Why I Attend the Global Leadership Summit and So Should You

Every year, I prioritize the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), a transformative two-day event held live on August 7-8, 2025, at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL, and broadcast to 400+ host sites and online. The Summit’s blend of world-class speakers, global community, and faith-inspired insights fuels my growth as a leader. Here’s why I attend—and why you should too.

The best I can tell leaders are either growing or dying. There’s no standstill. Jon Acuff’s book Soundtracks revolutionized my mindset, teaching me to reframe negative self-talk into empowering narratives. His “four permissions” framework has helped me coach others to overcome mental barriers, sparking creativity and confidence rooted in a faith-driven purpose.

As my first coaching mentor Christian Simpson always tells us, our business will never outgrow our ability to think and lead. Craig Groeschel’s adaptive leadership strategies, shared at GLS, have sharpened my ability to navigate change. His insights, often grounded in biblical principles of stewardship, helped me guide a client’s organization through a major pivot, ensuring alignment and growth. My coaching now reflects his emphasis on resilient, faith-fueled leadership.

Leadership isn’t passive—nor should your growth be. Juliet Funt’s Reductive Mindset from A Minute to Think saves me and my clients time, money, and stress by eliminating busywork. Her focus on intentional pauses, reminiscent of Jesus’ practice of retreating for reflection, has streamlined my thinking and positively impacted my coaching, allowing me to lead with clarity and purpose.

Is it just me or do inspired leaders make better decisions?  I really think so. GLS speakers like Amy C. Edmondson, whose work on psychological safety echoes spiritual teachings on trust and community, inspire me to foster environments where teams work really hard and innovate fearlessly. Her frameworks, paired with the gift of a strong spiritual foundation, guide my bolder, wiser choices.

As a seasoned executive coach and leader I know that inspired leadership, grounded in faith, truly changes the world. Many of Jesus’ most profound lessons—humility, service, vision—were on leadership. GLS connects leaders from 100+ countries, all driven to create impact. The Summit’s mission to equip and inspire, rooted in a strong spiritual foundation, fuels my purpose, knowing my growth ripples outward. It’s a gift to all I encounter and have the privilege to serve. As my mentor in Prison Fellowship Ministry always said after a good teaching, “If that didn’t light your fire, your wood must be wet!

If you are reading this before it's too late you should join me at GLS 2025! Get your virtual pass at globalleadership.org to stream sessions in your time zone (ET, CT, MT, or PT). There may still be some early-bird rates and discounts for military, faculty, and students available. Don’t miss this chance to grow and change the world.