Leadership in 2026: Why humility matters

In a world where work is increasingly fragmented – across geographies, generations and hybrid models – traditional leadership models are struggling to keep pace. Whether you lead today or simply want to increase your impact at work, this Think Ahead event explores why humility is becoming one of the most important professional skills for 2026. Far from being a weakness, humility strengthens performance, trust and collaboration, helping people at all levels work more effectively in uncertain and fast-changing environments. Watch Professor Dan Cable, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School and author of Alive at Work, alongside Rosie Bailey SLN2019, CEO & Co-Founder of Nibble Technology, and Ross Bailey, Global Head of Data and Content at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The discussion is moderated by Andrew Hill, Senior Business Writer at the Financial Times. Together, they explore how humility can strengthen performance, trust and human potential – and share practical insights to help you show up, influence and work effectively in 2026. Together, they 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 reveals 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.