Thinkers50 Summit and Award Gala 2025

Written by Laure Fraval, Co-President UK Chapter of the ICF

Over two days in early November, as the co-president of UK ICF Chapter, I had the privilege of attending Thinkers50 Summit and Award Gala which Global ICF sponsors.

Thinkers50 was launched in London in 2000 by Des Dearlove and Stuart Crainer, both journalists and authors as a way to gather and celebrate the best of management and leadership thinking.
The theme this year was ‘Regeneration’ – exploring how business and leaders can rebuild, renew and go beyond ‘sustainability to create a net positive impact. Coaching features prominently in Regenerative leadership as per the below summary:

It was a busy 2 days hosted in the City of London at the Guildhall with its great architecture.

Magda Nowicka Mook attended on behalf of Global ICF. Magda was recognised in the Coaching legend 2025 alongside:

• Ram Charan;
• Tom Kolditz,
• Brenda Bence;
• Jonathan Passmore,
• Modupe Taylor-Pearce;
• Mike ’Coach K’ Krzyzewski
• Alex Pascal, who was honoured posthumously.

On behalf of the UK ICF Chapter we would like to congratulate Magda for her Coaching Legend award and her contribution to the coaching profession around the world

Magda Nowicka-Mook, ICF Global CEO and Gra Cajado-Ogland, ICF Global Board Director and Treasurer for ICF Professional Coaches, joined me for a photo on day one. You will remember Gra from her time as a VP for Strategy on the UK ICF Board. It was good to catch-up with both Magda and Gra.

My top three learnings from the event:

• Reading the work of Amy Edmondson – known for her contribution to psychological safety and teaming which is crucial for regenerative organisation.
• Getting familiar with Trust through the podcast of Frances Frei and Anne Morris. Their leadership thinking is truly people-centric and inclusive.
• Exploring the ‘Net Positive’ concept as articulated by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston: by giving more than we take, we become deeply aligned with Regenerative Leadership.

Each have got a strong Coaching component, which makes what we do so key to the future of leadership. Enjoy!