More clarity. More energy. Real impact.

A 3-day executive retreat for people leading associations.
Register now

18-20 November 2026 · A historic abbey near Ghent, about an hour from Brussels, ten minutes from Ghent station · Founding rate until 30 September

Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a practice.
You stepped into your role to make a difference — and most days, the job makes that hard. The diary fills, everything is urgent, and the space to lead well is the first thing to go. The Novya Leadership Lab gives that space back: three days away with a small group of people who lead organisations like yours, working on the things that actually move your leadership forward.

This isn’t a course to sit through. It’s a practice — guided, hands-on executive training, and built entirely around the real situations you walk in with.
 
Small Groups | Peer-based Coaching | All-Inclusive Retreat
Talk To Us Explore the Full Curriculum
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Three days to work on your leadership — not your inbox.

Join us three days at Drongen Abbey (Oude Abdij Drongen) near Ghent, where you step out of the day-to-day and into focused, facilitated time on what matters: how to develop your unique leadership DNA, where to put your focus, how to bring your stakeholders with you, and how to build an organisation for impact and sustainability. You leave with a personalised leadership roadmap — and the clarity and energy to use it.

3-day residential retreat

Wednesday afternoon to Friday lunchtime, all meals and evenings included.

Three parts, one progression

Leading yourself, leading others, leading organisations — each building on the last.

One-to-one coaching

A personal coaching and strategy slot with the facilitators, woven through the days.
Group of attendees
What Sets The Novya Leadership Lab Apart
Built by and for the people who lead Europe's associations and nonprofits — designed around the real work, relationships and decisions of the job, not a corporate template.
Built for your world
Designed by and for people leading European associations and nonprofits — every tool fits a lean secretariat, a demanding board and a multilingual membership. Not corporate training in disguise.
Coaching that’s personal
Every participant gets one-to-one time with the facilitators on the challenge they bring.
A practice, not a lecture
You work your own real situations, get honest feedback, and leave having done the work — not having watched slides.
Peer-Powered
A small cohort means real trust, real candour, and a network you can call on long after.
Your facilitators
Meet the driving force behind Novya Leadership Lab
Lisa Kretschmann
Head Coach & Leadership Lab Director
ICF-certified leadership coach helping nonprofit experts grow, connect, and lead with confidence.
Benita Lipps
Strategic Advisor & Co-Lead
Thought leader on European nonprofit excellence, promoting practical strategies that help nonprofits lead, grow, and thrive in Brussels.

What you’ll leave with

Three days that leave you with more than notes: practical tools, a personal roadmap, and people who have your back.

A clearer leadership identity

Know your strengths and values, and lead in a way that’s yours and sustainable.

Focus on what matters

Decide where your energy goes and what only you can do. 

Confidence in the hard conversations

Work with boards, members and teams so people come with you.

A change-and-strategy toolkit

Practical approaches you can apply to your next big move.

Personal one-to-one coaching

Dedicated time on the real challenge you bring.

A peer circle that lasts

A small, trusted group of leaders who understand the job from the inside.
Watch the full Novya Leadership Lab playlist on YouTube

Why we created the Lab

The three phases

Testimonials: Feedback from Leadership Lab Participants
FIRST COHORT

"The Novya Leadership Lab is not just a learning course, it's a shared experience."

You need peers or a coach that you can exchange with - somebody you can share with without limitations, without restrictions, without embarrassment or even concern that you might show weakness or uncertainty. That's something a regular leadership course will never offer.

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Attendee, First Cohort

Novya Leadership Lab, Jan-Feb 2026

When you step into a leadership role, you suddenly find yourself totally alone. Every leader needs a circle, needs a group of peers where he or she can discuss openly and freely. And for me, that's what the Novya Leadership Lab is.

 

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Attendee, First Cohort

Novya Leadership Lab, Jan-Feb 2026

It was insightful to learn during the Novya Leadership Lab that there is no one-size-fits-all or perfect leadership style. I was given a toolbox and the confidence to lead in a way that suits the moment.

 

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Attendee, First Cohort

Novya Leadership Lab, Jan-Feb 2026

"This course gave me the belief that I can be a good leader.”

 

Attendee
Attendee, First Cohort

Novya Leadership Lab

Jan-Feb 2026

"A confidence-booster for anyone who might have doubts about how equipped they are to deal with the many challenges that running an association can throw at you.”

Attendee
Attendee, First Cohort
Novya Leadership Lab
Jan-Feb 2026

“A charming atmosphere. A small group that allows for exchange without judgment. Experience level and expectations very close from all attendees.”

 

Attendee
Attendee, First Cohort
Novya Leadership Lab
Jan-Feb 2026

“A safe space for association leaders to learn, experience and improve among peers.”

Attendee
Attendee, First Cohort
Novya Leadership Lab
Jan-Feb 2026
Meeting presentation

Is the Novya Leadership Lab for You?

You’re leading an association or nonprofit, and you want to grow your impact without losing yourself in the day-to-day. The Lab is for you if you’re asking:
  • How do I grow into this role and lead in a way that’s truly mine?
  • How do I prioritise when everything feels urgent & my team is lean?
  • How do I bring my board, members and team with me — and build something that lasts?

Your investment

Founding rate, until 30 September

€1,650

€1,996.50 incl. 21% VAT

From 1 October:

€1,950

€2,359.50 incl. 21% VAT

Register now
Your registration includes everything for the three days:

  • The full retreat, from 14:00 on Wednesday 18 November to 13:00 on Friday 20 November

  • A one-to-one coaching session with one of the facilitators

  • All session materials and tools

  • Two nights' accommodation in a single room at Drongen Abbey. Full board, from Wednesday afternoon coffee through to Friday lunch

  • A place in the Leadership Lab alumni circle

Join the November 2026 cohort
For senior European association and nonprofit professionals aiming to grow their leadership
When:
18-20 November 2026

Where:
Drongen Abbey

Format:
Executive retreat
Founding Rate
30 September 2026
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