Global Leadership Summit returns to Norwich 

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) returns to Norwich on Thursday November 5, bringing world-class leadership insights and practical tools to people leading in churches, charities, businesses, schools and local communities and hosts YMCA Norfolk are inviting leaders from across Norfolk to be inspired, equipped and empowered.

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Hosted by YMCA Norfolk in partnership with Proclaimers Church, GLS is far more than a conference. It is a one-day leadership experience designed to help people grow their influence, develop others and lead more effectively wherever God has placed them.

With the simple message to "Lead Where You Are", GLS is for anyone who influences others, whether as a church leader, manager, charity worker, volunteer, trustee, teacher, parent or community champion.

Attendees can expect:
• Inspiring sessions from internationally recognised leadership experts.
• Practical tools and ideas that can be applied immediately.
• Time for reflection and personal development.
• Opportunities to learn alongside other leaders from across Norfolk.
• Fresh encouragement to make a greater impact in workplaces, churches and communities.

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.

• Alison Levine, team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, sharing lessons on resilience and leading through uncertainty.
• Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author and Harvard professor, exploring how leaders can find deeper purpose and meaning.
• Kwame Christian, lawyer, mediator and negotiation expert, helping leaders navigate difficult conversations and build trust.

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John Lee, CEO of YMCA Norfolk, said: “Every community rises or falls on the quality of its leadership. Whether you're leading an organisation, a church, a team or simply influencing the people around you, GLS is designed to help you become the kind of leader others want to follow. You'll leave inspired, challenged and equipped with practical ideas you can use immediately.”

Previous attendees have praised GLS for its unique combination of inspiration and practical learning.
Dr Phil Temple, Church Leader and Consultant Psychiatrist, said: "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 and learn alongside other people."

Megan Saunders, Chaplain, added: "I would recommend it to anyone who's got any level of influence, which to be honest is all of us."

The Global Leadership Summit reaches more than 300,000 people annually across over 100 countries and has become one of the world's most influential leadership development events.

GLS Norwich 2026 takes place at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ, from 9.00am to 4.30pm on Thursday November 5, 2026.

To see highlights from last year's event and book tickets, visit ymcanorfolk.org/gls

​Individual tickets cost £86, with discounted tickets available from £57.50 per person when booking two places together.  GLS is designed not only for individual leaders but for entire leadership teams. Discounted tickets available for group booking, please contact lucy.davidson@ymcanorfolk.org for more information.

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