International Leadership Week (ILW)

Mon 15 - Fri 19 March 2027

ILW 2026 114

A world of leaders. One shared community.

The annual celebration of leadership, sharing ideas and inspiring change – brought to you by The Institute of Leadership.

Leadership takes many forms, and every leadership journey is different.

International Leadership Week is a global celebration of leadership in all its forms, bringing together individuals organisations and communities to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore how we can develop better leaders for the future.

In an increasingly complex and connected world, leadership matters to everyone, not just those with titles. It plays a vital role in building trust, driving positive change and creating inclusive, resilient organisations.

Through virtual discussions, thought leadership and voices from the leadership community, International Leadership Week creates space for meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives and shared learning. Together we can champion inclusive, responsible and effective leadership as we explore what great leadership looks like today and tomorrow.

This year's theme: Leadership Against the Odds

Leadership journeys are rarely straightforward. Whether you're taking your first steps into leadership, navigating change, challenging established ways of working or supporting others through uncertainty, every leader faces obstacles along the way.

Sometimes those challenges come from the world around us. Sometimes they stem from workplace cultures, expectations or systems that make progress harder. And sometimes, they come from within – self-doubt, imposter syndrome or the pressure to have all the answers.

Leadership Against the Odds explores what it takes to keep moving forward when the path isn't easy.

What's happening during the week?

Throughout International Leadership Week, you'll hear from leaders who have challenged expectations, overcome barriers and found their own path to leadership. 

Join a global community of leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences and learn from different perspectives. With opportunities to connect, reflect and explore the realities of leadership, International Leadership Week is a chance to be part of a wider conversation.

Who can get involved?

Leadership is for everyone, and so is International Leadership Week.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced professional, a student, an organisation or simply interested in what makes great leadership, you're invited to take part – wherever you are in the world.

Join a conversation, share your experiences, connect with other leaders or organise an activity in your own community. However you choose to participate, you can help shape the conversation and contribute to a more inclusive effective and responsible approach to leadership.

Be part of the week. Wherever you are.

 

More information is coming soon.


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