Henley Centre for Leadership

The Henley Centre for Leadership is a globally recognised voice and catalyst of leadership and leadership development. Together, we empower people in organisations, academia and society to lead with purpose, adaptability and integrity in a rapidly evolving world.

Grounded in rigorous academic excellence, practical relevance and real-world insights, our values-driven research, education, and community initiatives foster inclusive, ethical, sustainable and impactful leadership repertoires. We support and sustain leadership capabilities at every level, enabling meaningful and lasting change for a sustainable future for all.

In all our activities we strive to live a set of values with our learners, colleagues, collaborators and contributors.

Humanity and inclusion:

• We embrace dignity, diversity and compassion to create a respectful, collaborative, ethical and ambitious environment.
• We ensure people feel valued, respected and empowered to develop and contribute their diverse talents, insights and aspirations.

Development and innovation:

• We create an environment for individual and collective learning that is both meaningful and challenging, driving growth and making a difference.
• We are curious, open-minded and rigorous. We challenge assumptions to embrace and shape new ideas, technologies and approaches for leadership education, research and practice.

Belonging and enjoyment:

• We create communities where people feel at home, have a sense of belonging and build valuable and lasting relationships.
• We cultivate kindness, happiness and humanity for an environment where people feel energised, motivated and engaged.

Excellence and outcomes:

• We are ambitious and take pride in high quality and outstanding work, processes and outputs.
• We focus on, promote and feel accountable for real-world outcomes that create lasting footprints for individuals, organisations and society.

1. Leadership for resilient, healthy and purposeful organisations

Explores how leaders cultivate energy, wellbeing and resilience in themselves, their teams and organisations - fostering meaningful work, sustainable performance and thriving workplaces.

2. Leadership diversity

Examines how diversity shapes effective leadership practice - emphasising the value of leadership from multiple perspectives and identities, embedded in various contexts and conditions.

3. Strategic, sustainable and responsible leadership

Focuses on leadership in strategic domains, sustainability and governance - how leadership in top teams, boards and at various levels aligns organisational purpose with societal and environmental stewardship.

4. Developing leadership and lifelong growth

Examines and practices building leadership capacity methodically, through innovative education, reflective practice and research methods - supporting lifelong careers, personal growth and evidence-based leadership development.

5. Leadership futures: evolving leadership repertoires and digital realities

Investigates what leadership means today and in the future - how digital transformation, technological change and emerging contexts redefine leadership identities, practices of leading and following, capabilities and development.

1. Research - Create world-class research with real-world impact.

Existing activities:

• Publishing in internationally renowned academic journals; distinct books and book chapters, practice-oriented publishing, conference activities; externally funded research projects, and other
• Supporting infrastructure: HCL Paper Development Group; PhD and Early Career Researcher Away Days to support research and grant development; HCL Writing Retreat; LeARN Network with Universities of Cambridge, Durham and Exeter

2. Education - Deliver world-class, evidence-based leadership development that develops effective leadership that is inclusive, responsible and sustainable.

Existing activities:

• Leadership and related topics at all study level within Henley Business School and beyond; ranging from undergraduate work to executive education
• Examples: Leadership Training for Global Sustainability Leader Scholarship Programme; MBA MRC Research Publication Series

3. Engagement and Partnerships/Community - Extend HCL's reach for global voice and impact.

Existing activities:

• Leadership Impact Festival, HCL online Learning Event series among others, Podcast Leadership Unlocked; HCL LinkedIn group
• Multiple activities with our stakeholders
• Henley Centre for Leadership Africa as twin centre

4. Bespoke Research and Evidence-based Consulting - Promote real-world outcomes with purposeful and sustainable impact and lasting footprints for individuals, organisations and society.

Existing activities:

• External funded research capacity building projects
• One large international consultancy and advisory project

How to Engage with HCL

Follow us on social media:

• LinkedIn: The Henley Centre for Leadership
• Twitter: @hly_leadership

Organisations

Join a research partnership

Practioners

Access insights, tools and executive learning

Scholars

Collaborate on research and publications

For any enquiries, please contact us directly at hcl.newsletters@henley.ac.uk