I left the official launch of It’s Not About You: The Psychology of Leadership feeling exactly as I believe a publication event should make you feel: energised, affirmed, and quietly proud to have been part of something meaningful.
From the moment I walked in, the venue was already buzzing.
The room filled quickly-a lively blend of professionals, colleagues, former teammates of Paul’s, long-standing friends, and supporters who had travelled to be there.
It made for a warm, generous atmosphere, the kind where conversations flow easily and there’s a shared sense of anticipation in the air.
You could feel that this book has arrived at exactly the right moment.
When Paul stepped up to speak, he did so with the clarity, openness, and calm confidence that infuse the book itself.
He talked about why he wrote It’s Not About You- the leadership lessons at its core, the personal and professional experiences that shaped it, and the commitment to making leadership accessible, human, and stripped of ego.
He thanked those involved in bringing the project to life and spoke sincerely about collaboration, communication, and shared purpose. His reading from the book landed with the room, not least the story about his Norwich City teammates setting fire to his yoga mat, an earthy moment of humour that revealed the lived experiences behind the theory.
What struck me most, hearing him speak, is how clearly the book articulates what leadership really is.
Not the title.
Not the buzzword.
But the psychology-the human behaviours and motivations that explain why some step forward, why others follow, and how leadership has shaped societies from ancient communities to modern boardrooms.
Paul takes the reader through the major theories; from Great Man and Trait models to behavioural, situational, and contemporary approaches, weaving them together with examples from business, sport, politics, entertainment, the military and his own life.
It’s part history, part analysis, part personal reflection.
It challenges assumptions, elevates the leaders we often overlook, interrogates the ones we too easily celebrate, and reminds us that leadership is not exclusive-it is something we can all learn, develop, and practise with intention.
The audience response throughout the evening was exceptional.
People listened intently, engaged openly, and were clearly moved by the themes Paul explored.
The networking that followed was purposeful, warm, and full of conversation. Paul took time with each guest, and many shared their own reflections on leadership and how the book resonated with their personal and professional journeys.
Three contemporary leaders added depth and resonance to the evening.
Sarah Walker, CEO of Cisco UK & Ireland, spoke powerfully about authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the centrality of self-awareness in modern leadership.
Maya Raichoora, co-founder of Remap Mental Fitness, reflected on attitude, communication, and the responsibility that comes with influencing others with focus, care, and integrity.
Dr John Amaechi OBE, organisational psychologist and founder of APS Intelligence, offered his unmistakable insight into human behaviour, culture, and the moral courage demanded of today’s leaders.
The event was expertly led by Ad Davies, formerly a key figure at Gymshark where he served as Head of Talent Development, Performance, and Culture.
His work there helped shape the company’s high-performance environment, and he now brings that same clarity and people-centred focus to his role as Managing Director at The Leadership Club. His leadership throughout the evening was assured, warm and purposefully unobtrusive; guiding the flow of the event, setting the tone, and ensuring that each speaker, including Paul, had the space to deliver their message with impact.
It was clear why he is one of the most respected voices in modern leadership and people development.
Their contributions enriched the launch, offering contemporary context and reaffirming the importance of the book’s central message.
By the end of the evening, it felt clear to everyone in the room that It’s Not About You is more than a book release, it’s the beginning of an important conversation about what leadership must look like in the modern world.
I extend my humble thanks to Sarah, Maya, John and Ad for their thoughtful contributions, and to every guest who joined us for an evening defined by professionalism, purpose, and genuine enthusiasm.
As I left the venue, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
I’ve played my own quiet part in shaping this book which Paul generously acknowledged to everyone from the stage, supporting him in bringing his ideas, experiences, and insights together into a clear and coherent whole.
It has been a project I’ve thoroughly enjoyed: thoughtful, challenging, inspiring, and always collaborative.
Together, I believe we’ve created a contemporary and relevant piece of work that serves as a practical guide for anyone leading teams today, while remaining accessible enough for any reader with an interest in people, behaviour, and change.
It’s a book with purpose, heart, and real-world value-and its launch was an evening that celebrated exactly that.
