In Tribute to Gordon Peters: A Life Devoted to Developing Leaders (1933-2025)

This week, we mourn the loss of Gordon Peters, a visionary, mentor, and the heart behind The Institute for Management Studies (IMS). Gordon wasn't just a co-founder - he was the architect of a bold idea: that leadership development should be accessible, practical, and deeply human. Alongside his beloved wife, Cecile Peters, he launched IMS in 1974, planting the seeds of a movement that would eventually reach over half a million leaders across the globe.

For more than five decades, Gordon poured his life into IMS. His relentless drive and innovative spirit brought the world's top leadership minds - Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Marshall Goldsmith, Beverly Kaye, David Allen and many others - into intimate, high-impact settings where real transformation could occur. He believed that leadership wasn't learned in isolation but through community, conversation, and continuous growth. And he built IMS to reflect that belief.

But Gordon's legacy goes far beyond the programs he helped create. He championed a culture of lifelong learning - one that encouraged leaders to lead with courage, curiosity, and compassion. Under his guidance, IMS became more than a professional development organization; it became a trusted partner in helping people unlock their full potential.

To those who had the privilege of knowing him, Gordon was more than a leader - he was a generous soul, a wise guide, and a true believer in the power of people to change the world.

As we remember Gordon, we honor not only the legacy he leaves behind, but the countless lives he touched. His vision will continue to shape IMS and the world of leadership for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Gordon. Your light lives on in every leader you helped rise.