When leadership begins with self-awareness
Every once in a while, a book finds you at the right moment — and The Naked Leader did exactly that for me. It’s not just about leading others but learning to lead yourself first. Dennis Akkerman, a visionary leadership coach and founder of Orbis Business School, shares his own story of loss, failure, and rediscovery to show that real transformation doesn’t start with success — it starts with self-honesty.
From the very first pages, I felt like Akkerman wasn’t teaching from theory but from experience. His words come from someone who has faced deep pain, asked difficult questions, and rebuilt life with purpose. This book is a guide for anyone who feels stuck, restless, or disconnected — personally or professionally.
Leadership redefined: It starts within
Akkerman’s central message is simple yet profound: “You are your own limit.” The book challenges the traditional idea of leadership that focuses on managing teams or profits. Instead, it asks you to look inward — to your mindset, ego, inner child, and emotional patterns.
He introduces the idea of the “Naked Self” — your most authentic, unfiltered version that exists beneath titles, fears, and social conditioning. Through psychological insights from Maslow, Freud, and Jung, he helps readers understand how childhood experiences, ego imbalances, and inner critics shape the way we lead and live.
What I loved most is that the author doesn’t preach. He guides you gently through self-reflection exercises, “Naked Truths,” and relatable examples. You don’t just read — you pause, think, and often end up questioning your own habits and motivations.
The balance between being ego, emotion, and authenticity
One of the most impactful sections for me was about ego. Akkerman beautifully explains how both high and low ego can sabotage leadership. He contrasts arrogance with humility and fear with confidence — showing that true power lies in balance.
He writes, “Fixing your ego equals fixing your relationships.” That line stayed with me. Because whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just your own life — everything begins with how you see yourself. The book helps you recognise your triggers, break emotional patterns, and respond with awareness instead of impulse.
Transforming pain into purpose
The book also dives into deeper emotional territory — dealing with the past, embracing , and finding strength in stillness. Akkerman’s meditation retreat story is particularly moving; it shows how surrendering to silence can lead to profound clarity.
He reminds us that leadership isn’t about adding more — more stress, more work, more control — but about subtracting everything that blocks your truth. His approach blends mindfulness with strategy, psychology with spirituality.
By the end, I felt lighter — not because the book gave me all the answers, but because it gave me better questions.
Why every reader should read this book?
The Naked Leader isn’t just for CEOs or managers; it’s for anyone who wants to live and lead authentically. It’s a blend of personal growth, leadership wisdom, and emotional healing — all wrapped in clarity and compassion.
This book made me rethink what success really means and reminded me that transformation starts with courage — the courage to look at your own reflection, flaws and all.
You can get your copy of this outstanding book on Amazon.
Also, discover what the next book in this trilogy is all about – Business As UNusual by Dennis Akkerman.
About the Author
Dennis Akkerman, MBA, is a visionary leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Orbis Business School. After years in corporate leadership roles, he dedicated his life to teaching self-awareness and transformational leadership. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he helps individuals and organisations align purpose with performance through conscious, value-driven leadership.
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