building a strong team. She also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and resilience.
One of the things that I appreciate most about The Dolphin and the Shark is its authenticity. Thapar is not afraid to share her own vulnerabilities and challenges. She writes candidly about her own failures and mistakes, as well as the lessons she has learned along the way. This makes the book relatable and inspiring and the cheery on top is the shayari and quotes she uses in her paragraph which makes me glued to this book.
Another thing I like about the book is its practical advice. Thapar provides specific tips and strategies that entrepreneurs can use to succeed. For example, she offers advice on how to craft a winning pitch, how to network effectively, and how to build a strong team culture.
Here are some more specific takeaways from the book:
The importance of vision. Thapar argues that the best entrepreneurs and leaders have a clear vision for their businesses and teams. This vision is what drives them forward and motivates others to follow them.
The power of storytelling. Thapar is a master storyteller. She uses her own experiences, as well as the stories of other entrepreneurs, to illustrate her points. This makes the book engaging and relatable.
The importance of empathy. Thapar believes that empathy is essential for effective leadership. She writes, "Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is about seeing the world from their perspective." Empathetic leaders are better able to build trust and motivate their teams.
The power of resilience. Thapar emphasizes the importance of resilience for entrepreneurs. She writes, "Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. It is how we learn and grow." Resilient entrepreneurs are able to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams and become a better leader, then I highly recommend The Dolphin and the Shark by Namita Thapar.
Namita Thapar's writing style in The Dolphin and the Shark is clear, concise, and engaging. She uses a conversational tone and shares personal stories and anecdotes to illustrate her points and constantly motivate women to pursing their carrier despite many hurdle in their life. This makes the book relatable and easy to read.Thapar is a role model for women and entrepreneurs everywhere. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
March 2, 2023
"I strongly believe that all of us have a shark in us representing aggression, ruthlessness and ferocity. At the same time, we also have a dolphin within representing kindness, empathy and vulnerability. We have to learn to balance both if we want to maximize our productivity and potential."
The Dolphin and the Shark is born out of Namita Thapar's experiences of being a judge on Shark Tank India and running the India business of the pharma company Emcure as well as her own entrepreneurship academy. The book emphasizes how leaders of today need to strike a balance between being a shark (aggressive leader) and a dolphin (empathetic leader).
The key theme of this book is understanding that entrepreneurship is not only a dream for those with education and resources, but also the ambition of anyone willing to bet their life on one idea. With her experience as a Shark Tank investor, the author lays out the guideline to help you draw your entrepreneurial roadmap. She uses examples of actual pitches to explain how one can identify blind spots and adapt your business to change.
In drawing a parallel between the characteristics of a dolphin and shark, she emphasizes why vulnerability is not a flaw but the ultimate courage that shows the real you.
Another feature that works in favour of this book is that as technical the subject may sound to the reader, the language is simple and easy to understand. It makes the dream of entrepreneurship much more real and within reach.
A handy guide for anyone looking to step into entrepreneurship or even to understand the basics of running a business, The Dolphin and The Shark is your go-to guide for everything you wanted to know about start-ups but didn't know whom to ask.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
The Dolphin and the Shark is born out of Namita Thapar's experiences of being a judge on Shark Tank India and running the India business of the pharma company Emcure as well as her own entrepreneurship academy. The book emphasizes how leaders of today need to strike a balance between being a shark (aggressive leader) and a dolphin (empathetic leader).
The key theme of this book is understanding that entrepreneurship is not only a dream for those with education and resources, but also the ambition of anyone willing to bet their life on one idea. With her experience as a Shark Tank investor, the author lays out the guideline to help you draw your entrepreneurial roadmap. She uses examples of actual pitches to explain how one can identify blind spots and adapt your business to change.
In drawing a parallel between the characteristics of a dolphin and shark, she emphasizes why vulnerability is not a flaw but the ultimate courage that shows the real you.
Another feature that works in favour of this book is that as technical the subject may sound to the reader, the language is simple and easy to understand. It makes the dream of entrepreneurship much more real and within reach.
A handy guide for anyone looking to step into entrepreneurship or even to understand the basics of running a business, The Dolphin and The Shark is your go-to guide for everything you wanted to know about start-ups but didn't know whom to ask.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
December 14, 2022
Namita Thapar's guide to young and aspiring entrepreneurs.
If you wish to wish to be an entrepreneur, I am sure you must have binge-watched Shark Tank USA and India. I did the Indian one alone which is how I know Namita Thapar.
Namita has invested in many startups in and beyond Shark Tank. In her book, she shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs from Shark Tank and her personal business experience. She also speaks to industry leaders from various businesses.
While one might have gotten a better understanding of business by watching Shark Tank, Namita does it in more detail. She gives pointers on what makes a particular pitch accepted or rejected, how to go forward after the deal is sealed and how to resolve conflicts. One can expect in-depth analysis of startup funding, financial numbers, early problems and of course, the right path. She did express her opinion on each pitch in the show; she does it more in detail here.
Anyone who watched Shark Tank is aware that Namita eagerly promotes women entrepreneurs. In her book too, she writes about the most common topics of discussion among working women - workplace bias, denigration of their efforts, the marriage question and the mommy guilt. Namita herself is a mother of two alongside leading an MNC.
The best part of this book is the extremely simple language. One doesn't need an MBA or English degree to understand this one. Anyone who understands elementary English and basic business terms used in daily conversations can read this book. That was one reason Shark Tank is appreciated for - bringing business terms to the dining table.
A must-read and go-to book for entrepreneurs. An interesting and knowledgeable read for any person in the field of business.
If you wish to wish to be an entrepreneur, I am sure you must have binge-watched Shark Tank USA and India. I did the Indian one alone which is how I know Namita Thapar.
Namita has invested in many startups in and beyond Shark Tank. In her book, she shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs from Shark Tank and her personal business experience. She also speaks to industry leaders from various businesses.
While one might have gotten a better understanding of business by watching Shark Tank, Namita does it in more detail. She gives pointers on what makes a particular pitch accepted or rejected, how to go forward after the deal is sealed and how to resolve conflicts. One can expect in-depth analysis of startup funding, financial numbers, early problems and of course, the right path. She did express her opinion on each pitch in the show; she does it more in detail here.
Anyone who watched Shark Tank is aware that Namita eagerly promotes women entrepreneurs. In her book too, she writes about the most common topics of discussion among working women - workplace bias, denigration of their efforts, the marriage question and the mommy guilt. Namita herself is a mother of two alongside leading an MNC.
The best part of this book is the extremely simple language. One doesn't need an MBA or English degree to understand this one. Anyone who understands elementary English and basic business terms used in daily conversations can read this book. That was one reason Shark Tank is appreciated for - bringing business terms to the dining table.
A must-read and go-to book for entrepreneurs. An interesting and knowledgeable read for any person in the field of business.
September 25, 2022
📖: The Dolphin and the Shark
✍🏻: Namita Thapar
Genre: Non-Fiction | Business, and Entrepreneurship
Rating: Definitely, a 5/5⭐️
The book has inspired me, made me cry like a baby, and given me a reason to reflect on so many things that I have noticed but not deeply.
Life is a roller coaster, and being a female entrepreneur is no exception. While reading her story, I couldn't help but think about how similar her adolescent years are to mine, and when you can relate to an author, you start to enjoy the book a little more.
The book contains not only entrepreneurship stories, but also an open door into the minds of an investor, a woman, and an entrepreneur. The book teaches you a lot of things and gives you insight into things you didn't even know existed. I adored the book in every way, and I believe that everyone should read it, whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an adult trying to make it in life. It's okay to fail, she says, and it's a taboo subject that no one wants to discuss because talking about failure embarrasses us and makes us feel humiliated at times.
I loved the chapter where the author talks about WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS and how she has included interviews to explain everything as simply as possible and how she has supported women entrepreneurs is something that should be appreciated and acknowledged rather than being labeled as she has said in my favourite chapter THE VULNERABLE LEADER. This chapter gave me goosebumps, and I love how she explained that vulnerability is the ultimate courage.
Her personality and the way she has become what she is today inspires me and I am a fan girl, not kidding!
✍🏻: Namita Thapar
Genre: Non-Fiction | Business, and Entrepreneurship
Rating: Definitely, a 5/5⭐️
The book has inspired me, made me cry like a baby, and given me a reason to reflect on so many things that I have noticed but not deeply.
Life is a roller coaster, and being a female entrepreneur is no exception. While reading her story, I couldn't help but think about how similar her adolescent years are to mine, and when you can relate to an author, you start to enjoy the book a little more.
The book contains not only entrepreneurship stories, but also an open door into the minds of an investor, a woman, and an entrepreneur. The book teaches you a lot of things and gives you insight into things you didn't even know existed. I adored the book in every way, and I believe that everyone should read it, whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an adult trying to make it in life. It's okay to fail, she says, and it's a taboo subject that no one wants to discuss because talking about failure embarrasses us and makes us feel humiliated at times.
I loved the chapter where the author talks about WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS and how she has included interviews to explain everything as simply as possible and how she has supported women entrepreneurs is something that should be appreciated and acknowledged rather than being labeled as she has said in my favourite chapter THE VULNERABLE LEADER. This chapter gave me goosebumps, and I love how she explained that vulnerability is the ultimate courage.
Her personality and the way she has become what she is today inspires me and I am a fan girl, not kidding!
December 29, 2024
This book is a biographical account of Namita thapar journey as shark tank judge and how she invest, how she outlook towards an offer, what is she looking in brand, person, there attitude for there start up, what they think of there start up ?, what's there thought process ?, why they need a mentor?, why they need a guide? . Then it her share of story of her ventures and how she achieved her goals and how she made other listens to her works. Whom she considers her guide and her interview with some of the shark tank start up she like and invested in there idea.
The Dolphin and the Shark is born out of Namita Thapar's experiences of being a judge on Shark Tank India and running the India business of the pharma company Emcure as well as her own entrepreneurship academy. The book emphasizes how leaders of today need to strike a balance between being a shark (aggressive leader) and a dolphin (empathetic leader).
Book is divided in fifteen chapters which focus on various business mantras. Through her personal stories, anecdotes about Emcure's evolution over the years as well as learnings from entrepreneurs who have inspired her. The Dolphin and the Shark also includes references to pitches from Shark Tank India 's Season 1. She motivate every reader to push their limits
The Dolphin and the Shark is born out of Namita Thapar's experiences of being a judge on Shark Tank India and running the India business of the pharma company Emcure as well as her own entrepreneurship academy. The book emphasizes how leaders of today need to strike a balance between being a shark (aggressive leader) and a dolphin (empathetic leader).
Book is divided in fifteen chapters which focus on various business mantras. Through her personal stories, anecdotes about Emcure's evolution over the years as well as learnings from entrepreneurs who have inspired her. The Dolphin and the Shark also includes references to pitches from Shark Tank India 's Season 1. She motivate every reader to push their limits
May 5, 2025
This book presents a balanced perspective on entrepreneurship from the perspective of a first generation entrepreneur who helped take her family business from 500 cr to 6900 cr. It shows you how you need to be aggresive but also empathetic to be a good entrepreneur. You have to stand by your core beliefs but also understand that not everyone will have the same strong conviction. Yuur job as a an entrepreneur is to find ways to understand how to meet people's core needs with your product or service. You also have to be flexible and accept when you are wrong or need support. There are lots of interviews with established Indian entrepreneurs from various industries in this book. You also get a glimpse of the author's experience and observations as a judge on the Indian version of the Shark Tank franchise where she commented on the traits of good entrepreneurs she heard from on the show. Would recommend this book for anyone interested in leadership and entrepreneurship in general.
December 17, 2022
The book explains concepts on leadership in a lucid way with references from shark tank India. It is just another book on entrepreneurship with some really good interviews of seasoned founders. I love the quote mentioned in the book "Manzil milegi bhatak kar hi sahi, gumrah toh woh hai jo ghar se nikle hi nahi"
March 31, 2023
She's a great shark, but an okay-ish author. The book is all over the place and is filled with a very objective take on a ton of subjective advice. But I am sure, given the voracious learner she is, her next book will be much better than this.
October 21, 2022
Good anecdotes from Shark tank and her entrepreneurial journey. Must read for professionals & startup founders
January 12, 2023
A simple , honest and easy to read stories on entrepreneurship. The book comes straight out of the author’s heart, her honesty is as interesting as the stories. Must read for all aspiring entrepreneurs. A general reader too will enjoy the narrative style full of stories and interviews with successful entrepreneurs
August 30, 2025
The interviews of others company founders in b/w the chapters were interesting.
Explaining the things taking example of shark tank pitches were interesting too, but at some places I found it to be boring and repetitive.
Explaining the things taking example of shark tank pitches were interesting too, but at some places I found it to be boring and repetitive.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews