We have more data than ever, less trust than ever and when leaders refrain from judgement and optimise everything, people are left frazzled and sceptical. Too many decisions fail not because they are wrong, but because trust doesn’t travel.
Decisions That Carry explores what it takes to make rigorous and authentic decisions and bring people with you. Drawing on personal stories and examples from global leaders it introduces the Yellow Bag Framework – a practical, repeatable way to access and combine judgement, data and story. It will help you make balanced decisions alongside AI and make your judgement visible enough that others can believe in it and own it - inspiring commitment, not just compliance.
For leaders whose decisions need to carry beyond them, this book holds the questions you need to be asking.
Good leaders own their decisions. Great leaders make decisions others can carry.
Editorial Reviews
"For years, leaders have been told to trust the data and ignore their gut. McDonnell challenges that thinking with a refreshing, deeply human take on leadership. Decisions That Carry is essential reading for every leader making and communicating decisions and navigating an increasingly data-led, complex world."
Kerry Smith, Chief People Officer, The British Heart Foundation
"Fiona writes with real honesty about the moment the data ran out - and she still had to make the call. This is far more than a personal story; it's a practical leadership guide for making and communicating genuinely human decisions in an increasingly data-rich world. Her point is one every leader needs to hear: as AI reshapes how we work, our judgement, our values and our humanity matter more, not less."
John Boumphrey: VP and Country Manager UK&ROI, Amazon
"A refreshingly down-to-earth and accessible perspective on how to approach the difficult question of what evidence to use — and how to use it — when making decisions."
Dr Claire Barlow, Emeritus Staff, Department of Engineering, Cambridge University
“A thoughtful book about taking people with you when you make decisions - and the barriers and enablers we can all work on.”
Ben Page, Visiting Professor, Kings College London, former CEO Ipsos UK
My first book…..
Two Mirrors and a Cheetah:
Think Differently, Own Your Career & Succeed by Being Yourself
Are you a passenger in your career, wanting more but fearful of change or failure?
Do you wish you could just be yourself at work?
Two Mirrors and a Cheetah will help you to challenge the assumptions and choices that hold you back, and inspire you to find real career fulfilment just by being yourself. Providing insights, examples and simple exercises, this book will equip you to:
Understand and showcase your unique capabilities
Identify the contexts that help you to thrive
Recognise and successfully navigate change
Deal with challenges like the ‘bad’ manager, the job hunt, the promotion and learn to coach your own teams too,
Define your own work-life rhythm
If you learn better with stories than with detailed handbooks, then this easy-to-read book is all the empowerment you need to get into the driving seat and take control of your career today!
Editorial reviews
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‘This book holds a career’s worth of wisdom from an inspirational leader. I’m so pleased that Fiona has gone to the trouble of setting it down so honestly and clearly, I just wish I’d had the chance to read it much earlier in my career! Read this if you want a happier and healthier career!
’Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum and former CEO Amazon UK
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‘Engaging, entertaining and thought provoking. For anyone seeking to further their professional career and frankly for anyone seeking to unleash their true self in business or in life, this book is one not to miss!’
Leila McKenzie-Delis, Author and Founder and CEO DIAL Global
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‘Dedicated to exploring and understanding yourself, this book is packed with inspiring, insightful and practical advice and exercises to get you to where you want to go. The wisdom in these pages is priceless.’
Amanda Mackenzie OBE, Chief Executive, Business In the Community
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‘Engaging, authentic and easy-to-read, this book is like having your own personal career coach giving you the confidence and clarity to tackle anything. If your career has plateaued, or you’re unhappy in your job but not sure what to do, then this book is essential reading.’
Ruwan Kodikara, VP Sony Music
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‘A highly engaging and valuable career guide, helpful at any stage in your career. McDonnell's path is a distinguished one, and through her unique lens, that of scientist, seasoned business leader adventurous soul and life-long learner, she provides relatable, practical advice and frameworks that offer the reader a roadmap to growth and career satisfaction, a means to flourish professionally on one’s own terms.’
Ripa Rashid, Author and Diversity and Inclusion Expert
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‘Fiona has created a narrative to help us all understand how we can thrive in our careers and how we can help others achieve their rhythm. I highly recommend this book not just for work, but for the universal truths found within it that will help you thrive in life too.’
Matthew Phelan, Author and Co-Founder The Happiness Index.
The home of my ideas
Where my bigger thinking meets playful execution.
