5 Reasons every design leader should be at Leading Design London

Viewpoint

As summer draws to a close and there’s that ‘back to school’ feeling in the air, I’ve been thinking about what it is that makes Leading Design London 2024 (6–7 November) the must-attend conference for design leaders.

The image shows an audience seated in what appears to be a conference or event setting. The focus is on a young woman in the center, wearing a lanyard and looking engaged, with a bright and excited expression. She is surrounded by other attendees, some of whom are slightly out of focus. The lighting in the room is predominantly blue, creating a cool-toned ambiance. The background suggests that everyone is attentively watching a presentation or speaker. The setting appears modern and professional, with comfortable seating arrangements for the audience.

We are all on a journey of self-discovery and self-betterment, and with each year of leading a design team, new challenges and opportunities emerge. These are the reasons why I believe our attendees return to Leading Design London year after year…

1. It is more than just an event...

...it's a community of design leaders who are supporting each other throughout the year, forging deep connections and sharing collective wisdom. When you attend a Leading Design event, you’re rubbing shoulders with peers who understand what it’s like to lead teams, navigate change, and build culture — all while managing personal well-being.

The image shows a group of people engaged in a lively conversation at what appears to be a networking event. In the centre is a man with a bald head and a full beard, wearing a lanyard and listening attentively to the discussion around him. The people surrounding him, mostly women, are animatedly gesturing and talking, suggesting a dynamic exchange of ideas. The background is blurred but filled with other attendees, indicating a busy and bustling atmosphere. The lighting is soft, creating a warm and engaging environment for the interactions.

2. The landscape of design leadership is ever-changing...

With new challenges arising every year. We work closely with our industry-leading speakers to curate a line-up of topics that are relevant to design leaders in the here and now.

“A truly wonderful two days of positive, forward-looking conversation about the power of design to lead change into the unknown times ahead.”

3. There is vulnerability in the room...

As speakers share their insights, their stories and their ideas — as well as some of their pain from past challenges. With our ‘off the record’ segment, there are plenty of opportunities for open and honest conversations about some of the most pressing challenges in leadership.

The image shows a woman delivering a presentation on stage. She is gesturing with her hands and holding a clicker while standing in front of a large screen. The screen has the words "group dynamics" on the left and "bad decisions" on the right, with a double-sided arrow connecting them. The slide background is a gradient of purple. The speaker is wearing a black top and a tan skirt, and she appears engaged and confident in her delivery. Her email, partially visible on the lower left of the screen, ends with "@whitneyandassociates.uk".

4. Our Barbican Centre venue is breathtaking...

It's one of London’s best examples of Brutalist architecture. With exclusive access to the Barbican Conservatory for our lunches and networking drinks, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn more about the rare and endangered plants that thrive in this green oasis. There are also daily guided Barbican Architecture Tours, revealing hidden corners of this iconic estate.

“I really enjoyed the Leading Design Conference — the quality of the talks, the beauty of the Barbican, the comfort of the room, the fact that we were a small group of very strong leaders, and we had the opportunity to chat and discuss over lunch and drinks. Really kudos to all the organisers.”
The image depicts a brutalist architectural structure with large, blocky, geometric shapes. The building features textured concrete and tiled white facades, creating a stark and angular design. In the background, a taller tower with balconies and more concrete details rises behind the main structure. Palm trees can be seen growing in front of the building, adding a contrast of nature against the rigid and industrial appearance of the architecture. The sky is clear, with a bright blue backdrop that highlights the sharp edges of the building.

5. This is a moment to take a breath, and invest in yourself...

I hear time and time again how hard design leadership can be. Leading Design London is an opportunity to learn from the world’s best design leaders, enjoy nourishing and delicious food, and spend time with people that truly understand where you are coming from.

“Every talk was highly relevant… Leading Design London was a breath of fresh air at a transitional moment for me.”
The image shows three women engaged in a lively conversation at an indoor event. They are standing in a bright, glass-roofed atrium, which allows natural light to flood the space. Two of the women are smiling and appear to be enjoying the interaction, while the third holds a cup of coffee and a snack. All three are wearing event lanyards, indicating they are attending a conference or professional gathering. The background is bustling with other attendees mingling, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere. The setting is filled with plants, adding a natural touch to the modern, open space.

I am incredibly proud of the Leading Design London event we have curated for you this year, and hope you will be there to join us. More information and tickets can be found on our website.

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