About
This book was born out of years of observing, learning, failing, reflecting — and most importantly, storytelling.
Plumbing and Poetry is not just a collection of management theories or leadership frameworks. It’s a journey through the stories I’ve lived, witnessed, and shaped during my years in the field from boardrooms and training halls to farms and factory floors. Over time, I realised that the best lessons are not found in textbooks but in the everyday experiences that touch our minds and move our hearts.
As a leader, I’ve often felt that success is not defined by strategies alone. It’s found in the way we treat people, how we adapt to change, how we decide under pressure, and how we discover purpose in what we do. Leadership, I’ve come to believe, is not just about driving performance. It’s about balancing the hard lines of structure — the plumbing — with the soft power of inspiration — the poetry.
In these pages, you’ll find stories that speak about change, intuition, emotional intelligence, purpose, resilience, and the delicate art of navigating uncertainty. These are not abstract concepts. They are real stories, told in simple language, meant to resonate with anyone — a manager, a farmer, a student, or a seeker.
Why did I choose the title Plumbing and Poetry? Because I believe every successful journey, whether in business or in life, demands both. We need the discipline and precision of a plumber, and the vision and empathy of a poet. The best leaders I’ve met in my life — across cultures, industries, and generations — are those who knew how to balance both.
This book is my humble attempt to bring that idea to life. If even one story in this book helps you think differently, act with more clarity, or lead with more heart, then it has served its purpose.
Thank you for giving these pages your time. I hope they stay with you long after the last chapter is done.
With gratitude,
– M. Saravanakumar
" Change is the most powerful force in the world. Those who adapt to change survive, and those who drive change become achievers."
Chapter 1 – The Change
" We must follow rules and regulations while also inspiring the people who implement them. That balance between structured processes and nurturing human connections is what Harvard calls 'Plumbing and Poetry."
Chapter 4 – Plumbing and Poetry
“Confidence says, 'I can become a doctor.' Strategy says, 'I need to prepare for the entrance exam.' Success requires both belief and the method to achieve it.”
Chapter 13 – Faith and Determination