Leadership doesn’t depend on role, industry, or circumstance — it begins with the human spirit we bring to our work.

At The Guardian’s Leadership Development Series, Hitendra Wadhwa delivered a keynote on how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and effective in a world increasingly shaped by AI, fast decisions, and cultural change. While earlier sessions in the series focused on AI, this session shifted emphasis back to the human dimension—how leaders can activate their inner core to bring out the best in themselves and their teams.

Through Mentora’s Inner Mastery, Outer Impact framework, Hitendra introduced the five core energies that enable leaders to navigate uncertainty with clarity and compassion: Purpose, Wisdom, Growth, Love, and Self-Realization. Through relatable stories and powerful examples, he illustrated how these energies support authentic leadership, elevate team morale, and empower leaders to handle difficult conversations with courage and empathy.

The session resonated deeply with The Guardian’s contemporary context, in which organizational transitions (such as The Observer’s recent sale) have made feelings of unity and belonging across editorial and commercial teams ever more crucial. Leaders reflected on how a more human-centered approach can strengthen collaboration across generations, geographies, and functions, while helping teams stay motivated amidst a demanding and evolving media landscape.