Strategic Evolution at Scale: 180 Degrees Consulting GLT Summit in Budapest

Earlier this year in May, 32 members of our Global Leadership Team (GLT) from all across the world gathered in Budapest for our annual Global Leadership Summit. For many of us, it was the first time meeting face-to-face, which is one of those strange yet exciting things about remote organizations. This was the sixth annual summit for the GLT, and as we gathered in this vibrant city, our mission was clear: to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and chart the course for 180DC’s future.

At the heart of our gathering was a renewed strategic focus: to expand our social impact by delivering even more targeted, high-quality support to non-profits and social enterprises. This means improving our pro bono consulting in measurable areas such as impact evaluation, fundraising strategy, marketing, and operational efficiency, while also developing leaders through initiatives like regional summits and case competitions. 

10,000 students dedicate their precious time and talent to empowering the social sector every single year. Our alumni network is larger than we can count. 

And now that we have hit a celebratory milestone of 180 global branches, we posed the question of how we want to operate as a global organization and leadership team to future-proof the value we bring to students, branches, clients, partners, and GLT members. With rapid expansion and a growing presence in previously underrepresented regions, the summit was a timely opportunity to reflect and strategize.

‍What’s next for 180DC

Each GLT team arrived in Budapest with their own question marks that we addressed in a series of workshops. One exciting component of the agenda was our new Learning Management System (LMS) in Sana, as well as improving branch communications and ensuring project quality. With cross-pollination between teams and portfolios, these workshops yielded a library of ideas and experiments to try in the coming half year.

At the heart of many of our discussions was the ongoing challenge of refining our operating model, particularly how we partner with branches. We are working to find the right balance between upholding shared standards for compliance and transparency, which help sustain and connect our network, and offering meaningful support through value-adding services such as L&D, client projects, and partnerships. The goal is to build a relationship where guidance and support go hand in hand, fostering mutual trust and shared success across a network that has long valued its decentralization.

What is the GLT uniquely good at? Where should we empower branches to act independently? And what does this mean for our organizational structure as we continue to professionalize?

‍The glue that holds us together

Amidst all the strategy and problem-solving, what continues to fascinate me is the culture that binds us. Here we were, members from India, Peru, Portugal, Britain, and beyond—each bringing our own perspectives, yet all exhibiting a unique “180DC-ness” that is hard to define but impossible to miss. I also observe it in conversations with branch presidents: somehow, despite our decentralized structure, we attract and retain a certain kind of person—driven, entrepreneurial, thoughtful, and committed to making a difference.

In a way, this puts the above challenges into perspective. No matter what, everything will be fine, the next generation of student leaders will do just fine. Here’s what some of our Executives had to say:

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Chris Garner, Chief Executive Officer

I spent the flight home furiously scribbling notes, actions, and ideas sparked from our conversations. But these summits are more than just strategy sessions. They are fuel for the year. They are a reminder that even in a world that often feels impossibly broken, there exists a global community that believes a better future can be built.

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Laura Westerwelle, Chief of Staff

For me, the summit was a powerful moment of connection — a chance to bond with people who share the same drive to create positive social impact. Volunteering online can be challenging; we’re human, and ultimately it’s face-to-face interaction that truly moves us. Coming together, surrounded by so much energy and ambition to change the world, gave me a sense of vitality and purpose that I’ve rarely experienced in my life. In many of the conversations, there was a clear momentum around reimagining how GLT works and deepening the value we bring — not just as volunteers, but as a movement.

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Xavier Thomas, Chief People & Culture Officer

The GLT Summit served as a crucial platform for refining our operational strategies, particularly in discussions around the communication strategies with branches, branch compliance & performance, and community frameworks. We delved into how to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ultimately, amplify the value we provide to our branches. The collaborative environment and in-person interactions were invaluable, offering tangible insights into fortifying the operational backbone of our movement for future growth and impact.

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Veronika Xaveria, Chief Operations Officer

The 180DC summit was an amazing experience, bringing together our global leadership team and providing us the opportunity to collectively create, collaborate and connect. What struck me most was the unique '180DC-ness' that permeates our culture – a blend of diverse perspectives, driven individuals, and a shared commitment to creating impact/ driving change. As we navigated discussions on strategy and operations, I was reminded that our common thirst for creating an impact/change is our greatest strength. The summit's collaborative environment and in-person interactions provided invaluable insights, and I'm excited to leverage this momentum to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in the future.

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Closing the chapter on this year’s summit, the sense of possibility is hard to ignore. The ideas, commitments, and connections forged in Budapest are already shaping the next phase of the organisation’s development. With 180 branches, thousands of student consultants, and a culture that thrives on curiosity and purpose, our organisation’s future is undoubtedly an exciting one.