Global Leadership Initiative

Our flagship programme enables Oxford postgraduates to achieve their full potential, and grow as leaders of character and purpose.

Multidisciplinary curriculum

Join us for weekly discussions on leadership. Take a deep dive into the classics and contemporary texts spanning a wide range of disciplines.

Learning communities

Engage with a diverse group of graduate students, guest speakers, and senior leaders. Build meaningful connections across Oxford and beyond.

Leadership development

Develop a deep sense of purpose and become the best version of yourself. Take practical actions to begin a lifetime journey of leading with character.

Programme overview

The aim of the Global Leadership Initiative is to develop your intellectual and practical understanding of what makes for good leadership in your context and put the learnings into practice as you go on your own leadership journey after graduating from Oxford. The programme will help you to grow as a leader who is both effective and ethical, who furthers the good of society and enables others to flourish.

Any postgraduate student enrolled in a full-time programme at the University of Oxford can apply to participate in the GLI. Throughout the programme, you will engage in regular reflections, dialogues, and exercises to apply the leadership lessons in your own context. In the end, you will walk away with a new understanding of who you are and how you lead.

Applications open: February 2026

Applications for the next cohort will open in Hilary term.

What we focus on

Practical Wisdom

We help participants develop the knowledge and experience to make appropriate judgements that contribute to flourishing and the common good.

Honesty

We encourage participants to behave in a truthful and sincere manner, giving others good reason to trust them as leaders.

Humility

We emphasise the power of humility – recognising one’s true self, being able to appreciate others, being open to new ideas, and being willing to revise one’s own position.

Service

We inspire participants to be appropriately other-oriented, rather than merely self-focused in their career goals and actions.

Purpose

We focus on leading with purpose and cultivating a sense of calling that integrates aspiration with action.

Gratitude

We recognise that we are not solely responsible for all we have received and enjoyed, giving appropriate acknowledgment and recognition to others.

One of my favourite things about the GLI is opportunity to have deep and soul searching discussions with genuine and earnest people. Every session is an opportunity to learn different perspectives and remind myself that despite everything going on in the news, there are plenty of people to give reason for hope.

Ajantha Abey, GLI 2021