Emerging Leaders Workshop: Unlocking economic growth

A 90-minute Chatham House discussion for Guernsey’s next generation of leaders on the island’s economic future.

Guernsey’s economic future will be shaped not only by today’s senior decision-makers, but by the leaders who will carry those decisions forward over the next decade.

This Emerging Leaders workshop forms part of the IoD Guernsey stakeholder engagement programme ahead of the 2026 conference, Unlocking Economic Growth – Guernsey’s Competitive Future.

The session will bring together emerging leaders from across the island for a practical, honest conversation about Guernsey’s competitiveness, the foundations needed for sustainable growth, and the balance between innovation and good governance.

The discussion is designed to surface grounded insight rather than polished recommendations. Participants do not need specialist policy expertise; the value of the session is in lived experience, practical examples, and thoughtful challenge.

What we’ll explore

• Guernsey’s competitive positioning – what helps the island attract or retain firms, investors, talent and entrepreneurs, and where it may be losing ground.
• Growth enablers and barriers – the practical foundations that support or constrain ambition, including talent, housing, connectivity, infrastructure and policy certainty.
• Innovation and governance – where Guernsey gets the balance right, where it can feel stuck, and what needs to change.
• The decisions that matter – what genuine economic success could look like in five to ten years, and which choices will most influence whether Guernsey gets there.

Who should attend

This session is intended for emerging leaders across sectors – people who are starting to shape things inside their organisations and across the island. Titles matter less than perspective and the willingness to contribute honestly.