Why Some Organizations Thrive While Others Fade Away: What Jim Collins Has Taught Leaders About Lasting Success
Every leader wants to make an impact.
Whether you're leading a business, nonprofit, school, church, civic initiative, or community organization, the goal is often the same: build something that matters and make it last.
But that's where many leaders get stuck.
Some organizations experience early success only to plateau. Others grow quickly but struggle to sustain momentum. Some lose sight of their mission altogether.
So what separates organizations that endure from those that fade away?
That's the question Jim Collins has spent decades helping leaders answer.
From Good to Great
Jim Collins is one of the most influential business researchers and leadership thinkers of our time. Through years of research and analysis, he has studied what allows organizations to achieve long-term success while others struggle to survive.
His bestselling books, including Good to Great, Built to Last, and Great by Choice, have shaped the thinking of leaders across industries and around the world.
But Collins' work isn't just for Fortune 500 companies.
His research applies to anyone leading people toward a shared mission.
That includes leaders right here in Wichita.
The Difference Between Being Busy and Being Effective
Many leaders spend their days solving problems, responding to challenges, and managing competing priorities.
They're busy.
But being busy isn't the same thing as building something great.
One of Collins' most powerful insights is that sustainable success doesn't happen because of one big breakthrough. It happens through consistent leadership, disciplined action, and a commitment to long-term vision.
Great organizations don't drift into excellence.
They build it intentionally.
Why This Matters for Wichita
At Lead Wichita, we believe our city is stronger when leaders work together for the good of the community.
That requires leaders who think beyond immediate results.
It requires leaders who can build healthy teams, create strong cultures, and make decisions that benefit future generations.
Whether you're leading a company, serving on a board, managing a nonprofit, teaching students, or investing in your neighborhood, the principles Collins teaches can help you lead with greater clarity and purpose.
Because the future of Wichita will be shaped by leaders who are willing to think long-term.
What Leaders Can Expect to Learn
When Jim Collins takes the stage at the Global Leadership Summit, leaders can expect practical insights on:
Building organizations that last
Creating cultures of discipline and excellence
Leading through uncertainty
Developing sustainable growth strategies
Making decisions that create lasting impact
Moving from good to great leadership
These are not theoretical ideas.
They are research-backed principles that have helped leaders around the world build stronger organizations and healthier teams.
The Leaders Who Grow Keep Learning
No matter how much experience you have, leadership requires continual growth.
The best leaders aren't the ones who have all the answers.
They're the ones who remain curious, humble, and committed to learning.
That's why we're excited to hear from Jim Collins to the Global Leadership Summit 2026.
His insights have challenged and equipped leaders for decades, and we believe they'll inspire leaders across Wichita to continue building organizations, teams, and communities that thrive.
Because great cities need great leaders.
And great leaders never stop learning.
Join Us at GLS 2026
The Global Leadership Summit is more than an event. It's an opportunity to be inspired, challenged, and equipped alongside leaders from every sector of our community.
Join us August 6–7, 2026, and hear from Jim Collins and an incredible lineup of world-class leadership voices.
Together, we can continue inspiring leaders, connecting communities, and transforming Wichita for the good of the city.