Adam Science: Leadership through Adversity

On Thursday 26th February, members of the Adam Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) cohort of emerging Jewish lay and professional leaders gathered at South Hampstead Synagogue for a focused conversation on Leadership Through Adversity. This was our second Adam Science regional gathering in February, following the dinner event in Leeds the previous week.

We were privileged to hear from Baroness Luciana Berger, Adrian Cohen (Senior Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews) and Adam Langleben (Executive Director of Progress think tank), who reflected candidly on their experiences of leading during a period of significant communal strain. Their insights moved beyond events themselves to the deeper questions of leadership under pressure.

What does it mean to remain principled when doing so carries personal or professional cost? When is it right to stay and advocate for change, and when is it right to step away? How does a leader maintain clarity and integrity amid scrutiny and challenge?

The speakers spoke about their experiences, as well as answering questions and joining the cohort for dinner.

For the cohort, the evening was both sobering and energising. A consistent theme was that resilience is not simply endurance; it is rooted in clarity of values, a strong sense of identity, justice and connection to community.

Yehuda Fink, Managing Director of StandwithUsUK, said:

“It was a real privilege to hear from three exceptional leaders of our community share insights on their experiences during one of the most challenging periods for British Jewry. Opportunities like this evening are what make the Adam Science Leadership Programme so rewarding.

Nick Young, ASLP programme director, added, "We are deeply grateful to Luciana, Adrian and Adam for their generosity and honesty in sharing their reflections and to all involved in the evening.”

To read more about the ASLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.