The best commercial leaders don't figure it out alone.
A trusted group of experienced leaders who help each other navigate complexity, make better decisions, and bring stronger thinking back to their organisations.
Commercial leadership can be a lonely role
You're expected to lead through uncertainty, improve performance, influence stakeholders, and make difficult decisions.
The higher you climb, the fewer people you can speak honestly with. Many senior leaders have few opportunities to discuss challenges openly with people who truly understand the pressure they're under.
Markets are
changing.
AI is reshaping industries.
Teams are under pressure.
Expectations continue to rise.
The room every commercial leader wishes they had
We bring together experienced leaders from different industries and organisations to solve real business challenges, exchange practical insights, and continue developing as leaders.
This isn't networking. It's a trusted environment where leaders can test ideas, challenge assumptions, gain perspective, and learn from the experience of others facing similar pressures.
Think of it as an advisory board for your leadership.
Created by Stephen Dumpleton.
For more than a decade, Steve has worked with commercial leaders and executive teams on their hardest negotiations and biggest decisions — boardroom strategy, deals worth hundreds of millions, the moments where the right move isn't obvious.
The same pattern kept appearing: exceptional people, carrying enormous responsibility, with nowhere to think out loud. The Influence Lab is the room Steve wished he'd had. So he built it.
Built for leaders who carry commercial responsibility
It's designed for experienced senior leaders across industries — from construction, pharmaceuticals and insurance to consumer goods, payments, healthcare, manufacturing and professional services.
The Lab Day
This is the core of the Lab. Every two months members gather for one full day inside a member organisation — expert input in the morning, real problem-solving after lunch, and the relationships that form in between.
Keynote Speakers
A different leader joins every session — a perspective you couldn't engineer inside your own boardroom.
Negotiation Development
Sharpening the craft of negotiation and influence, session on session.
Hot-Seat Coaching
One member, one live challenge, the full attention of the room.
Peer-to-Peer Advisory
Experienced operators pressure-testing each other's thinking and hardest decisions.
I came in sceptical. What I found was the only room where I can think out loud without managing the politics of it. Three of the hardest calls I made last year were pressure-tested here first.
It isn't advice you get — it's better questions. People who have sat exactly where you sit, asking the thing your own team never will.
I've been in plenty of networks. This is the first one that earned a standing place in my calendar. I would reschedule almost anything before I'd miss a session.
Three reasons leaders keep coming back
Solve Better
Bring current commercial, leadership, negotiation, and organisational challenges to a room of experienced peers who understand the responsibility you're carrying.
Gain Perspective
Learn how leaders across industries are responding to changing markets, AI, talent challenges, customer expectations, and commercial complexity.
Lead Stronger
Develop the judgement, confidence, and capability required to perform at a higher level and lead more effectively.
August 19th
A select group will be invited
Experience the conversations. Meet current members. See how senior leaders challenge, support, and learn from one another.
Limited places available
Request an InvitationValue that compounds for the leader and the organisation
Better Decision-Making
Experienced peers who challenge thinking and help pressure-test important decisions.
External Perspective
Exposure to other industries creates insight that is difficult to generate internally.
Practical Ideas
New approaches and frameworks members can apply within their own business.
Ongoing Development
Continued development long after traditional leadership programs have ended.
By application only
Each cohort is intentionally small and carefully curated. Members are selected on leadership experience, role responsibility, and their ability to contribute to the group.
Annual Membership
Apply to join The Influence Lab
Thank you for applying to The Influence Lab. Each application is reviewed personally — we'll be in touch within a few days.
Request an invitation
Thank you for your interest. We'll be in touch with details of the next session and available places.