FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We have put together the answers to some commonly asked questions for you.
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Programme Content & Schedule
What topics and skills will the programme cover?
Participants progress from self-leadership to leading teams to leading organisational change, including:
  • Leadership style, role clarity, and energy management
  • Peer coaching techniques
  • Strategic focus and boundary-setting
  • Team motivation and difficult conversations
  • Change management tools and stakeholder engagement
  • Sustainable leadership and career development

See the full programme here

Who delivers the programme? Where? What Language?

The programme is led by Lisa Kretschmann, ICF-certified coach and Leadership Lab Director.  For each module, guest speakers like Benita Lipps (SecGen, Board Member, CEO) are invited to offer fresh perspectives. 

In-person sessions are held in the Brussels EU Quarter. Online sessions are conducted via Zoom. Locations and links will be provided upon registration. All sessions are conducted in English, the working language of the Brussels nonprofit ecosystem.

What makes this different from traditional leadership courses?

There are two ways The Novya Leadership lab stands out:

  1. Unlike traditional training courses, it is a facilitated peer journey combining executive coaching, reflective practice, strategic dialogue, and real-case application within a confidential cohort. You don't just acquire tools—you gain clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self as a leader, all within a trusted circle of peers facing similar challenges.
  2. The programme is built by Brussels-based nonprofit experts specifically for European nonprofit and association reality, not adapted from global corporate contexts.
Do I need to attend all sessions? Can I watch a recording?
Full attendance is required for programme effectiveness and fairness to other participants. The cohort model depends on continuity, trust-building, and shared learning. If you cannot commit to all dates, please consider a future cohort. If you have an emergency, we will of course understand. There will be no session recordings available due to their interactive, confidential nature. 
Qualification, Requirements & Preparation
Who is The Leadership Lab for?

The Leadership Lab is designed for senior professionals working in European nonprofit and association settings. Typical participants include Secretaries General, CEOs and Executive Directors, Deputy or Associate Directors, Directors General, and Heads of Operations, Programmes, or Advocacy, as well as other executives with significant leadership responsibilities.

They usually come from organisations such as European associations, international NGOs, European civil society networks and platforms, foundations and philanthropic organisations, think tanks and policy institutes. Participants commonly lead teams, oversee complex programmes, and coordinate a diverse network of stakeholders within the European and Brussels environment.

Why is group size limited to 12 participants?
Time, trust and openness - essential for transformational learning - require intimate group size. Small cohort size ensures psychological safety, confidentiality, and deep exchange. It allows meaningful dialogue, sufficient time to address each leader's challenges, personalized facilitation attention, and building relationships that extend beyond the programme. 
What is the total time commitment?
The programme runs 10 weeks from 19 January to 27 March 2026, including:
  • 2 in-person sessions (3 hours each: kick-off and closing)
  • 4 online sessions (90 minutes each)
  • 1 (or more) individual coaching (45 minutes)
  • Several between-session assignments
Your total time investment would start at ca. 15 hours over 10 weeks.
Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
No extensive preparation is required, we invite you to ensure you are set up to attend Zoom sessions and fill out our an Intake & Self-Reflection Form. 
 
Investment & Registration
What is included in the participation fee?
The core programme fee includes 
  • 6 executive sessions (2 in-person, 4 online)
  • 1 individual coaching session 
  • a personalised intake and leadership assessment
  • all materials, tools, and frameworks
  • a certificate of completion
  • access to our ‘digital campus’ and alumni network

Optional PLUS+ packages include additional executive coaching plans for deeper individual support.

Are discounts available?
Yes, we offer
  • 15% early registration discount (deadline: 5 December)
  • 15% partner discount for Novya clients, partner organisation members, associates, and lab development partners
  • Group rates for multiple participants from same organisation (contact us)
Can my organisation pay for the programme?
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?
Cancellations more than 3 weeks before start date receive full refund minus €100 administrative fee. Cancellations within 3 weeks are non-refundable but transferable to future cohorts or to another participant from your organisation.
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