The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire |

The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire |

The cover of The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire by Karl Martin, CEO of Arable Consulting.

About the book

The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire

There is a crisis of leadership in our world. Many believe that prioritizing people and focusing on a healthy culture is a distraction from their core objectives, not understanding that people are the potent power to reach any goal they have. When leaders don’t lead well, everyone in their sphere suffers the consequences (including, or especially, themselves). Teams who could be collaborating toward their greatest achievements are burning out. Individuals who could be living into their fullest selves are putting on masks and an array of defences to navigate the shrapnel of their vocational lives.

To introduce a new kind of leadership – leading from one’s soul – Karl Martin welcomes us into four spaces to guide our daily rhythms: The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire. Each space will advance the project – and the project is you. ‘The project is leading yourself, so you can lead others,’ writes Martin. ‘And then groups of others, who lead others. It requires a digging, will be challenging in every good way and then worth every effort you make. This is, after all, about leadership, the greatest skill you could ever develop.’

While practical and focused on the daily exercise, Martin keeps the idea of legacy in the forefront: becoming a leader who not only succeeds within their current context, but might even be the kind of leader who ‘fixes the character of their times,’ as it is said of William Wilberforce. Karl’s stories and punchy tone amuse while shooting straight to the heart of the matter, incisively naming the truths we all need to hear if we are to live in a way that is truly life-giving, for ourselves and others.

  • “As you read and study, you will discover a ‘fixing of the soul’ that is deeper than a solving of a problem. You will find that the principles and patterns in this book are ancient and yet deeply relevant; they are at times spiritual, but they are always practical – above all, they work! This really works!”

    Jack Hollis
    President, Toyota USA

  • "Karl is a trusted voice in my life and this book is full of his wisdom. Read it: you will be a better leader and a better person."

    Freddie Freeman
    LA Dodgers

  • "Karl works with so many successful business leaders and team builders and has become a successful coach in today's complicated business environment. This book is a valuable read."

    Coach Joe Gibbs
    Joe Gibbs Racing

  • "Karl possesses an innate and extensive understanding of those of us in leadership roles and the obstacles that can hinder our effectiveness. Karl's commitment to providing essential catalysts for impactful leadership makes this book a repeat read; and with each read, it's clear that Karl walks the talk in his leadership of leaders."

    Kimberly Inskeep
    Executive Chairman, Cabi Holdings

  • "Karl is a gift and his guiding words have become a recurring strength in my life. He has a way of communicating that is uniquely inspirational and incredibly necessary in today's complicated world. I am grateful for him, and I am sure you will be, too."

    Linda Yaccarino
    CEO, X

The Author

Karl Martin is both a visionary leader and the founder and CEO of Arable, a leadership house with a distinctive concentration on cultural health. With a focus on the global impact of leadership, Arable not only coaches top-tier business leaders but also offers consultancy to organizations in the corporate and non-profit sectors.