Sir Chris Hoy to headline The Calling leadership summit in Glasgow
“Leadership is about how you respond when things don’t go to plan” – Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy has been confirmed as the headline speaker at a new national leadership summit due to take place this autumn.
The Olympic and world cycling champion is set to address aspiring Scottish leaders at The Calling event, in Glasgow on October 2.
The one-day event is the brainchild of Peter Vardy, entrepreneur and chief executive of the eponymous automotive business founded in Scotland two decades ago. It will be produced by the charitable Peter Vardy Foundation and staged at the SEC Armadillo.
Sir Chris, who was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023, has spoken publicly about resilience, perspective and mindset as he faces his latest challenge.
He said: “Leadership is about how you respond when things don’t go to plan. Over the past two years I’ve had to reflect on what really matters and how you show up for the people around you.
“I’ve learned that resilience isn’t pretending everything is fine. It’s about facing reality and choosing your response. If sharing my experience helps someone else find strength or perspective in their own challenges, then that’s something positive.”
The Calling was launched formally earlier this year as a national gathering designed to “inspire, equip and connect” leaders across Scottish society. The inaugural summit will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, teaching sessions and live performances.
The Calling builds on the foundation’s long-standing work in early intervention and leadership, including Gen+, a programme teaching meta-skills and leadership behaviours to tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland.
Vardy said: “Securing Sir Chris firmly puts this event on the map. When we first set out to create this conference, he was the first name on the list, as he is someone I have boundless respect for.
“He is a leader in every sense of the word, representing excellence, resilience and humility in equal measure. He has performed at the very highest level in sport, but I also admire the life he has built beyond competition, creating real impact through everything he does.
“The Calling is about helping people lead with courage and character, whether that’s in business, education, family life or the community.”
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