How do senior leaders maintain sound judgement in a world of accelerating complexity, AI disruption, and strategic risk?

DLA Piper
160 Aldersgate Street
London
EC1A 4HT

We are pleased to invite you to DLA Piper’s Leadership & Negotiation Forum, to be held on Monday, 19 May 2025 at our London office.

This one-day, by-invitation-only event will bring together a select group of senior executives, general counsel, and global decision-makers, alongside internationally recognised speakers from the worlds of business, diplomacy, infrastructure, AI, and crisis leadership.

The Forum will explore how effective leaders make decisions under pressure, influence across complex stakeholder landscapes, and navigate the evolving role of technology and human judgement in high-stakes environments.

Themes for discussion include:

• How investment and infrastructure strategies are shaped in politically exposed and fast-moving markets
• How AI is reshaping leadership, risk, and decision-making at executive level
• How trust, timing, and clarity influence outcomes in crisis and high-pressure negotiations
• How experienced leaders manage ambiguity and accountability at the sharpest end of public and private decision-making

The Forum also marks the launch of ANSAi – DLA Piper’s flagship international capability programme for our senior lawyers across Europe and beyond. While the broader programme is internal, this opening day offers a rare opportunity for selected clients to join the dialogue.

Client Participation

While the full-day Forum is part of the internal ANSAi launch, we are inviting a limited number of clients to join from 13:30 onwards, starting with the keynote on AI and human judgement, followed by two high-level panels exploring business leadership and global strategy. The event will close with informal networking drinks and canapés.Should you or a guest have a strong interest in attending the full day, we would be happy to consider this on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.

Speakers

General Sir Tim Radford KCB DSO OBE
Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Sir Tim is a senior military strategist with decades of experience in multinational command and operational leadership.

Berit Reiss-Andersen
Former Chair of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee and current adviser to the Norwegian Red Cross, Berit is a leading international voice on law, diplomacy, and human rights.

Julia Prescot CBE
Co-Founder of Meridiam and Deputy Chair of the UK National Infrastructure Commission, Julia plays a central role in shaping global infrastructure policy and delivery.

Suzanne (Sue) Williams QPM
A globally recognised crisis and hostage negotiator, Sue led Scotland Yard’s Kidnap Unit and now advises governments and corporations on high-stakes decision-making.

Professor Philip Bond
UK Government adviser on AI and innovation strategy, Philip is a leading thinker at the intersection of technology, mathematics, national security, and leadership.

Alex Kornman
Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management, Alex leads major infrastructure and energy investments across Europe with a focus on long-term value creation.

Niamh McBreen
Investment Director at Partners Group, Niamh specialises in post-acquisition value creation, ESG, and governance across infrastructure portfolio companies.

Professor Nina Caspersen
A political scientist specialising in conflict resolution and peace processes, Nina works with governments and institutions on governance, legitimacy, and security in fragile states.

Attendance is strictly limited and by invitation only.

We would be delighted if you could join us for what promises to be a focused, high-level conversation among peers.

If you would like to attend, please email Fredrik Lindblom and Philip Williams.

08:30 – 09:00 Arrival and Registration
Coffee and welcome on arrival.

09:00 – 09:20 Opening Remarks
Welcome from DLA Piper leadership introducing ANSAi and the purpose of the Forum.

09:20 – 12:30 Opening Keynote & Skills Session | Negotiation Under Pressure: Trust, Influence, and Decision-Making When Stakes Are High
Keynote followed by an interactive session applying live insights from crisis negotiation.
Speaker: Suzanne (Sue) Williams QPM

12:30 – 13:30 Networking Lunch

13:30 – 14:30 Keynote | Framing the Future: AI, Cognitive Diversity, and Human Excellence
An exploration of AI, decision-making, and the value of human judgement in high-stakes environments.
Speaker: Professor Philip Bond

14:30 – 15:45 Business Panel | The Art of Dealmaking in an Uncertain World
A cross-sector discussion on negotiation, leadership, ESG, and value creation in today’s capital markets.
Panellists: Julia Prescot CBE, Alex Kornman, Niamh McBreen

15:45 – 17:00 Political Panel | Negotiation, Leadership, and Peace in a Fragmenting World
Reflections on diplomacy, strategy, and leadership from global figures operating in volatile environments.
Panellists: General Sir Tim Radford, Berit Reiss-Andersen, Professor Nina Caspersen

17:00 – 17:15 Closing Remarks & Networking Reception
Final reflections followed by informal drinks and canapés with speakers and guests.