Month: September 2024

By Amber Van Schooneveld 

Like many of you who follow the Global Leadership Network, I’m a goal-oriented, achievement-driven person. Five-year plans give me butterflies in my stomach like a middle-school girl with her first crush. So, since I started my role with the GLN a year ago, I’ve been going deep to figure out what my next passion project might be.  

Will I finally get that master’s degree? Should I write that book that’s stuck in the back of my mind? Or maybe, now that I’m undeniably middle-aged, should I set some new outrageous goal for my career?  

But here’s the thing: No matter how deep I dive into my psyche, I come to the surface empty handed, goals slipping through my fingers like so much water. Nothing feels right. My ideas are forced and contrived.  

Have you ever felt that way? Do you engage with amazing leadership content, get all jazzed up and then struggle to know what it might mean for you? Do you ever feel like maybe it’s great for the C-suite or trailblazing entrepreneurs, but falter when it comes to your own (seemingly) ordinary life?  

That’s me. The problem is this: It’s easy to get inflated with self-serving ideas that may lead to my own renown. But when I examine them, I realize that is precisely what they are. But when I consider my next five-year plan outside of personal delusions of grandeur, my most desired goal is glaringly obvious: In five years, I will have an 18-year-old daughter. I will be helping launch a fully formed adult into this world.  

When you think of it, parenting is the most profound leadership opportunity of our lives. While we will have some impact and influence on those we work with, we can be the most important leadership figure in our own children’s lives. And my most important passion project for the next five years is to lead my children with focus and intention.  

As I think back on the 2024 Global Leadership Summit, here are the things I’m taking from each speaker in my most important leadership role as a parent:  

Dan Owolabi: A Legacy of Leadership 

Dan reminded me that my leadership legacy is not a matter of what I accomplish but a matter of whom I indelibly influence. 

Kindra Hall: Harness the Power of Story  

Kindra reminded me that reading the “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” side by side with my daughter in bed is one of the most profound acts of human connection and meaning I’ll engage in that day.  

Amy C. Edmondson: The Right Kind of Wrong 

Amy reminded me that one of the most important lessons I can model for my children is admitting when I messed up and owning my own mistakes.  

Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”): Victory Through Teamwork and Leadership 

Mike reminded me that staying current with pop culture is key to leading those at a different stage in life, so I’m cranking up the Tay-Tay for karaoke nights and connection.   

Jo Saxton: Amplify Your Purpose to Elevate Your Impact 

Jo reminded me to lead my daughters in not letting their voices be silenced or snatched from them. In knowing that they have an important voice that this world needs.  

Will Guidara: Unreasonable Hospitality 

Will reminded me that it’s sometimes the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact. Drawing my daughter a bath, lighting a candle and making her a cup of chamomile tea is a divine act of love that will make her know she is seen and cared for.  

Michael Jr.: Funny How Conflict Works  

Michael reminded me that rather than lamenting the conflicts we encounter, I need to teach my children to understand conflict as the most key opportunity for personal growth and revelation.  

Carey Lohrenz: Span of Control 

Carey reminded me that I can’t control what happens to my children outside of the doors of my own home, but I can teach them that their response to the many trials life will fling at them is within their control.  

Joni Eareckson Tada: The Paradox of Leading From Your Weakness 

Joni reminded me that I don’t have to be (and will never be) the perfect mom. But that when I lead my children by leaning into my own weakness — admitting my own limitations and depending on the One so much greater than me — is the most profound act of leadership I could take.  

How about you? What leadership lesson are you taking out of the workplace and into your personal life — whatever that life might look like? 

By Amber Van Schooneveld 

Leaders go first. They challenge themselves and envision a new tomorrow. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world. That’s why leaders need to regularly refuel their energy and reinvigorate their vision. A leadership conference is one of the best ways to do just that. There’s just something about intentional time set aside with a like-minded community that catalyzes your growth in a way nothing else does.  

Here are some of the best leadership conferences to help you grow in your leadership, expand your skills and refuel your purpose.  

Top leadership conference for business executives: WOBI World Business Forum 

WHAT: The WOBI World Business Forum is an international conference that focuses on management topics for business leaders.

WHO: The conference gathers CEOs, decision makers and entrepreneurs to learn from world-class business thought leaders.  

WHERE & WHEN: WOBI World Business Forum takes place in October and November in major cities around the world, including NYC, New York.  

Learn more about WOBI World Business Forum.  

Top leadership conference for creatives:  SXSW 

WHAT: The SXSW Conference focuses on important breakthroughs in technology, film, culture and music.  

WHO: SXSW gathers a community of creatives to “encounter cutting-edge ideas, discover new interests, and network with other professionals who share a similar appetite for forward-focused experiences.” 

WHERE & WHEN: It takes place in March in Austin, Texas. 

Learn more about SXSW.  

Top leadership conference for company culture:  Great Place To Work® For All Summit™ 

WHAT: Great Place To Work® For All Summit™ focuses on company culture and leadership. 

WHO: It brings together leaders of award-winning great workplaces, Great Place To Work culture experts and thought leaders in HR and across industries. 

WHERE & WHEN: Great Place To Work® For All Summit™ takes place in April in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Learn more about Great Place To Work® For All Summit™. 

Top leadership conference for faith and culture:  THINQ 

WHAT: THINQ tackles critical cultural issues with a commitment to discerning biblical faithfulness. 

WHO: It convenes Christian leaders who are pioneering how to be faithful in a changing culture.  

WHERE & WHEN: THINQ takes place in April in Nashville, Tennessee.  

Learn more about THINQ.  

Top leadership conference for leaders of all types:  The Global Leadership Summit 

WHAT: The Global Leadership Summit offers fresh, actionable leadership insights and encouragement from diverse leadership experts.  

WHO: It gathers leaders of all types from both ministry and marketplace and empowers them to lead where they are, inspiring their vision and igniting transformation. It’s leadership with a higher purpose.  

WHERE & WHEN: The Global Leadership Summit takes place in August in South Barrington, Illinois, in 400+ host sites around the U.S., online and in 100+ countries around the world.  

Learn more about the Global Leadership Summit.  

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Whether you are a seasoned leader or you don’t yet envision yourself as a leader, a leadership conference may be the experience you need to transform your next chapter — because everyone has influence.  

Not sure which conference is right for you? The Global Leadership Summit brings together people across industries, including business, nonprofit, healthcare, ministry and education. If you’re not sure what your next step is, you will be equipped, encouraged and inspired. And right now, you can get your best ticket price on the Global Leadership Summit. Reserve Your Spot! 

As the host of one of the largest leadership conferences in the world — The Global Leadership Summit — the Global Leadership Network exists to inspire and equip leaders around the world. We firmly believe that “when a leader gets better, everybody wins.” Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a mid-level manager or a seasoned executive, staying informed and inspired can significantly impact your leadership trajectory. And podcasts are the perfect way to “get better.” Here is a list of the six best leadership podcasts that provide valuable lessons, actionable advice and inspiring stories for all kinds of leaders. 

The Best Leadership Podcast for Diverse Topics and a Global Perspective: “HBR IdeaCast”

If you are a leader who values research-backed strategies and wants to know the latest trends in leadership and management, the “Harvard Business Review IdeaCast” is for you. The podcast features conversations with industry leaders, authors and scholars and covers current business trends and leadership challenges. “HBR Ideacast” is also recognized for its academic rigor, relevance and global perspective. Past guests include thought leaders such as bestselling author Daniel Pink and Harvard professor Amy C. Edmondson.  

Check out “HBR IdeaCast.” 

The Best Leadership Podcast for Church Leaders: “The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast” 

Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church and is a regular speaker at the Global Leadership Summit. Groeschel hosts an immensely popular podcast that offers practical leadership tips grounded in biblical principles. With over 300 episodes, Groeschel covers a wide range of topics, including trust, communication and conflict management. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of applying leadership principles in everyday situations. Past guests include sales expert Stephanie Chung and Passion founder, Louie Giglio. 

Check out “The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast.”

The Best Leadership Podcast for Thoughtful Conversations: “Dare to Lead with Brené Brown”   

The “Dare to Lead” podcast, hosted by Brené Brown, explores the intersection of leadership, vulnerability and courage. Each episode features engaging conversations with thought leaders, authors and experts from diverse fields and combines research and real-world experiences. Brené empowers leaders to create meaningful change and delves into topics like empathy, resilience and the power of storytelling. Previous guests include Simon Sinek, author of “Start With Why,” and researcher Liz Wiseman.  

Check out “Dare to Lead with Brené Brown.”  

The Best Leadership Podcast for Drivetime, Actionable Content: “The Global Leadership Podcast” 

The Global Leadership Network publishes our very own “The Global Leadership Podcast,” where our interviewers sit down with top leaders in business, ministry and academia from around the world to explore fresh, actionable leadership content, all within a 30 minute “drivetime.” The podcast believes that everyone is a leader in some area of their lives. Topics range from healing from past trauma to effective communication to inter-generational leadership. Past guests include Patrick Lencioni, author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” and Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger.  

Check out “The Global Leadership Podcast.”

The Best Leadership Podcast for a Story Approach to Leadership: “How I Built This” 

“How I Built This,” hosted by Guy Raz, is an inspiring podcast that delves into the stories behind the world’s best-known companies and entrepreneurs. Each episode features candid interviews with founders who share their journeys, challenges and successes in building iconic brands. From the initial idea to overcoming obstacles, the show highlights the creativity and resilience required to turn visions into reality. With its engaging storytelling, “How I Built This” provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators alike. Previous guests include Whole30 CEO and co-founder Melissa Urban and Duolingo CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn.  

Check out “How I Built This.”  

The Best Leadership Podcast for Innovative Leaders: “WorkLife With Adam Grant” 

Hosted by organizational psychologist Adam Grant, “WorkLife” explores the dynamics of work and how to create a better workplace culture. Grant’s engaging style and research-based insights make complex topics accessible and relatable. The show encourages leaders to think outside the box and to challenge traditional notions of leadership and workplace culture. Recent guests include director Jon M. Chu and business magnate Sir Richard Branson.  

Check out “WorkLife With Adam Grant.”  

The top podcasts highlighted here represent different approaches to a broad spectrum of leadership topics, from personal development to organizational culture. Whether you are looking for practical tips, motivational stories or research-backed insights, these podcasts can help you navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s ever-changing landscape.   

We encourage you to take time to invest in yourself and your leadership by tuning in with an open mind, and, as we close each Global Leadership Podcast episode, “Remember: everyone has influence, so lead where you are.” 

By Amber Van Schooneveld 

In August 2024, we had the great privilege of having Will Guidara, author of “Unreasonable Hospitality” share at the Global Leadership Summit. Will is the former co-owner of the Manhattan restaurant Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. 

Will is a champion of hospitality, but not just any kind of hospitality: unreasonable hospitality. The best restaurants in the world are unreasonable about the food they serve. Will believes leaders in the restaurant industry — and in all industries — need to become unreasonable about the lengths they’ll go to in order to make people feel seen and valued. Because true human connection between companies and customers (and between companies and employees) is what separates the great from the good.  

Here are some of our top takeaways and favorite quotes from Will’s book, “Unreasonable Hospitality,” on how he led his restaurant to be named number one in the world.   

“No one who ever changed the game did so by being reasonable.”  

When you look across every discipline, those who make a true change are unreasonable because, as Will puts it, “you need to be unreasonable to see a world that doesn’t yet exist.” Will saw the possibility of not just serving the best food but of transforming his staff into “dream weavers,” fulfilling the culinary dreams, large and small, of their guests to make them feel seen and valued.  

In what ways could you be unreasonable about how you make others feel?  

“We have an opportunity—a responsibility—to make magic in a world that desperately needs more of it.”  

No matter what industry you are in, whether you are in the service or finance, you can offer those around you moments of joy, relief and consolation.  

What’s an area where you could bring a little magic — or joy or comfort — to your work, to your teammates or to your customers?  

“Mange 95 percent of your business down to the penny; spend the last 5 percent ‘foolishly.’” 

What Will calls the “Rule of 95/5,” he was relentless in managing his budget down to every penny. That allowed him to invest 5% in lavish surprises, which often had an outsize impact on people’s experience.  

Is there one small area — the 5% — where a small change could have an outsize impact?  

“The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”  

Intentionality and excellence should permeate even the smallest gestures. If you can’t execute with excellence, you might need to slow down and do less. As Will says later in the book, “Excellence is the culmination of thousands of details executed perfectly.”   

Are there areas where your excellence is drooping? Do you need to “slow down to speed up”?   

“You need to be as unreasonable in how you build your team as you are in how you build your product or experience.”  

Will encourages you to “hire slow.” Although it’s awful to be shorthanded, hiring the wrong person quickly is much more painful in the long run. Take the time to hire enthusiastic people who care.  

In your hiring, are you focused on just getting someone “in the seat,” or are you unreasonable in the culture you are building with each hire?  

“Tap into their passions—then give them the keys.”  

Will’s team at Eleven Madison Park learned each of their employees’ passions and empowered them to make something great through their “ownership programs.” Those passionate about coffee, beer, tea or cocktails were given the freedom and budget to create the finest programs in the country. It gave opportunities to motivated, creative people who hadn’t yet been promoted.  

How can you better tap into your teammates’ passions and empower them?  

“The first time someone comes to you with an idea, listen closely, because how you handle it will dictate how they choose to contribute in the future.”  

Encourage your team to contribute, and if someone approaches you with an idea, even if you’ve heard it or tried it before, listen carefully and engage with them. The person should leave both encouraged and educated.  

Do your teammates know that they can come to you with an idea and will be listened to and respected?    

“Identify moments that recur in your business, and build a tool kit your team can deploy without too much effort.”  

Will made the work of his “dream weavers” scalable by systemizing unreasonable hospitality. As he says, Will “The value of a gift isn’t about what went into giving it, but how the person receiving it feels.” 

Is there an area where you can anticipate and plan for moments of magic and unreasonable hospitality in your work or leadership?  

“Hospitality is a selfish pleasure.”  

Being unreasonably hospitable might sound overwhelming. But Will’s secret is that “it feels great to make other people feel good.”  

When was the last time you felt the infectious joy of making others feel good?  

Want to keep being inspired by Will? Check out his Instagram feed or sign up for his newsletter.

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Right now, you can get up to 50% off leadership books, including “Unreasonable Hospitality”! Go to Christian Book Distributors to start shopping.

By Amber Van Schooneveld 

You probably don’t know their names. You won’t see them on stage. But these three women have been the minds behind the Global Leadership Summit for years, and even decades.  

While they would be the first to divert attention from themselves and tell you about all the brilliant minds on their team, we wanted to introduce you to these three leaders who have been key to the long-term excellence of the Summit. 

Lori Hermann: Executive Producer

Worked on the Summit: 13 years (and has worked on GLN global events for 32 years!)  

Lori leads all the elements of the Summit from production to creative elements to operations to speaker content and more.  

Favorite moment: “I have marveled at the humility of so many amazing leaders. Once we had Colin Powell speak at the Summit, the former U.S. Secretary of State. He arrived with no entourage, in a hoodie, pulling his own suitcase. He introduced himself to everyone, including the assistant putting out food. He was kind to everybody even though he reported to the leader of the free world.”  

Biggest learning: “At his very first Summit, Marcus Buckingham talked about focusing on our strengths. That was transformative to my leadership. I learned to understand and lean into the gifts of the people on my team.” 

How do you maintain the excellence of the Summit? “By working with people who have a growth mindset and want to keep getting better every year.” 

Favorite thing about the Summit: “I feel like we’re giving a gift to people. We work hard on the Summit all year, and then we get to watch people open that gift. It’s all about the person attending, whether in our studio audience, online, at a local site or on the other side of the world. We do all of this to serve them.” 

Karen “Max” Gronowski: Director of Speaker Acquisition and Elevation

Worked on the Summit: 10 years 

Max leads our search for Summit speakers, building both trust and long-term relationships with them.  

Number of speakers reviewed each year: 300 to 400  

One of the speakers you’re most proud of signing: “Mike Krzyzewski, or ‘Coach K,’ the former Head Men’s Basketball Coach for Duke University; we were so excited to have him join us live for GLS24!” 

The one that got away: “Denzel Washington — but we’d love to still have him!”  

Most surprising phone call: “I was driving and got a call. I didn’t recognize the number, so I let it go to voicemail. When I later listened to the message, it said, ‘Hi Karen, this is Hugh Jackman.’ It didn’t work out for him to join us that year, but it was crazy that he called me back personally!” 

Favorite moments: “Backstage, we host current and past speakers, and it feels like a family reunion. They encourage each other. They give each other tips. One year, I overheard comedian Michael Jr. coaching another speaker, ‘Hey, if you wait two more beats after you land that line, it’s going to deliver in a stronger way.’ It’s this safe, beautiful space where the top communicators in the world can be themselves and share ideas with each other.”  

Biggest challenge: “Staying ahead of trends and the challenges leaders are facing. Some speakers require four to five years for us to sign, and we typically sign speakers 18 months in advance. So, it’s essential to stay connected to the felt needs of our leaders and be curious about what people are talking about.” 

Kristen Aikman: Senior Director of Content Development

Worked on the Summit: 27 years 

Kristen leads our team from the speaker vetting process through developing content with speakers that will resonate with leaders of all types around the world.  

What’s it like giving feedback to some of the world’s top leaders? “The first time I had to give feedback to a speaker, I was so intimidated! But I’ve learned that the essence of great feedback is ensuring the speakers know that I believe in them and want them to be helpful to our global leaders. And I’ve learned that the best leaders want feedback; they want to connect with our leaders in the strongest possible way. Most often, these leaders are the same off-camera as they are on-camera. They are the people you think they are, and they treat people the way they talk about leadership.”  

Most interesting thing you’ve learned? “All speakers get nervous, even if they’re the best leader — and whether they’re talking to four people or 300,000 people. They all have their own way of dealing with nerves. Some pace, some shut themselves in their rooms…and some vomit.” 

How has the Summit impacted you personally? “My husband passed away 18 months ago. That is the greatest leadership challenge I’ve ever faced. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the last year and a half if I hadn’t had 27 years of leadership development. Every talk that I ever heard has flooded through my mind as I figure out how to get my team — my family — through this.” 

Favorite thing about the Summit: “I think the Summit is a slice of heaven. You have people from all different cultures learning together and figuring out how to bring out the best in the people around them. They’re learning to create a future that people will love. I wonder if people grasp how amazing that is.” 

These three leaders are already dreaming up GLS25 and beyond. Check out what they have in store for us next!