Deputy: Second to None

Not all crowns sit on the top. Deputy dismantles obsession with the corner office and replaces it with something far more powerful: a sense of purpose that no title can grant or take away.

In a world that worships the summit, Manoj Madaan makes a quietly radical argument: the most enduring power is often exercised one or two steps below it. Deputy attempts to fundamentally rewire how we understand leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to matter.

This book is an interesting read, carefully woven to best describe dilemma that most of the corporate professionals undergo in their quest to be on the top. Manoj has built a strong and gripping story line with interesting comparisons across the world of sports, tech giants and ultimately the journey within. This book underpins the key fundamental that all the battles are first fought in our mind then executed externally. Very interesting take on the corporate world, surely a must read.

Deputy: Second to None is a fierce and timely book on the dignity of leading from the second seat. It offers the strategic second not consolation, but clarity, authority, and a more exacting understanding of influence. What makes it memorable is its refusal to reduce leadership to title alone; it treats ambition with seriousness and respect. It resonated with my own journey, while quietly affirming a deeper view I hold — that strength and warmth are not rivals, and that the feminine (Prakriti - represented universally as numeral ‘2’) carries her own power.

Deputy: Second to None is one of those rare leadership books that makes you pause and reflect on your own journey. As I read it, I found myself revisiting different phases of my career and realizing that almost every leader spends significant time being a 'deputy' in one form or another. My personal favourite section is the chapter on 'The Fluidity and Subjectivity of Being a Deputy.' It brilliantly captures the reality that being a deputy is not a designation—it is a mindset and a phase that almost all of us have experienced, often without recognizing it. Few debut books combine practical wisdom with such authenticity. You won't read this like a first book; you'll read it like the work of someone who has spent years observing leadership from close quarters.

Deputy made me revisit an early lesson in life I learnt on school football field: when I was moved from a forward position to centre-half, I initially felt I had lost the glamour—and the goals. Over time, I discovered that the less 'spotlight' positions gives a far wider view of the game, made me a bulwark for the entire team, and strengthened relationships across the field. That, to me, is the deeper wisdom of Deputy: stepping away from the limelight can sometimes expand, rather than diminish, your life—giving you the freedom to explore wider ground, build deeper networks, pursue passions beyond your title, and create influence without constantly performing an image. The book gently asks a powerful question: are we chasing the spotlight, or are we building a life of substance? The book gently touched various aspects of living life self-aware than chase external attestation.

‘Deputy: Second to None’ is quite a humbling experience and provides a thought-provoking perspective of ‘success’ to the readers. Author’s ability to weave fiction with real-life examples delivers impactful message. Ultimately, Deputy’s realisation of self-worth in his / her own eyes is the most satisfying than finding success in an ‘impermanent’ corporate title. Author’s articulation of ‘success’ using ‘perception vs fact’ lens is startling. Truly mesmerised!!

Ram depicts a powerful character and in true sense is a warrior. Though at times dejected and feeling victim, Ram delivers a strong message of believing in self over an impermanent affirmation from outside world. I can visualise being in position of Ram on multiple occasions both in personal and work life. And can strongly vouch that each such occasion felt more satisfying after connecting to the Purpose instead of being ‘No. 1’ or ‘kingmaker’. Author reaffirms my strong belief in ‘karma’ and measuring the success of actions by the ‘purpose’ than ‘title”.

We live in a world that often measures success by titles, positions, and the race to be “Number One.” Yet some of the most influential people are not those who stand in the spotlight, but those who quietly create impact, and shape outcomes from the seat beside it. Deputy: Second to None is a powerful reminder that true leadership is not defined by where you sit, but by the value you create, the lives you influence, and the legacy you leave behind.

Drawing on compelling stories, practical wisdom, and deep human insight, Manoj Madaan challenges conventional thinking about ambition, achievement, and self-worth. He covers every professional who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or stuck despite giving their best.

This book is more than a guide to career growth. It is an invitation to redefine success on your own terms. Its message is both liberating and enduring: your worth is never determined by a title, and your impact is always greater than your designation.

Deputy: Second to None addresses a challenge that is rarely spoken about, yet almost universally experienced. Throughout my career, I have met exceptionally capable professionals who consistently delivered results but still felt their growth had stalled. Their frustration was not a lack of ability, but a lack of clarity about how to move from being dependable contributors to recognized leaders.

This book gives those experiences a voice—and, more importantly, a way forward. Manoj has skillfully combined engaging storytelling with practical insights that resonate with professionals and leaders at every stage of their careers. It is remarkable that this is his debut book; the depth of thought, balanced perspective, and clarity of expression reflect the confidence of a seasoned author.

The greatest strength of this book is its ability to reassure readers that feeling overlooked or "stuck" does not mean they have reached a dead end. Often, what appears to be a pause is a period of preparation—an opportunity to develop the mindset, capabilities, and perspective required for greater responsibilities.

My message to every reader is simple: if you feel stuck, overlooked, or uncertain about the next step in your career, read this book with an open mind. You may discover that what feels like a setback is, in fact, the foundation for your next chapter of growth and success.

It was a pleasure to read Deputy 2nd to None by our distinguished alumnus, Mr. Manoj Madan. The book offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on a role that is often overlooked but is indispensable to the success of every institution—the deputy, the second-in-command.

Through the journey of Ram, who repeatedly faces the disappointment of missing promotions, the author beautifully illustrates that true leadership is not always defined by designation but by purpose, commitment, and the ability to enable others to succeed. The narrative reminds us that the value of a deputy lies not in being second, but in being dependable, resilient, and indispensable.

Drawing upon real-life examples, the book celebrates those who quietly contribute, inspire teamwork, and strengthen organisations from behind the scenes. It encourages readers to embrace personal growth, redefine success, and recognise the dignity and significance of supporting leadership.

Mr. Manoj Madan deserves appreciation for presenting this profound message in an engaging and relatable manner. As an alumnus of our college, his work is a matter of pride for the entire SRCC fraternity. I congratulate him on this thoughtful contribution and wish the book the wide readership it truly deserves.

Deputy: Second to None came to me at a moment when I was reflecting on the nature of leadership and the often unsung roles that hold organisations together. Manoj Madaan’s work resonated deeply — not just as a professional who operates in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, but as someone who witnesses, every day, how the most consequential work is often done by those who are not at the centre of the stage. The book is a timely reminder that being a Deputy is not about waiting in the wings — it is about holding the weight of responsibility with quiet competence, building trust across layers, and often being the bridge between vision and execution. For leaders around me — whether they carry a formal title or not — this book reframes what it means to lead from where you stand. My own sense is that a true Deputy is defined not by rank, but by the breadth of their accountability and the depth of their reliability. In that sense, every great leader has, at some point, been the finest Deputy — and Manoj captures this truth with rare clarity.

Deputy: Second to None by Manoj Madaan is written for the countless professionals who watch promotions pass them by, see their growth lag behind their capability, and feel their hard work go unnoticed even when they have done everything right. This book is essential reading for ambitious deputies, emerging leaders, and CXOs who want to build fairer, more conscious organizations.

Built around a six-stage model — the Deputy Pathway of Dilemma, Discovery, Differentiate, Define, Destiny, and Direction — the book traces both the emotional and strategic journey of succeeding in a #2 role with clarity and purpose. Through the journey of Ram and vivid examples from boardrooms, sports fields, and everyday workplaces, Manoj uncovers the hidden forces that shape careers: psychological biases, workplace politics, inner mindsets, and the powerful influence of perception.

Rich with practical guidance — from cultivating likability and amplifying strengths to finding mentors and deepening self-awareness — the book empowers deputies to take charge of their own trajectory. Readers come away with a practical roadmap to turn a “Number Two” label into a platform for influence, impact, and inner clarity.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience and real-world organisational journeys, Manoj offers a rare blend of emotional honesty and actionable structure. Deputy: Second to None is, at heart, a tribute to the unsung, affirming that being second in role is never second in worth. I wholeheartedly wish Manoj every success with this important and timely book.