GFC White Paper on New Leadership Models for Future Generations 2026

These leverage points are interdependent, yet distinct. Together, they provide a valuable analytical and practical framework for change. Simultaneously, and perhaps more importantly, the white paper also proposes strategic shifts to help to reinvigorate leadership amid crises and mistrust, making dialogue a central leadership practice that builds bridges and fosters hope. These shifts include moving from: –Linear to intergenerational leadership. –Control to co-creation. –Individual authority to shared agency. –Short-term performance to long-term impact. As the report emphasizes, future-proofing leadership requires not only new models and mindsets, but collective commitment and dialogue. It therefore concludes with an open invitation to collaborate on a new global leadership lab. Insights from the 2025 YGL Leadership Survey at a glance RANKING OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS GRAPPLING WITH EVOLVING LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS –In the current context, 81% of respondents agree or strongly agree that leaders in politics, corporations, academia, and nonprofits are not incentivized to prioritize long-term results over short-term gains. –64% of respondents agree or strongly agree that faith and spirituality can be guiding principles for leadership. 27% of respondents hold a neutral stance. –Only 29% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the development of artificial intellgence (AI) will make the exercise of leadership easier. 25% of respondents hold a neutral stance.Empathy and the ability to build trust02 Moral compass 01 Resilience and tolerance for failure04Vision and storytelling 03 The ability to engage a wide and varied set of stakeholders06Foresight and future preparedness05 7 Next Generation Leadership for a World in Transformation: Driving Dialogue and Action