| The programme for the Leading Wellbeing research festival has been announced, and includes over 80 experts from dozens of countries. On July 16th-18th, they will converge on the Lake District (UK) to enjoy an unusual blend of academic conference, business social event and outdoor festival. Many delegates are bringing their children, as there is a free outdoor programme for them, organised by Brathay Trust. Speakers include the famous philosopher Charles Eisenstein, who recently challenged WWF's approach to valuing ecosystems, and Professor Jem Bendell, whose book, Healing Capitalism, explains why sustainability managers and researchers now need to explore how to contribute to a transformation in monetary systems to allow a transition. Half the places have now gone. The speakers and list of academic papers to be presented can be downloaded from here and tickets ordered from here. "It's been said that revolutions start in the hills" jokes the chair of the conference Professor Bendell. "In our teaching we support personal revolutions, by inviting people to view afresh their leadership on sustainability. Away from offices and conference halls, in stunning nature, this event will spark connections and creativity. It will be fun, and maybe even start some personal and collective revolutions." Professor Bendell has co-authored a background paper [pdf] for the festival, which criticises mainstream leadership education offered by business schools, and offers a different agenda, that is offered by the Institute for Leadership and Sustainability and their short course partners Impact International. Some delegates are arriving in the beautiful Lake District a week early in order to take the Certificate of Achievement in Sustainable Leadership, which is already attracting an international cohort of specialists in leadership development. |