“Stop relying on the old playbook.”

At IMPACT 2024, held at London’s Ham Yard Hotel, Nik Gowing brought urgency to the centre stage. Representing Thinking the Unthinkable, he challenged leaders to step out of outdated mindsets and confront the systemic shocks reshaping their environments—fast and relentlessly.

Leadership Under Pressure

Gowing’s session cut through the noise. He highlighted the widening gap between current leadership behaviours and the pace of global disruption—from climate instability to AI, geopolitical shocks, and public trust collapse. The problem? Too many leaders are still operating on assumptions that no longer apply.

Joined by Alok Sharma

In a powerful alignment of voices, former COP26 President Alok Sharma spoke alongside Gowing, reinforcing the urgent need for courageous, long-term thinking. He stressed that this moment calls for more than policy tweaks—it demands a new kind of leadership mindset.

No Time for Comfort Zones

Gowing’s approach was clear and direct: this is not about future-proofing. It’s about present-tense leadership—adaptable, honest, and willing to question the status quo. His contribution sparked candid discussion around resilience, risk, and responsibility in uncertain times.

A Clear Takeaway

IMPACT 2024 gave leaders a platform. Nik Gowing gave them a mirror. The challenge he posed wasn’t about strategy—it was about mindset. And for many in the room, that was the real impact.

For more details on the annual conference and its sessions, visit the FII Institute website here.