“Elephant Leadership” Goes International : Thailand’s No. 1 Bestseller Brings Thai Leadership Wisdom to the World

Dr. Agapol Na Songkhla unveils International Preview Edition at Iconic Leadership Team Summit 2026, with recognition from the world’s No. 1 Branding and Coaching Gurus

BANGKOK, October 23, 2026 — Elephant Leadership: Humble Strength for Lasting Impact, authored by Dr. Agapol Na Songkhla, has made its international debut with the launch of its International Preview Edition at the Iconic Leadership Team Summit 2026, held on October 19 at Shangri-La Bangkok.

The milestone follows the success of the Thai-language edition, which reached No. 1 on the Naiin bookstore bestseller chart, reflecting growing interest in a leadership philosophy that emphasizes empowering others, building collective strength, and creating lasting impact.

Inspired by Thailand’s cultural heritage, Elephant Leadership introduces a distinctive perspective on leadership at a time when organizations worldwide are navigating artificial intelligence, rapid transformation, and changing expectations of leaders.

From Thai Wisdom to a Global Leadership Philosophy

For centuries, elephants have symbolized strength, intelligence, dignity, and deep social bonds in Thai culture. Yet their greatest leadership lesson lies not simply in their extraordinary power, but in their ability to exercise strength with gentleness, protect others, and nurture the herd.

Drawing on these qualities, the book challenges conventional leadership thinking with a central proposition:

“The true strength of a leader is measured not by the power they possess, but by the strength they create in others.”

Rather than focusing solely on personal achievement, Elephant Leadership encourages leaders to ask a more meaningful question: How can we develop others so that their capabilities, confidence, and contributions continue to grow, even after we have moved on?

Global Leadership Experts Recognize “Humble Strength”

The international launch received recognition from two globally respected leadership experts.

Brenda Bence, ranked the World’s No. 1 Branding Guru for 2026 by Global Gurus and an internationally recognized executive coach, shared her reflections after reading an advance edition:

“The concept that spoke to me the most was the concept of humble strength. The book reminds us that leadership is not about becoming indispensable. It is about helping others to become stronger. That is such an iconic concept.”

Dr. Peter Chee, ranked the World’s No. 1 Coaching Guru for 2026 by Global Gurus and CEO of ITD World, highlighted the power of the elephant metaphor to connect Thai cultural wisdom with leadership thinking worldwide.

He expressed confidence that the book would inspire leaders internationally, noting that elephants are universally admired for their combination of strength and humility, making them a compelling symbol of effective leadership.

Together, their perspectives reinforce the book’s two defining themes: Humble Strength, which focuses on developing others, and Thai Wisdom, which offers valuable insights for leaders across cultures.

Leadership in the Age of AI

Speaking about the book’s international debut, Dr. Agapol emphasized the growing relevance of its philosophy.

“As AI transforms the way we work and expands human capabilities, the most important question for leaders may no longer be simply how much more we can accomplish.

“The more meaningful question is how we can help those around us develop the capability, confidence, and strength to grow and lead themselves.

“True leadership strength does not come from doing everything ourselves. It comes from making others stronger.”

The book introduces eight interconnected leadership qualities through the acronym ELEPHANT: Empathy, Listening, Empowerment, Purpose, Humility, Assurance, Nurturing, and Togetherness.

Together, these qualities provide a framework for developing inner strength, empowering others, and creating leadership contributions that endure beyond an individual’s formal role.

Reflecting on the book’s success, Dr. Agapol added:

“I am deeply grateful to readers who helped Elephant Leadership become a No. 1 bestseller in across Naiin network in Thailand. What excites me even more is the opportunity to share a leadership philosophy inspired by Thai wisdom with the world.

“My hope is that leaders will discover that their greatest achievement may not be what they build themselves, but the strength they develop in others and the value that continues to grow long after they have moved on.”

Meet the Author at Thailand’s National Book Expol

Following the international preview, Elephant Leadership will be featured at Thailand’s National Book Expo 2026, taking place from October 23 to November 1 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

Dr. Agapol will meet readers and sign copies of Elephant Leadership at Naiin Bookstore, Booth B48, on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The event offers readers an opportunity to discover a leadership philosophy inspired by Thai wisdom and explore its central message of “Humble Strength for Lasting Impact.”

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About the Author

Dr. Agapol Na Songkhla is Chief People Officer and Head of Strategy at Thai Group Holdings. His extensive career spans corporate strategy, organizational transformation, and human capital development, including senior leadership roles at ThaiBev and TMB Bank, as well as strategic consulting experience with Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Elephant Leadership: Humble Strength for Lasting Impact draws on decades of leadership experience, combining real-life stories and practical insights to redefine leadership through strength, humility, and the ability to develop others.