Paul Strangio takes the leadership of Prime Minister John Howard as his starting point and then proceeds to examine the leadership of the six prime ministers who have followed him: Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and the incumbent, Anthony Albanese. Strangio puts the lives and careers of these leaders under the microscope: formative years, personalities and skills, guiding principles and leadership styles. 

 

This thought- provoking book is accessible and readable. Strangio is willing to make judgements as to what has worked and what has not. He does not pull back from thoughtful but sharply worded opinions. The Alchemy of Leadership is a joy to read and draws the reader into its powerful narrative.

 

This book comes at a time of widespread despair at the inability of world leaders to cope with declining public trust and the rise of populism. Yet it is ultimately a hopeful book because it shows that Australia's democratic system has survived the challenges. It calls for more brave and decisive leadership.

 

While Strangio's work provides significant insight into Australian political history, it also works as something of a roadmap. The best leadership strategies, key policy achievements, most important social impacts and most successful tenures generally, as explored here, give upcoming and aspiring leaders of all persuasions concrete examples from which to learn. With leadership and power around the world under scrutiny, and democracy as it operates in Australia attracting attention globally, this is the book for our age.