‘Kate’s ability to distil complex psychological principles into practical, actionable strategies is one of the most impactful aspects of her approach. Her focus on neurobiology, communication through “Egostates”, and understanding human adaptation to change has provided me over the years with a robust foundation for tackling leadership challenges. These methods have not only enhanced my own leadership effectiveness but also empowered my teams to thrive in dynamic and often fast paced environments. One of the standout aspects of Kate’s work is her emphasis on psychological methods that are evidence-based and simple to apply. Her teachings explain the complexities of human behaviour, enabling leaders to gain deep understanding, drive performance, and maintain resilience.

I have personally experienced the transformative impact of these tools, allowing me to navigate high-pressure situations with composure and inspire others to perform at their best. Kate’s emphasis on adaptability and emotional intelligence has been instrumental in my ability to lead through significant change. Her models have given me the confidence to not only manage transitions effectively but also support my team members as they navigate uncertainty.

This has resulted in stronger relationships, increased engagement, and higher levels of collaboration across the board. Beyond her methodologies, Kate’s passion for empowering leaders shines through. Her ability to connect on a human level and provide practical guidance has left a lasting impression on me. The principles outlined in her book serve as an essential guide for anyone looking to elevate their leadership capabilities.’

Mike Grimes, Customer and Planning Director, Manchester Airport Group

‘This book is a must have manual for the bookshelf of any leader. The models and advice within are simple to understand – but highly effective and useful in any workplace. I have been following Kate’s wisdom and counsel on leadership for a long time. You won’t find better than what is within the pages of this book.’

Nina Williams, Global Director of People and Culture

‘A must-have resource for aspiring and established leaders. This book seamlessly blends psychological insights with evidence-based strategies to inspire authentic and effective leadership. Packed with practical and actionable advice, it’s a powerful tool for leadership growth and success.’

Niki McKenna, Headteacher, Luminate Education Group

‘Like spending time with a great coach, this book unpacks leadership through cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology. With practical reflections, insights on resilience, navigating change, and even how to handle your most challenging colleague, it’s essential reading for today’s people leaders.’

Gill Green, Chartered Coaching and Clinical Psychologist

‘Kate’s clear and concise overview of the three base models, especially the Egostates, combined with examples that resonate with leaders allows a full understanding of the impact of this theory in teams and organisations. Use of the change curve to position the organisational context is genius.’

Duncan Pearse, CEO, Northpoint

‘A must read for all new and experienced Leaders. Kate clearly explains “the why” we can feel so overwhelmed by day-to-day leadership challenges whilst giving practical, clearly articulated and easily implemented solutions. I can’t recommend enough if you want to bring together a high performing and cohesive team.’

Deborah Saffer, Director of Information Security

‘As a leader in the charity sector I have applied the tools explained so accessibly and pragmatically in this book to better understand how to work as a senior team to become more than the sum of our parts.’

Sanj Srikanthan, CEO, ShelterBox

‘Kate masterfully blends complex neuroscience with practical leadership insights, making this book immediately captivating. Visual models and self-reflection exercises guide readers through engaging chapters. Insightful references inspire further exploration, while the inclusion of transactional analysis and other frameworks empowers readers to navigate relationships and drive meaningful change.’

Tina Welch, HR Director, GatenbySanderson

‘If you’re looking to take your leadership skills to the next level, look no further. Based on core psychological principles applied to different everyday leadership scenarios, you will learn how to speak in a way that ensures people listen to what you have to say. This book is the perfect companion for every leader who ever had responsibility for change management and at some point was faced with strong emotions or difficult behaviours from those they were leading. In other words, every leader will find this book useful!’

Sarah Brooks, PhD, Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and ICF Accredited Coach, University of Sheffield

‘Effective leadership is more important in the complex and fast-paced world of today, than ever before and the need for accessible and tried-and-tested approaches to enhancing leadership has never been greater. This terrific book is packed with useful information, insights, approaches and tips derived from the author’s extensive experience, knowledge and expertise. Regardless of whether you are a leader, an aspiring leader or are involved in developing the leadership skills of others, this gem of a book will give you a clear, comprehensive and highly accessible guide that will enhance your knowledge, confidence and skill. It is definitely one to add to your library.’

Sarah Corrie, Professor, University of Suffolk, Ipswich; Founder and Director of Inspiring Transformation Ltd

“Thank you for writing your wonderful book. It is filled with practical, real, relatable and honest insights and coaching. Every leader, high potential, HR professional and human who is willing to understand themself more fully and offer more greatness to those they work with and lead will undoubtedly benefit from your book. Real performance impact and real conversations. It’s a run, don’t walk to get to this book in my view. A book that people will refer to and easily make use of on a day to day basis.”

Jane Stark, Global Business & HR Executive

“It is a terrific, practical, lucid (and concise!) book. There is so much useful information in here. Even sceptics will have to concede that there might just be something to this psychology business!”

Stefan Stern Journalist & Visting Professor

“It’s a fabulous book that I am really enjoying reading. It’s like you’re chatting to me Kate, explaining and exploring from the page. It’s such a wonderful, effective, practical ‘doable’ guide to leaders and humans in general, based on sound psychological principles and decades of applied practice.”

Emma Haddleton, Chartered Psychologist and Executive Coach, Haddleton Knight

“This book captures exactly why so many workplaces struggle with grievances, low morale, and toxic culture. It shows how poor leadership, weak communication, and unqualified promotions create fear instead of trust. The focus on psychology, behaviour, and self-awareness really stands out, reminding us that leadership is not about title or power but about understanding people.”

Dr Wayne E. Reed, Strategic Leader, Public Sector and Education Specialist

“Ever read a book that quickly changes how you see your work? Kate Pearlman‑Shaw’s The Psychology of Effective Leadership: This Works has done for me It’s challenging how I think about communication, connection and what great leadership really looks like in practice.

My laptop at home is balanced a foot high on books covering everything from the neuroscience of leadership and compassionate leadership to the language of leadership and the importance of putting employees first. But this one hits differently.

Rather than relying on long illustrative stories or multi-chapter academic theories, The Psychology of Effective Leadership: This Works wastes no time getting down to the actual practice of human connection in the workplace. Its big selling point is that it’s designed for leaders and aspiring leaders who have little time or headspace beyond the immediate day-to-day. A slim volume of just 168 pages, it somehow manages to distil much of Kate’s knowledge into manageable chapters filled with practical tips and exercises.

Here are more than a dozen chapters on cases undoubtedly familiar to today’s leaders – from engaging colleagues with diverse views and instilling ownership among teams through to getting the best from people, handling disagreement or defensiveness, and leading teams through change.

The chapters are short and broken into bite-sized, easy-to-navigate sections that return to the three core models and apply them in different ways. It’s very much step by step, with ‘what if’ scenarios, personal reflection questions, and jumping-off points to other studies if that’s your thing. Not a word is wasted.

During an especially relevant chapter, I actually caught myself saying “yes, yes, yes” aloud on the train to work – major cringe. If you’ve seen When Harry Met Sally you’ll know what I’m talking about (“I’ll have what he’s reading”). And that was just in the first 30 pages.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this has already unlocked a greater sense of possibility in my own practice of internal communication and my consultancy around employee engagement and leadership support. Not just this book alone, but also how it’s aligning with other sources of insight and inspiration I’m drawing on. Workwise, I’m applying it right now.”

Damon Bowles, Head of Strategic Internal Comms and Content, Definition

“This stuff works, and now you can access Kate’s tools in an easily digestible book. (I say that as an ADHDer, who evolved from a book-worm, academic child, to an adult who struggles to read anything that is lengthy, or remotely dry).”

Helena Territ, Executive Coach, Trainer and Supervisor Specialising in Neurodiversity, Hatched Coaching

“The book isn’t overly chunky (a plus for me, it’s not off putting). I found it easy to read and understand. If you are a leader in any capacity, this book consolidates advice, tips, insights and approaches, useful for ALL leaders. And, from a parenting point of view (the book isn’t just for “leaders” in the workplace), this book can also be applied.”

Emili Perry, Finance Officer, Somerset Finance Department

“The impact of the training we had at Luminate Education Group was huge. When I read the book, all of the content of the training we’ve had is there and I remembered how well it’s worked for us.”

Colin Booth, CEO of Luminate Education Group

Kate Pearlman-Shaw specialises in helping leaders to change their behaviours. She worked for 18 years as a UK Clinical Psychologist and leader, and has spent the past 20 years working internationally as a leadership development coach and facilitator for private and public sector organisations. She is a double Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, both as a Coaching Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist.