BOSTON–In the high-stakes world of leadership, where performance is constant and pressure never relents, collapse often comes quietly. After the Fall, a newly released BOOK by entrepreneur and publisher Upendra Mishra, offers a rare invitation to pause and examine that collapse—not as failure, but as the beginning of a deeper kind of success.
Officially launched on June 5, After the Fall is not a traditional business or self-help book. It is autofiction—an introspective, emotionally honest narrative that blends personal truth with literary storytelling. At its heart is Owen, a high-performing executive whose outward success masks inner fragility. When his life falls apart at the height of his career, Owen chooses not to rebuild immediately. Instead, he sits in the silence and asks the questions many professionals are too busy—or too afraid—to face.
“We’re excited to share this story with busy professionals who are tired of chasing the next milestone without meaning,” says Mishra. “This book is for those who have achieved, but still feel empty. For those questioning whether true success might be something inward, not upward.”
A Story Rooted in Insight, Not Jargon
What makes After the Fall particularly resonant for CEOs, physicians, and leaders is its refusal to follow the typical arc of redemption-through-hustle. Instead, it explores burnout, emotional fatigue, and the hidden cycles of achievement and collapse that plague high-functioning individuals.
Drawing from Indian spiritual traditions like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Mahabharata, along with Western thinkers such as Carl Jung, Marcus Aurelius, and Daniel Kahneman, the book offers deep psychological and philosophical insight without preaching. It’s not a “10-step guide,” but a thoughtful narrative that challenges readers to reflect on their own patterns and choices.
Endorsements from Leaders Across Disciplines
After the Fall has quickly gained praise from across the leadership spectrum:
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Dr. Sanjiv Chopra (Harvard Medical School) calls it “majestic… a journey through heartbreak, inner transformation, and the acceptance of a self-grounded place.”
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Mukesh Chatter (CEO, Alsym Energy) describes it as “a rare act of stillness… beautifully written, emotionally sincere, and rich in vulnerability.”
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Desh Deshpande (MIT Corporation) says it’s “a deeply moving exploration of compassion, redemption, and the quiet power of self-awareness.”
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Ian S. Gillespie (Gillespie & Co.) draws a parallel to the brain wave research on Buddhist monks, noting its connection to deeper happiness and clarity.
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Kedar Gupta, author and tech founder, calls it “a masterclass in conscious leadership… a must-read for anyone navigating both ambition and authenticity.”
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Uma Hiremath, Ph.D. praises it as “thoughtful, reflective, and deserving of a permanent place on the shelf.”
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Prashanth Palakurthi (Juju Productions) says the novel “redefines growth—not as striving, but as arriving inward.”
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Dr. Manju Sheth, MD notes its “profound insights into the mind-body connection… a must-read for those seeking balance in a fragmented world.”
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Sunayana Kachroo, poet and film writer, calls it “an intimate unraveling… a reminder that the real journey is always inward.”
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Dr. Vishnu Shukla praises its integration of literature, psychology, and Eastern thought as “a unique resource for self-realization.”
A Message for Leaders Facing Quiet Crises
While After the Fall is deeply literary, it has a practical message: the health of your leadership begins with the health of your inner world. In an era of performance fatigue, constant digital noise, and emotional burnout, Mishra offers a compelling reminder: that perhaps the most courageous act a leader can take is to pause—and listen.
“The most dangerous illusion for any high achiever is that their internal life doesn’t affect their external results,” Mishra says. “But it does. And for some of us, the real reinvention doesn’t come from a new company or title—but from reclaiming the parts of ourselves we left behind.”
About the Author
Upendra Mishra is a writer, entrepreneur, and media publisher whose life bridges continents and disciplines. He is the founder of Precise Marketing and publisher of both Life Sciences Times and the Boston Real Estate Times, and their sister publications INDIA New England News and IndUS Business Journal. His cross-cultural perspective and deep introspection inform every page of his debut novel.
Availability
After the Fall will be available on June 5, 2025 in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions on Amazon and other major platforms.
For leaders, professionals, and change-makers looking not just for the next strategy—but for insight, perspective, and a deeper form of clarity—After the Fall may be exactly the pause they didn’t know they needed.
