TheCconnects: Good afternoon, Rohit. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here with us today. Let’s dive right in, your career as a Software Engineer is impressive, and on top of that, you’re a best-selling author and a martial arts champion. Can you start by sharing a bit about your professional journey and what led you to wear so many hats?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: Thank you for having me! My journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I started my career from the ground up in software engineering back in 2012, and over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading organizations. Alongside my tech career, I’ve always harboured a passion for martial arts and writing. Balancing these diverse interests was never easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
TheCconnects: That’s truly inspiring. Speaking of passion, your book, 30 Lessons Not Taught in School, has resonated with so many readers. What inspired you to write it, and how does it integrate with your everyday life?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: The inspiration came from years of personal experiences and the realization that some of the most crucial life skills aren’t taught in a classroom. The book is essentially a roadmap of lessons I wish I’d learned earlier, lessons on discipline, resilience, effective communication, financial literacy, and even self-care. I structured it around 30 practical lessons spread over 10 key units. Every day, I dedicated about 45 minutes to writing, often during the quiet early hours or late at night, ensuring that my full-time work and martial arts training weren’t compromised. The beauty of this approach was that it allowed me to remain productive in my professional role while steadily chipping away at my passion project. And the results have been nothing short of overwhelming. The response has been phenomenal, winning awards, garnering excellent sales, and even making an appearance at the International Book Fair in Delhi!
TheCconnects: That’s fantastic! It sounds like your roadmap for integrating passion into daily life really paid off. You mentioned winning awards and a successful showing at the International Book Fair in Delhi. How has the feedback from both readers and industry experts influenced your perspective on the book’s impact?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: The feedback has been incredibly humbling and motivating. When I first saw the recognition at the International Book Fair and received awards, I felt validated that these life lessons resonated universally. Readers have told me that the book has not only helped them reassess their priorities but also empowered them to take actionable steps towards self-improvement. For me, this reaffirmed the importance of perseverance, consistency, and continuous learning, values that I hold dear, whether I’m coding, training in martial arts, or writing. Each piece of feedback is a reminder that even small daily actions, if consistent, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
TheCconnects: Your ability to balance a demanding tech career, martial arts, and writing is admirable. You recently shared an article on LinkedIn about work-life balance. Can you tell us more about your philosophy on balancing these aspects of life, and why you prefer to call it “Work-Life-Passion balance”?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: Absolutely. Traditional work-life balance often implies an even split between professional and personal time, but I believe it’s more about integrating your passions into your daily routine. For me, work isn’t just a job, it’s part of who I am. Equally, my passions in martial arts and writing are not mere hobbies; they’re crucial to my personal growth and fulfillment. I allocate specific time slots to each: a focused 45-minute writing session every day, dedicated training sessions for martial arts, and the rest of my day devoted to my professional responsibilities. This approach has helped me maintain a harmonious balance without compromising on any front. I’ve learned that with a clear roadmap, even a slow but steady pace, like writing a paragraph a day, can eventually lead to significant achievements.
TheCconnects: That’s a powerful insight. Transitioning a bit to your martial arts background, you’re not only a Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate but also an internationally certified Krav Maga instructor. How have these disciplines shaped your approach to both your professional and personal life?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: Martial arts have been transformative for me. The discipline, resilience, and focus required in Kyokushin Karate have instilled in me a mental toughness that permeates every aspect of my life. Every training session is a lesson in overcoming physical and mental challenges. Similarly, Krav Maga has taught me about situational awareness and quick decision-making, skills that are incredibly valuable in high-stress tech environments. I even organize free self-defence workshops for corporate, schools, and colleges. These sessions not only empower people physically but also boost their confidence and mental fortitude. Essentially, martial arts have provided me with a unique perspective on life: that every challenge, whether on the mat or at work, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
TheCconnects: It’s remarkable how you integrate the philosophies of martial arts into your everyday challenges. Could you share an example of how a lesson from your martial arts training influenced your decision-making in your tech career or in writing your book?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: Certainly. One of the key lessons I learned from martial arts is the importance of controlled aggression and measured responses, essentially, not letting emotions dictate actions. Early in my career, I faced several high-pressure situations where immediate decisions were required. I learned to step back, assess the situation objectively, and then act decisively. This principle of “dodge the punches and rise again” is also echoed in my book, where I discuss how to overcome failure and keep moving forward. Whether it’s debugging a complex system issue or crafting a compelling narrative, the calmness and clarity developed through martial arts have been instrumental in my success.
TheCconnects: Your book covers an impressive array of topics, from habit building and time management to personal finance and mental fitness. What do you hope readers will take away from 30 Lessons Not Taught in School?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: My hope is that readers will realize that success is not just about technical know-how or academic achievements, it’s about a holistic approach to life. The lessons in the book are practical, actionable, and designed to address everyday challenges. For instance, there’s an entire worksheet at the end dedicated to self-reflection and life planning. It’s my way of encouraging readers to not only absorb the lessons but also actively implement them in their lives. I want them to understand that personal growth is a continuous journey, one that requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn from every setback.
TheCconnects: It’s evident that every page of your book carries a piece of your hard-earned wisdom. Given your diverse career and personal achievements, what advice would you offer to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs who are juggling multiple passions?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: My advice would be to embrace consistency and prioritize financial stability. It’s tempting to dive headfirst into your passion projects, but having a secure foundation is crucial. You don’t need to move at 100 km/hour, moving steadily at 10 km/hour will get you there, as long as you’re consistent. Define clear boundaries between your responsibilities and passions. Allocate small, dedicated time slots for your passion projects; even a single paragraph a day can add up over time. Lastly, always remember that failure is not the end, it’s a stepping stone. Learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
TheCconnects: That’s excellent advice, practical and rooted in real-life experience. Before we wrap up, could you share a bit about your future projects? Should we expect more books, workshops, or perhaps new initiatives in your martial arts and tech arenas?
Rohit Kumar Dubey: I’m excited about what the future holds! I’m currently working on my second book, which will delve even deeper into the practical aspects of life skills and professional growth. Additionally, I’m planning to expand my self-defence workshops, tailoring them further to meet the evolving needs of corporates and educational institutions. In the tech space, I’m continually exploring ways to innovate and optimize system reliability. My goal is to create a synergistic ecosystem where my experiences in technology, martial arts, and writing converge to inspire and empower others. Stay tuned, the journey is just beginning!
TheCconnects: Rohit, it’s been an incredibly insightful conversation. Your ability to integrate diverse passions into a cohesive life strategy is truly commendable. Thank you for sharing your journey, your philosophies, and the wisdom behind 30 Lessons Not Taught in School. I’m sure our readers will find your insights both practical and inspiring.
Rohit Kumar Dubey: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing my journey, and I hope my experiences encourage others to pursue their passions while staying true to their responsibilities. Remember, consistency is key, and every small step counts!
TheCconnects: Absolutely. For those interested, be sure to check out 30 Lessons Not Taught in School on Amazon and look out for upcoming workshops. Until next time, keep striving for excellence, both in your career and in life.
You can connect with Rohit Kumar Dubey on LinkedIn here
