The Conversations Shaping Leaders for Life
For 25 years, The Gordon Cook Conversations have brought together leaders from different aspects of society – business, public service, the arts, the military, education and more. Each with something to say, and something to learn. They've been nominated for their potential to have more to give.
Diversity of Thought | Inspiration
The Conversations are a residential leadership experience over two and a half days, inviting a group of around 20 participants. It’s a pause with purpose. A chance to see themselves, and the world they lead in, more clearly. Guided by experienced facilitators, these conversations are honest, challenging, and can be life-changing.

Our Vision

To awaken and activate each new generation of leaders, helping them recognise their role in shaping the future.
By creating space for reflection and connection, we plant the seed for agency: the confidence and clarity to lead meaningful change.
We believe The Conversations have the power to create a ripple effect — broadening perspectives, connecting leaders, deepening relationships, and inspiring action long after the conversation has ended.

Who’s it for?

We welcome nominations from previous participants of The Conversations for leaders who are:

  • Early in their leadership journey and open to exploring their role in society.
  • At a point in their career where they ask, “How can I lead for positive change?”.
  • Open to learning about themselves – and from others beyond their sector, background, or comfort zone.

Alumni Voices

25 years | 46 Conversations | Infinite Outcomes

The Conversations gave me language for things I’d always felt but hadn’t articulated.

It helped me connect my values to my leadership practice.

It didn’t just make me a better leader. It made me a better human.

What do Leaders take away from The Conversations?

  • Clarity of purpose
  • Grounded confidence
  • A cross-sector peer community
  • New perspectives
  • Space to think and be challenged
  • Inspiration to lead in ways that shape their world
  • A deeper understanding that with success comes responsibility.

How it Works

Each session takes place in a quiet retreat away from the busy city in the inspiring surrounds of Windsor Castle, Dounside House or Dumfries House in Scotland. The format was first shaped in 1979 by London Business School Professor Charles Handy and Peter Linklater and has been refined over decades.

It’s simple but powerful – and it works.

There’s no pre-reading and no evaluation. Conversations take place under the Chatham House Rule, which means everyone can speak freely, knowing it won’t be shared. Trust is central – and it’s what makes the experience possible.

Each nominated leader who is selected to join The Conversations has a fully funded place made possible by our supporters.
…their discussions were always stimulating and their reports insightful, but the ultimate benefit was the realisation that they had a responsibility to help shape the society which they were likely to inherit.
‍Prof. CHARLES HANDY, Author, The Empty Raincoat
Supporting The Conversations
Since the beginning, we are grateful that The Conversations have been primarily funded by the Gordon Cook Foundation and supported by several philanthropic individuals and Corporate Sponsors. These include Castle Water, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, KPMG, Landsdowne Partners and the RELX Group as part of building responsible leadership capability, benefiting the organisation as well as the broader community in which they operate.
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We are always interested in hearing your comments or questions

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