THE Royal International Hotel on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown transformed into a hub of inspiration and growth as Lead to Influence hosted its recent John Maxwell Live2Lead Conference.
With a turnout of over 200 eager participants from a variety of sectors, this event was a unique blend of virtual and in-person speakers, all united by a shared mission: to empower individuals with the tools and insights needed for personal and professional leadership.

The spacious, newly-designed conference room buzzed with energy as attendees gathered for what many described as a life-changing experience. This year’s Live2Lead event was a standout, bringing together five virtual speakers and two on-site leaders, including the world-renowned leadership guru John Maxwell, who continues to drive home his foundational belief that “Leadership is influence.” Maxwell, along with other speakers, captivated participants with insights designed to inspire growth across generations and industries, helping individuals understand that leadership begins from within.

Maxwell Leadership Coach, Monique Jules, who journeyed from Suriname to attend, emphasised that Live2Lead is more than just a conference – it’s a catalyst for change. “You’ll breathe new life into your leadership,” Jules promised, noting how attendees left equipped with practical strategies to elevate their impact in both personal and professional realms.

The session also highlighted Dr. Tim Elmore, who shared a powerful discussion on generational leadership, delving into the nuances of leading across different age groups in today’s diverse workplaces. His insights emphasised that successful leadership adapts and understands the generational needs and motivations that drive teams to excel.

For host, Dr. Shanti Persaud, a Transformational Strategist and Leadership Coach, Live2Lead is part of a broader mission to help leaders break down barriers, not only for themselves but for their communities.

She believes that organisations reach new heights when leaders are empowered to grow, and this growth has a multiplying effect: as leaders evolve, so do their organisations, and in turn, the communities they serve. “We are dedicated to empowering individuals to lead impactful lives, driving meaningful change within communities,” Dr. Persaud explained. “In just two days, we transformed over 800 lives through four powerful events.”

The conference also spoke to a deeper calling for leaders to be of service to others. Persaud emphasised Lead to Influence’s goal of building servant leaders who aspire to create engaged, purpose-driven teams that boost organisational performance. This approach was exemplified by the event’s focus on “abundance thinking” and a spirit of service – qualities that the conference leaders believe are central to building stronger communities.

With over 2,500 past participants who have gained wisdom and insights from industry-leading figures, Live2Lead’s impact has extended far beyond Georgetown. As attendees left the event with a renewed commitment to growth, it was clear that they would carry forward the invaluable lessons of the day. For those who attended, the Live2Lead Conference was not just a day of personal enrichment; it was a call to action, a reminder that leadership is about empowering others and creating ripples of positive change.