AMS is honored and excited to feature Suneel Gupta, internationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and Harvard Medical School faculty member, as both keynote and conference facilitator this January at AMS Leadership Labposium 2026.
This year’s Labposium theme is: Leadership Recharged: Tools for Today, Momentum for Tomorrow. Labposium is designed as an immersive leadership retreat, and this January, Suneel will guide participants through every step of the journey. With his unique blend of research, storytelling, and practical tools, he will help Montessori leaders explore how well-being and performance can go hand in hand. Each day features a dynamic keynote, deep-dive learning, and hands-on group work, all designed to give leaders tools they can apply immediately. (And there’s still time to register at early bird pricing.)
We asked Suneel five questions to preview what participants can expect in Hilton Head this January.
Why is energy so important for people leading a team or a movement?
Energy is the foundation of leadership. When leaders have a strong personal reservoir of energy, they are better able to inspire, innovate, and remain steady through challenges. Research shows that people are more likely to follow leaders who display vitality, not just vision. In Montessori schools and organizations, where the work is mission-driven and deeply human-centered, energy doesn’t just fuel daily tasks; it shapes the culture and spirit of the entire community.
What about leaders who say they don’t have time for energy management, that it’s more practical just to focus on what needs to get done?
Energy management is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Many leaders believe that pushing harder and faster is the only way to achieve results, but the research tells a different story. Burnout leads to turnover, mistakes, and lost trust, costs no organization can afford. Leaders who intentionally recharge, through daily recovery moments, boundaries around rest, or mindful practices, are actually more productive over the long term. Montessori leaders, in particular, carry the responsibility of modeling balance and sustainability for the adults and children around them.
How can we adjust our leadership approach to energize others?
Leadership is not just about what you produce, but about the energy you transmit. One of the most powerful ways to energize others is by connecting them back to purpose. When teachers and staff see how their daily efforts contribute to something bigger, motivation rises naturally. Just as importantly, small actions – listening deeply, recognizing contributions, and celebrating progress – help people feel valued. The Montessori approach already emphasizes intrinsic motivation in children; leaders can take inspiration from this and create the same conditions for adults.
What role do habits play in sustaining energy over time?
Habits are the invisible architecture of leadership. Big shifts rarely come from one-time bursts of effort, they come from small, consistent actions. Simple habits like scheduling short recovery breaks, practicing gratitude at the end of the day, or setting aside time for focused work can add up to significant improvements in resilience. Leaders who thrive over the long term are not necessarily those with the most willpower, but those with the most supportive routines. For Montessori leaders, cultivating habits that align with their personal values and their organizational mission can create lasting, positive change.
What can Montessori leaders expect from you at Labposium 2026?
This Labposium is going to be different: we’ll spend the entire retreat working together. I’ll guide participants through interactive sessions where we can apply the research to real leadership challenges. Expect practical, science-backed tools you can implement immediately, whether it’s sustaining your own energy, building resilient teams, or creating environments where people feel fully alive in their work. My goal is for Montessori leaders to leave Hilton Head not only refreshed but also equipped to expand their impact in the months and years ahead.
Why this matters now
AMS designed the Leadership Labposium to be a space where Montessori leaders can step away from day-to-day demands, reflect deeply, and return with renewed clarity and purpose. In a time when educators and administrators face rising expectations, shrinking resources, and growing complexity, sustaining energy is no longer optional – it is essential.
Suneel Gupta brings a unique perspective at the intersection of well-being, leadership, and impact. His background as founding CEO of a wellness company (RISE, now part of Amazon), author of two bestselling books (Backable and Everyday Dharma), and visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School positions him to help Montessori leaders meet this moment.
Suneel was also a guest on AMS’s podcast Educating the Human Potential. Listen to the episode here: From Burnout to Balance: Suneel Gupta on Small Adjustments with Big Impact
Join us in Hilton Head this January for an immersive, energizing AMS Leadership Labposium 2026. Learn more and register today: Leadership Labposium 2026