The invisible operators behind Kamala Harris, Justin Trudeau & Jacinda Ardern
The Briefing19 Dec 2025

The invisible operators behind Kamala Harris, Justin Trudeau & Jacinda Ardern

Phoebe Santillan-Stocks has spoken to some of the most powerful right hands in the world - the people operating just out of sight, shaping history from behind the scenes.

The founder of Missing Perspectives and author of The Right Hand, explores what it’s really like to be a chief of staff or adviser to global leaders from Nelson Mandela to Jacinda Ardern and even Kamala Harris.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Phoebe Santillan-Stocks shares what she learned by asking big questions in her twenties, why she’s driven to amplify overlooked voices, and the lessons that stayed with her long after the interviews ended.

Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

  • TO EAT: Panettone tiramisu
  • TO EAT: Fruit kebabs
  • TO DO: Ette Media Live Show tickets here
  • TO DO: Gift an experience over a material item

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