Full Story Secrets from top political chiefs of staff– podcast
Nov 2, 2025
Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, an author and former Australian public servant, delves into the world of chiefs of staff for powerful leaders in her new book, The Right Hand. She shares amusing anecdotes, like Tony Blair gifting hand-me-down shirts and Jacinda Ardern's love for crime TV. Phoebe discusses the delicate balance chiefs must maintain between influence and accountability, sheds light on the personal burdens of monumental events like 9/11, and highlights how female leaders navigate misogyny while achieving significant policy wins. Her insights reveal the complex dynamics behind the scenes of global power.
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Unelected Power Behind Leaders
- Chiefs of staff hold immense informal power despite being unelected and operating outside the spotlight.
- Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks argues their proximity to leaders makes them central to decision-making and historical events.
Hand-Me-Down Shirts And Suit Swaps
- Jonathan Powell received Tony Blair's hand-me-down shirts and even swapped suits when Blair spilled coffee before a press conference.
- These small stories show how chiefs of staff literally and figuratively become extensions of their leaders.
Becoming An Extension Of The Leader
- Chiefs of staff often 'become' their leaders to make decisions on their behalf and anticipate preferences.
- Long-term working relationships produce near-telepathic communication and aligned decision-making.
