The range of topics we explored reflected the real challenges and opportunities leaders are facing right now. From inclusion and leading through change, to what next generation leadership looks like, team alignment, and practical tips for tackling imposter syndrome and burnout head-on. Our speakers brought their expertise, honesty and clear takeaways to every session. What truly stood out was the way our community showed up, engaging fully, sharing openly and learning together.
A record-breaking week of learning and growth
On Friday 23 January, we wrapped up the second year of our January Jumpstart series with The Leadership Recharge Week - and what a week it was. First launched in 2025, the series returned this year with a refreshed brand and a renewed focus on the evolving challenges leaders face today.
Over five days, members from across our global leadership community joined us for a series of expert-led Masterclasses, designed to help leaders reset, refocus and recharge for the year ahead. This member-exclusive virtual series welcomed a record-breaking number of participants, highlighting the growing appetite for meaningful leadership development.
Learning for the modern leader
At The Institute of Leadership, we regularly run CPD-recordable monthly Masterclasses for our Members, inviting experts who are shaping the world of leadership to share insights and practical strategies. With the modern leader in mind, these sessions are designed to deliver bite-sized, interactive learning that is both manageable and actionable, helping leaders at all levels develop skills and ideas they can use straight away.
When developing The Leadership Recharge Week, we wanted to take this approach one step further. By bringing together five Masterclasses in just five days, we created a focused and purposeful start to the year that was easy to engage with and impactful from the outset. Each session was scheduled at lunchtime, making the series accessible for professionals balancing busy schedules.
Supporting leaders in a changing world
Throughout the week, our speakers explored some of the most pressing issues facing leaders today, from navigating change effectively to understanding how supporting neurodiverse team members can shift leaders from managing teams to supporting individuals. The sessions offered practical tools, fresh thinking and eye-opening statistics to help leaders develop clarity, challenge assumptions and increase their impact in 2026 and beyond.
Karen Usmani, Event Manager
Meet the experts behind the Masterclasses
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Neurodiversity & Wellbeing: Rethinking Leadership for Inclusive Impact with Kathryn Jellings, Director, 3SC
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Leading Through Change with Dr Khairunnisa Mohamedali, MD & CIO, The Smarty Train
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Lead Before You’re Ready: Rethinking Leadership for a New Generation with Darrell McLennan Fordyce, Founder, FEED Leadership Consulting
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New Year, New Start: Aligning Your Team for Success in 2026 with Dr Declan Woods, CEO, teamGenie & Andy Duncan, Client Delivery Director, teamGenie
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Reset & Recharge: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Beating Burnout with Belinda O’Neill, Founder, Be Inspired to Be
The impact of The Leadership Recharge 2026
The success of the 2026 series is thanks to our members, whose curiosity and commitment to being better leaders made the week truly inspiring and rewarding, for staff, speakers, and participants alike.
Just as importantly, the week created space for connection and collaboration - two values we champion here at The Institute. Members had the opportunity to engage with experts and peers, strengthening relationships across our leadership community and reinforcing the value of shared learning and conversation.
Continuing your leadership journey
As we move further into 2026, we’re excited to continue to bring leaders the very best in leadership content to support learning at every stage of their leadership journey. Through our monthly webinars, our innovative eLearning platform MyLeadership+, and our wider range of leadership development opportunities, we believe that when leaders are given the right tools, inspiration and space to connect, impactful and sustainable momentum follows.