Information & Assets

Short Bio

Dave Chauhan is a leadership strategist, author and speaker whose own experience of corporate drift sparked a new kind of leadership model. After nearly two decades across five industries, Dave walked away from a senior executive role to rewrite what leadership could, and should, look like. The result is Nautical Leadership: a values-led framework grounded in emotional intelligence, purpose, and the timeless art of navigation. His debut book, Captain, Set Sail, charts this voyage, helping modern leaders reclaim clarity, courage, and connection in a world that often rewards chaos. With a style that blends storytelling with strategy, Dave isn’t just another leadership voice; he’s a grounded, credible alternative to the hype and hustle. Dave’s approach is a masterclass in leading with both heart and steel. He replaces complex jargon with a memorable, human-centric triad—The Beacon (Values), The Wayfinder (Adaptability), and The Seafarer (Courageous Action)—providing a practical compass for anyone ready to lead with profound humanity and unwavering resolve.

Official Bios

Long Bio

Dave Chauhan - Leadership Strategist, Author of ‘Captain, Set Sail’, Founder of Nautical Leadership.

In a world drowning in complexity and disruption, David Chauhan is a voice of grounded clarity and profound humanity. He is not just another leadership expert; he is a Leadership Navigator. For over 17 years, David has been in the arena, leading high-stakes, multi-million-dollar projects and business units across a diverse range of industries—from manufacturing and infrastructure to technology and design. It was on this front line, witnessing the growing gap between outdated leadership theories and the messy reality of the modern workplace, that he discovered a fundamental truth: the old maps of command-and-control are failing us. They are leaving teams adrift in a sea of uncertainty and leaders burning out under the pressure to have all the answers. This realisation sparked a journey away from the illusion of corporate certainty and into a deep exploration of what truly anchors us in a storm. The result is his groundbreaking work and much-anticipated book, Captain, Set Sail: A Nautical Guide to Leadership in an Uncharted World. Dave introduces the Nautical Leadership Model, a powerful and timely framework that reframes leadership as an act of skilful navigation, not rigid control. He cuts through the jargon with a memorable, human-centric triad that anyone can grasp: • The Beacon: Your unwavering values and purpose—the lighthouse that guides you through the darkest nights. • The Wayfinder: Your agile strategy and adaptability—the compass that helps you read the currents and adjust your sails. • The Seafarer: Your courageous, decisive action—the hand on the helm that steers your team forward with conviction. Fusing the practical wisdom of a seasoned operator with the profound insights of a modern-day philosopher, Dave Chauhan is emerging as one of the most vital and relatable voices in leadership today. He doesn't just offer theories; he provides a compass for leaders who are ready to chart a more courageous, purposeful, and deeply human course

Headshots

About the Book

Captain, Set Sail invites readers to reimagine leadership in an age of rapid change—not as a fixed destination but as a dynamic voyage. In a world where change is relentless and certainty is an illusion, this book offers a powerful metaphor for modern leadership: the sea.

At the heart of the model are three guiding roles:

• The Beacon— who sets direction with values. and clarity;

• The Wayfinder—who reads changing winds, able to course-correct with insight and agility; and

• The Seafarer—resilient, grounded, and courageous, who acts through stormy waters.

Each chapter explores vital aspects of leadership through the lens of these nautical archetypes, blending vivid storytelling, practical tools, and reflective exercises. Whether you're navigating complexity, building psychological safety, confronting hard truths, or making decisions amid uncertainty, the model provides a guide—helping you lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.

This is not a how-to book filled with prescriptive steps. Instead, it’s a guide to developing the mindset and emotional resilience that leadership truly demands today. It’s for those who don’t just want to manage what is—but shape what’s next.

Whether you’re leading a business, a classroom, a nonprofit, or a team of one, Captain, Set Sail will help you find your true bearing, steady your hand on the helm, and guide others through whatever waters lie ahead.

• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 10, 2025

• Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Print length ‏ : ‎ 391 pages

• Formats: ‎ Kindle, Paperback, hardcover, Audible - Coming Soon.

• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1764095723, 978-1764095716, 978-1764095709,

• Item Weight‏: ‎ 1.15 to 1.52 pounds

• Dimensions ‏: ‎ 6.24 x 1.07 x 9.24 inches

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Story Angle & Talking Points

The Accidental Captain

An inspiring and personal journey of how 17 years across five industries shaped a powerful new philosophy for leading in uncertain times. Perfect for audiences needing a fresh perspective on leadership and personal reinvention.

Beyond Hustle Culture

Anchoring Your Team When Strategy Isn't Enough

An empathetic and powerful talk on the real causes of burnout. Dave provides practical strategies for building personal and team resilience, fostering psychological safety, and creating a culture of purpose and connection.

Why do so many great strategies fail? This talk explores the critical importance of values (The Beacon) as the ultimate anchor for team alignment, motivation, and performance in a turbulent market.

Beacon. Wayfinder. Seafarer

Burnout & the Leadership Reckoning

From Book to Movement

A visual, practical framework for leadership in stormy conditions. What do people look for in leaders, especially in a world where everything is uncertain?.

Traditional styles of leadership are not only losing relevance, but they are also the single biggest reason for the downfall of most organisations.

Dave's mission is to empower leadership that can propel humanity into the future. Building a leadership model that scales beyond the page