Global Impact Day 2026

Be part of Business School history at our first Global Impact Day on the 11 March. Join students, alumni, MBEs and innovators for a day to broaden your perspective and boost your professional profile.

Join us for a flagship celebration of global learning and community to connect our students, staff, alumni, and partners under one shared vision: For Business, For People, For Community

How to register

You can sign up for as many sessions as you like. Note that some run concurrently, so please check the swchedule to choose your preferred sessions.

Your registration is essential and it helps us plan and deliver the best possible experience.

Register for Global Impact Day 2026

The Vision

Global Impact Day is the Leeds University Business School philosophy in action.

For Business
We believe business is a powerful force for good, capable of solving global challenges by uniting diverse perspectives. This Global Impact Day, we explore how responsible leadership can transform the corporate landscape. Join us to hear an inspiring journey from humble beginnings to commercial success, or gain alumni insights from graduates navigating global careers across a variety of sectors - helping you build a network that spans international markets.

For People
Our community is the heart of our impact, and we are committed to nurturing the creativity and adaptability you need to thrive as a global citizen. This theme focuses on empowering you with the tools to communicate and lead with confidence. These sessions will help you achieve your personal and professional ambitions, by teaching you how to pitch yourself and your ideas with emotional impact, stay positive in a noisy world, or develop inclusive leadership skills.

For Society
Leeds University Business School research aims to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference to the economy, society, and the planet. This theme showcases how local actions are driving global change. Through these sessions you will meet entrepreneurs who are preserving global traditions and tackling sustainability at home, learn from current students what it means to be globally engaged today, and how international exposure prepares you to solve the challenges of the future.

General Events

The start, the end, and opportunities that are running all day.

Check In
09:00 - 10:00 | Maurice Keyworth Foyer OR Esther Simpson Lobby [In-person]
Visit one of our welcome desks to collect your GID26 pass and check-in for your chosen sessions. Staff and student ambassadors will be available to assist you.

Welcome Celebration & Opening Panel
10:30 - 12:00 | Esther Simpson, LG.08 or Online [Hybrid]
And we’re off! Following a welcome from Deputy Dean Niall Hayes, MBEs Tina Leslie and Susie Hart headline our first panel discussing people-centered business and their work transforming vulnerable communities across the UK and Africa.

We’ll also wake everyone up with a high-energy cultural performance featuring Guzheng and Indian dance!

The Impact Wall
09:00 - 16:00 | Maurice Keyworth Foyer [In-person]

Throughout the day, the Maurice Keyworth Foyer will come alive with a visual display to help you:

- Discover the LUBS international education opportunities available to you to enhance your employability and global mindset.
- Explore how research from LUBS academics contribute to positive world change.
- Understand how our student reps use your feedback to enhance the student experience.

Networking & Closing Reception
16:15 - 18:00 | Maurice Keyworth Foyer [In-person]
At the end of day, enjoy canape and refreshments, and take the opportunity to mingle with your fellow delegates and our inspirational guest speakers.

Ask those burning questions and build your global network!

Themed Events

Events which focus on one aspect of the Leeds University Business School Vision.

For People

Workshop: Cut Through: How to Pitch Yourself and Your Ideas
14:45 - 15:45 | Esther Simpson, LG.08 [In-person]
In a noisy, competitive world, good ideas don’t win. Clear ideas do.

Communications expert Dominic Colenso will ensure you leave this session with:
- A simple, repeatable framework for pitching yourself or your ideas with clarity and confidence
- Practical tools to strip away complexity and focus on what really makes your message land
- A clear way to bring more energy and emotional impact to everyday conversations, pitches and presentations

Talk: How to Stay Positive in a Negative World
16:00 - 17:00 | Maurice Keyworth, 1.33 [In-person]
Jim Hetherton brings a unique perspective to the table, offering practical advice and strategies for enhancing effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.

For Business

Talk: Growth in a Complex World: Building a High Growth Business that Lasts
13:30 - 14:30 [In-person]
(Business Only)
James Stirk is one of the founders and driving forces behind ClarityScale, as well as the principal architect of the SGS Growth Framework - a proven blueprint that empowers businesses to achieve Stabilisation, Growth, and long-term Sustainability.

As a seasoned CEO, CRO, and board advisor, James draws on more than two decades of leadership to help entrepreneurs unlock the full strategic and financial potential of their organisations.

The session has been designed exclusively with SPARK in mind, and will focus on scalability and business performance, with a particular emphasis on supporting early-stage ventures as they grow sustainably. 

Register for Growth in a Complex World: Building a High Growth Business that Lasts with James Stirk.

Talk: Doing Business for Good
13:30 - 14:30 | Maurice Keyworth, 1.02, MBA Suite [In-person]
In this motivational and inspiring life story, Robert Brown doesn’t tell you it was easy, or to pretend everyone gets the same chances, but start doesn't determine where you finish.

Come and learn how you can turn moments of challenge into opportunities for success, and be inspired to believe you're capable of more than anyone (including yourself) might ever think possible.

Talk: Alumni Insights - Navigating Global Careers
14:45 - 16:15 | Maurice Keyworth, MBA Suite, 1.02 or Online [Hybrid]
Meet Alumni from different industries including tech and AI, Social media and marketing, and the charity sector, all of whom have navigated the complexities of working with different global markets.

For Society

Talk: Research & Global Change – Hot Topics to Transform Society
13:30 - 14:30 | 1.06, Maurice Keyworth or Online [Hybrid]
Research is at the heart of LUBS and has real impacts on the world.
In this session, our academics will introduce their research projects and outline how we helping to transform elements of society.

Talk: Think Global Act Local - Driving Community Change
14:45 - 15:45 | Maurice Keyworth, 1.33 or Online [Hybrid]
Learn directly from local business founders whose work has benefited societies globally.

Anith is an MBA alumni, and founder of World of Origins, a company who specialise in importing specialist ingredients unique to local communities in India and Madagascar to UK companies like Harrods. World of Origins specialises in preserving global ingredients and traditions.

Michelle is CEO of Resurrected Bites a local charity committed to reducing food waste Yorkshire. Although based locally, her commitment to sustainability has an impact globally.

Panel: Global Citizenship - What Does it Mean Today?
16:00 - 17:00 | Maurice Keyworth, 1.32 [In-person]
This session will demonstrate how international exposure can benefit you, and prepare you for a truly global career.

We are joined by students with considerable global experiences, to understand how this has shaped them as individuals and how international opportunities are beneficial in regards to career options.

We are not citizens of just our hometowns or nations, but of the world