Keir Starmer is out. Andy Burnham is on his way to Westminster. But what does this seismic shift in UK politics tell us about leadership and whether “popularism” can beat populism? A timely and thought-provoking read from Joanne Murphy for anyone thinking seriously about leadership in this moment.
When a knife attack in Belfast sparked riots inflamed by outside “influencers,” it exposed an emerging leadership challenge: who manages the bad actors profiting from division? Drawing on new place leadership research this post examines what leading a divided community actually demands.
When democracy erodes “gradually and then suddenly,” how can we spot the warning signs? This analysis by ILA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners Keith Grint and David L. Collinson reveals the 25-step authoritarian playbook that transforms leaders into dictators and why recognizing these patterns now matters more than ever.
In 2025 the world feels like a very divided place. The capacity to listen, empathize, and learn from alternative perspectives is eroded, as is the potential to build lasting and effective partnerships and collaboration to address the “wicked” problems we face, not just as individuals, but as members of interconnected and interdependent systems on which we all depend. It’s time we led together.
ILA Fellow Suze Wilson discusses the history of political violence and dangerous speech through the lens of leadership and the assassination attempt on former President Trump.
David Collinson examines the intersections, tensions, and controversies between music, leadership, and politics. After considering examples of political leaders promoting and censoring music, he explores how music is used in campaigns as well as how and why certain musicians have protested in response.
Lucie Hartley and ILA Fellow Richard Bolden explore the consequences of an addiction to leadership. Drawing on examples from drug and alcohol services, they illustrate how recovery techniques may help overcome a dependence on heroic and narcissistic leaders and foster more inclusive and compassionate forms of leadership practice.
As a global citizen and someone who researches the dark side of leadership, ILA Fellow Professor Dennis Tourish discusses the rise of Trumpism and the similarities between it and other fascist movements. If Trumpism is a fascist movement, how can leaders work to shore up democracy and stop it?
Too often scientists and activists lead the way in advocating change, not the political and corporate leaders who actually have the power and authority to effect change. What role, though, does the leadership industry play in challenging leaders to address political, social, and economic systems that are inequitable and unsustainable?
John, Lord Alderdice, who has been actively involved in peace-making processes for more than 50 years, sheds light on the current crisis in Israel and Gaza and the steps needed to work for a lasting peace.
Leaders who are catalysts inhabit the radical place between the present and the future as they apply activated hope to ignite powerful change in their organizations, communities, and themselves. ILA Fellow Professor Chellie Spiller shares 8 key insights leaders need to strike the match of potential.
Ignite powerful change in your organizations, communities, and yourself. In this blog, ILA Fellow Chellie Spiller discusses her new book, The Catalyst’s Way – A Handbook for People Who Want to Change the World, based on her time as Leader in Residence at the Atlantic Institute and the extraordinary leadership exemplified by its fellows. Download the free eBook and its companion guide (links in blog).