Inspiring minds • From vision to reality
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Welcome to Global Leadership & Development; We have a Utopian dream to engage young minds and build a resilient community. We look forward to a future of collective vision, collaborative work, building harmonious relationships at work and home.
Since its founding, GLAD has made a meaningful difference across organisations, schools and communities — reaching individuals in more than 10 countries through workshops, coaching and evidence-based leadership programmes.
From corporates to colleges, from Chennai to international conferences, our impact spans mental health awareness, leadership development, and youth empowerment.
"The mental health initiative transformed how our teams communicate. More openness, more empathy — and measurably better results."— HR Head, Technology Organisation
Online event reaching professionals across India focused on workplace mental health.
Dr Sangeetha represented India at the international conference in Cartagena, Colombia.
Eisenhower Fellows gathering with Dr Martin Seligman & Dr Angela Duckworth, Philadelphia.
At GLAD, we believe that mental wellbeing is not a destination — it is a journey of mindful, joyful moments. We draw on positive psychology, mindfulness, narrative practices, and Theory U to build lasting inner change.
We see every person as inherently capable of growth. Our approach is strengths-based, compassionate and evidence-informed — meeting people where they are and guiding them toward their highest potential.
"Mental wellbeing is not a destination — it is a journey of mindful, joyful moments."— Dr Sangeetha Madhu, Founder & Director
Present-moment awareness as the root of resilient leadership.
Grounded in clinical research and validated global models.
A warm, person-centred approach to every individual.
Building on what people already do best to amplify growth.
To nurture leaders who pursue meaningful lives — through personal transformation — and who make a lasting difference in their communities and the world.
We envision a future where mental health and leadership flourish together; where young minds are empowered with resilience, and communities thrive through collective wisdom and harmonious relationships.
"We have a Utopian dream to engage young minds and build a resilient community. Our collective action can create new neural pathways and holistic well-being for future generations."— GLAD Mission Statement
Empowering each person toward their highest potential.
Building resilient communities across borders and cultures.
Inspiring the next generation through self-discovery.
Working together toward collaborative, joyful futures.
GLAD's pathway is built on a proven, multi-layered approach — combining clinical insight, global leadership frameworks, and deep human connection to guide individuals and organisations from awareness to transformation.
Whether you're an employee seeking self-discovery, an organization building a strong leadership pipeline, a school, or a corporate organization investing in wellbeing, our pathway is tailored to meet you exactly where you are.
"We hope to inspire youth towards a journey of self-discovery, reaching their highest potential by tapping into the deepest resources of the mind."— GLAD Founding Vision
Deep evaluation of personality, aptitude, EQ and learning style.
Workshops and coaching designed for your unique context and goals.
Ongoing support to embed new ways of thinking and leading in daily life.
To develop a network of professionals and stakeholders who provide a safe, nurturing environment — exhibiting leadership skills and creating happy, resilient communities worldwide.
Engage a team of like-minded professionals who believe in and empower the community towards positive mental health and strong leadership skills.
Build awareness through active community participation — workshops, webinars, events and public engagement programmes across India and internationally.
Pursue research, publications and dissemination of knowledge related to positive mental health and leadership — contributing to the global evidence base.
Establish affiliations with institutions to deliver evidence-based leadership programmes that meet global standards of practice and impact.
We believe in the potential of every individual — building neural pathways of resilience, guiding each person toward the highest potential, and creating communities where wellbeing and leadership flourish together.
Every interaction is designed to feel warm, safe and uplifting — because healing begins with how you feel in each present moment. 🌿
Dr Sangeetha is a passionate advocate for women's wellbeing and mindful leadership — with 25+ years of experience bridging emotional intelligence, evidence-based practice and warmth to create lasting positive change in communities worldwide.
Our expert panel explored practical strategies for mental health at work, drawing from mindfulness, emotional intelligence and positive psychology.
Read More →Voices from HR heads and leaders of organisations we’ve had the privilege to work with. ♡
Nurturing leaders to pursue meaningful lives, through personal transformation and making a difference in the community.
We are a team of professionals who want to make a difference in the community and build leadership skills in youth — with a Utopian dream to engage young minds and build a resilient community.
To nurture leaders to pursue meaningful lives, through personal transformation and make a difference in the community. We look forward to a future of collective vision, collaborative work, and harmonious relationships at work and home — where every individual reaches their highest potential.
To develop a network of professionals and stakeholders to provide a safe and nurturing environment by exhibiting leadership skills and creating happy communities.
Bringing presence and awareness to every interaction, fostering deep listening and compassionate response.
Treating every individual with empathy, dignity and genuine care for their holistic wellbeing.
Connecting local communities with international best practices in leadership and positive psychology.
Believing in the lifelong capacity for positive transformation in every person and organisation.
Welcome to Global Leadership & Development — a team of professionals who want to make a difference in the community and build leadership skills in youth. We have a Utopian dream to engage young minds and build a resilient community. Our collective action can create new neural pathways and holistic well-being for future generations. We hope to inspire youth towards a journey of self-discovery, reaching their highest potential by tapping into deepest resources of the mind. We strongly believe and look forward to a future of collective vision, collaborative work, building harmonious relationships at work and home.
Evidence-based, compassionate programmes designed to unlock human potential — from individual coaching to large-scale organisational transformation.
Each programme is carefully curated drawing on mindfulness, positive psychology and evidence-based leadership science.
A transformational programme weaving mindfulness practice into leadership development. Participants discover self-awareness, emotional regulation and compassionate communication as the foundation of effective leadership.
GLAD promotes positive mental health for school-going children, providing a safe and confidential environment where specialist resources support students in discussing and managing psychological or emotional challenges.
One-on-one and group coaching engagements, certified by the Neuro Leadership Institute. Deep personal discovery, goal-setting and accountability frameworks to accelerate professional and personal growth.
Confidential psychological support services for employees, helping organisations foster a mentally healthy workplace culture. Covers stress, anxiety, relationship issues, burnout and more.
Detailed psychometric evaluations using validated tools for personality, aptitude, learning style and emotional intelligence — informing customised development pathways for individuals and teams.
Connections with leading global institutions — Yale World Fellows, Ashoka, Eisenhower Fellowships, TED Fellows, Aspen Institute — bringing world-class leadership frameworks to Indian audiences.
Bespoke leadership workshops and multi-day programmes tailored to the unique culture, goals and challenges of your organisation — designed to create lasting impact at every level.
Programmes grounded in the latest research from neuroscience, positive psychology and leadership science — including Theory U, Narrative Practices and the PERMA framework.
Building resilient, emotionally intelligent young leaders through evidence-based school programmes and coaching.
Global Leadership and Development (GLAD) strives towards promoting positive mental health to address the mental health needs of school going children. GLAD aims to provide a safe and confidential environment in which our specialist resources will support students in discussing and managing psychological or emotional challenges they face.
The changing family structure and evolving social trends have created a gap in fulfilling the psychosocial needs of school children. GLAD provides a reliable and consistent framework for prevention, early assessment and intervention.
Social and personal growth through structured self-discovery programmes and peer engagement.
Increased self-awareness, communication skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges.
Developing leadership capabilities that can be applied to everyday life situations.
Better management of interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships and conflicts.
A comprehensive leadership coaching programme that integrates mindfulness with evidence-based professional development.
The environment we live and work in is constantly evolving. We need mindful leadership to lead an organisation with excellence. GLAD programmes combine hands-on experience with thoughtful reflection and give each participant awareness about their leadership potential through supportive mentorship and coaching.
Our execution strategy incorporates proven theories, qualified personnel, and a highly responsive approach to managing deliverables. Supportive mentorships promote leadership by facilitating problem solving skills in employees, building their self-confidence, encouraging independent learning and serving as a resource to others.
The Mindful Leadership programme encourages participants to plan their growth trajectory from two perspectives: service goals and life satisfaction. It trains participants to lead with excellence, being fully present for what they do, and connecting with others.
Deepened understanding of one's leadership style, strengths and growth edges.
Ability to connect to self and others — and skilfully initiate or guide change.
A realised sense of purpose in their current workplace and phase of life.
A clear, actionable roadmap balancing service goals with personal life satisfaction.
One-on-one and group coaching experiences grounded in neuroscience and certified leadership frameworks.
Certified through the Neuro Leadership Institute, GLAD's leadership coaching engagements combine deep personal discovery, evidence-based frameworks and compassionate accountability to accelerate professional and personal growth at every level.
Personalised one-on-one sessions that create a confidential space for leaders to explore their unique challenges, goals and growth edges. Each engagement is tailored to the individual's context and aspirations.
Facilitated group coaching creates collective insight and peer learning. Our executive coaching programme is designed for senior leaders navigating complex organisational change.
Every coaching engagement is grounded in present-moment awareness and compassionate enquiry.
Draws on the latest brain-based insights from the Neuro Leadership Institute.
Builds on what leaders already do well, amplifying strengths for sustained impact.
Clear milestones, measurable outcomes and ongoing accountability for real-world change.
Tailor-made leadership interventions designed around the unique culture, goals and challenges of your organisation.
No two organisations are alike. GLAD designs and delivers bespoke leadership programmes that reflect your unique context — weaving together the most relevant frameworks, content and facilitation styles to create lasting impact at every level of your organisation.
From half-day workshops to multi-month leadership journeys, GLAD crafts corporate programmes that align with your organisation's strategy, values and culture.
Customised programmes for schools, colleges and non-profits focusing on student leadership, teacher development and institutional culture change.
Leadership development programmes grounded in the latest research from neuroscience, positive psychology and systems thinking.
GLAD draws on a rich repertoire of evidence-based models — from Presencing Institute's Theory U to Dulwich Centre's Narrative Practices and the Neuro Leadership Institute's brain-based frameworks — ensuring every programme is grounded in rigorous science and proven methodology.
Certified through the Neuro Leadership Institute, this model applies neuroscience to leadership — understanding how the brain drives behaviour, decision-making, habit change and social dynamics at work.
Developed at the Presencing Institute (Germany), Theory U is a leading framework for systemic transformation — helping leaders access deeper levels of knowing and lead from a place of presence and purpose.
Trained at the Dulwich Centre (Australia), narrative practices help individuals and teams re-author their stories — separating identity from problem, and discovering preferred ways of being and leading.
Dr Martin Seligman's PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) is integrated throughout GLAD programmes to build flourishing individuals and organisations.
Bringing world-class leadership frameworks to Indian audiences through partnerships with prestigious global institutions.
GLAD's work is enriched by deep connections with prestigious national and international institutions. These collaborations bring cutting-edge leadership thinking from the world's best programmes directly to our participants in India.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu was selected as an Eisenhower Fellow in 2017 — representing India in Philadelphia, USA. This prestigious programme connects exceptional leaders from around the world to advance peace and prosperity.
GLAD conducted Mindful Leadership virtual training sessions for the Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT — bringing our programmes to one of the world's most prestigious institutions.
Connections with Yale World Fellows, Ashoka Changemakers, TED Fellows and the Aspen Institute — bringing global best practices in leadership, social innovation and positive change to Indian contexts.
Dr Sangeetha participated in the Positive Education Summit (June 2019) featuring Dr Martin Seligman and Dr Angela Duckworth — applying insights from grit, resilience and PERMA in Indian educational settings.
Confidential psychological support services helping organisations foster a mentally healthy, thriving workplace culture.
GLAD's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides professional, confidential psychological and counselling support to employees — addressing personal and work-related challenges before they affect performance, health and wellbeing. All counsellor interactions are confidential except where risks of harm to self or others are involved.
GLAD partners with organisations to deliver a comprehensive EAP that is seamlessly integrated into your HR and wellness strategy. Services are delivered via face-to-face counselling sessions, digital access and on-site support.
All interactions are fully confidential. Employees can seek help without fear.
Delivered by trained clinical psychologists and certified counsellors.
Available in-person and online, making support easy to access whenever needed.
Aggregate insights help HR leaders understand and address systemic wellbeing challenges.
Validated psychometric assessments providing deep insight into personality, aptitude, emotional intelligence and learning style.
GLAD uses rigorously validated psychometric tools to provide detailed evaluations of personality, aptitude, learning style and emotional intelligence. These assessments inform customised development pathways for individuals and teams, turning data into meaningful growth.
Our psychometry services are tailored for individuals at every stage of life and career, as well as organisations seeking deeper insight into their people.
All assessments use internationally validated, standardised instruments for reliable results.
Comprehensive written reports with actionable insights and personalised development recommendations.
One-on-one feedback sessions with a trained clinical psychologist to discuss results in depth.
Results feed directly into individual development plans and coaching programmes.
A passionate team of clinical psychologists, leadership coaches and education specialists dedicated to transforming lives and building resilient communities worldwide.
Each team member brings deep expertise and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu is a clinical psychologist and a leadership coach with more than 20 years of experience. Dr Madhu heads Global Leadership and Development (GLAD), a programme that draws on mindfulness and other techniques to build leadership skills.
Passionate about the capacity for positive transformational change in people and systems, she founded the Chennai Institute of Learning and Development, a collaboration of clinical and counselling psychologists. Dr. Sangeetha was selected for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship and represented the country in Philadelphia in May 2017. Madhu and her team work with organizations, helping leaders discover their potential and paths to making deep changes.
She is certified in Narrative Practices from Dulwich Centre, Australia, and Theory U Practices from the Prescencing Institute, Germany. She has an advanced master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, and a PhD from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University.
She was on the Advisory Board of PCVC, an NGO working in the area of prevention of domestic violence against women and children, and a former Board member of SERFAC, affiliated with the UN, an NGO working with families. She was also a visiting member of the WHO team that provided mental health training for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.
She was an expert panelist at the Positive Psychology Centre, Philadelphia, in June 2019. As someone who enjoys connecting with nature, she recently trekked to Mt Everest Base Camp.
A passionate group of professionals dedicated to transforming lives and building resilient communities.
Served Eisenhower Fellowships for thirty years as Program Director under President George H. W. Bush, Dr Henry Kissinger and General Colin Powell. Founding member of the Global Leadership Consortium (Yale World Fellows, Ashoka, TED Fellows, Aspen Institute). Directed Women's Leadership Conferences in Miami, London and Philadelphia; Executive Coach for a Geneva-based organisation; Advisory Board member, Center for Asian African Studies, Islamabad. MA, University of Virginia.
M.Ed, Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia; BA Journalism, Temple University; TESOL Program Specialist, Arcadia University. Former Coordinator of English Language Learner Program at Olney Charter High School, Philadelphia — ensuring curricula met students' educational and emotional needs. Presenter at TESOL International Convention, Seattle (2017) and Penn TESOL Spring Conference (2015).
Retired Reader, Department of Psychology, J.B.A.S. College for Women. Over 30 years of experience in teaching psychology and guiding student research. PhD from Presidency College, University of Madras. Specializations: Counselling & Guidance, Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology and Assessment. Member of the Executive Council of Bala Mandir Research Foundation; delivered workshops and training for hundreds of teachers.
M.Sc, PhD in Human Development. Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers & Trainers (CIDTT) with Distinction across all four modules. Has worked as Researcher, Lecturer, Teacher Trainer, School Advisor and Principal in highly reputed schools offering CIE curriculum (Grades 1–12). Led schools to gain the British Council's International School Award. Passionate about empowering educators as reflective practitioners and helping students realise their full potential.
Presentations, publications and ongoing projects — grounding our work in evidence-based leadership science and positive psychology.
Peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and endowment lectures by Dr Sangeetha Madhu and the GLAD team.
Das, S., Sharma, B., Venkataramanan, S., Sahoo, S., Abraham, E., Balakrishnan, J. & Madhu, S. (2021). International Journal of Indian Psychology, 9(4), 1934–1945. DOI: 10.25215/0904.185
Awarded Best Paper at the Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, Coimbatore — on matching individual and organisational needs among engineering trainees.
Sangeetha Madhu, V. Jayanthini, R. Thara. Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Dec 2011, Vol. 16 (Supplement). Presented at Excellence in Child Mental Health Conference, Istanbul, Turkey.
Mythili Bhaskaran, Anu S., Sangeetha Madhu, Vasanthi Ranganathan. Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 2006; 50(3): 225–233.
Delivered the prestigious Endowment Lecture (2010) at the Madras Psychological Society, Department of Psychology, University of Madras.
Sangeetha Madhu, Anna Oommen, V. Shanmugham. NIMHANS Journal, 17(1), January 1999, pp. 31–37. Also presented at Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (1997).
NGO working in the area of prevention of Domestic Violence against women and children.
Former Board Member of SERFAC, affiliated to the United Nations, an NGO working with families.
Managing Trustee of Sishu Vikas Trust (2014–2017), supporting child welfare and development.
From international conferences to local workshops — our journey of impact, one milestone at a time.
Each event is a chapter in our story of building a more mindful, compassionate and empowered world.
Mental Wellbeing webinar held on October 5th 2021 — bringing together professionals for a knowledge-sharing session on positive mental health and mindful living.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu and team conducted Mindful Leadership virtual training sessions for the Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT.
Future of Education Conference at Cartagena, Colombia. Dr Sangeetha Madhu participated in this landmark global event focused on shaping the future of learning.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu with other Eisenhower Fellows and Dr Robert Gates — American statesman, scholar, former head of CIA and former Defense Secretary of USA.
Eisenhower Fellows attended the Positive Education Summit (June 2019) with Dr Martin Seligman and Dr Angela Duckworth — pioneers of positive psychology and grit research.
Dr Sangeetha attended the Eisenhower Fellowship Women's Leadership Conference in London, connecting with global women leaders across government, business and civil society.
Dr Sangeetha Madhu was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in May 2017, representing India in Philadelphia — a programme chaired by global statesmen including Dr Henry Kissinger and General Colin Powell.
GLAD conducted a leadership workshop for college students, building skills in self-awareness, emotional intelligence and community impact through evidence-based exercises.
Learning Fest for school children as part of an initiative by Azim Premji Foundation — held in January 2018 to inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of learning among young students.
Glimpses of transformation — from workshops and conferences to community celebrations and meaningful milestones.
Every photograph tells a story of connection, growth and the beautiful journey of transformation.
📷 Visit our full gallery for more photos from events, workshops and community programmes.
Whether you're seeking support, exploring a partnership, or simply want to learn more — we'd love to hear from you.
