The Accountability Challenge: Leading with Empathy Without Lowering the Bar 9am – 11am | Wednesday 16th September 2026 Join us for an engaging brunch in the city for great food, interesting people and interactive discussion.
As a leader, how do you show authentic vulnerability whilst still driving accountability?
Whether you are steering a rapidly growing team or navigating a major organisational transformation, today's leaders are expected to be more human, empathetic, and open than ever before. The era of the distant, infallible boss is behind us.
But embracing this shift is easier said than done. Whilst opening up can build trust, it can be challenging for some leaders to simultaneously loosen their grasp on maintaining authority without compromising performance or accountability.
Join the conversation as we unpack one of leadership's toughest balancing acts: leading with vulnerability while holding people to account.
Why attend?
Cultivating true accountability remains one of the single biggest skills gaps in leadership today — and it is notoriously difficult to get right. It causes us to ask: how do you create an environment where people feel supported and safe, whilst still implementing the firm expectations that deliver business outcomes?
As a leader in 2026, being able to balance vulnerable leadership and strict accountability is ultimately the key to building high-performing, trusted teams.
About SpeakEasy
SpeakEasy is an exclusive series of networking brunches hosted by Cegos for anyone in the People space, including HR Managers, Heads of L&D, and Talent Leads. Join us for a quarterly gathering in Central London, where participants will be treated to delightful food and dynamic facilitation. Meet peers from the industry and engage in interactive discussions on L&D topics that will fuel your approach.
SpeakEasy is a feast of interactive discussions on key L&D topics, such as Strategy, Culture, Rewards, Retention, and Engagement. Digest new ideas and consume the collective wisdom of industry peers.
Join us to:
Explore how to lead with empathy and vulnerability without compromising accountability.
Learn practical approaches to building high-performing teams through trust, clarity, and high standards.
Connect with fellow leaders to discuss one of today's most challenging leadership balancing acts.
Sign up for SpeakEasy
Two free places available per organisation.* Further places available at £250 per person.
* To qualify for a free place, you must be a professional within the L&D or HR department of an organisation with over 50 employees.