The Black Belt in Leadership: 20 Tested Lessons from the Dojo to the Boardroom ✔️

By Aslak de Silva.

The Black Belt in Leadership by Aslak de Silva is a refreshing and practical take on leadership, drawing parallels between martial arts discipline and the challenges of leading in high-pressure business environments.

The author is a world champion martial artist and multinational CEO, shares twenty lessons shaped in the dojo and tested in the boardroom.

The book is structured like a martial arts curriculum, covering discipline, mindset, resilience and sustainable performance. What stands out is the authenticity of the advice, instead of buzzwords and theory, he uses real experiences from full-contact fights and demanding boardrooms to show how composure, focus and trust are built through discipline and consistency.

As someone who has recently moved from a clinical nurse role within the NHS into a non-clinical risk and governance position, I found the book particularly relevant. The focus on resilience, calm decision-making and clarity under pressure resonated with me, as these are the same qualities I am developing and applying in my new role.

The parallels between leading in healthcare and leading in business were striking, and the idea of training the mind with the same discipline as the body really spoke to me.

The message is simple but powerful, leadership is not about titles or charisma, but about showing up with clarity, resilience and presence when it matters most. The idea that leadership, is a lifelong practice rather than a destination feels especially relevant and motivating.

Grounded, inspiring and accessible, this book is an excellent guide for anyone looking to strengthen their leadership presence and thrive under pressure.

The book is out now and available to purchase.

Buy the book here.

Buy the Kindle book here.