Global Leadership Summit returns to Norwich 

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) is set to return to Norwich on Thursday November 5, bringing world-class leadership insights with practical application to leaders across Norfolk.

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GLS Norwich 2026 will once again gather leaders from business, charity, education, church and community sectors for a unique one-day experience designed to inspire, equip and empower people to lead where they are. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, YMCA Norfolk are delighted to bring the event back for another year.

Attendees can expect:

• Sessions that help you grow your ability to influence, develop, and support others.
• Practical ideas you can use straight away.
• A day invested in becoming a more effective leader.

John Lee, CEO of YMCA Norfolk, reflected on last year's summit: "I’d encourage anyone who’s heard of the conference but wondered what it is to give it a try. GLS is such a unique opportunity to hear from world class communicators alongside your team and then unpack the learning together.”

Attendees echoed that enthusiasm, describing GLS as: “I don’t know anywhere else you can get that density of world-class input across a day, but it’s also been punctuated by plenty of time to reflect, to learn alongside other people.” - Dr Phil Temple, Church Leader and Consultant Psychiatrist
and

“I would recommend it to anyone who’s got any level of influence, which to be honest is all of us.” - Megan Saunders, Chaplain

See the highlights from last year's event to get a flavour of the experience: https://youtu.be/hS2sWpoTDqA

Featured Speakers for GLS Norwich 2026
This year's programme includes insights from globally respected leaders and experts, including:

	Craig Groeschel – Founding and Senior Pastor, Life.Church The Invisible Language of Leadership: Craig explores how the behaviours leaders repeatedly tolerate, reward and reinforce ultimately shape culture. His keynote will help you identify what's really driving outcomes in your organisation and learn how to create healthier, more effective leadership rhythms.
	Vanessa Van Edwards – Behavioural Researcher & Instructor, Harvard The Surprising Micro Habits of High-Impact Leaders: Drawing on two decades of research, Vanessa reveals the small habits and behaviours that consistently produce exceptional leadership results. You will gain practical ways to increase your influence and maximise your impact.
	Ryan Leak – CEO of The Ryan Leak Group Building a Culture They Never Want to Leave: Ryan examines why people often disengage long before they resign and shares practical strategies for creating workplaces where individuals thrive, grow and do their best work.

GLS is one of the world's most influential leadership events, originating in Chicago and reaching more than 300,000 people annually across over 100 countries through local partner events. It’s distinctive approach combines inspiring keynote content with practical leadership tools that can be immediately applied in the workplace, church, charity sector and everyday life.

The summit's enduring message remains simple: "Lead where you are." Whether someone leads an organisation, manages a team, volunteers in their community, serves in a church, or influences those around them, GLS offers valuable leadership development for every stage of the journey.

The event, hosted by YMCA Norfolk in partnership with Proclaimers Church, will be held at the Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ from 9am – 4:30pm.

To find out more and to register, visit ymcanorfolk.org/gls