We ask much of our leaders and blame them for ay failure to order the world to our liking. Yet many of us are reluctant to engage, preferring to disparage leaders as a class apart, a quarrelsome lot and overpaid to boot—the useful butt of barbecue humour. Will we engage better with the next generation of leaders? Will they conduct a kinder, gentler national conversation? In this book, 36 Australian voices—both early achievers and the venerable from across the political and social landscape—offer fresh ideas and timeless wisdom for people entering public life.

Whether you are a budding politician, advisor, lobbyist, advocate, local councillor, NGO leader, social activist, blogger, philanthropist, sporting administrator or the representative of an industry, the arts, a profession or a trade—you are in public life. This book will deepen your understanding of what you must know, do, say and be to succeed.

"...Philip Crisp has done us all an enormous favour by assembling not only a first class and diverse group of leaders, but ones who are willing to be frank, confronting and not merely offering the usual 'leadership' platitudes." —Simon McKeon AO: Australian of the Year 2011

"...a 'must read' for any aspiring leader...a treasure trove of invaluable insights into effective leadership." —Laurie Wilson: President, National Press Club

"...a most timely and comprehensive analysis of leadership and the making of good leaders...Compulsory reading." —Anne Henderson AM: political historian