On a glorious sunny evening on Thursday, September 7, 2023, the historic House of Commons hosted a fantastic gathering of people from various walks of life who came together for a special reception with the Institute of Leadership. One of their most sought-after events. It was a celebration of shared dreams and accomplishments amongst leaders from all sectors.
I couldn’t write this blog without spending time reflecting on the venue where it was hosted. The Houses of Parliament has roots dating back to the 11th Century and the history of the building (and events which take place within) is rich and dramatic. Although its roots date much more historically, it was during the 19th Century that the masterpiece we recognise today began to take shape. The Houses of Parliament are, unsurprisingly, the centre of the UK’s legislative process, housing both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It’s within these halls that crucial debates, policy decisions, and historic events have unfolded, shaping the course of the nation’s history. From the signing of the Magna Carta to the Winston Churchill-led wartime speeches, the Houses of Parliament have stood observing the ebb and flow of British governance and politics. This enduring symbol, nestled along the River Thames, continues to play a pivotal role in the governance of the UK and stands as a testament to the enduring power of democratic institutions. And, as someone who studied politics in university, it brought back many memories of lectures/readings of the goings-on of these hallways. Before stepping into the event (yes, we were early!) we even managed to go into the viewing gallery to observe the House of Lords - a very cool experience to say the least.
Guests for the Institute of Leadership’s event stepped into the majestic Terrace Pavilion - the beautiful weather we had that Thursday evening added a pinch of magic to the evening. Looking out over the Thames, against the backdrop of the London eye, we mingled with faces both familiar and new - and what better conversation starter than connecting over our awe of the venue (and the weather - we are in the UK after all!) The evening gave us a chance to connect with fellow attendees, share stories, and maybe even hatch a plan or two for the future. It was all about building that sense of togetherness and collaboration and that was certainly done.
We were kept well fed by the wonderful staff at the venue, enjoying prosecco or soft drinks before hearing from the Institute of Leadership’s CEO, John Mark Williams, and the Chair of Trustees, Emrys Green. They each gave us a glimpse into the organisation’s journey (think acquiring ABE Global and publishing the book, “Ideas from the Edge”) and also what is on the horizon for the Institute of Leadership (think launching The Grant Fund and The Leadership Awards later in the year).
Conversations and inspiration went well into the evening, and the connections built will be around for much longer. In summary, the House of Commons event on September 7th was a night of camaraderie, inspiration and celebration. It was proof that when a bunch of great people come together, great things happen. Kudos to everyone who made this event happen!
