Ryan FowlerPeter Vardy (pictured) has pledged to help close what he describes as a growing leadership gap in Scotland with the launch of a new national leadership summit, The Calling, which will take place in Glasgow this October.
The one-day event, produced by the Peter Vardy Foundation, will be held at the SEC Armadillo on Friday 2nd October and is designed to inspire, equip and connect people who lead across every part of Scottish life, from business and education to charities, sport and community organisations.
Vardy, the businessman behind the Peter Vardy Motor Group, CarMoney and SilverBullet, said the summit is rooted in his belief that leadership is defined by impact rather than job title. “When the leader gets better, everybody around them wins,” he said. “That is something I have seen again and again across business, schools, charities and sports clubs, anywhere people rely on each other.”
He added that many people influence others every day but lack access to meaningful leadership development, arguing that even small improvements in how people lead can have a significant ripple effect across communities and organisations.
The Calling builds on the foundation’s existing work in early intervention and leadership, including its Gen+ programme, which teaches meta-skills and leadership behaviours to tens of thousands of pupils across Scotland. Vardy said Scotland has world-class talent and achievement, but often lacks a unified leadership culture that builds confidence and celebrates success.
“The Calling is funded by The Peter Vardy Foundation because I genuinely believe this is one of the best investments we can make,” he said. “If this conference inspires people to lead with more courage, compassion and clarity, then that is money well spent.”
The inaugural event will feature keynote talks, panel discussions and teaching sessions, alongside music, with the aim of combining inspiration with practical tools for leading in an increasingly complex world. TV presenter Dan Walker will host the summit, with speakers including New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff and Jo Salter, Britain’s first female fast-jet pilot. Music will be provided by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
