Leadership can be isolating. The higher you rise, the fewer people you can truly speak openly with. Yet the quality of your decisions – and your resilience – depends on the strength of the people around you. Power can distort judgment. Success can create distance. Responsibility can become heavy. So how do leaders stay grounded, sharp, and supported?
This executive conversation, co-organized by BMI Executive Institute in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, will explore how senior leaders can intentionally build the right ecosystem around them – one that challenges, anchors, and strengthens their leadership.
The conversation will develop around four interlocking themes:
- Avoiding the lure of power and entitlement
How leaders maintain humility, perspective, and ethical clarity at the top. - Mentors, Mirrors, and Sponsors
The critical roles of those who guide you, challenge you, and advocate for you – and how to cultivate them intentionally. - Collaborative decision-making
Why the strongest leaders do not decide alone, and how to structure productive executive dialogue. - The CEO’s relationship with the Board Chair
One of the most decisive – and delicate – leadership relationships, and how to make it a source of strength rather than tension.
Format
The evening will open with expert insights and a thought-provoking introduction to the topic from Piers Cumberlege, Adjunct Professor of Leadership at HEC Paris, setting the strategic context for today’s complex leadership environment. He will then be joined in conversation by Neringa Petrauskaitė, Partner at We Are Marketing and Chairwoman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, and Gary Bills, Chief Operating Officer of the Renewables Division at Ignitis Group and Board Member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania.
This session is designed for senior executives, board members, and business owners navigating complex leadership environments, offering an evening of insight, candid discussion, and high-level networking that will leave participants inspired, equipped, and better connected to their leadership circle.
About the Speakers
Piers Cumberlege is Adjunct Professor of Leadership at HEC Paris, where he teaches in the Executive MBA and custom programs for leading global organizations. With more than 35 years of international executive experience, Piers brings rare depth from both academic and real-world leadership practice. He specializes in:
- Leadership through Power and Politics
- Leadership of Change
- Negotiation
- Board Governance and Behaviour
His career includes senior roles at the World Economic Forum, Bombardier, Marconi, and Hawker Siddeley Group. He has worked extensively with multinational corporations, private equity firms, governments, and civil society organizations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, and continues to advise global and regional boards.
Neringa Petrauskaitė is a Partner at We Are Marketing and Chairwoman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania. She is also the driving force behind BOUND, a strategic marketing brand dedicated to the European legal services sector, where she helps law firms develop growth strategies, strengthen client relationships, and enhance market positioning. With nearly two decades of experience in B2B marketing across finance, IT, real estate, and industry sectors, Neringa has guided more than 30 law firms across the Baltics and Europe. An experienced speaker, she has shared her insights at business and legal industry conferences, including addressing audiences of over 1,600 participants.
Gary Bills is Chief Operating Officer of the Renewables Division at Ignitis Group and a Board Member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania. A C-level executive with deep expertise in renewable energy, he specialises in offshore and onshore wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), covering the full project lifecycle from development to operations. Since 2022, he has led rapid growth at Ignitis Renewables, expanding the team from 25 to more than 400 professionals and recently serving as Acting CEO. With extensive international experience and prior regional leadership roles, Gary brings strong capabilities in operational strategy, governance, P&L management, contract negotiation, and large-scale project delivery across global energy markets.
About the Partner
The British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania is a dynamic business community connecting British and Lithuanian enterprises. The Chamber:
- Represents and supports UK–Lithuania trade and investment
- Connects senior executives and decision-makers
- Promotes responsible business and strong governance practices
- Creates platforms for knowledge exchange and high-level networking
Through its events and advocacy, the Chamber strengthens commercial and professional ties between the UK and Lithuania while fostering a vibrant and forward-looking business environment.
Agenda
17:30–18:00 – Doors Open & Networking
18:00–18:10 – Welcome and Introduction
18:10–18:30 – Introduction to the Topic by Prof. Piers Cumberlege
18:30–19:00 – Conversation between Prof. Piers Cumberlege, Neringa Petrauskaitė, and Gary Bills
19:00–19:30 – Q&A and Closing Remarks
Event Details
- Date: March 26
- Time: 18:00
- Location: BMI Executive Institute, Artery Business Center (7th floor), Konstitucijos Ave. 18B, Vilnius
- Audience: Members of the British Chamber of Commerce, senior executives, and business owners