Keep Sharp in Chaos: A Surgeon's Mindset Hack
Take Command: A Leadership Podcast · 2026-02-10 · 44 min
Episode notes
About the Guest: Sanjay Gupta comes from a family of trailblazers. His mother, the first woman engineer hired at Ford Motor Company—a refugee who fled India at age 5—took Dale Carnegie courses to conquer public speaking fears, making How to Win Friends and Influence People a family staple. Inspired by her grit, Sanjay pursued neuroscience early, became a White House fellow, and joined CNN just before 9/11, evolving from healthcare wonk to global reporter on wars, disasters, and outbreaks—while still operating in war zones. That’s why Sanjay is CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, a practicing neurosurgeon at Emory, a bestselling author ( Keep Sharp ), and a Dale Carnegie graduate. He credits the course (taken at 16–17) for turning speaking terror into TV poise for millions. Hear more about blending medicine, media, and mentorship when you listen to this episode of the Dale Carnegie Taking Command podcast.