Insights from Ashkan Tashvir’s best selling book ‘Being’

In a world that increasingly values performance, results, and external achievements, there is a growing realization that true leadership, personal fulfillment, and organizational success come from a deeper source: authentic awareness. Ashkan Tashvir’s groundbreaking book Being delves into this concept, highlighting the profound impact that self-awareness and authenticity have on our leadership, relationships, and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the power of authentic awareness, drawing insights from Tashvir’s work, and understand why it is a key to transformational leadership.

Defining Authentic Awareness

Authentic awareness refers to the deep understanding of one’s true self—an awareness that is not clouded by societal expectations, external pressures, or false identities. According to Tashvir in Being, this form of awareness goes beyond simple self-reflection; it involves recognizing and owning who we are at our core, including our values, beliefs, strengths, and areas for growth. It also means having the courage to show up in the world in alignment with this authentic self, rather than conforming to external expectations.

In his book, Tashvir asserts that being authentic is not about just being honest with others, but also about being truthful with ourselves. Authenticity is about understanding our inner world and how it manifests in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.

The Concept of Being in Leadership

Tashvir’s Being introduces the idea that who we are—our Being—fundamentally shapes how we lead, work, and live. Leaders, in particular, often focus on doing: achieving targets, motivating teams, and driving results. However, Being reminds us that our effectiveness as leaders is a reflection of our inner state of being, which includes our awareness, presence, and alignment with our values.

Tashvir explores how authentic awareness allows leaders to break free from performative leadership—where actions are driven by external validation or fear of failure—and instead embrace purposeful, value-driven leadership. Leaders who cultivate authentic awareness are more likely to inspire trust, loyalty, and respect from their teams because they lead from a place of integrity and alignment. They are not hiding behind a mask of what they think a leader should be, but rather, they lead from a place of genuine intention.

Authentic Awareness and Its Impact on Relationships

In Being, Tashvir emphasizes that authentic awareness doesn’t just improve leadership; it enhances all aspects of human relationships. When we cultivate a deep understanding of ourselves, we become better equipped to connect with others on a meaningful level. This is because authentic awareness fosters empathy, emotional intelligence, and presence.

For leaders, this means being able to connect with their teams, peers, and stakeholders in a way that goes beyond surface-level interactions. By being authentically aware, leaders can better understand the needs, motivations, and challenges of those they lead. This leads to stronger relationships, better communication, and a more collaborative and trusting work environment.

Authentic awareness also enables leaders to navigate difficult conversations with grace. Rather than reacting defensively or avoiding conflict, an authentically aware leader can remain grounded in their values and communicate with clarity and empathy. This creates a culture where openness, feedback, and growth are encouraged.

The Courage to Be Authentic

One of the most powerful insights from Tashvir’s Being is that authentic awareness requires courage. It’s not easy to look inward and confront the aspects of ourselves that we may not like or that we’ve kept hidden. It’s even harder to bring our true selves into the world, especially in environments that may value conformity or performance over authenticity.

However, Tashvir argues that this courage is essential for true leadership. Authenticity leads to a greater sense of fulfillment, purpose, and resilience. When leaders are grounded in their authentic selves, they are less susceptible to burnout, stress, and the pressures of external validation. Instead, they are fueled by a deep sense of purpose and alignment with their core values.

Tashvir also highlights that authenticity isn’t about perfection. It’s about being real—acknowledging our imperfections, learning from our mistakes, and growing in self-awareness. Authentic leaders are not afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers, and this vulnerability makes them more relatable and trustworthy.

Authentic Awareness and Organizational Success

Tashvir’s insights into Being show that authentic awareness isn’t just a personal journey; it has far-reaching implications for organizations as well. When leaders cultivate authentic awareness, they create a culture of authenticity within their organizations. This can lead to:

• Greater Employee Engagement: When leaders are authentic, they inspire others to bring their whole selves to work. Employees feel more connected to the organization’s mission and values, leading to higher levels of engagement and motivation.
• Improved Innovation: Authentic awareness encourages openness and psychological safety, which are critical for innovation. In an environment where people feel safe to express their ideas and take risks, creativity thrives.
• Stronger Organizational Alignment: Organizations led by authentically aware leaders are more likely to be aligned with their core values and mission. This alignment translates into clearer decision-making, stronger brand identity, and greater trust from customers and stakeholders.
• Resilience in Times of Crisis: Authentic leaders are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and crisis because they are grounded in their values and purpose. They are less likely to be swayed by external pressures and more capable of leading with clarity and calm.

How to Cultivate Authentic Awareness

Drawing from Tashvir’s work in Being, here are some practical ways leaders can cultivate authentic awareness:

1. Self-Reflection: Take time for regular self-reflection to understand your values, beliefs, and motivations. Journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help you become more attuned to your inner self.
2. Seek Feedback: Authentic awareness also involves understanding how you are perceived by others. Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain insights into how your actions align with your intentions.
3. Embrace Vulnerability: Authenticity requires vulnerability. Be willing to admit when you don’t know something or when you’ve made a mistake. This will not only help you grow but also create a culture of openness and trust.
4. Align with Your Values: Make decisions that align with your core values, even when it’s difficult. Leading with integrity will help you build trust and maintain authenticity in all aspects of your leadership.

Conclusion: The Power of Being

Ashkan Tashvir’s Being offers profound insights into the power of authentic awareness in leadership and life. By cultivating a deep understanding of ourselves and aligning our actions with our values, we can lead with integrity, foster meaningful relationships, and create lasting impact. Authentic awareness is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, reflection, and alignment. Leaders who embrace this journey will not only experience greater personal fulfillment but will also inspire their organizations to thrive. 

You can learn more about Ashkan Tashvir and get your own copy of ‘Being’ here https://ashkantashvir.com