Post by Hogan Lovells

Ignite 2026 brought together 21 experienced partners from 10 offices around the world for three unforgettable days of learning, connection, and leadership. Under the guidance of Partner Sponsors Logan Breed and Tanja Eisenblaetter, this cohort developed their leadership skills, built and strengthened relationships, deepened their business acumen, and gained a richer understanding of our firm’s vision and strategy. On Day 1, we set the tone with dynamic networking and leadership exercises, followed by a Clients and Sector spotlight from partners Patrick Ayad and Phoebe A Wilkinson, which was followed by Deen Kaplan who also shared key lessons on what drives performance at our firm. The day ended on a high note with a Q&A with CEO Miguel Zaldivar and Deputy CEO Michael Davison, moderated by partner Allison Holt. Day 2 focused on decision‑making through a fast‑paced business simulation and live leadership challenges, supported by several partners in leadership who brought real-time perspectives to the experience. Day 3 closed out with a look into the future – an AI session from Global Managing Partner for Digitalization Mark Brennan, equipping our next generation of leaders with the mindset and skills needed for this fast-moving landscape. “AI works best when it is strengthening your good judgment, not trying to replace it,” Mark said of the session. “That was the real value of this conversation.” We delved into several sessions on value-based leadership and team culture, as well as a discussion on sustaining high performance led by Michelle Cecchini Nash and Laura Kind from our HL Lead & Learn team. “Ignite was exceptional; but even more than that, it was a warm and welcoming environment allowing open and honest communication, along with lots of laughter and bonding time with my cohort,” said participant Stephen Nicolai. “What stands out most is how quickly this group embraced the opportunity to think differently about leadership – and how that mindset will carry forward into how they collaborate, innovate, and lead across the firm. I am excited to watch how they shape our future,” Logan said. “A week later, I am still reflecting on how valuable it was to spend those days together, connecting across offices and practices, exchanging experiences and perspectives with such openness, and strengthening the relationships that make our partnership so distinctive,” said Tanja. “The conversations, energy, and sense of collegiality made it an exceptionally rewarding experience.” Thank you to all our participants for the openness, energy, and commitment you brought to Ignite 2026. And a special thanks to Tanja Eisenblätter and Logan Breed for their leadership across the three days and to our HL Lead & Learn team – Michelle Nash, Grace Stilger, and Katie Willis – for bringing the program to life. Together, we are building a connected, confident generation of leaders, equipped to drive performance and shape the firm’s long-term success.