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What happens when you convene a couple hundred leadership experts from across the state of Colorado and across the globe on CU’s beautiful campus? Magic!

In August 2024, the University of Colorado Boulder hosted two back-to-back meetings focused on leadership at the University Memorial Center. On the first day, the Center for Leadership with the  to bring together many of Colorado’s top leadership thinkers to engage in personal growth and development and help chart the course for the future of leadership in the state. “Connection and learning were our goals in planning the day – and we accomplished that and much more,” said Katie Kramer, president & CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. “Convening more than 90 leadership practitioners who are invested in both their work and the leadership ecosystem in Colorado was inspirational. The day created opportunities for practitioners to access knowledge, resources, and build long-lasting relationships.”  

Many members of Boettcher’s Leadership Practitioners Collaborative joined the event along with other leaders from as far away as Aspen, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Pueblo, and Steamboat Springs. The attendees work for nonprofit organizations, in higher education, in chambers of commerce, foundations, college access organizations, and institutes.  

Sessions of “The Leadership Colorado Needs” conference included sessions on the exploration of liberating structures for collaboration, the transformative power of AI for effective program design, and how to engage in bridge building practices when engaging across difference(s).   

The event ended with a reception for the Boettcher leaders along with a welcome for the

 members joining us from across the globe for an event hosted with the International Leadership Association called the Future Forward Leadership Summit. Futurist, Theo Edmonds keynoted the evening event to get everyone thinking about the future of leadership and ready for the next day of transformative leadership thinking.

The next morning began the official day or the Future Forward Leadership Summit, which was sponsored by the MetLife Foundation, the Center for Leadership, and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies. This high-impact event brought together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders to explore the evolving landscape of leadership around the world. The summit's focus was clear: to define and advance the future of leadership so we are prepared to meet the demands facing our leaders and our world in the next 25 years. 

The summit kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Becky Reichard, a renowned leadership scholar whose groundbreaking research on adaptive leadership set the tone for the conference. Dr. Reichard reviewed the last 25 years of leadership research and set forth an agenda for the future.

Following the keynote, attendees participated in a series of dynamic breakout sessions that were generated based on survey data from members of the ILA. Topics included the future of work (AI, technology, globalization), political turmoil, sustainability, and leader development. 

The ILA Future Forward Leadership Summit was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for change. By bringing together a diverse group of voices, the summit facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and strategies that are poised to shape the future of leadership. The collaborative spirit and innovative thinking demonstrated throughout the event reflect a strong commitment to addressing the complex issues facing leaders today.

For the University of Colorado Boulder and the Center for Leadership, the summit was a testament to our dedication to advancing leadership research and practice. The insights and connections made during these two days will undoubtedly influence leadership development programs and initiatives in the years to come.

As we move forward, the conversations and collaborations sparked at the ILA Future Forward Leadership Summit and the Leadership Colorado Needs will serve as a guiding light for developing the leadership Colorado—and the world—needs. The commitment to fostering a leadership culture that embraces adaptability, inclusivity, and forward-thinking will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In reflecting on the events, it’s clear that the future of leadership is bright, driven by a collective vision of innovation and excellence. The insights gained and relationships forged will continue to resonate long after the event, guiding leaders as they chart new paths and inspire future generations.