Winners: And How They Succeed

Finally got around to reading this and I’m genuinely impressed by the breadth of industries Campbell covers. From Anna Wintour in fashion to Michael Phelps in the pool, the book identifies that golden thread of excellence that defines a true winner’s mindset. I loved the story about Gebrselassie’s running posture being a result of carrying schoolbooks; it’s those little details that make the narrative pop. The "Think in Ink" concept is something I’ve already started implementing in my own daily routine to visualize success. Frankly, if you can get past the author's polarizing reputation, there is a wealth of motivational gold in here. It’s not just about working hard, but about the minute 0.1% improvements that eventually lead to a massive competitive advantage. Definitely a must-read for anyone in a leadership role.

This book is a masterclass in understanding high-performance culture across different sectors. I was particularly struck by the section on mental contrasting—visualizing not just the win, but every possible thing that could go wrong. It’s a brilliant way to defuse pressure before you even step into the arena. Campbell’s writing is accessible and he manages to pull together a diverse cast of characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. I especially liked the Australian perspective on failure and the "give it a go" attitude that Shane Warne describes. The truth is, most people are afraid to fail, but this book encourages you to see setbacks as data points for future success. It’s an inspiring read that I’ll likely return to whenever my motivation starts to wane.

Wow, I didn't expect to be this inspired by a book that covers everything from the Tour de France to the fashion industry. The way Campbell explains the difference between discipline and mere regimentation is a game-changer for how I view my own habits. I particularly loved the "Think in Ink" advice—the idea that writing down your progress makes the fictional achievement feel real is so simple yet so effective. The interview with Michael Phelps about his 2004 failure setting the stage for 2008 was a powerful reminder that winners often start as losers who just refuse to give up. It’s a thick book, but the short, punchy chapters make it very easy to digest. If you’re looking for a blueprint on how to sharpen your competitive edge, this is it.

After hearing Campbell on a podcast, I decided to grab this to see if his OST (Objective, Strategy, Tactics) framework actually held water. To be fair, the structure he lays out is incredibly practical for anyone trying to streamline their professional goals. I particularly enjoyed the section on the ‘mirror test’ and how Tony Blair used it to prepare for the intensity of PMQs. While some critics say he spends too much time on his own achievements, the access he has to legends like Alex Ferguson and Haile Gebrselassie is unparalleled. The writing is punchy, even if it feels a bit repetitive by the final third of the book. It’s a solid resource for anyone needing a kick up the backside regarding their work ethic. You might not like the man, but his observations on the obsessive nature of winners are hard to dispute.

As someone who works in middle management, I found the FIFO approach and the emphasis on clear strategy incredibly refreshing. Too often, leaders confuse tactics with strategy, but Campbell does a great job of showing why the Objective must always come first. The anecdotes about Tiger Woods’ "church" of practice and Gary Neville’s extreme discipline were highlights for me because they show the sacrifice required for greatness. Not gonna lie, the book is quite long and could have used a tighter edit to remove some of the self-indulgent passages about the author’s own career. Regardless, the core message about resilience and handling pressure as a privilege is powerful stuff. It makes you realize that being a winner isn't a gift; it’s a grueling, daily choice.

Ever wonder what separates the greats from the almost-greats? Campbell argues it’s an obsession with detail and a refusal to quit, and he backs it up with some seriously high-profile examples. The chapter on cycling and the marginal gains philosophy was surprisingly the most interesting part for me, despite not being a fan of the sport. The book does a great job of humanizing these winners, showing their flaws and their struggles alongside their triumphs. My only gripe is that it feels a bit repetitive towards the end, as if he’s trying to force every story into the OST box. Still, the sheer volume of wisdom from people like Sir Charles Dunstone and Sebastian Coe makes it worth the price of admission. It’s a practical, no-nonsense look at what it takes to reach the top.

Not gonna lie, Campbell's style can be polarizing, but there’s no denying the value of the insights he’s gathered here. The OST structure (Objective, Strategy, Tactics) is something I’ve already started using in my project planning, and it’s helped clarify a lot of muddled thinking. I appreciated the inclusion of the mirror test and the focus on how winners handle the immense pressure of the public eye. While the book can be a bit repetitive and leans heavily on a macho leadership vibe, the variety of voices—from athletes to CEOs—keeps things fresh. It’s an intriguing look into the minds of the elite, providing a readable and knowledge-based guide for anyone aiming for the next level. A solid four stars for the sheer amount of practical advice buried within the stories.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, the interviews with figures like Jose Mourinho and Shane Warne are absolutely gripping and offer rare insights into the elite level of performance. On the other hand, the writing style is quite loose and often circles back to the same three or four points without adding much new depth. Campbell’s OST framework—Objective, Strategy, Tactics—is a useful mental model, but he beats you over the head with it in every single chapter. I also found the macho management style a bit grating after a while, as if shouting the loudest is the only way to lead a team. It's a decent motivational read if you’re looking for something light, but don't expect a scientific breakdown of success.

The anecdotes are the real star here, even if the author's tone can be a bit much at times. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how the New Labour machine operated and the discipline required to keep a political message on track. However, I agree with other reviewers who felt the command and control style of management is a bit dated for today’s workplace. It’s very much a book written by a man who thrives on conflict and high-stakes environments, which might not translate to every reader’s life. To be fair, the tips on handling a crisis and visualising success are genuinely useful. I just wish there was a bit more balance and perhaps some examples of winners who lead with empathy rather than just force of will.

Is it just me, or does this feel more like a diary of Alastair Campbell’s ego than a guide to success? Look, I wanted to like this because the premise of comparing elite athletes to top-tier politicians is fascinating. However, the lack of a real methodological approach makes the whole thing feel like a collection of disjointed anecdotes. He advocates for this very old-fashioned, "macho" style of leadership—think command and control—which feels completely out of step with modern management. Every time he mentions his marathon times or his personal influence on New Labour, it pulls you out of the actual lessons. Truth is, the "FIFO" (Fit In or Feck Off) mentality he praises often leads to short-term gains but long-term burnout. It’s a bit too glitzy and polished without enough substance to back up the spin.