International Leadership Week

International Leadership Week (ILW)

The annual global leadership awareness week brought to you by The Institute of Leadership

ILW27: Dates to be announced

International Leadership Week is a global celebration of leadership in all its forms, bringing together individuals, organisations and communities to share ideas, insights, and experiences. It provides a platform to explore what leadership means in today’s world, across cultures, sectors, and career stages, while highlighting the impact strong, values-driven leadership can have on people and organisations.

Leadership matters to everyone, not just those with titles. In an increasingly complex and connected world, effective leadership helps build trust, drive positive change and create inclusive, resilient organisations. ILW creates space to share insight, spark meaningful conversations and explore what great leadership looks like today and tomorrow.

Through in-person networking events, virtual panel discussions, thought leadership articles and voices from the leadership community, ILW champions inclusive, responsible, and effective leadership while reinforcing The Institute of Leadership’s role as a leading voice in leadership development.

Looking back at International Leadership Week 2026

Theme: The Power of Your Network

ILW2026 Logo

The theme for 2026 was The Power of Your Network. From Monday 16 - Friday 20 March, we put the spotlight on the relationships that make us better leaders and shape the future.

From collaboration and mentoring to community and connection, we explored how strong networks enable leaders to grow, adapt and create lasting impact.

#TogetherWeNetwork - Networking breakfasts across the UK

ILW26 Bristol

This year, we trialled a series of networking breakfasts throughout the week at locations across the UK. From Glasgow to London, these events were designed as relaxed, non-transactional spaces where authentic connections and conversations could naturally thrive.

These breakfasts provided a fantastic opportunity for all leaders, members and non-members alike, to step away from the office, build meaningful connections, and strengthen professional relationships.

Focus areas for ILW26

  1. Building and sustaining powerful networks – Learn how to create connections that endure and add real value.

  2. Connected leadership & collective wisdom – Harness the power of collaboration to drive smarter decisions.

  3. Legacy through networks – Understand how your connections leave a lasting impact on people and organisations.

  4. Diversity, inclusion, and global connectivity – Explore how diverse networks fuel innovation and broaden perspectives.

  5. The future of networking – Prepare for the evolving world of digital and hybrid leadership connections.

Watch the ILW26: Virtual Conference

 

 

Watch ILW26: Military vs Civilian, Learning the Language of Networking

A collaborative panel and discussion with Ren Kapur MBE (X-Forces Enterprise) , Becca Meadows (She Thrives), Sara Smalley (The Foundry) and Darrell McLennan Fordyce (FEED Leadership Consulting).

A fantastic opportunity to connect with other leaders and share ideas in a relaxed, open atmosphere. 

The smaller, local format made it easy to have genuine conversations about real-world challenges, with plenty of opportunity to bounce ideas around with others facing similar situations.

- James Webber, Head of Operations at SalamanderSoft

 

I had such great conversations with the hosts and attendees and got so into it, we carried the conversation on down the street to the car park.

When you're often working on your own, it's easy to forget how good it is to connect to other people. Thanks for making this happen!

- Dominic Weston, Flip Flop Films

 

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