Raising the Next Generation of Leaders: Josiah & Izzy’s GLS Story

In the heart of Adelaide, South Australia, two young leaders are reshaping what leadership looks like for the next generation. Josiah (Jo) and Izzy are passionate advocates for youth development and are living proof that young people are not just the future of leadership—they are the present. Through their involvement with the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) and GLS NextGen, they’ve seen firsthand how intentional leadership development can equip students to lead with confidence in schools, churches, sports teams, and everyday life.

From Attendees to Catalysts for Change

Both Izzy and Jo have been attending GLS at their local church for four years. But their leadership journey took a major leap when they helped pioneer and host GLS NextGen—a youth-focused leadership experience designed to equip students with practical skills and a deeper understanding of their influence.

For Jo, now the Youth Director at his church, the Summit has become a flagship event for youth in their state. For Izzy, hosting the first GLS NextGen at their church was both a highlight and a turning point. “It was something our community really needed,” she explains. “We wanted to create a space where young people could grow in confidence, surrounded by like-minded leaders.”

Leadership Starts Sooner Than You Think

One of their biggest takeaways? That leadership begins long before most people realize. Whether it’s leading a conversation at a table group or running the logistics of an event, the GLS NextGen environment gave young leaders the opportunity to rise. “We’ve seen students lead the conference itself and lead in their groups,” says Jo. “And it’s having an impact in our youth ministry, in schools, and even in local sports clubs.”

The experience has opened doors for students from multiple schools to connect, form friendships, and build leadership confidence. “Leadership isn’t just for extroverts or upfront roles,” Izzy shares. “It’s also in the behind-the-scenes spaces where people serve and make a difference quietly but powerfully.”

More Than Talks—A Fun and Impactful Experience

While GLS NextGen features inspiring content and thought-provoking discussions, it also includes games, food, laughter, and a sense of belonging that keeps students coming back. The relaxed and interactive environment makes it easier for young people to open up, reflect, and explore what leadership means for them.

A Message to the Next Generation

Jo and Izzy want every young person to know this: “You have so much worth, so much to say, and so much to offer your communities—whether at school, in your sports club, your church, or your friendship group.”

Their encouragement is clear: Keep showing up. Keep growing. And come be part of a leadership experience that will equip you to bring your best self to every space you step into.

Watch their GLS NextGen story and discover how young leaders are shaping the future—today.