A new leadership conference in Cumbria is set to challenge traditional thinking, focusing on vulnerability, failure and human-centred leadership in the modern workplace.

Business leaders from across the county are being invited to attend the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference, taking place on Wednesday 15 April at the Roundthorn Country House near Penrith.
Now in its second year, the conference has been designed to move beyond traditional leadership theory, instead offering a more honest and reflective approach to leadership in practice.

Delivered by leadership specialists Laura Cadman of Laura Cadman Limited and Ben Hickman of Reflective Rebels, the event will combine keynote insights, interactive workshops and practical exercises to help leaders develop behaviours they can apply immediately within their organisations.

Rather than focusing on polished presentations, the conference will centre on real-world leadership challenges — including how leaders build trust, respond to failure and create environments where teams can perform at their best.

Laura Cadman said:

“We like to think that leaders know how to behave in 2026, but often we have hidden behaviours or learned behaviours that show up at work without us fully seeing them. This conference is about helping people recognise those behaviours, create a common language for growth and build really great cultures at work.”

Throughout the day, delegates will take part in a series of sessions exploring key themes including vulnerability in leadership, building learning cultures through failure, and defining personal leadership identity.

The conference will also provide opportunities for leaders to connect with peers from across Cumbria, encouraging open discussion and shared learning beyond their usual networks.

Organisers say the event comes at a time when businesses are navigating increasing change and uncertainty, making strong, people-focused leadership more important than ever.

Ben Hickman said:

“If you can create an environment where people can be more open and more vulnerable, more innovation can happen, people can take greater risks and you can grow an organisation in a really exciting way.”

The event is open to leaders, managers and aspiring leaders from organisations across Cumbria.

Places are limited and early booking is recommended – book here

You can also hear more from Ben and Laura here