READ PEOPLE. TRUST WISELY.
The boss you can’t win over. The colleague you can’t trust. The team you can’t read. The politics you can’t figure out.
The question you keep asking yourself: is it me?
It’s not a flaw in you. It’s the unspoken rules no one taught you, and they can be learnt.
By Linda Reddy · Four Leadership Power Playbooks and the book behind them
30 years in business · 12 years in the global C-suite · Harvard Business School Alumni · Speaker on 65+ stages
“Every senior leader I talk to names the same problem: the politics nobody taught them is what drains the most time and energy, not the work itself. Reddy gives that invisible game a vocabulary, a method, and the discipline to play it without losing yourself.”
Aina Lemoen Lunde
CEO, ANFO · Harvard Business School alumna · Norway
SOUND FAMILIAR?
Choose the question that sounds like you. It takes you to the playbook written for it.
It was rarely only about you.
There was a game you hadn’t been shown.
And once you can read it, everything changes.
“What people do to you is a record on them, not a verdict on you.”
— Linda Reddy · Read People Before They Read You, page one
THE BOOK AND PLAYBOOKS
Find the problem that sounds most like yours.
PLAYBOOK
Read Your Boss Before They Read You
Inside:12 rules you learn once, 43 real situations you can look up, and scripts and emails you can use tomorrow morning. Fillable toolkit included.
Warning sign:their words said yes. Their actions said no.
PLAYBOOK
Read the Politics Before You Play the Game
Inside:12 rules and 34 real workplace situations, with scripts, emails and a fillable toolkit.
Warning sign:the decision was made before the meeting started.
PLAYBOOK
Read the Games Before They Play You
Inside:15 games in five families, named after the behaviour so you can spot them. 12 core rules, scripts, emails and a fillable toolkit. Included free: Read the Tactics Before They Work, the 24 moves inside the games.
Warning sign:it’s done in a way that’s easy to deny.
If you can name it, it stops working on you.
PLAYBOOK
Read the Tactics Before They Work
Inside:24 tactics in six types of four, with 10 core rules for responding.
Warning sign:you’re pushed to answer now, in the room, before you’ve had time to think.
“I keep misjudging people.”
“I lead a team, but I can’t tell who’s really with me.”
Understand what drives people. Know who to trust. Lead with better judgement.
The bookteaches you to read people. The playbooksmake it practical: tools, scripts and situations you apply in the daily world of your career.
It helps youunderstand why people behave the way they do: tell confidence from competence, know who you can trust, stop second-guessing yourself, and walk into any room knowing what you’re looking at.
You’ll receive159 pages · Paperback and eBook.
WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING ABOUT READ PEOPLE BEFORE THEY READ YOU
Early reviews from a business psychologist, an author, a global CHRO and a public-service leader
Every senior leader I talk to names the same problem: the politics nobody taught them is what drains the most time and energy, not the work itself. Reddy gives that invisible game a vocabulary, a method, and the discipline to play it without losing yourself.
Aina Lemoen Lunde
CEO, ANFO · Harvard Business School alumna
The work was never really the problem. You could out-produce, out-prepare, and out-deliver almost anyone in the room — and still watch someone with a fraction of your judgment get the sponsorship, the stretch role, or the benefit of the doubt that you had to earn twice over.
Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée DBE
Business psychologist and executive coach to senior leaders
Linda’s ‘Read People Before They Read You’ is one of the most practical books I’ve read on navigating workplace dynamics. Linda transforms what can seem like an unwritten and mysterious game into something you can recognise and respond to with confidence and integrity.
Lisa McCurdy
Partner, Osprey Health Consulting
Linda is a strong public speaker and recently delivered a powerful and empowering presentation at the WFA Amsterdam meeting in February. Many named her as their most memorable session as she brought ideas the audience keep coming back to as they explore their next mountain and goals.
Melissa H.
Event Manager and WFA Mentorship Lead, Expana
Linda’s book “Read People Before They Read You” lifts the lid on what drives people and reveals what’s below the surface of business-speak.
Alison Baptiste CBE FICE
Director Function, NISTA
This is a sharp, practical, and deeply human field guide for anyone who wants to navigate work with stronger judgment, greater confidence, and enduring character.
Bala Sathyanarayanan
EVP & CHRO, Greif
In her book “READ PEOPLE BEFORE THEY READ YOU” Linda Reddy moves beyond perceived motivations of others to understanding the fears and the system incentives that drive behaviors—including our own—in an easy-to-read-and-absorb style and format.
Deborah Bailey McConchie
Board Member, RoxStart AI Logistics
One of the best business books I’ve read isn’t really about business—it’s about people. Linda Reddy provides a practical framework for understanding the invisible dynamics that shape organizations, leadership, and careers. Every leader will walk away making better decisions.
Mandee Heller Adler
Education CEO and published author
‘Read People Before they Read You’ is a great book: easy to read, not too long, with concise, practical insights into not only navigating the workplace politics with its very real dangers, but also how to thrive and drive forwards in your career…
Elizabeth Marsh
Founder, Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design
Linda played a pivotal mentorship role early in my career around 2014. At a time when I was struggling to find my footing in corporate, she was the first senior woman leader to take me under her wing.
Penny (Ntombikayise) B.
Innovation & Growth Strategist
It is my absolute pleasure to recommend Linda Reddy. During my time under her leadership as a global executive at Nando’s Group, she was a truly exceptional and influential leader whose impact went far beyond typical management.
Evasen Reddy
SASH Agriculture Manager
Her experience, her passion for Africa, her motivation shared with another packed house helped get the event off on absolutely the right track.
Jenny Froome
Director, Upavon Management
I found Linda to be a highly collaborative team member who worked hard to achieve results.
Steve Leichtman
President, Leichtman Executive Coaching
Listening to her reflect on her years in leadership across various industries was more than just an exchange of insights, it was a masterclass in resilience, impact, and authenticity.
Nqobile Pamela Xaba
Human-Centred Leadership Practitioner
Linda very generously shared her inspiring journey from ‘ordinary’ beginnings to extra-ordinary global leadership, with my class of students at Bishop Stuart University Uganda, participants in the World Academy for the Future of Women Program. The ladies were inspired, motivated, encouraged and empowered by Linda’s story.
Dr Eileen Forrestal
CEO, Get Up and Go Publications
She saw my true potential without me even noticing it myself, she pushed me to better, she pushed me to work on myself and she gave me all the tools…
Cecile M.
Supply Chain & Operations Leader
Linda is an inspiration who planted a seed of greatness when she invited me to have lunch with her. The session has been impactful and insightful, sharing her leadership journey with me. Continue being an inspiration to many young leaders and plant that seed of excellence.
Millycent Mashele
CA (SA) · Entrepreneur and strategy advisor
Whilst her technical competency on Supply Chain matters was vast and in depth, her leadership, stakeholder management and navigation through various internal and external bodies was extremely effective.
Trevor Naidoo
Strategic Executive in Global Mining
Two decades later she has just exploded to be a global mover and shaker which I still marvel at.
Lucy Marutle
Executive Director and Project Delivery Lead
Linda created a collaborative environment that promoted partnership, mutual growth and success. This environment fostered innovation that could be jointly trialed and tested resulting in mutually beneficial growth in the supply chain.
Paul Gibbons
CEO, Commercial Cold Holdings
Linda embodies the essence of “practicing what you preach.” She has devoted herself wholeheartedly to the growth and development of her team and her personal journey of healing.
Mandy Kunigan
Mind Balance Specialist
Had the pleasure of working with Linda for several years when we were both Supply Chain leaders at Nandos. Linda is incredibly talented - high IQ and EQ, great leader and a great peer & team player.
Jeremy Cowan
COO / Head of Supply Chain
Linda was a perfect fit for the role with her natural propensity to think outside the box, question the status quo and seek innovative solutions to any “pain point.”
Dawn Philip
Executive Partner, Leadership & Culture
Linda is an absolute star. During our time working together, Linda served as an executive assistant to the CEO with exceptional diligence and a consistently high standard of work. She proved to be a rising star, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
Judy Madavo
Managing Founder, NED and Executive Coach
Linda acted with the utmost bravery in how she lead people, placing them at the centre and staying true to the values and ethos of the brand.
Devandré Lawrence
Head of HR and Talent Acquisition, Africa, Pernod Ricard
21 Years ago - Linda Reddy hired me as a contractor in her Procurement team. This was the opportunity a young Yogan was looking for and used this to propel my career! To say, Thank you to you, feels inadequate.
Yogan Naidu (Chartered MCIPS)
Procurement & Supply Chain Executive
Linda is an inspiring global Supply Chain and Procurement leader. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in the way she empowers her team, fostering an environment of growth and development.
Cynthia Chung
Procurement Leader
In January 2015, I crossed paths with Linda during an interview at Nando’s Central Kitchen, Linda and I delved into various opportunities and my aspirations. Departing, I felt compelled to work under her leadership, sensing she recognised my potential.
Sinovia Pather
Supply Chain Customer Manager, Nando’s
It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to work with during my stint in Nandos. You are an inspiration to all women leaders like myself…
Vinita Sethi
Strategic Supply Chain Leader
What stood out the most for me is Linda’s people skills. They were and are second to none. Her engagement with her team was a pleasure to watch.
Deon Pillay
Supply Chain Strategist
I experienced Linda as a servant leader with the right balance of driving high performance with boldness and an empath who is also very caring and empowering.
Anisha Govender
Founder, Agile Culture · Executive Coach
Linda was always an absolute pleasure to work with and to have deep strategic discussions that ultimately mobilised company and departmental strategies. She has significant insight into various business issues and especially influencing people to success.
Shona Selley
Organisational enablement specialist
Linda is a driven, highly capable professional with an impressive track record of achieving step change results in complex, large scale, multi-geography supply chains. She is also an inspirational leader, widely respected and admired in the organisations where she works.
Geoff Whyte
Group CEO, ADvTECH
Linda is passionate about people and their development - constantly encouraging her team and supporting them to better themselves, to work hard and to study where possible.
Sean Crew
Headhunter
Linda is not only passionate and driven in her own desire to continuously grow and learn but she also strives to influence, support and motivate others. She provides much-needed encouragement and hope to her colleagues and the community.
Karien Mocke
General Manager, Commercial
An incredible human who is fully dedicated and passionate about providing opportunities and tools to enable rural farmers to participate meaningfully in the country’s economy.
Leeko Makoene-Motsuenyane
Farmer Development Specialist, The Rural Box Foundation
As a leader, Linda’s kindness and empathy shines through and as she takes people under her wing, her inherent belief in changing the lives of others, rubs off on them too.
Bridget Murphy
Strategic People & Culture Leader
It’s my pleasure and honour to write a recommendation for Linda. She is a great business leader who leads with both the head and heart. Her business savvy stretches beyond her supply chain expertise.
Unathi Mhlatyana
MD, Southern Africa, Mondelēz South Africa
Linda is such an amazing and selfless person with impeccable fundraising skills!!! She has worked with us and I highly recommend her for this position to serve in charitable causes or any other platform she may be required to perform such duties!!!
Richard Mabaso
Chief Executive, Imbumba Foundation
Linda was a pleasure to work with, she manages to strike an intricate balance between big picture and attention to detail. She networks well, has great commercial and supply chain accumen. Nandos is very lucky to have her.
Steven Hughes
Managing Director, RAINBOW
Linda developed an outstanding team in South Africa and in the Middle-East, completely reshaping the supply chain function to be highly commercial but also supportive of Nando’s value-led culture.
Daniel Lander
Chief Financial Officer
After working with Linda for 9 years I can highly recommend her as a leader in supply chain and procurement. Linda is a strong communicator with the ability to be inclusive and remain calm, this has made her a exemplary leader.
Paul Gibbons
CEO, Commercial Cold Holdings
Having worked with Linda for several years, I can honestly say that Linda is an epitome of a modern leader. She can allow personal and professional growth by intentionally creating discomfort while never letting go of her support strings.
Rod Martin
Procurement Director and Head of Commercial
I had the privilege of working with Linda for seven years, supplying packaging products. Linda is highly professional with the ability to manage procurement, supply chain, innovation and product development simultaneously within a culture of collaboration and long term partnership.
Kevin Swan
Managing Director, Norcros SA
Linda is an absolute professional with a clear strategic view and the ability to execute at all levels. She is a strong leader, guiding her team to achieve outstanding results; never failing to lead by example and amplify the culture of the organisation.
Andrew Crocker
CEO, McLean Farms
Linda is a very astute Supply Chain leader with an eye for excellence, big picture strategic vision and excellent relationship building skills. She has thrived in challenging environments, dealt with complex problem solving and influenced at various key levels across organisations.
Ram Sen
President, Food Service, AmRest
Ambitious, knowledgeable and a powerhouse! Knows her craft - keep on shining Linda!
Jenitha John
Audit, Governance & Risk professional
It was a great pleasure to be in the same living group as Linda Reddy at Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Carl Arnold Johansen
CEO, Klaveness Marine
She is very intelligent and takes the time to understand the businesses that she supports to ensure she drives sustainable value through optimising their supply chains.
Peter Alkema
Head of IS Technology & Platforms, ABB
I have known Linda for 20 years. She is a go getter, smart, kind and very brave.
Micheline Naude
Professor, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Linda is an excellent leader of a high performing supply chain function. She leads with genuine care for her team, and ensures that results are achieved in the right way, with true long term thinking.
Darrell Osborne
Founder and Director, BCA Supply Chain
Linda is a thought leader in corporate procurement. I found her to be very focused on driving value in the business.
Luca Wildt
Entrepreneur, Advisor and Director of Companies
Linda was tasked creating an innovation programme for FirstRand’s Corporate Centre. I found her to be strong at engaging stakeholders, building a team and driving action. This programme has grown to be a significant driver of improvement and value in the business under her stewardship.
Luca Wildt
Entrepreneur, Advisor and Director of Companies
In establishing the Innovations Programme for our Corporate Centre, Linda was both professional and determined; professional in the sense that she ably managed the creation of a first class programme from nothing…
Nigel Asprey
Former colleague
WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING ABOUT READ PEOPLE BEFORE THEY READ YOU
Early reviews from a business psychologist, an author, a global CHRO and a public-service leader
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, FROM THE INSIDE OUT
We want to be liked. Respected. Included. Trusted.
But what happens when someone’s opinion of us changes? When we’re excluded, misunderstood or overlooked? It shapes how we lead, how we speak up and how we’re seen.
The people who get promoted aren’t always the best at the work. They’re the best at reading the people around it.
You don’t need everyone to like you. You need to understand people well enough to know whose opinions matter, whose behaviour deserves your trust — and when to stand your ground.
THE SHIFT
Seeking approval → Understanding relationships
Fearing judgement → Developing discernment
Trying to please everyone → Building genuine connection
Reacting to rejection → Responding with confidence
Leading by title → Leading by understanding
Wanting to be liked → Being respected and authentic
Linda Reddy · 26 years leading people · Global C-suite
WHY I WROTE READ PEOPLE
“Many executives learn this the long way. I did too — and it shaped my success. This is the help I wish I’d had early on, and along the way.”
I’ve been on both sides. I led people for 26 years and rose to the global C-suite — and all the way up, I was also the one reporting to bosses, reading the politics and working out who I could trust.
Over the years, I learnt that people are more complicated than that. I’ve misread people. I’ve trusted too quickly. I’ve also discovered extraordinary people who changed my life.
In 2025, I climbed Mount Fuji. Somewhere on that mountain, the idea was born: to help others navigate the human dynamics of the workplace — the part of work nobody teaches you — and thrive.
You don’t have to become harder to navigate the world of work. You have to become more discerning.
Listen more carefully. Notice what people do, not just what they say. Recognise your own assumptions. Know when to build a relationship, when to influence and when to protect your boundaries.
Observe before you act. Protect what you have built. Then grow.
The fox observes before reacting.
The fox listens beyond the words.
The fox knows when to engage, and when to step away.
The fox moves with quiet influence.
And when you act, act with kindness with a spine.
THE CIRCLE
A place to be seen and heard. You’re not the only one going through this — a closed community for professionals navigating the people side of work.
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Live webinars — bring real situations and work through them with Linda.
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Events — online and in person.
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Closed Circle case studies — real workplace situations, discussed in confidence.
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The 90‑Day Corporate Power Journal — a few minutes a day to see the people around you more clearly.
FOR HR AND LEADERSHIP TEAMS
Leadership development for your organisation — keynotes, workshops and programmes that help your people read, lead and work better together.
Find practical help for the people problems you’re facing.
“You’ve been working this out alone. You don’t have to.” — Linda
