Think Ahead

Leadership in 2026: Why humility matters

In a world where work is increasingly fragmented – across geographies, generations and hybrid models – traditional leadership models built on hierarchy and control are struggling to keep pace. Today’s most effective leaders share a different trait: humility. Far from being a weakness, humble leadership fosters trust, collaboration and innovation – qualities organisations need to thrive in uncertain times.

This Think Ahead event brings together Dan Cable, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School and author of Alive at Work, Rosie Bailey, CEO & Co-Founder of Nibble Technology and Ross Bailey, Global Head of Data and Content at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), to explore how humble leadership can transform organisational culture and unlock human potential.

Together, they will explore:

• The behaviours that define humble leaders – and why they matter most during periods of rapid change.

• The cultures humility creates – environments of psychological safety where employees feel empowered to experiment, speak up and share ideas.

• How traditional power structures block progress – and practical strategies to reduce the negative effects of hierarchy and unlock collective intelligence.

Drawing on real-world examples, this session will reveal how small but powerful shifts in leadership behaviour can transform organisational performance. Expect actionable insights for building resilient, high-performing teams in a fragmented world.

Date and time:

• United Kingdom: Tuesday 24 February 2026, 18:30 – 19:45 GMT

• Dubai: Tuesday 24 February 2026, 22:30 – 23:45 GST

• Japan: Wednesday 25 February 2026, 03:30 – 04:45 JST

• US Eastern: Tuesday 24 February 2026, 13:30 – 14:45 ET

Speakers