The Common Purpose Blog | Leadership development

21 August 2025

You Can’t Lead People Who Don’t Want to Be Led

Leadership isn’t about convincing everyone. It’s about empowering those ready to follow, so you can lead where it truly matters.

14 August 2025

Leaders Are Manipulators And That’s Not a Bad Thing

Let’s cut through the fluff: leadership involves manipulation. Not the shady, deceitful kind, but the artful, intentional kind. The kind that shapes perspectives, inspires action, and drives change.

7 August 2025

When did leadership become a popularity contest?

Somewhere along the way, we started equating being liked with being effective. And it’s costing us bold, decisive leadership.

6 August 2025

Global North and South leaders unite to tackle the environmental crisis

Launch of the 20205 Climate Challenge Leadership Programme by the Africa Finance Corporation in partnership with Common Purpose.

31 July 2025

Why Leadership Programmes Are Failing and How to Fix Them

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: most leadership programmes are failing. Why? Because they’re built on outdated assumptions.

24 July 2025

The Social Value Revolution: Why Every Leader Must Be a Change-Maker

We are living through a fundamental redefinition of leadership. Leadership is no longer just about profit margins, market share, or quarterly returns. It’s now measured by something far more urgent and far more human: social value. So what does it really mean to lead in a world where expectations - social, ethical, and environmental - are constantly evolving?

17 July 2025

Innovation Isn’t About Ideas. It’s About People Who Dare to Break the Rules

Let’s be honest: Innovation has been overhyped and underdelivered. Organizations everywhere love the idea of innovation. They run workshops, design thinking sessions, and hackathons. They wallpaper their walls with sticky notes. But few of them actually innovate. Why?

11 July 2025

From Noise to SIGNAL: Cutting Through the Chaos of Leadership Today

Leadership today feels overwhelming. Everyone’s talking. Content is endless. Priorities shift by the hour. The world is saturated with noise - information, opinion, fear, pressure. In this chaos, many leaders make the mistake of trying to be louder. More confident. More certain. More present. But what if the real answer isn’t more, but less?

05 June 2025

Introducing the 2025 American Express Leadership Academy London Cohort

Selected for their leadership potential, commitment to purpose, and readiness to grow, these 80 changemakers represent a diverse cross-section of missions and contexts.

22 April 2025

What Does Leadership Really Look Like in 2025?

Let’s be honest: the word leadership has taken a bit of a beating lately...

31 March 2025

Scientists Say You Can Hack Your Brain for Innovation

It turns out, we CAN teach ourselves to think differently.

18 February 2024

Why We Need to Stop Asking Women About Imposter Syndrome

Why are we still framing women’s success as something they need to “believe in” rather than something they’ve rightfully earned?

13 February 2024

The High-Stakes CEO Shuffle

Leading in an Age of Intense Scrutiny

13 November 2024

What does the future of work hold?

We take a look at some of the key advancements happening around us, and what senior leaders can do to make this a positive experience for their organization.

22 October 2024

Trust and transparency - the key to developing a positive workplace culture

A positive workplace culture- it’s something we all want, but if you’re one of the decision makers tasked with building it, it can be hard to know where to begin. Enter: trust and transparency - you’re gonna need them (trust us).

9 October 2024

Leadership in Context

The best leaders know the importance of adapting to their context- after all, no two situations are the same. Read on to find out how you can do just that!

9 October 2024

Building Resilience

Resilience is arguably one of the most important skills to develop both in your career and your personal life. In fact, a quick Google search will return thousands of articles preaching its importance. But how can you actually strengthen your resilience? Read ahead for practical, actionable tips.

1 October 2024

American Express Leadership Academy Returns to New York with a Cohort of 76 Non-Profit Leaders

This year's Americas cohort, representing 10 countries including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, will bring together individuals who are at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges.

23 September 2024

The Action Priority Matrix

Buried under a mountain of tasks and not sure where to start? Enter: The Action Priority matrix. Thank us later…

19 September 2024

Facts Inform, Stories Inspire

The Power of Storytelling on the Global Stage

30 August 2024

Defining Your Leadership Identity

Take a look at some of the ways you can gain greater clarity on what you want your leadership identity to be.

14 August 2024

Think like a Leader

Strong leadership relies on the right mindset - without it, there’s no foundation to build on. But what is the ‘right’ mindset, and what skills will you need to get there?

16 July 2024

7 Renowned Leaders On The One Leadership Lesson They Swear By

The journey of leadership is a special thing. It can change everything for the leader individually, and it can also change the entire world. But the journey, and indeed the pursuit of good leadership is not linear. It involves a multi-layered path with inexhaustible twists and turns, and no path is the same.

18 June 2024

Quick To Slam Imposter Syndrome? Here’s The Side Of It No One Talks About

We take you through the real impact of imposter syndrome – and some of it might surprise you.

9 June 2024

The Role Trust Plays in Addressing Complex and Interconnected Problems

Throughout history, people have always found ways to connect with one another – it’s part of human nature. In recent decades, thanks to advancements in tech, the ways in which we are connecting have become easier, faster, and stronger – we’re more intertwined than ever before.

1 June 2024

Resilience and Confidence

They are more alike than you’d think… And it’s not just the -ence part

23 May 2024

Changing, Evolving, Thriving

What’s the real difference between Agility and Adaptability?

15 May 2024

Thriving, Not Crying

The Subtle Art of Delivering Constructive Feedback as a Leader

American Express Leadership Academy Returns to London and Proudly Presents the 2024 Fellows

Championing Non-Profit Leaders Driving Change

12 April 2024

Non-Profit Leaders from across Australia to Vietnam to participate in 2024 American Express Leadership Academy

76 non-profit leaders will accelerate their development and build new skills to meet the unique challenges that the world is facing today.

09 April 2024

Common Purpose’s COMPASS Guide: Unpacking Confidence

Confidence is so key in your leadership journey that we've made it the North Star of COMPASS, one of the five core principles of the Common Purpose Leadership Model.

03 April 2024

Mastering the Art of Persuasion: 6 Principles of Influence

It's a powerful skill.

01 April 2024

Lost Your Confidence? Here’s 5 Ways To Build It Back Up

Change is in the air.

19 March 2024

Leading Beyond the Screen: Mastering Remote Leadership in the Digital Landscape

5 tips to (remotely) lead to success.

14 March 2024

Unlocking Creativity: A Guide to Developing the Skill of Thinking Differently

It's a skill that can be cultivated and honed with practice and mindset shifts.

28 February 2024

Can Introverts Be Good Leaders? With These Key Tools, Absolutely

Here's how to harness your introverted superpowers.

27 February 2024

The Great Juggle: 3 Ways To Balance Friendship & Authority As A Manager

Manage your mates – in a good way.

20 February 2024

Leading Beyond Age: A Fresh Perspective on Leading Older Team Members

Our US Projects Manager, Cambria C. Khayat shares five tips to help you not just manage, but truly lead across age divides.

12 February 2024

Why Cross-Generational Leadership Should Be Trending In 2024

As we navigate an ever-complex world, forming connections with people who are both alike, and unlike yourself is crucial.

25 January 2024

American Express and Common Purpose Unveil the 2024 American Express Leadership Academy, Rejuvenating Global Nonprofit Leadership

"There is an undeniable and critical need to empower and equip nonprofit organizations and their leaders with essential skills and development opportunities, especially in the face of challenging conditions globally."

23 January 2024

An Influencer & A Revolutionary Sit In A Cafeteria… This Is What ‘Mean Girls’ Can Teach Us About Leadership

Unexpected, albeit valuable lessons to be learned.

08 January 2024

3 Simple, Yet Game-Changing Workplace Trends All Leaders Should Embrace In 2024

The year ahead will be bigger, better, and more productive because of them.

19 December 2023

Is Your Leadership Style Written In The Stars? Here's What Your Horoscope Says

Curiosity piqued.

18 December 2023

Are You In A Remote Working Rut? Here's 13 Tips To Revive Your WFH Routine

So long, goblin mode.

15 December 2023

3 Outdated Career Beliefs We Need To Leave Behind In The New Year

Don't let these hold you back from reaching your full potential.

14 December 2023

Could Your Favourite Christmas Movie Characters Be Good Leaders In The Real World? We Found Out

Not to ruin them for you or anything…

13 November 2023

I Struggled To Define My Purpose Until A Revelation Shifted My Perspective. Suddenly, It Became Clear

EvolveCareers Managing Director Andy Coxall describes the moment everything clicked into place.

3 November 2023

Unlocking Efficiency: How To Manage Your Day to Day in a Better Way

When we unlock efficiency, it can help us save time, reduce stress, and achieve our goals more effectively.

27 October 2023

3 Reasons Why Team Sport – Whether You Play Or Watch - Can Teach Us A Thing Or Two About Purpose

80 minutes in the game, lifelong lessons gained.

25 October 2023

Jessica Chivinge worked across industries and geographies, but her purpose never changed. Now, she’s living it.

“As a kid, I always wanted to do something about this."

11 October 2023

Making Relationships at Work ‘Work’ - The Recipe For Success

Ingredients, method, delicious result.

04 October 2023

University of Manchester partnership sparks “hope” for tomorrow’s leaders

"Our generation will be pivotal in shaping a greener future."

12 September 2023

Common Purpose launches an innovative new venture, EvolveCareers to help dismantle barriers young people face in employment

An engaging, industry-driven and on-demand learning experience designed by award-winning learning and career experts.

01 September 2023

Senior and young professionals come together to bring greater impact to the new economy field in new Academy

"I feel more empowered, more connected, and more supported."

29 August 2023

Lauryn Mwale wrote an entire book in tandem with her university degree. This one key leadership trait got her through

Sometimes, the greatest opportunities appear by coincidence - the next move is yours to take.

29 August 2023

Storytelling is an artform in leadership. Simon Butler is living proof.

Step inside the art studio that tells a thousand words.

29 August 2023

Leaders who are truly intentional tend to be invisible. Here’s how to recognize it.

If they can disappear… that’s the most intentional leader you’ll get.

21 August 2023

Conservation in action: Meet the leaders conserving your favourite green spaces

“Our number one mission is to ensure that the the park is for everybody."

10 August 2023

This is what courageous leadership actually looks like

Our favourite novels might tell us that courage is seen in the biggest and boldest acts of bravery, but it actually reveals itself in many unexpected ways.

26 July 2023

Advancing Global Solidarity on Climate Challenge

Next generation leaders from the global North and South come together to work on pragmatic approaches to the environmental crisis in a bespoke Climate Challenge Leadership Programme launched by the Africa Finance Corporation in partnership with Common Purpose.

25 July 2023

Neha Jauhari led a team of more than 100 before she turned 25. These are the 5 key things she learned.

“The thought of changing the world might be intimidating, but don’t let that stop you from trying."

17 July 2023

Lancaster University and Sunway University reimagine future success with international forum

A new chapter for a long-standing partnership begins.

05 July 2023

Are icebreakers cringe or character building? The surprising truth about the infamous workplace exercise

Some dismiss them as cringe-worthy, others swear by them. Here's what actually happens when you bring them into the workplace.

05 July 2023

25 young leaders on why your voice is hands down your greatest asset

“I use my voice today because the people who went ahead of me used theirs.”

04 July 2023

We live in a “Rainbow Nation”, but its potential is yet to be unlocked

To be part of The Rainbow Nation of South Africa is to live in a country where diverse cultures and ethnicities are heard, understood and most importantly, celebrated.

27 June 2023

The three moments of pure, determined courage that led 2018 alumni Sukhbir Singh to create a game-changing social movement

"I didn’t have control over the fact that I couldn’t feed myself when I was younger. But now I have the strength and the knowledge to do that for others."

23 June 2023

59 Non-profit leaders set to participate in the next American Express leadership Academy in London

Common Purpose, in partnership with American Express, today is excited to announce a new group of high-potential non-profit leaders from across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa who have been selected for the next academy in July, 2023

21 February 2023

Meet your 2023 AMEX Academy Leaders

77 non-profit leaders will accelerate their development and build new skills to meet the unique challenges that the world is facing today.

21 June 2022

Finding your own impact story

We explore how to see more of the positive impact our work entails, because every story is extraordinary, you just have to recognise it for yourself.

17 May 2022

Inter-generational leadership is key

Why this collaboration brings mutual understanding and innovation for the complex, systemic problems we face today, for all generations.

5 May 2022

Investing in powerful leadership

Investing in courageous, collaborative leaders is a prerequisite for successfully tackling today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

5 April 2022

Leading beyond authority

Good leaders have purpose and passion for solving complex problems, but the work doesn't end there. Here, 6 things to know about leading beyond authority.

Common Purpose

Blog

You Can’t Lead People Who Don’t Want to Be Led

Leaders Are Manipulators And That’s Not a Bad Thing

When did leadership become a popularity contest?

Global North and South leaders unite to tackle the environmental crisis

Why Leadership Programmes Are Failing and How to Fix Them

The Social Value Revolution: Why Every Leader Must Be a Change-Maker

Innovation Isn’t About Ideas. It’s About People Who Dare to Break the Rules

From Noise to SIGNAL: Cutting Through the Chaos of Leadership Today

Introducing the 2025 American Express Leadership Academy London Cohort

What Does Leadership Really Look Like in 2025?

Scientists Say You Can Hack Your Brain for Innovation

Why We Need to Stop Asking Women About Imposter Syndrome

The High-Stakes CEO Shuffle

What does the future of work hold?

Trust and transparency - the key to developing a positive workplace culture

Leadership in Context

Building Resilience

American Express Leadership Academy Returns to New York with a Cohort of 76 Non-Profit Leaders

The Action Priority Matrix

Facts Inform, Stories Inspire

Defining Your Leadership Identity

Think like a Leader

7 Renowned Leaders On The One Leadership Lesson They Swear By

Quick To Slam Imposter Syndrome? Here’s The Side Of It No One Talks About

The Role Trust Plays in Addressing Complex and Interconnected Problems

Resilience and Confidence

Changing, Evolving, Thriving

Thriving, Not Crying

American Express Leadership Academy Returns to London and Proudly Presents the 2024 Fellows

Non-Profit Leaders from across Australia to Vietnam to participate in 2024 American Express Leadership Academy

Common Purpose’s COMPASS Guide: Unpacking Confidence

Mastering the Art of Persuasion: 6 Principles of Influence

Lost Your Confidence? Here’s 5 Ways To Build It Back Up

Leading Beyond the Screen: Mastering Remote Leadership in the Digital Landscape

Unlocking Creativity: A Guide to Developing the Skill of Thinking Differently

Can Introverts Be Good Leaders? With These Key Tools, Absolutely

The Great Juggle: 3 Ways To Balance Friendship & Authority As A Manager

Leading Beyond Age: A Fresh Perspective on Leading Older Team Members

Why Cross-Generational Leadership Should Be Trending In 2024

American Express and Common Purpose Unveil the 2024 American Express Leadership Academy, Rejuvenating Global Nonprofit Leadership

An Influencer & A Revolutionary Sit In A Cafeteria… This Is What ‘Mean Girls’ Can Teach Us About Leadership

3 Simple, Yet Game-Changing Workplace Trends All Leaders Should Embrace In 2024

Is Your Leadership Style Written In The Stars? Here's What Your Horoscope Says

Are You In A Remote Working Rut? Here's 13 Tips To Revive Your WFH Routine

3 Outdated Career Beliefs We Need To Leave Behind In The New Year

Could Your Favourite Christmas Movie Characters Be Good Leaders In The Real World? We Found Out

I Struggled To Define My Purpose Until A Revelation Shifted My Perspective. Suddenly, It Became Clear

Unlocking Efficiency: How To Manage Your Day to Day in a Better Way

3 Reasons Why Team Sport – Whether You Play Or Watch - Can Teach Us A Thing Or Two About Purpose

Jessica Chivinge worked across industries and geographies, but her purpose never changed. Now, she’s living it.

Making Relationships at Work ‘Work’ - The Recipe For Success

University of Manchester partnership sparks “hope” for tomorrow’s leaders

Common Purpose launches an innovative new venture, EvolveCareers to help dismantle barriers young people face in employment

Senior and young professionals come together to bring greater impact to the new economy field in new Academy

Lauryn Mwale wrote an entire book in tandem with her university degree. This one key leadership trait got her through

Storytelling is an artform in leadership. Simon Butler is living proof.

Leaders who are truly intentional tend to be invisible. Here’s how to recognize it.

Conservation in action: Meet the leaders conserving your favourite green spaces

This is what courageous leadership actually looks like

Advancing Global Solidarity on Climate Challenge

Neha Jauhari led a team of more than 100 before she turned 25. These are the 5 key things she learned.

Lancaster University and Sunway University reimagine future success with international forum

Are icebreakers cringe or character building? The surprising truth about the infamous workplace exercise

25 young leaders on why your voice is hands down your greatest asset

We live in a “Rainbow Nation”, but its potential is yet to be unlocked

The three moments of pure, determined courage that led 2018 alumni Sukhbir Singh to create a game-changing social movement

59 Non-profit leaders set to participate in the next American Express leadership Academy in London

Meet your 2023 AMEX Academy Leaders

Finding your own impact story

Inter-generational leadership is key

Investing in powerful leadership

Leading beyond authority

About

Who we are. What we stand for.

Stay connected with us

Follow us to learn more about who we are and what we do

Lead, with a difference

About