Where to buy
Carried by Amazon in every market, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Waterstones, Booktopia, Kinokuniya, Flipkart, Google Books, Apple Books and Kobo. Printed on demand close to wherever it is ordered.
Listed with the worldwide trade network, so any bookstore or library can order it. Ask for it by ISBN: 978-1736948675 (paperback).
What is inside
Can I Fly? by Satish Rao explores the idea that where you begin does not have to determine how far you can go. Drawing on experiences from his own life across three continents, along with examples from sport, entertainment, and other real-world journeys, Satish examines the attitudes and capabilities that help individuals progress despite perceived disadvantages.
The book focuses on the soft skills that often shape long-term success but may be overlooked in formal education. It encourages readers to identify the qualities they need to develop, understand how these skills can be strengthened through everyday choices, and apply them consistently in personal and professional life.
A central theme is the relationship between ambition and preparation. Passion and dreams provide direction, but the book argues that they need to be supported by qualities that help an individual stand out in a competitive environment. Through relatable examples, Satish explores how mindset, behaviour, adaptability, and personal effectiveness can influence the way opportunities are created and pursued.
Rather than treating privilege, family background, or early circumstances as permanent barriers, Can I Fly? encourages readers to focus on the areas they can influence and develop.
Can I Fly? is written for students, young professionals, aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who feels limited by their background or current circumstances.
It is particularly relevant to readers seeking inspiration, practical perspectives on soft-skill development, and greater confidence to pursue ambitious personal and professional goals.
Excerpt
From “PART A: GENESIS OF A DREAM”
I wanted to be a CEO by the age of 45.
I was not born with this desire. However, it became the driving force of my life once I graduated from college. For the reader to understand how that came to be, I would have to start at the beginning. I was born in Mumbai, the city of dreams. My early childhood memories are filled with fun. Unlike today, we did not own a television set or have access to the Internet back then.
Our only source of entertainment was playing on the streets; all the neighborhood children played together. Our streets not only served as our playground, but also, many a time, provided us with the equipment to play with. All we had to bring out with us was a cricket ball. We would collect some stones and stack them up in a pile. We divided ourselves into various teams; one team would nominate a hitter whose aim would be to knock off the stack. I am sure by now, most of you might have recognized the game. You are right. It is Lagori.
I never realized it then, but the neighbors and my family were a community. Living in Mumbai, our streets doubled as playgrounds, and they were flanked by yellow greying buildings. These buildings were at most three stories tall. Their walls probably had not seen a fresh coat of paint ever since they were built. Each of these buildings had around six families living on each floor. Every floor had its own balcony and front yard. The building's shared walking space usually doubled up as a balcony and front yard for every house. We did not mind the communal nature of our residences.
As children, we came to think of these shared spaces in front of our homes as our personal stands from which our families viewed our games. A typical day began with our parents waking us all up. Those who had to attend school would start getting ready. The others got some time to lie around on their beds for a little longer while our parents got ready.
However, if we wanted to have our breakfast, we had to get up before 7:30 a.m. I usually had mandakki for breakfast; this is a famous dish from Karnataka. Most of you might know it as Poha or flattened rice. It is a savory dish with the right kick of spice to get you ready for the long day.
About the author
Managing Director & Ceo, The Anthea Group · Mumbai, India
“Stardom brought discipline and structure to my thoughts, helping me turn years of life lessons into a book. Their process made the journey clear, focused, practical, and achievable.”
Satish Rao is Chairman and Managing Director at Firmenich India Aromatics Ltd. Drawing on experiences across three continents, he shares practical lessons on success, growth, happiness, and purposeful living.
Published by Stardom Books — written from the author’s own words, in the author’s name. Browse the catalogue
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