No leadership crisis, says Brighton author of new book

Brighton-based author and inclusive leadership expert Mo Kanjilal Williams will launch her new book, Future Talent: How Different People Will Be Tomorrow's Leaders, at a public event at the Sallis Benney Theatre on Tuesday 24 November.

Published by Trotman Publishing this month, Future Talent argues that organisations do not face a leadership shortage. They face an attention shortage. The leaders of tomorrow are already leading, in grassroots movements, community organisations, start-ups and social causes. Too often, traditional hiring and promotion systems overlook them.

The book draws on more than 40 original interviews and new survey research across sectors. Contributors include Stephanie Barney of Girls On The Go, who argues young people are rejecting traditional leadership deliberately, not out of apathy; Melica Moshiri, who was a BBC Apprentice contestant, who finds that where you lead shapes how you lead more than your generation does. Futurist Dan Sodergren, on leading through the Fifth Industrial Revolution; and entrepreneur Matt Phelan, who discovered the link between happiness at work and business performance. Leaders from many companies including Zapier, Starling  Bank, Lush, Planday and The Body Shop also share how their organisations do things differently.

The book also looks beyond the UK. As Gen Z-led movements make headlines around the world, Future Talent shows that young people everywhere are leading the change that established institutions are too slow, too hierarchical or too self-interested to drive. Kian Bhaktiari, who founded The People at 26 and advises the UN on climate, explains how a global network of young people is co-creating solutions rather than waiting to be asked.

"The talent is already here. The problem is that most organisations are still looking for leaders who fit an old model," said Mo Kanjilal Williams. "This book is a wake-up call and a practical guide. Tomorrow's leaders are already leading. The question is whether today's leaders will catch up."

The launch is hosted by Tech Jumpstart in partnership with Tech Talent Champions, a Sussex project creating real tech jobs for emerging talent. Dan Wallman, founder of TechNative Digital, will interview Mo about the real stories behind the book and share new ideas from its contributors. Guests will then take part in an interactive exercise on building tomorrow's leadership teams.

"We have to look for different types of leaders for the future we face. The ideas in the book help us to do that," said Dan Wallman, founder of TechNative Digital.

The evening is open to employers, people leaders, entrepreneurs, and young and early-career tech professionals. Signed copies of Future Talent will be available to buy on the night at a special event price from Trotman Publishing.

About the author

Mo Kanjilal Williams is the Founder of Edge of Difference, an inclusive leadership consultancy. She is a keynote speaker, author, and holds non-executive and trustee roles with Here (Care Unbound) and The Girls Network. She was named as a Top 100 Female Founder Entrepreneur for 2026 by Small Business Britain.

Event listing

 Event - Future Talent book launch with author Mo Kanjilal Williams and Tech Talent Champions

Date -

 Tuesday 24 November 2026, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Venue 

Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY

Free tickets - https://www.meetup.com/techjumpstart/events/317073030

Book listing                 https://trotman.co.uk/products/future-talent