Robin Sharma

When it comes to authors that specialize in inspiring readers with advice on goal-setting and living a purposeful life, Robin Sharma stands second to none. He has written over a dozen books, most notable among them his international bestseller The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, which has been published in over 60 languages and sold some 6 million copies worldwide. Today, Sharma is widely respected by many as “one of the world’s premier speakers on leadership, personal success, and business.”

Robin Sharma was born in 1964 in Mexico and grew up in Toronto, Canada. After earning degrees from both York University and Osgoode Hall Law School at the University of Toronto, he began his legal career in the late 1980s. After his first venture, he quickly developed a reputation as one of the top corporate lawyers in Canada.

Though his success in the professional arena was great, something inside him was getting increasingly unsatisfied. As his corporate career progressed, he developed the conviction that he was destined to help people lead joyful and fulfilling lives and embraced it as both a personal and professional mission. So, in 1998, he left his law career and became a full-time writer, speaker and adviser in the field of personal and professional excellence.

Since then, Sharma has become a globally recognized expert on the best strategies and principles for individuals to achieve success, satisfaction and peak performance. He is best known today for his three books that form the basis of his trademarked The Robin Sharma Network: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Greatness Guide and the Leader Who Had No Title.

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – published in 1999 – is a fable about a successful corporate lawyer named Julian Mantle, who is facing burnout. Frustrated with his career path, he decides to take a year-long leave of absence to India, where he learns some of the fundamentals of personal joy, such as mindfulness and meditation, inspiring him to take the greatest journey of his life. Upon his return, he is a changed man, equipped with what he calls ‘The Seven Virtues’: Serenity, Excellence, Love, Fun, Wisdom, Abundance, and Mastery.

The Greatness Guide – published in 2003 – builds on the lessons of the The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. It presents entertaining and thought-provoking anecdotes and stories around the 10 strategies Sharma believes are essential to success. It also contains insights on relationships and communication, performance and productivity, confidence, and self-discipline.

The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life – published in 2009 – is about the machinations of an everyday corporate executive who is struggling to make an impact within his company. After seeing a mysterious figure in a blue suit, he takes a journey of inner discovery, inspired by ancient Eastern wisdom. Through various challenges, he learns the essential leadership qualities he needs to make a difference in his business – and his life.

This is only a brief overview of Robin Sharma’s life and works. His books and teachings have resonated with both business leaders and ordinary people alike, guiding them in building meaningful lives on the pillars of resilience, wisdom, positivity and productivity. As he continues to write, speak, and advise people on leading successful, impactful lives, it seems that Sharma will remain one of the most influential authors in his field.