The Intent Trap

A thoughtful guide to closing the gap between leadership intent and impact, helping leaders understand how values and behaviour shape the experience of others.
on Sep 23, 2026

Every leader begins with good intentions. To inspire. To guide. To make a difference. But what happens when the impact we create is not the impact we intended?

The Intent Trap explores that uncomfortable and often invisible gap between what we mean and how our behaviour is actually experienced. Drawing on behavioural science, real leadership conversations and years of working with people and organisations, Aarthi Anantha Padmanabhan invites readers to look at leadership from the inside out.

Set against the reflective backdrop of an ancient Gurukul, the book blends stories, conversations and practical insights to explore how our core values shape everyday choices and behaviour.

It is not about becoming a different kind of leader. It is about becoming more conscious of the leader you already are - and creating an impact that is closer to what you truly intended.