Reviews

“Ian Robertson, in this brilliant new book, explores … and reveals the complex and challenging nature of winning, power, and success. .. (He) has written a truly wonderful book full of the wisdom and perspective that derives from deep immersion in psychological science, and genuine, honest efforts to apply psychological science to the complex dynamics of everyday life.”

Hogan, M.J. (2013). Approaching Power with Humility and Wisdom. Review of The Winner Effect: How Power Affects Your Brain, by Ian Robertson. Journal of Positive Psychology, 8 (5), 453–456

” The subject of how we are shaped by power, for good or bad, is fascinating. The vast trove of knowledge gained from this book is well worth a first and even a second read.”

Fran Byram, Portland Book Review, http://portlandbookreview.com/tag/ian-h-robertson/

‘…. he tells a compelling, vivid and instructive story of how we are empowered and how we are disempowered and how we succeed and how we fail – I really enjoyed it – it is a must read.’

PROFESSOR RAYMOND TALLIS , Author of ‘Aping Mankind: Neuromania, Darwinitis and the Misrepresentation of Humanity’.  BBC Radio 4 Today Programme 4th June 2012.

‘Utterly fascinating’ 

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY  2nd July 2012.

Interview in London Telegraph 3rd July 2014

The world’s top DJ, Armin Van Buuren, Recommends The Winner Effect in a Dutch Newspaper,  tweeting that it was a ‘Great Read‘

“What a damn good book. Fascinating. Buy and read and give to all your friends! “

Quote Magazine, The Netherlands

“Ian Robertson is a rare combination: a cutting edge neuroscientist whose important research is done in great depth and with careful detail,  who also has the ability  to step back,  take risks, and explore the big picture, with a vivd, clear,  engaging style, and enviable energy.”

NORMAN DOIDGE, Author of ‘The Brain that Changes Itself”.

Interview in TRUST magazine, June 2013

Interview in Sunday Times August 2012

Interview in Sunday Times 10th June 2012

“.. fascinating….he also has an attractive anti-determinism in his approach, because of his belief that our basic behaviour patterns are eminently changeable, not just by events but also, if we try to understand, by ourselves: the approach one would expect from a clinical psychologist.’

DOMINIC LAWSON, Sunday Times Columnist and former Editor, the Spectator, Sunday Times Book Reviews, 27th May 2012.

‘Compelling stories combine with cutting-edge science to show why coming first is not the same as being a real winner – engrossing’

OLIVER JAMES, AUTHOR OF AFFLUENZA

‘A fascinating topic dealt with in a fascinating way .. I love the book.’

MATT COOPER, SUNDAY TIMES POLITICAL COLUMNIST, FORMER EDITOR OF THE SUNDAY TRIBUNE, BROADCASTER, AUTHOR OF How Ireland Really Went Bust (2011)

TODAY FM THE LAST WORD TUESDAY 12TH JUNE 2012

‘The winning habit: Ever wondered why some people are born winners and others losers? In his book The Winner Effect, the neuroscientist Ian Robertson reveals how coming first actually alters brain chemistry, making people who have won in the past more focused, confident and aggressive. The result? next time they are challenged, they are more likely to succeed. Besides advising how you can exercise your winning muscle, Robertson explains what makes a natural winner and loser, and how understanding this will help you to decode the behaviour of friends, family and colleagues. A timely read for medal season — or if you still can’t fathom your high-achieving sister. (Bloomsbury £15)’

Sally Brampton, Sunday Times,  15th July 2012.

‘His book engagingly relates the nuances of why and how we win, and the pitfalls of getting juiced up on dopamine in extreme success and hungering for adulation and worship’

CLAIRE O’CONNELL, IRISH TIMES, 18TH JUNE 2012

“What does it take to be a winner; to be successful and achieve at an optimal level?   Professor Robertson has masterfully synthesized cutting edge social, cognitive, and developmental psychology, as well
as neuroscience with fascinating stories of notable people in the public eye to answer this question.   Thoroughly researched and engagingly written by an international scholar, once you begin reading this book it will be difficult to put down.  Whatever your profession, this remarkable book will most assuredly resonate with you.’

JOHN B ARDEN PhD, AUTHOR OF REWIRE YOUR BRAIN.

‘This is a brilliant book in the Malcolm Gladwell style.’ 

TOM DUNNE, NEWSTALK RADIO 10TH AUGUST 2012

In the Winner Effect, Ian Robertson takes us on a compelling journey through an array of topics to help us understand winners. He uniquely combines evidence from biology, neuroscience and psychology to give the reader a series of eureka moments. The book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding high performance. 

Dr Tagdh MacIntyre, irishsportpsych.com

‘It’s a brilliant piece of work and explains so much about the human condition.’

http://wiredintorecovery.org/blogs/entry/15444/the-winner-effect-how-power-effects-your-brain/

‘The Winner Effect offers a map explaining what is sometimes referred to as the dark side of leadership. The implications are profound and extend far further than academic research into leadership. Discussions are already arising over the possibilities of not just understanding, but managing the adrenaline rush in humans not just in the board room but in combat, human relationship, sport and so on. ‘

From Leaders We Deserve 

‘What makes someone a winner?’ 

Times, 9th July 2012

http://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2012/10/19/the-winner-effect-book-review/

“Check it out: The Winner Effect is a book that will help you understand what makes winners, and what paths to avoid when you get power. The examples in the book are clever, and the narrative brings together a broad range of neuroscience research. Did you know Oscar winners live an average of 4 years longer than nominees? Or that Olympic athletes who were randomly assigned red, instead of blue, shirts tended to win more often?”