The Right Hand: Conversations with the chiefs of staff to the world's most powerful people

by Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks

We all know the Jacinda Ardern, Kamala Harris, Tony Blair, Justin Trudeau, John Howard, Sanna Marin, Nelson Mandela, and Julia Gillard. But what about the people standing just behind them?

In The Right Hand, Missing Perspectives founder Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks sits down with the chiefs of staff to some of the most defining presidents and prime ministers of our time.

The stories shared in this book are nothing short of
Supporting Nelson Mandela as he emerged from prison and stepped into power.
Being sent home from Balmoral by the Queen.
Taking calls from Vladimir Putin on the day of the September 11 attacks.
Being shown projected death tolls in the Covid briefing room.
Boarding a blacked-out train into Kyiv under the cover of night at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Supporting Kamala Harris during one of the most anticipated elections in history – and then guiding a team through a devastating loss.
Also, Justin Trudeau doesn’t drink coffee.

In this book, some of the world’s most powerful chiefs of staff open up about leadership, loyalty, power and pressure and the deep personal relationships that shape decision-making at the very top.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in the highest corridors of power, this is your all-access pass.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Carla Boniolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting content written in an unimaginative way. It’s basically all verbatim transcripts from interviews which, whilst interesting, doesn’t really seem cohesive or pulled together with any real journalistic intent. An easy read.

[Mia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kind of book is my CRACK!!! So so so fascinating and inspiring. Chief of Staffs are in a league of their own

[Tim Allerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

No great insights here - they work/ed hard with their doors open 24/7.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting interviews with chiefs of staff to former world leaders - a little peek behind the curtain during some major events, including post-apartheid South Africa, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mass shootings, COVID, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Interviewee stories were insightful but something about the way it was presented didn’t work for me so 1.5 stars off for that. The author’s narrative would often repeat content from the interviewee monologue, which was annoying and did not add value, and it happened often enough to feel like déjà vu while I was reading.

[Luke Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those rare nonfiction reads that pulled me in completely. The Right Hand manages to make the invisible visible, turning the backstage architects of power into fully formed people. It is not just about proximity to decision-making, but about what it means to serve, to support, to guide, without ever standing in the spotlight.

The stories are astonishing. From the intimacy of crisis rooms to the quiet weight of protocol, each chapter opens a small window into a world that rarely speaks. And what makes it so compelling is not just the access, but the emotional precision with which these experiences are told. These are people shaped by loyalty, pressure, and purpose, and their insights are unforgettable.

It left me with a deeper appreciation of influence – the kind that operates behind closed doors. I could have read hundreds more pages. A quiet triumph.

[Annaleise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought this would be a book that I would love, but sadly not. The transcripts are edited to smooth them out, and I wondered if this made them sound too similar? Or, perhaps, the questions posed weren't my interest area? I started to skip the editor's introduction to each interviewee because there was double up with the content of the interview to come (a strategy I would recommend). Still interesting and definitely full of things that will be coming to mind in the years to come. I found it a bit tedious.

[Shreya Margale · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read! loved the interview format of the book. an introspective look into the right-hand personnel of the world's most powerful, and the amount of power (and responsibility) one can exude as the principal person for a principal politician. good insight into different political systems and processes around the world

[Bella Gillett · Rating 3 out of 5]

extremely interesting idea in theory, poor execution. well-researched and politically diverse lineup but the writing failed to do justice to the calibre of interviewees. read like a basic essay - highly informative yet lacks any analytical insight.

[Bri Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I took a shot every time I audibly said “FAR OUT that’s so cool/interesting” I’d be blackout by 100 pages

[Emily Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable, easy read, insightful

[Lou | bookswithlou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very very interesting, something I’ve never really thought about. Glad I picked this one after listening to Phoebe on a podcast last year talking about this.

[Sash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty generic, not a lot of insight but I still enjoyed it

[Dani Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Breakdown:
• ✍️ Clarity & Writing Style: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5)
• 📚 Concepts & Theories: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0)
• 🎯 Practical Application: ⭐⭐ (2.0)
• 🧩 Structure & Organisation: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0)
• 💡 Insight & Impact: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0)

Review:
A solid and insightful read for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of politics — particularly those aspiring to a Chief of Staff role. Santillan Stocks offers an honest look at the pressures, strategies, and inner workings of political offices, making it a worthwhile listen for those in or adjacent to that environment.

However, its usefulness doesn’t translate much beyond politics, and those looking for broader leadership or organisational insights may find it less applicable. The audiobook narration by the author adds a personal touch, but the lack of professional delivery made it harder to stay engaged at times.

Overall, an interesting insider’s view but somewhat limited in scope and accessibility.

[Maddi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Looking back, even to when I was eleven years old, it’s clear that I’ve always been fascinated by the supporting role. The people behind The People’.

From the turn of the first page I knew I was in for a ride with ‘The Right Hand’.
Often overlooked by the public, and overshadowed by the world’s most influential and powerful people, ‘The Right Hand’ pulls the stage curtains and places the spotlight directly on the ‘the people behind The People’.

Saintilan-Stocks gives us an all-access pass behind the scenes when the whole world is watching.
From mundane reminders to eat breakfast, to briefings on projected death tolls during a global pandemic - these extraordinary people have lived lifetimes.
With interviews and stories from the likes of Katie Telford and Barbara Masekala, you won’t be able to put this one down (until it’s 2:00am and you accidentally finished it in one sitting).

For fans of Leigh Sales and Julia Baird, the politically inclined and not-so-much, this book is for everyone.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.