What do you do when a major global crisis hits and you lead a team of 600-plus employees around the world? You do what you can to keep them safe, calm, and motivated.

Samrat Shenbaga responded to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by sending his team weekly messages of support and inspiration.

When the pandemic continued longer than expected, he began compiling his emails and dissecting the embedded lessons. One of his primary takeaways: No communication is perfect, but you can't go wrong when it's heartfelt.

Samrat's irreverent observations and personal musings mirror the journey many of us took during the pandemic. Part memoir, part business book, Letters from an Accidental Optimist: Pandemic Notes on Life, Leadership, and Lifting Each Other Up will remind readers what's really important in life.