Book reviews

"This is an important, practical book and one that I would recommend every board puts on its reading list. Fake news is not just confined to the political daily news. The current research shows that counter-factual information (counter-knowledge) in organisations causes immense damage, results in bad decisions, is costly and is more common than many organisations would wish to admit. Ruby Campbell's call for greater evidence-based practice is not only timely but one that needs to be taken seriously in all organisations. For example, recent (2019) studies have shown that organisational uses of big-data frequently frequently fail as a result of inaccurate data being used. The lessons and techniques contained in Scientists in Every Boardroom: Harnessing the Power of STEMM Leaders in an Irrational World should be written on every organisations walls."

David Wilkinson, Chief Editor, The Oxford Review

"Now more than ever does business need rigorous, evidence-based thinking to guide them and society through the crisis of ideologically-driven drivel that passes for much political and economic thinking from our supposed leaders. In an accessible informed fashion, this book with help business do just that. Highly recommended."

Prof Anthony M Grant, Director-Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney

"A much needed and timely reminder that quality and well credentialled scientists are required for business and community leadership in making informed decisions and implementing them, based upon scientific principles, in both meanings."

David Edmonds, Royal Australian Chemical Institute

"The need for systemic thinking and leadership to address the world’s ‘wicked’ problems has never been greater. Ruby Campbell has hit the proverbial ‘nail on the head’ – declining trust in traditional institutions, a world crying out for rational and ethical leadership and an impending tidal wave ready to sweep us away if we don’t change. More than that, however, Ruby has set out a cohesive and readily understood way to address the issues. This book is an investment well worth making!"

Chris Whelan, Director, The Transformation Initiative

"Such an insightful read into what leadership needs to evolve into. Covering multiple and often forgotten elements of what it will take to be a successful leader for the future, this book clearly details the logical steps to transition into one whilst providing scientific evidence and data in an easy to read format to support the concepts. This book is a must read for anyone looking to make a genuine difference moving forwards."

John Poulter, Director – Comstor Australia

"As Dr Ruby Campbell says, "the world urgently needs more critical thinking". This books goes beyond talking about what will drive a profit for business but considers the type of leaders needed to deliver better outcomes for humans on this earth. Both inspirational and useful, Ruby's thinking will help individuals, organisations and nations achieve better results, for this and future generations, through a new wave of leadership."

Jen Marshall, Chief Product Officer, Isentia Australia

"Tired of the litany of poor, short-sighted decisions that pass for leadership and exacerbate navigating our increasingly complex world? Dr. Ruby Campbell offers accessible evidence and anecdote for the power and possibility that scientific thinking can provide, especially when applied to society’s wicked problems. More than ever, we need the elevated, creative head (and heart and guts) to make our world workable. Though not the answer, it is an answer to what can enable leaders to lead. A worthy read."

John B. Lazar, Leadership/Executive Coach, CEO/Founder, John B. Lazar & Associates, Inc.

"Scientists in Every Boardroom is insightful in understanding our current leadership environment, and how, with the right coaching, people who have traditionally taken a back seat, can reach their leadership potential, and impact your business' positively."

Clive Lam, Product Director, Protiviti, Hong Kong

"To secure Australia’s health and economy into the future, the leadership of women and men in STEMM is vital. This book provides much needed inspiration for all professionals working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine."

Rozalina Schulze, Health Industry Hub

"This book invites a thoughtful and intentional approach. Written in an engagingly straightforward style, it may at first seem like a simple guide for encouraging coaches and change agents to engage with climate-related work. However, its clarity and simplicity reflect a deeper, more sophisticated foundation of thought and practice. The insights and strategies within offer valuable resources for those committed to nurturing leaders who shape decisions around climate change. This Playbook is designed to be a meaningful tool for anyone serious about supporting impactful leadership in this critical area…Climate change presents us with a set of complex problems that seem to defy our best attempts at solutions. This Playbook takes that complexity seriously. It is underpinned by a deep understanding of complex systems theory, along with findings from the natural, social and psychological sciences.”

Dr Michael Cavanagh, Co-Founder and Deputy Director, Coaching Psychology Unit, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Australia

"This has clearly been a “labour of love” and a major endeavour for you all…I found it a very easy and enjoyable read – with a simple and clear structure, and written in an interesting way that brings in and weaves together so many themes that resonate, and that we are all “wrestling” with in our climate coaching work. Distilled into workable chapters and elements, but also with great depth including many supporting references and resources, I came away with renewed clarity and confidence in approaching our work. Most importantly, kudos to you for your generosity in making it openly and freely available to anyone and everyone. I believe this is an extremely important resource and contribution to the coaching profession in accelerating climate action of politicians and leaders globally, and in policy, strategy and decision making more generally. And with open access and ease of reading, I am confident it will reach a very wide audience with powerful impact. We are also very honoured and grateful to have this recognised as a collaborative resource of the Political Pod and the CCA, joining as a 2nd major publication alongside the book of our founders, Ecological and Climate Conscious Coaching.”

Stuart Pickles, Regenerative Leadership Coach and Climate Coaching Alliance Global Coordination Hub

"What is not to like about this coaching playbook! It is an elegant, well designed, accessible, evidence-based, practical resource that will enhance every coach's tool kit. I love how it is organised in steps and that each step builds on the one before to create a playbook that doesn't shy away from the challenge of navigating the complexity of climate change and sustainability. I love the links to quality resources to allow us to build our understanding and knowledge. Congratulations to the authors for a resource that will spark generative dialogue with government leaders and other leaders in public life."

Ruth Hayes, Executive Coach and Past President of University of Sydney Mentoring & Coaching Alumni (USCMA) Committee