20 Things You Didn’t Know about Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma is a world-renowned author, leadership expert, and motivational speaker. He is considered one of the top five leadership experts in the world and has written over 15 best-selling books. While many people know him for his inspiring speeches and books, there are still many things about him that people may not know.
For instance, did you know that Robin Sharma became a lawyer at a young age and worked for the Supreme Court as a litigation lawyer before starting his own company, Sharma Leadership International? Or that he has a net worth of $10 million as of 2020, thanks to his successful career as an author and CEO? These are just a couple of the many interesting facts about Robin Sharma that many people may not be aware of.
In this article, we will delve into 20 things you didn’t know about Robin Sharma. From his personal life to his professional achievements, we will uncover some fascinating facts about this influential leader that may surprise you.
Early Life and Education
Robin Sharma was born on March 18, 1965, in Uganda, a country in East Africa. Despite being born in Uganda, his nationality is Canadian, and his hometown is Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
When Robin was one year old, his family moved to Canada, where he grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, a small town on the East Coast of Canada. He attended Dalhousie University, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Sharma went on to study at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where he earned his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biotechnology from the University of Alberta.
During his time at Dalhousie University, Sharma was a member of the varsity swim team and was also involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including student government and various community service organizations.
While in law school, Sharma became interested in personal development and leadership, which eventually led him to become a speaker and author on these topics. He has since written numerous books on leadership and personal development, including the best-selling book, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”
Career Beginnings
Robin Sharma started his career as a litigation lawyer for the Supreme Court. However, he realized that his true passion was not in law but in writing and public speaking. At the age of 25, he began his writing career and published his first book, MegaLiving, which became a bestseller in Canada.
Sharma’s breakthrough came with his second book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, which was published in 1997. The book became an international bestseller and has been translated into over 70 languages. It tells the story of a successful lawyer who gives up his material possessions and goes on a spiritual journey to the Himalayas.
After the success of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Sharma quit his job as a lawyer to become a full-time writer and speaker. He founded Sharma Leadership International, a coaching and training firm that helps individuals and organizations improve their leadership skills and achieve their goals.
Sharma’s work as a writer and speaker has led him to address audiences around the world, including Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and government organizations. He has also been recognized as one of the top leadership experts in the world by organizations such as Inc. Magazine and Business Insider.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Robin Sharma is the author of the bestselling book, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.” The book tells the story of a successful lawyer who gives up his career to seek enlightenment in the Himalayan mountains. The book is a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny.
Sharma’s book has been praised for its inspiring and thought-provoking message. It provides a step-by-step approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. The book has been translated into over 50 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Sharma has built a career around teaching people how to live a fulfilling life. He is a leading expert on leadership, personal growth, and life management. His knowledge is tapped by some of the most famous people on the face of the earth.
The Leader Who Had No Title
Robin Sharma’s book, The Leader Who Had No Title, is a modern fable on real success in business and in life. The book is about a man named Blake Davis who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. He meets a janitor who teaches him the four basic principles of leadership: vision, value, influence, and impact. These principles help Blake transform his life and become a successful leader.
The book has been well-received by readers and has topped bestseller lists internationally. It has been praised for its simple and effective message about leadership and success. The book has also been translated into multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Robin Sharma’s message in The Leader Who Had No Title is that anyone can be a leader, regardless of their job title or position in an organization. The book encourages readers to take ownership of their lives and to lead by example. It emphasizes the importance of having a vision, living by one’s values, and making a positive impact on the world.
The 5 AM Club
Robin Sharma’s book “The 5 AM Club” is a bestseller that has helped many people improve their productivity and achieve their goals. The book is based on the idea that waking up early and using the first hour of the day wisely can have a significant impact on one’s life.
The book tells the story of an entrepreneur, an artist, and their eccentric billionaire mentor who meet at a hotel in India and learn about the benefits of waking up early and following a morning routine. The mentor teaches them the “20/20/20 Formula,” which involves spending the first 20 minutes of the day exercising, the next 20 minutes planning and reviewing goals, and the final 20 minutes learning something new.
Sharma believes that waking up at 5 AM is the key to success because it allows people to start the day with a sense of purpose and control. He argues that the early morning hours are the most productive and peaceful, and that using them wisely can set the tone for the rest of the day.
The book has received mixed reviews, with some readers finding it inspiring and others criticizing it for being too simplistic or repetitive. However, many people have reported that following the principles in the book has helped them improve their productivity, focus, and overall well-being.
Philosophy and Approach to Life
Robin Sharma is a renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve their full potential. His philosophy is centered around the idea that anyone can achieve greatness if they are willing to put in the work and make the necessary changes to their mindset and habits.
Sharma’s approach to life is rooted in his belief that success is not just about achieving external goals, but also about developing a strong sense of inner peace and fulfillment. He encourages people to focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and self-awareness as the foundation for achieving success in all areas of life.
One of the key principles of Sharma’s philosophy is the idea that success is a journey, not a destination. He believes that it is important to enjoy the process of growth and development, rather than just focusing on the end result. This approach helps people to stay motivated and committed to their goals, even when faced with setbacks and challenges.
Sharma also emphasizes the importance of taking action and making changes in order to achieve success. He encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges, even if they are afraid or uncertain. This willingness to take risks and try new things is essential for personal growth and development.
Overall, Sharma’s philosophy and approach to life are grounded in the belief that anyone can achieve greatness if they are willing to put in the work and make the necessary changes to their mindset and habits. By focusing on personal growth, mindfulness, and self-awareness, and by taking action and embracing new challenges, people can unlock their full potential and achieve success in all areas of life.
Influences and Inspirations
Robin Sharma has been heavily influenced by a variety of sources throughout his life. One of his biggest inspirations is his father, who was a doctor and instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to help others. Sharma’s mother was also a big influence, encouraging him to pursue his dreams and never give up.
Sharma has also been inspired by a number of spiritual and philosophical teachings, including Buddhism and the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. He has incorporated many of these teachings into his own work on leadership and personal development.
In addition, Sharma has been influenced by a number of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, including Richard Branson and Steve Jobs. He has studied their strategies and philosophies and incorporated them into his own approach to leadership and business.
Overall, Sharma’s diverse range of influences and inspirations have helped shape his unique perspective on leadership and personal development. By drawing from a variety of sources, he has been able to develop a holistic approach to success that emphasizes both personal growth and professional achievement.
Honors and Awards
Robin Sharma is a highly respected leadership expert and author, and has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. In 2011, he was awarded the Golden Gavel award by Toastmasters International, recognizing him as one of the top five leadership experts in the world. He has also been named one of the Top 50 Management Thinkers in the World by Thinkers50, a global ranking of management thinkers.
Sharma has been recognized by several organizations for his contributions to the field of leadership. In 2012, he was awarded the International Professional Speakers Association (IPSA) Award of Excellence for his outstanding contribution to the speaking profession. The same year, he was also honored with the Brand Laureate International Brand Personality Award for his work in leadership development.
Sharma’s books have also received critical acclaim and have been recognized with several awards. His book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, was on the bestseller list in India for over two years and has been translated into more than 50 languages. It was also awarded the “Book of the Year” prize by the Canadian Independent Book Sellers Association. Another one of his books, The Leader Who Had No Title, was a #1 bestseller on the Wall Street Journal and has been translated into 70 languages.
Personal Life
Robin Sharma was born on June 16, 1964, in Uganda to Indian parents Shiv and Shashi Sharma. When he was a year old, his family moved to Canada where his father set up his medical practice in Toronto. Sharma has a younger brother, Sanjay, who is a well-known eye surgeon in Canada.
Sharma was married to Alka Sharma, and they have two children, Colby and Bianca. However, due to his busy schedule, the couple separated after a long marriage.
Despite his busy career, Sharma is known for his commitment to his family. In an interview with The Economic Times, he said, “I have a very strong family. I am married and have two children. I am very committed to my family and I make sure I spend quality time with them.”
20 Things You Didn’t Know about Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma is a well-known author, speaker, and leadership expert. He has written over 15 books, including the international bestseller “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.” While many people know him for his work in the personal development space, there are many things that people may not know about him. Here are 20 things you didn’t know about Robin Sharma:
1. He was born in Uganda in 1965 and grew up in Canada.
2. He started his career as a litigation lawyer before transitioning to writing and speaking full-time.
3. He founded his company, Sharma Leadership International, in 1995.
4. He has a net worth of $10 million as of 2020.
5. He has two children, and he considers them his greatest blessings.
6. He is a vegetarian and has been for over 20 years.
7. He is a black belt in Shotokan karate.
8. He has been named one of the Top 5 Leadership Gurus in the World by Leadershipgurus.net.
9. He has spoken to organizations such as Nike, Microsoft, and IBM.
10. He has a podcast called “The Mastery Sessions.”
11. He is a frequent contributor to publications such as Forbes and The Huffington Post.
12. He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council.
13. He is a supporter of the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City.
14. He is a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.
15. He has a degree in law from Dalhousie University.
16. He has a degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto.
17. He has been awarded the Golden Gavel award from Toastmasters International.
18. He has been featured in the documentary film “The Abundance Factor.”
19. He has been a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
20. He has a passion for helping people discover their potential and live their best lives.
Charity and Philanthropy
Robin Sharma’s dedication to helping others extends beyond his expertise in leadership. He is also known for his philanthropic work and charitable contributions to various organizations.
One of the causes that Sharma supports is education. He has donated to the Robin Sharma Foundation for Children, which aims to provide education and healthcare to underprivileged children in India. In addition, he has also been involved with the One Laptop per Child project, which provides affordable laptops to children in developing countries.
Sharma has also been a strong advocate for mental health awareness. He has donated to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, Sharma has been involved with several other charities, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Overall, Robin Sharma’s dedication to philanthropy and charitable causes demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on the world beyond his own professional success.
Business Ventures
Robin Sharma is not only a best-selling author and leadership expert but also a successful entrepreneur. He has founded a number of businesses, including Sharma Leadership International Inc. and The Titan Academy, which offer coaching, training, and consultancy services to individuals and businesses.
In addition to these ventures, Robin Sharma has also partnered with other companies to create products and services that align with his mission of helping people achieve their full potential. For example, he has collaborated with the audio technology company, Mindvalley, to create the popular meditation program, The 5AM Club Quest.
Robin Sharma’s business ventures are not only focused on helping people but also on making a positive impact on the world. He is the founder of The Robin Sharma Foundation for Children, which supports education and healthcare initiatives for underprivileged children in India.
Overall, Robin Sharma’s business ventures reflect his commitment to leadership, personal development, and making a difference in the world. Through his various companies and partnerships, he has touched the lives of millions of people around the world and continues to inspire and empower them to achieve their full potential.
Public Speaking and Coaching
Robin Sharma is well-known for his leadership coaching and public speaking engagements. He has worked with some of the world’s most successful business leaders, including executives from Microsoft, Nike, and IBM.
Sharma’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of personal mastery and leadership development. He believes that everyone has the potential to become a leader, and that it’s important to develop the skills and mindset necessary to lead effectively.
Sharma’s public speaking engagements are also highly regarded. He is known for his dynamic and engaging presentations, which are designed to inspire and motivate his audience. He has spoken at numerous conferences and events around the world, and his speeches have been viewed by millions of people online.
Sharma’s coaching and speaking engagements are based on his extensive research and experience in the field of leadership. He has written several books on the subject, including the best-selling “The Leader Who Had No Title”.
Social Media Presence
Robin Sharma has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers on various platforms. He is active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where he shares insights on leadership, personal development, and productivity.
Sharma’s social media posts are often accompanied by inspiring quotes, motivational messages, and practical tips. He also shares links to his articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as updates on his speaking engagements and book releases.
Sharma’s social media strategy is focused on providing value to his audience and building relationships with his followers. He engages with his fans by responding to their comments and messages, and he often shares user-generated content that showcases his fans’ success stories and testimonials.
Sharma’s social media presence has helped him reach a wider audience and establish himself as a thought leader in his field. His social media accounts are a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills, boost their productivity, and achieve their goals.
Criticism and Controversies
Robin Sharma has faced criticism and controversies throughout his career. One of the most notable controversies surrounding him is related to his book “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.” Some critics have accused Sharma of cultural appropriation, arguing that the book is based on Eastern spiritual traditions that he does not fully understand or respect.
Another controversy that Sharma has faced is related to his leadership seminars. Some attendees have accused him of using high-pressure sales tactics to convince them to sign up for expensive programs that they later regretted. In addition, some former employees have accused him of creating a toxic work environment and mistreating staff members.
Sharma has also been criticized for his views on success and achievement. Some critics argue that he promotes a narrow definition of success that is based on material wealth and status, rather than on personal fulfillment or well-being. Others have accused him of promoting a cult-like mentality among his followers, encouraging them to blindly follow his teachings without questioning them.
Despite these controversies, Sharma has remained a popular figure in the world of personal development and leadership. He continues to write and speak on these topics, and his books and seminars have influenced millions of people around the world.
Future Plans and Projects
Robin Sharma is an author, speaker, and leadership expert who has already achieved much success in his career. However, he is not one to rest on his laurels and is always looking for new ways to inspire and empower people.
One of his current projects is the 5AM Club Method, which is a productivity and success system that involves waking up early and following a specific morning routine. Sharma has written a book on this method, titled “The 5AM Club,” and also offers online courses and coaching to help people implement it in their lives.
Sharma is also working on a new book, which is set to be released in 2024. While details about the book are still scarce, it is expected to focus on the theme of personal mastery and how individuals can achieve their full potential.
In addition to his writing and coaching, Sharma is also a sought-after speaker who travels around the world to give talks and workshops on leadership and personal development. He has several upcoming speaking engagements scheduled, including a keynote speech at the 2024 World Business Forum in New York City.
Overall, it is clear that Robin Sharma has no shortage of ideas and projects in the works. Whether he is writing books, coaching clients, or giving speeches, his focus is always on helping people become the best versions of themselves.
Conclusion
Robin Sharma is a well-known author, speaker, and leadership expert who has impacted the lives of many people around the world. Through his books, speeches, and coaching, he has helped people achieve their goals, develop their leadership skills, and lead a fulfilling life.
Throughout this article, we have learned 20 things about Robin Sharma that many people may not have known before. From his early life as a litigation lawyer to his current role as a CEO of Sharma Leadership International, Robin has had a diverse and successful career.
We also learned that Robin is a man of many talents, including writing, speaking, coaching, and teaching. He has authored 15 global best-selling books, including “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” and “The 5 AM Club,” and has shared his knowledge with millions of people around the world.
Robin’s teachings are based on the principles of personal development, leadership, and success. He believes that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness and encourages people to take action towards their goals. His message is simple yet powerful: “Change starts with you.”
Overall, Robin Sharma is a respected figure in the world of personal development and leadership. His insights and teachings have helped millions of people achieve their goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As we continue to face new challenges and opportunities in the future, we can all benefit from Robin’s wisdom and guidance.