Brought to you by The Institute of Leadership
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.
We're shining a spotlight on the relationships that influence leadership success. From collaboration and mentoring to community and connection, we'll explore how strong networks enable leaders to grow, adapt and create lasting impact.
Through thought leadership, inspiring content, events, and community engagement, ILW champions inclusive, responsible, and effective leadership while reinforcing The Institute of Leadership’s role as a leading voice in leadership development.
International Leadership Week (ILW) is The Institute of Leadership’s annual campaign celebrating the power and impact of effective leadership at every level. Bringing together leaders, managers and aspiring professionals from across sectors, ILW creates space to share insight, spark meaningful conversations and explore what great leadership looks like today and tomorrow.
➜ How to get involved
We all need people who can provide us with support and insightful nudges to keep us adapting and growing [...].
Investing in these relationships helps to create a working life that is joyful and enables the weathering of disruptive storms. Seek out people who believe in you and offer the same to them.
Trust is the gateway to influence, and influence is the ability to inspire action and positive change across borders.
Tell us about a connection, collaboration or network that has shaped your leadership journey. Share the story with your connections via LinkedIn and remember to tag us.
Maya, our 2025 Emerging Young Leader Award winner, reveals the power of people coming together to make a real difference.
Use the hashtags #ILW26 and #PowerOfYourNetwork on social media to share experiences, reflections and lessons about leadership and connections.
Download our free ILW26 resources, including social media graphics, Zoom backgrounds, and banners, to help spread the word and showcase your involvement.
Coming soon
Explore the ILW26 event calendar and join thought-provoking virtual and in-person sessions on leadership, networking, mentoring, and collaboration.
Organise a webinar, panel discussion or workshop within your organisation to explore how networks strengthen leadership.
Share an article, report, project or campaign related to leadership networks and connections.
The Institute of Leadership is proud to take part in ILW 2026 by facilitating networking breakfasts throughout the week at locations across the UK.
These breakfasts are a fantastic opportunity for both members and non-members to step away from the office, build meaningful connections, and strengthen professional relationships. Why not bring a colleague along and expand your network together?
Hosted by John Mark Williams, CEO of The Institute of Leadership, and Rachel Mullings, Membership Manager, this LinkedIn Live brings together two outstanding leadership voices to unpack what it really means to build networks that work for you and for others.
Building and sustaining powerful networks – Learn how to create connections that endure and add real value.
Connected leadership & collective wisdom – Harness the power of collaboration to drive smarter decisions.
Legacy through networks – Understand how your connections leave a lasting impact on people and organisations.
Diversity, inclusion, and global connectivity – Explore how diverse networks fuel innovation and broaden perspectives.
The future of networking – Prepare for the evolving world of digital and hybrid leadership connections.
