Product reviews for Calm Leadership

This book is a gift, not only to the education profession, but also to leaders in every sphere of life. I have had the privilege of knowing Patrick for many years, first meeting him when we worked together as coach and coachee in his early years of headship.

What he has accomplished in this book is truly remarkable. With every page, you can feel Patrick’s calm presence: in his words, his stories and in the quiet wisdom he shares so generously. His reflections are not abstract theories but lived truths, grounded in years of authentic leadership experience.

Calm Leadership is more than a book; it is a manifesto for our times. Patrick challenges the outdated tropes of leadership as heroic, untouchable or unrelatable, and instead offers an alternative: leadership that is humane, person-centred, compassionate and, above all, calm. In an era often defined by noise, urgency and burnout, this perspective feels both refreshing and essential.

Drawing on nearly two decades of headship, Patrick writes with rare honesty and insight. The wisdom he imparts could only come from someone who has walked the path with courage, learned deeply from both triumphs and trials, and emerged with a clarity of vision that can inspire others.

This book is a remarkable achievement, practical, profound and interspersed with humour. I would unreservedly recommend it to leaders at any stage of their journey. As Patrick reminds us, leadership is never a finished project; it is a continual process of growth and learning. For anyone committed to leading with integrity, purpose and calm, this book will be an invaluable companion.