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The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary
What if the biggest risks in business were hiding in plain sight – and only a handful of people knew where to look?
Governance is often invisible. But it’s the difference between headlines and handcuffs, between integrity and implosion. In the high-stakes world of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 boardrooms, chartered company secretaries and chartered governance professionals are quietly steering the governance ship – asking the hard questions, holding the red lines, and keeping companies safe when the stakes couldn’t be higher. This book lifts the lid on the boardroom’s most guarded realities. Through real-life stories of power struggles, ethical crossroads, near misses and quiet victories, it reveals the unseen influence of those who protect companies from the inside out.
For board directors, aspiring governance leaders, and anyone who believes business should be better – this is your invitation into the side of business you were never meant to see.
Governance is often invisible. But it’s the difference between headlines and handcuffs, between integrity and implosion. In the high-stakes world of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 boardrooms, chartered company secretaries and chartered governance professionals are quietly steering the governance ship – asking the hard questions, holding the red lines, and keeping companies safe when the stakes couldn’t be higher. This book lifts the lid on the boardroom’s most guarded realities. Through real-life stories of power struggles, ethical crossroads, near misses and quiet victories, it reveals the unseen influence of those who protect companies from the inside out.
For board directors, aspiring governance leaders, and anyone who believes business should be better – this is your invitation into the side of business you were never meant to see.
196 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 24, 2025
I've just dipped my toe into The Secret Diary of A Company Secretary and already had to pause for reflection. Chapters 1 and 4 felt uncannily like fragments of my own journey, albeit reshuffled. I'm deeply grateful the book doesn’t shy away from addressing microaggressions and the often-unseen impact of micro racism, topics still so frequently overlooked in professional spaces.
Thank you, Erica, for weaving in Shakespeare in the introduction, t’s a fitting nod to a profession that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful, despite its often misunderstood title.
So far, my favourite line has to be: “The minutes are what the board wished they had said, written by a secretary who spent hours making it sound that way.” It’s brilliantly true and made me laugh out loud in recognition.
Now the real question: how do we get the rest of the world to read this book?
Thank you, Erica, for weaving in Shakespeare in the introduction, t’s a fitting nod to a profession that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful, despite its often misunderstood title.
So far, my favourite line has to be: “The minutes are what the board wished they had said, written by a secretary who spent hours making it sound that way.” It’s brilliantly true and made me laugh out loud in recognition.
Now the real question: how do we get the rest of the world to read this book?
September 17, 2025
‘Behind every great Board lie governance professionals who act as strategic partners and wise, trusted advisors.’
This common message is shared by Board analysts, assessors, educators and facilitators.
If you sit on a listed board or aspire to do so ‘The secret diary of a company secretary’ will help you understand the true nature of Governance Professionals and the value they generate for the Boards they enable. It provides a useful contribution to your due diligence.
Erika has gathered together a collection of unusually revealing, real stories and insights from a cross section of practitioners and extracted leadership lessons. The lessons are relevant for all Chairmen, CEOs, Directors and Trustees and the governance professionals who support them.
This is not a dry, legal text but a practical and pragmatic exploration of issues, alternative approaches and their impact. Three themes resonate with me:
Governance professionals are leaders, not in the sense of command and control but in their ability to influence around a common purpose and philosophy.
With a unique overview of the whole organisation and the foresight to recognise emerging patterns, their insights are worth listening to.
Often described as ‘Guardians of the Board Conscience’. They are ‘Situationally Intelligent’, recognising and understanding diverse motivations and enabling the collaboration required to deliver governance.
This common message is shared by Board analysts, assessors, educators and facilitators.
If you sit on a listed board or aspire to do so ‘The secret diary of a company secretary’ will help you understand the true nature of Governance Professionals and the value they generate for the Boards they enable. It provides a useful contribution to your due diligence.
Erika has gathered together a collection of unusually revealing, real stories and insights from a cross section of practitioners and extracted leadership lessons. The lessons are relevant for all Chairmen, CEOs, Directors and Trustees and the governance professionals who support them.
This is not a dry, legal text but a practical and pragmatic exploration of issues, alternative approaches and their impact. Three themes resonate with me:
Governance professionals are leaders, not in the sense of command and control but in their ability to influence around a common purpose and philosophy.
With a unique overview of the whole organisation and the foresight to recognise emerging patterns, their insights are worth listening to.
Often described as ‘Guardians of the Board Conscience’. They are ‘Situationally Intelligent’, recognising and understanding diverse motivations and enabling the collaboration required to deliver governance.
September 18, 2025
A very accessible book and relevant to everyone who works with people - which is most of us! Whereas governance can be niche, the stories and insight here are relatable as they show the importance of relationship building and resilience. The governance community when working are more about influence than ego which is maybe why there aren’t more books like this available – there should be more.
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September 4, 2025What a wonderfully written book Erika! I never knew the depth and variety of personalities company secretaries need to deal with. The book gave me a breadth of the role of a company secretary and how so much hinges on how someone holding the post manages to navigate the various scenarios they are presented with. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and reading all the stories.
August 26, 2025
The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary brings a unique and personal perspective to governance. Erika Eliasson-Norris weaves real life stories with a narrative which explains why governance is key to all organisations, how governance professionals are the linchpin that help companies run smoothly and why sometimes, those organisations fail.
It isn’t just a book for governance professionals, although I wish this book had been published when I started out in my career. It is packed with insightful messages for all directors and senior management, expertly told through people who have seen the good, the bad and sometimes the very ugly.
This book should be essential reading for all directors and senior management, both those who want to learn how to run companies better and those who think they know it all already (who should read it twice). Add it to your induction pack for new directors now!
It isn’t just a book for governance professionals, although I wish this book had been published when I started out in my career. It is packed with insightful messages for all directors and senior management, expertly told through people who have seen the good, the bad and sometimes the very ugly.
This book should be essential reading for all directors and senior management, both those who want to learn how to run companies better and those who think they know it all already (who should read it twice). Add it to your induction pack for new directors now!
September 1, 2025
Erika Eliasson-Norris’s The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary is a bold and candid portrayal of governance in action, with a realism that resurrected long-forgotten moments from my own career, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
August 15, 2025
As someone new to Corporate Governance, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary. What I found was an unexpectedly gripping, funny, and surprisingly human journey into a world I’d always imagined was dry and impenetrable.
This book lifts the lid on life inside the boardroom, revealing the personalities, tensions, and politics that shape big decisions. It’s not a dry manual on corporate governance (thank goodness) but rather a behind-the-scenes tour told through sharp observation, wry humour, and moments of genuine drama.
What really struck me was how it blends governance insight with real stories. Without realising it, I was learning about the mechanics of board meetings, the role of the Company Secretary, and the subtleties of corporate law, yet it never once felt like a lecture. The author makes the technical accessible, weaving facts into narratives about power struggles, late-night crises, and those awkward silences when no one wants to be the first to speak.
Even as an outsider, I came away with a new appreciation for the skill and diplomacy it takes to keep the board functioning and for the human stories behind those polished annual reports. It’s an eye-opening, witty, and oddly addictive read.
This book lifts the lid on life inside the boardroom, revealing the personalities, tensions, and politics that shape big decisions. It’s not a dry manual on corporate governance (thank goodness) but rather a behind-the-scenes tour told through sharp observation, wry humour, and moments of genuine drama.
What really struck me was how it blends governance insight with real stories. Without realising it, I was learning about the mechanics of board meetings, the role of the Company Secretary, and the subtleties of corporate law, yet it never once felt like a lecture. The author makes the technical accessible, weaving facts into narratives about power struggles, late-night crises, and those awkward silences when no one wants to be the first to speak.
Even as an outsider, I came away with a new appreciation for the skill and diplomacy it takes to keep the board functioning and for the human stories behind those polished annual reports. It’s an eye-opening, witty, and oddly addictive read.
July 1, 2025
I had the privilege of receiving an advanced copy of The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary – and as someone who loves management books that do more than just teach, this one truly stood out. Erika Eliasson-Norris has written something rare: a business book with the narrative pull of a novel and the insight of a seasoned board advisor.
What struck me most was the access – not just to Erika’s reflections, but to the inner workings of boardrooms, power dynamics, and leadership dilemmas that usually remain hidden from view. If Jack Welch’s Winning was one CEO’s lens on leadership, this book gives you dozens. It reads like a guided tour through the C-suite – revealing, honest, and deeply human.
It should be required reading for every MBA and aspiring leader. Because while textbooks teach you frameworks, The Secret Diary shows you what leadership feels like when it’s lived.
A necessary, timely, and truly original read.
What struck me most was the access – not just to Erika’s reflections, but to the inner workings of boardrooms, power dynamics, and leadership dilemmas that usually remain hidden from view. If Jack Welch’s Winning was one CEO’s lens on leadership, this book gives you dozens. It reads like a guided tour through the C-suite – revealing, honest, and deeply human.
It should be required reading for every MBA and aspiring leader. Because while textbooks teach you frameworks, The Secret Diary shows you what leadership feels like when it’s lived.
A necessary, timely, and truly original read.
August 5, 2025
As someone who doesn't work in the industry and didn’t know what a Company secretary did this book opened my eyes to your life. But You Girls and Guys in the industry really do need to change your job title to something that describes. what you do.
All in all a very interesting read.
All in all a very interesting read.
August 25, 2025
I found this book a really refreshing read, as will anyone who works in business with senior management teams and boards. You do not need to be a governance expert to learn from it. It applies to all of us in business, but that is very much the point – we all need to apply and adhere to good governance regardless of our role.
It is equally witty as it is razor sharp in its guidance. The clever author retells the stories of current governance practitioners who have selflessly and anonymously provided their sacrosanct experience and all too challenging everyday experiences.
The eight chapters lift the curtain on boardroom antics in a way that I have not found before.
With humour and her own battle experience, the author reveals what really happens behind the minutes and performance of business – the dilemmas, the politics, the landscape, and the issues and crisis; some with great outcomes and some very depressing, disappointing, and sad ones.
But this is not just storytelling, this is a forensic analysis of an undervalued and misunderstood function. I work in a corporate role and could relate to many of the stories.
Whether you are advising a board, aspiring to get to these heights or work in a corporate function, I believe that The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary is a bold, must read. I would also say that this could be a perfect read for leaders who run a business where you can build a culture of accountability, starting with yourself.
It is equally witty as it is razor sharp in its guidance. The clever author retells the stories of current governance practitioners who have selflessly and anonymously provided their sacrosanct experience and all too challenging everyday experiences.
The eight chapters lift the curtain on boardroom antics in a way that I have not found before.
With humour and her own battle experience, the author reveals what really happens behind the minutes and performance of business – the dilemmas, the politics, the landscape, and the issues and crisis; some with great outcomes and some very depressing, disappointing, and sad ones.
But this is not just storytelling, this is a forensic analysis of an undervalued and misunderstood function. I work in a corporate role and could relate to many of the stories.
Whether you are advising a board, aspiring to get to these heights or work in a corporate function, I believe that The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary is a bold, must read. I would also say that this could be a perfect read for leaders who run a business where you can build a culture of accountability, starting with yourself.
October 11, 2025
The true story of what really goes on at the top of some of the biggest companies in the UK, how decisions get made and who it is that keeps the biggest egos in check.
The aim of a good Company Secretary is to make sure that the right people have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions in the boardrooms of the organisations that drive the UK economy. Sometimes helping with this but often hindering it are the personal ambitions of executives who can think more of themselves than what is best for their shareholders. This book tells you the funny, interesting and sometimes disturbing stories about the previously largely unknown battles that occur every day in companies to keep things on track. If you want to know what really happens behind closed doors to shape corporate Britain, from the people who are there when all the key decisions are made, this is the right book for you.
The aim of a good Company Secretary is to make sure that the right people have the right information at the right time to make the right decisions in the boardrooms of the organisations that drive the UK economy. Sometimes helping with this but often hindering it are the personal ambitions of executives who can think more of themselves than what is best for their shareholders. This book tells you the funny, interesting and sometimes disturbing stories about the previously largely unknown battles that occur every day in companies to keep things on track. If you want to know what really happens behind closed doors to shape corporate Britain, from the people who are there when all the key decisions are made, this is the right book for you.
August 2, 2025
Such an interesting and well written book. Not too technical but enough for anyone to read and understand this well known but hardly well known job. This book shows the true nature of the job of a company secretary. It's amazing as to how much they actually do to help keep their bosses on track and the whole company running smoothly. I look forward to reading more from this new author.
Who would have thought you would get such things sometimes happening in a boardroom. It is not may I point out a saucy read. But has some funny and unexpected things told in the real life stories that were told. Sandra Thomas
Who would have thought you would get such things sometimes happening in a boardroom. It is not may I point out a saucy read. But has some funny and unexpected things told in the real life stories that were told. Sandra Thomas
September 1, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this book before it was published, and I had to read it again as I found it very enjoyable. As someone who is relatively early in his career, I found a lot of the stories relatable, and the stories that were not as much relatable, it made me somewhat curious to get insight into what I may be exposed to in the future. I particularly love the Leadership Lessons, as they give the stories a directional summary.
I would recommend this book to both junior and seasoned governance professionals, and anyone who has an interest in the wild world of corporate governance!
I would recommend this book to both junior and seasoned governance professionals, and anyone who has an interest in the wild world of corporate governance!
August 11, 2025
A very thought-provoking book for both beginners and the experienced Company Secretaries. Having worked in several large listed and other companies as a Company Secretary and General Counsel, I can easily correlate to Erika's experiences. All companies are different. So, flexibility and the desire to learn are key to professional success. I would urge the professionals to read Erika's experiences, which are worth emulating.
Abhijit Mukhopadhyay
President (Legal) & General Counsel
The Hinduja Group
Abhijit Mukhopadhyay
President (Legal) & General Counsel
The Hinduja Group
August 7, 2025
A brilliant debut! The Secret Diary of a Company Secretary offers a rare and honest glimpse into the high‑stakes world of governance. Erika Eliasson‑Norris brings humanity, insight, and sharp storytelling to a profession that often goes unnoticed. The stories are compelling, thoughtful, and quietly powerful, showing just how vital ethics and integrity are behind the boardroom doors. I’m so proud of Erika and this incredible first book!
August 15, 2025
This book is well worth reading. The author holds the readers attention and combines humour and honesty, recounting real life challenges. Readers familiar with legal or governance frameworks will find this especially relatable. The book is an entertaining and thought provoking read. Written by DE
August 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Some of the stories may seem absolutely absurd but having come from this world and having seen some of this actually play out it was both hilarious and a reminder it happens everywhere!
A great read for everyone 🙂
A great read for everyone 🙂
August 2, 2025
Such a good read, a book written with integrity and heart. A real eye opener into the world of governance.
September 1, 2025
A must read for anyone thinking of pursuing a career in governance, but also a great read for anyone wanting an insight into leadership roles and behind the scenes of the boardroom! Highly enjoyed
December 21, 2025
Shining a spotlight on a profession that still does not receive enough recognition. Funny and real!
August 29, 2025
A must read for anyone setting foot in a boardroom no matter their role and position. It provides a humanised view of corporate leadership tackling sometimes common problems and other times unusual challenges. The real-life examples shed a light on the inner workings of governance, its complexity and its importance for supporting directors and senior managers to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Accessible narratives are very well tied with humorous incidents and thought-provoking reflections from the professionals in the field.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews