“A Chief of Staff… It’s such a unique character because they’re so influential, but you rarely know anything about them,” says Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, author and founder of media tech company, Missing Perspectives.
“Because inherent in the role is that invisibility to, in a way, be as powerful as you can,” she adds.
Our Director of Government Relations, Esther Robinson, recently sat down with Phoebe to discuss her latest book, The Right Hand. In it, Phoebe speaks with the Chiefs of Staff to some of the world’s most prominent leaders - from Jacinda Ardern and Kamala Harris to John Howard, Nelson Mandela, Tony Blair and Julia Gillard - offering a rare look behind the curtain of political leadership.
Phoebe’s interest in the role began early in her career. After starting in state politics and moving into federal politics, she was exposed to the inner workings of Australia’s Prime Minister’s office and, in particular, the influence of the Chief of Staff.
At the time, the role was held by John Kunkel, Chief of Staff to the then-Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Phoebe quickly realised that when John was in the room, it meant important things were happening.
“He was as powerful as the Prime Minister, which is interesting because he wasn’t elected,” she tells Esther, who brings more than a decade of experience across politics, policy and business to the conversation.
That early curiosity stayed with Phoebe, ultimately leading her to write The Right Hand years later.
In their conversation, Phoebe and Esther explore what it takes to operate in one of the most demanding roles in government. They also discuss whether there are parallels in the corporate world, what makes a good leader and how to build back trust in political institutions.
If you would like to give the full interview a listen, click the link here.
