EXPECT
What to
The Progressive Leadership Fest is a ticketed one-day gathering for purpose-driven leaders who see leadership as a force for good.
Hosted at The Wellbeing Farm, the day combines inspiring keynote speakers, thought-provoking panels, interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, and intimate fireside chats, all designed to spark fresh thinking and real-world action. With a choice of stages, you have the freedom to listen to inspiring speakers, engage in honest conversations, attend workshops, and have plenty of space to connect with like-minded leaders who care about creating healthier workplaces and stronger communities.
Come curious, and leave with renewed courage, meaningful connections, and a clearer sense of what your leadership is being called to do next.
Workshops
Built for more: Becoming a mission-led business
What is your business for beyond making profit? You've built something solid, but you know it could stand for more. Not a bolt-on purpose, not words on a wall, but a mission that is integrated into how the business makes money and makes decisions. In this session, you will see what a truly Mission-Led Business looks like, what it unlocks, and how to begin defining one that is commercially strong and deeply meaningful to you.
Purposeful Leadership in Action: Creating Teams Where People and Performance Thrive
A practical, human‑centred workshop for leaders who want stronger connection, trust and alignment in their teams. Discover how purposeful leadership creates the conditions where people feel supported and inspired — and where sustainable performance thrives as a result. Expect an interactive session with grounded insights actionable takeaways.
"Your Nervous System Is Leading the Business." Are You in Control?
This session explores how stress shapes leadership behaviour, decision-making, and safety outcomes. Leaders will experience evidence based EFT alongside the Four Rs of Resilience. Regulate, Reflect, Reframe, Recharge. Practical tools will strengthen recovery speed, reduce reactive leadership, and improve clarity, influence, and performance under pressure."
Breathe to Lead: Simple Practices for Energy, Focus & Calm
An introduction to breathwork and its impact on the nervous system, energy and focus. This session will guide participants through simple, practical breathing techniques they can use throughout the working day to reduce stress, improve clarity and support overall wellbeing.
More to be confirmed...
Key Notes
"I Thought I Was Leading. Turns Out, No One Was Following."
The moment I stopped being the leader I thought I should be and became the leader my people needed.
When Michelle Quadrelli became a Director of a business losing £60k a month, she led with authority, decisiveness and alienation. Feedback she didn't expect forced a reckoning: was her strength actually a barrier? This is the story of unlearning, embracing authentic leadership, and the remarkable results that followed for people and performance alike."
DIFFERENCE
Leaders who understand difference, know what makes a difference, value difference, are appropriately different and are willing to be different… are the ones who make a difference.
John Steele OBE will explore how exceptional leaders recognise, respect, and leverage difference in people, perspectives, and purpose. This is designed to challenge you to stop blending in and start leading distinctively.
Who? Me?
This key note lead by Rachel Hennigan OBE will focus on forgetting what society has historically seen as the ‘important’ attributes of a ‘good leader’ and looking at how drawing on authenticity can open up opportunities for success, whilst being mindful of the challenges that can arise when authenticity and transparency are the fundamentals of our leadership approach."
More to be confirmed...
Panels
Building the Future Workforce
At a time when the sector faces ongoing skills shortages and an ageing workforce, it has never been more important to listen to those entering the profession. We'll bring together young people and apprentices to share their journeys into the industry- exploring their backgrounds, the barriers they faced in getting onto the career ladder, and what has helped them succeed. They’ll also offer practical advice to employers on how to better attract, engage, and retain emerging talent. Through honest and open discussion, we’ll also hear what Gen Z really wants from the workplace. Challenging common stereotypes, the session will explore expectations around career progression, purpose, flexibility, and workplace culture, helping organisations better understand and connect with the next generation of talent.
The Power of Second Chances- Working with prisoners – why would you?
Hear how HMP Thorn Cross has become the number one prison in the country for prisoners accessing paid employment in the community. We will explore the challenges faced by returning citizens after release, particularly in securing meaningful employment, and look at what businesses can do to support that journey in a positive and practical way. We will also be joined by some prison leavers who will share their personal stories and the real impact that employment opportunities have had on their lives.
Future of the Workplace- Why being a force for good is irresistible
How do you turn a struggling business into a thriving one? Donald Moore will share how One+All transformed a near-bankrupt company through a people-first approach by prioritising lower-paid colleagues, flexibility, trust, extra holidays and tax-free profit share, creating a culture where purpose drives performance and delivers growth, strong profits and happier teams. Jason Bassett at Dragonheart Homes, will bring a practical, on-the-ground perspective, exploring how people-first values translate into site culture, workforce engagement and operational performance in a high-pressure environment. Kate Hulley at Belmont Packaging, will talk Compassionate capitalism. Its about kindness, consideration and heaps of integrity. Does this then create cash which then fuels further acts of kindness and compassion, not only within the business but the wider community too? Together, the panel will explore how being a force for good isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a powerful driver of productivity, profitability, and happier, more engaged teams.
More to be confirmed...
" Historically the event has always been a breath of fresh air. You’re surrounded by friendly, like-minded peers who just get it, which instantly creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The speakers aren’t corporate suits pushing theory; they’re authentic people who have been there and done it, making their insights truly inspirational. It’s a rare, fun space where you feel comfortable enough to share a weakness, learn from others facing the exact same battles, and genuinely celebrate our shared successes "
David Muncaster,
Managing Director, Heaford
" An event like no other. Even before the recent changes, it stood out in the best possible way. It’s not just an event you attend for the agenda, it’s an experience. The stories are powerful, personal and genuinely thought provoking. What makes it special is the atmosphere. You feel comfortable straight away. There’s no judgement, just a space where you can be yourself and have real conversations. Every time I’ve attended, I’ve left feeling energised, not drained. Speaking there for my first-ever public talk was incredible. The audience was engaged and supportive, and I felt completely at ease. It’s an experience I’ll always value. "
June Barberel-Prince,
Commercial Manager, Preston Technical
" Every year I look forward to the event as they are always engaging, informative, and full of real learning. I enjoy the table group discussions — hearing different perspectives opens your mind in ways you don’t get day‑to‑day. I always leave feeling part of a fantastic community, with a real sense of pride and belonging. What I look forward to the most are the guest speakers which are always outstanding — diverse, insightful, and open to questions. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and I always look forward to the next event. "
Sara Carr,
HR Manager, Carrs Pasties
" The historic event has always been one of the best days of the year! An open space to hear different voices, experiences and discussions, which inspires me on my journey to build our company, community and team in a different and positive way. I’m looking forward to attending!"
Neil Horner,
Managing Director, Laltex