FAQ

Novya Leadership Lab:

Frequently asked questions

We have put together the answers to some commonly asked questions for you.
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Programme Content & Schedule
What will we actually do?
You’ll move through the essential parts of leading well — leading yourself, leading others, and leading organisations — through facilitated sessions, peer practice on real cases, and one-to-one coaching. You leave with a personal leadership roadmap.
 
See the full programme here
Who leads it, and in what language? 
The Lab is led by Lisa Kretschmann, ICF-certified coach and Leadership Lab Director, and Benita Lipps, CEO and founder of Novya, with guest contributors from the sector. It runs in English, the working language of Europe’s nonprofit world.
Where and when is it? 
18-20 November 2026 at Drongen Abbey, a historic abbey near Ghent, about 60–90 minutes from central Brussels. 
 
You arrive Wednesday after lunch and leave Friday lunchtime.
How much time is it, really?
Three days away, Wednesday afternoon to Friday lunchtime — fully residential, so you can switch off the day-to-day and focus. 

There’s a little light preparation (an intake and reflection form) and an optional online follow-up about four weeks later.
Qualification, Requirements & Preparation
Who is The Leadership Lab for?

It’s designed for senior people leading European associations and nonprofits — Secretaries General, Directors General, CEOs, COOs and equivalent. 

It’s especially valuable in your first few years in the top role, and for leaders of smaller, leaner organisations, where you carry enormous breadth without a deep team behind you. Participants typically come from European associations, NGOs, networks, federations, foundations and think tanks. 

(Not sure if it’s a fit? Book a call and we’ll be honest with you.)

Why such a small group? 
Trust, openness and the time to work on each person’s real challenges only happen in a small room. A compact cohort means psychological safety, genuine candour, and relationships that last.
Do I need to attend the whole retreat?
Yes — the cohort depends on everyone being present throughout. That’s part of what makes it work. If you can’t commit to all three days, a future edition may suit you better.
Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
There’s a little light preparation (an intake and reflection form) that you can complete in your own time. 
Investment & Registration
What is included in the participation fee?
The core programme fee includes everything for the three days:
 
  • the full retreat from Wednesday afternoon to Friday lunchtime
  • a one-to-one coaching session with one of the facilitators
  • all session materials and tools
  • two nights in a single room at the abbey
  • full board from Wednesday afternoon coffee through to Friday lunch
  • a place in the Leadership Lab alumni circle
 
Please note: Travel to and from Ghent is not included. The abbey is ten minutes from Ghent-Sint-Pieters station and about an hour from Brussels.

What does it cost, and is there an early rate?

The founding rate is €1,650 net, €1,996.50 including 21% VAT, for anyone who registers by 30 September.

From 1 October the rate is €1,950 net, €2,359.50 including VAT.

That is the whole rate card. We publish one rate at a time and apply it to everyone, so there is nothing to negotiate and nothing to miss.

EU businesses registered outside Belgium pay the net price under the reverse-charge rules. Belgian organisations and private individuals pay the VAT-inclusive figure. Many participants have their organisation cover the fee as professional development, and we can invoice the organisation directly.

Can my organisation pay? 
Absolutely. Many participants have their organisations cover the investment as professional development. We can invoice your organisation directly and provide programme overview materials for your leadership or board.

What is your cancellation policy?

A €95 deposit confirms your place and comes off your fee. Cancel by 7 October 2026 and we refund your fee in full, less that deposit. After 7 October the fee is non-refundable, though you may transfer your place to a colleague at any point up to the retreat.

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Still deciding? 
Book a Call