In a professional world obsessed with beginnings—first impressions, first promotions, first breakthroughs—Those 90 Days: The Goodbye That Became a Beginning dares to focus on something far more uncomfortable and far more human: endings. Written by Deepak Kumar, this deeply reflective work of creative nonfiction explores what happens when a senior professional is forced to confront an unexpected exit—and how dignity, clarity, and self-belief can transform that exit into a powerful new beginning.
At its core, Those 90 Days is not a book about corporate politics alone, nor is it a memoir steeped in grievance. Instead, it is a thoughtful meditation on identity, leadership, and legacy during moments of professional rupture. Kumar chronicles the final ninety days of his corporate journey—days that began with shock and silence but gradually evolved into a period of profound introspection, strategic rebuilding, and personal reinvention.
What makes the book compelling is its emotional restraint. Kumar does not write with bitterness or vengeance. His tone remains measured, calm, and reflective, even when narrating moments of deep injustice and betrayal. This composure gives the narrative credibility and maturity, allowing readers to trust the author’s perspective without feeling manipulated by outrage or self-pity. The result is a story that feels authentic, grounded, and quietly powerful.
Structurally, the book is divided into three acts—The Blow and the Breakthrough, The Build and the Battle, and The Exit That Echoed. This dramatic framework mirrors the emotional arc of the journey itself: shock, struggle, and ultimately, transcendence. Each chapter is anchored to a specific day, giving readers a sense of time passing and tension unfolding. The format reinforces the idea that transformation is not instantaneous; it is earned through patience, discipline, and conscious choice.
One of the book’s strongest contributions lies in its exploration of leadership during departure. Most professional literature focuses on how to enter organizations successfully or how to rise within them. Kumar, however, turns the lens toward the rarely discussed question: How should one leave? He argues—implicitly and explicitly—that exits are not administrative formalities but moral and strategic moments that define one’s character. How a leader behaves when stripped of authority, recognition, or security reveals far more than how they behave at the peak of power.
The narrative skillfully blends personal experience with universal insight. While the events described are specific to the author’s career in technology, automation, and corporate leadership, the emotional truths resonate across industries and hierarchies. Any professional who has felt sidelined, undervalued, or abruptly discarded will recognize themselves in these pages. Kumar gives voice to a silent majority—the “unseen warriors of the workplace”—who endure setbacks quietly while choosing integrity over retaliation.
Another notable strength is the book’s balance between introspection and strategy. Those 90 Days is not merely a cathartic account; it is also a practical guide. The later sections, particularly the Afterword titled Legacy by Design, distill the experience into actionable principles for navigating professional exits with grace. Rather than offering generic motivational advice, Kumar provides a framework grounded in lived experience—one that emphasizes self-respect, emotional intelligence, and long-term vision.
The supporting reflections and forewords by respected leaders and thinkers further enrich the book. They contextualize Kumar’s experience within broader conversations about leadership, resilience, and career volatility in today’s corporate landscape. These voices reinforce the book’s central message: that uncertainty is no longer an exception but a defining feature of modern professional life, and that adaptability rooted in values is the only sustainable response.
Stylistically, Kumar’s writing is clear, deliberate, and uncluttered. He avoids jargon-heavy corporate language, opting instead for storytelling that feels personal yet precise. Moments of silence, pauses, and inner conflict are given as much weight as meetings and metrics. This narrative restraint allows readers to reflect alongside the author, rather than simply observe him.
If there is one defining theme that runs through Those 90 Days, it is dignity. Dignity in refusing unfair compromises. Dignity in continuing to perform even when outcomes are predetermined. Dignity in walking away without burning bridges, yet without surrendering self-worth. In a time when professional success is often equated with visibility and noise, Kumar’s insistence on quiet strength feels both refreshing and radical.
In conclusion, Those 90 Days is a timely, thoughtful, and deeply human book. It is for leaders navigating transition, professionals facing uncertainty, and anyone who has ever questioned their value after an unexpected ending. More than a story about leaving a job, it is a testament to the idea that legacy is not defined by how long we stay—but by how consciously we choose to depart and rebuild.
This is not a book about defeat. It is a book about composure, courage, and the rare art of turning a forced goodbye into a deliberate beginning.
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