Our Vision & Mission


The Global Leadership Summit is an annual 2-day leadership event, frequently described by guest attendees as a firehose of fresh, actionable leadership content. Telecast LIVE in HD from Chicago, and boasting 33 years of success, it has grown from 2000 global leaders to more than 400,000 leaders worldwide with over 400 premier sites in North America and another 1500 overseas.

Sponsored by the Global Leadership Network (GLN), its aim is to enrich communities through cutting-edge leadership trends and actionable leadership skills.

Each year a carefully curated world-class faculty representing business, government, education, faith and entertainment sectors, takes to the stage to inspire and equip audience members to increase their leadership influence. Prior faculty have included previous United States presidents and cabinet members, NY Times best-selling authors, Harvard researchers, CEOs, pastors, educators, artists, musicians, and more.

Attracting an audience that represents various industries, including marketplace, non-profit, healthcare, education, government, ministry and corrections, the GLS has become a unique platform, unlike any other, bringing people together to not only empower better leadership within the organizations they represent, but in a growing number of cases around the world, it has also become a catalyst for organic local movements initiating systemic, city-wide change. Inspiring leaders who range in age from youth to seasoned adults, what started as a single event back in 1992, has grown to attract hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Our Story


About The Global Leadership Summit in Rochester:
Introducing Lisa Hill DiFusco, a remarkable woman who, ten years ago, embarked on a journey to foster leadership within her local community. With boundless passion and unwavering dedication, she initiated hosting The Global Leadership Summit in Rochester that has since become a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. Lisa's nurturing spirit and warm embrace have created a space where aspiring leaders can find their voice, cultivate their strengths, and soar to new heights. Through her selfless efforts, she has ignited a flame of possibility in the hearts of countless individuals, leaving an enduring legacy of hope and transformation.


About The LightHeart Institute:
The LightHeart Institute is dedicated to awakening passion and igniting client's natural ability to succeed and thrive. By posing the question, "What if...you could achieve your dreams...?" the Institute invites clients on a courageous journey of hope, opportunity, creativity and achievement.

Lisa Hill DiFusco is a Senior Executive Coach, Holistic Psychotherapist and Functional Medicine Consultant. In 1987 at the encouragement and inspiration of (former) surgeon and NY Times best-selling author, Bernie Siegel MD, she founded The LightHeart Institute, a holistic coaching, counseling and consulting organization whose mission is to create an upward spiral of intentional leadership, health, healing and vitality, impacting Rochester, and beyond for generations to come.


Thanks to our 2025 Volunteers


Glenn Balch, Promotion

Sabrina Barton, Operations

Dave Bassett, Signage, Technical Support

Kevin Clifford, ChiefConnect

Frank Crombe, Treasurer, Promotion

Mark Dulaney, Promotion, Registration Support

David Finger, Technical Director

Jim Johnson, Promotion

Joy Lecesse, Leadership Coach

Emilie Schertzer, Event Volunteer

Gabby Schertzer, Event Volunteer

Sophie Schertzer, Event Volunteer

Stacey Steinmiller, Leadership Coach

Claire Spears, Promotion - Youth, Website Design

Karin Spears, Website Support, Promotion

Jim Stone, Head Leadership Coach, Promotion

Maureen Stone, Leadership Coach

Rehnuma Karim, Local Events Leader

Adita Kulkarni, Chief Registrar

David Mammano, Emcee

Fr. Michael Mayer, Promotion

Cintia Orsi, Leadership Coach

Kyle Palmer, Sponsorships

David Powe, Promotion, Partnerships Lead

Tammy Richards, Sponsorships, Flower Coordinator

Emily Scalzo, Graphic Design

Makayla Wright, Social Media, Photography,

Nermine Zakhary, Leadership Coach, Sponsorships