Over 250 delegates from the South West attended Leadership Dialogues on 2 July at The Forum in Bath. Discussing the theme ‘Leadership as a Force for Good’, renowned speakers such as Margaret Heffernan, Dr Krish Kandiah OBE, former actor Israel Oyelumade, Country Retail Manager of IKEA UK Peter Jelkeby and Chair of NHS Surrey Heartlands Ian Smith all shared their stories and insight on how to become a better leader and bring about systemic change.

As well as keynote speeches and presentations, delegates took part in interactive ‘break-out’ sessions in the afternoon where their sectors collaborated to identify and workshop solutions to issues they are currently facing. Common themes included AI and technology, sustainability, agility and the changing landscape for future leaders. Delegates left with renewed inspiration, new networks to collaborate with and new ideas to take forwards.

2025 was the second year of the Leadership Dialogues event, supported by the ExCELL team at the School of Management, which cemented its place as an essential convention for leaders in the South West and beyond. Planning for next year is already underway with the date confirmed as Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Founder and host Professor Steve Wyatt says of the 2025 event, 'Leadership Dialogues 2025 accelerated our mission to bring the positive stories of leadership to a large audience, with world-class speakers flying over from the U.S. to deliver talks alongside home-grown talent. We are pleased to be reaching more delegates with a growing community of over 500 people from 2024 and 2025. We were thrilled that 80% of the speakers who were involved last year wanted to be part of the event again this year, so bringing together new visitors and previous returnees. Delegates had a more interactive experience this year which will be a growing concept of the event.

'Next year we are looking at expanding the different sector strands and will be devising new initiatives to help move theory to action. We would like to have touch-points and networking throughout the year which is also resource based so we can all support each other. We want to work together to change the mindset from deficiency and helplessness to ownership, accountability and being a force for good in the world. If we want to be a force for good then we do need to inspire and encourage one another, becoming a community to push back against the negativity that we face and promote a positive message of hope, change and action.'

Photo credit: Tom Smith Photography Leadership Dialogues

Wednesday 2 July 2025 Venue: The Bath Forum, Bath, U.K. www.leadershipdialogues.co.uk