Emerging Leader Program
Strengthen your leadership – personally and professionally
Program Overview
A startup company is often characterized by rapid growth, an agile work environment, significant influence, flexible structures, and a less hierarchical culture, where leaders and employees have the opportunity to be directly involved in shaping the company’s development. This can be challenging to navigate.
We have created this program to equip leadership talents with the mindset and tools needed to succeed in leadership roles in a startup.
The Emerging Leaders Program is your development journey—designed to elevate both your personal and professional leadership skills through practical learning, reflection, and inspiring peer connections.
Throughout the program, you will grow into a courageous, balanced, and future-ready leader by working with a mix of theory, hands-on exercises, and real-life experience.
And last but not least, you will gain a strong network that you can rely on moving forward in your professional life.
Who are you?
This program is created for individuals who are:
- New leaders with 0–2 years of experience, or
- Emerging leadership talents who aspire to grow into leadership roles.
And most importantly, you have the curiosity and courage to embark on a learning journey that will prepare you to become a leader.
Learning Methods
Our approach blends interactive learning, where you actively explore new perspectives and tools, with team-based challenges that strengthen collaboration and problem-solving. You will work with real-world cases drawn from actual leadership situations, giving you practical insights you can apply immediately.
Throughout the program, we build in moments for reflective practice, helping you slow down, harvest your learnings, and translate them into concrete action steps. And all along the way, you’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive peer network—a learning community that inspires you, challenges you, and grows with you.
Learning Outcomes
✔ Increased self-awareness and leadership confidence
✔ Practical tools for communication, feedback, and decision-making
✔ Skills to navigate change and complexity
✔ A strong professional network
✔ A personal plan for continued growth
Program Content
Thursday March 5 – Friday March 6: Kick-off (24 hours)
Set goals, build trust, explore the “Emerging Leader” mindset, and connect with peers.
Introduce you to the program’s purpose and define personal leadership goals.
Build trust through interactive exercises and explore the mindset of an emerging leader.
Session 1 – Tuesday March 10, 16:00–19:00
Fundamentals of Leadership – Lead yourself before leading others
Learn core leadership principles rooted in self-awareness and responsibility.
Identify personal strengths and habits to lead yourself effectively.
Session 2 – Tuesday March 17, 16:00–19:00
Communication & Feedback – Clear, empathetic, and impactful dialogue
Practice clear and empathetic communication techniques.
Give and receive constructive feedback that builds alignment and trust.
Session 3 – Tuesday March 24, 16:00–19:00
Authentic Leadership – Presence, confidence, and influence
Develop an authentic leadership presence grounded in values and confidence.
Explore influence strategies that strengthen credibility and connection.
Session 4 – Tuesday April 7, 16:00–19:00
Leadership Dilemmas – Practice-based reflection and learning
Work through real leadership dilemmas using structured reflection.
Learn to analyze situations and choose effective, values-based responses.
Session 5 – Tuesday April 14, 16:00–19:00
Decision-Making – Tools for clarity under uncertainty
Apply decision-making frameworks to navigate complexity and uncertainty.
Strengthen judgment through scenario exercises and practical tools.
Session 6 – Tuesday April 21, 16:00–19:00
Creative Leadership – Building trust and engagement in teams
Explore creativity as a leadership skill that drives engagement and innovation.
Practice trust-building techniques that unlock team potential.
Session 7 – Tuesday May 5, 16:00–19:00
Change Leadership – Leading with ownership and direction
Understand the dynamics of leading change with clarity and ownership.
Learn how to motivate others and sustain momentum through transitions.
Session 8 – Tuesday May 19, 16:00–19:00
Personal Sustainability – Balancing results, relationships, and well-being
Build strategies for balancing performance, relationships, and personal well-being.
Design habits that support long-term leadership sustainability.
Thursday June 5 – Friday June 6: Closing & Future Day (24 hours)
Reflect, plan your next steps, and strengthen your leadership network.
Reflect on your growth and consolidate key learnings from the program.
Define future goals and strengthen your leadership network for continued development.
Please note: The program may be adjusted along the way to best meet the needs of the participants.
Testimonial
“It is a natural part of startup growth that some employees step into leadership roles even without formal training or prior experience. That transition is challenging, and it looks very different from what you see in larger corporate environments. There has been a gap in opportunities for these emerging leaders where education and networking go hand in hand. That is why we at Dripdrop have chosen to send two of our emerging leaders to the first edition of this program”.
Andreas Søgaard, CEO, Dripdrop
A Kaospilot Program Supported by Startup Aarhus
Practical information
How to Apply
Admission is based on an application and a short interview.
Your application should briefly address your motivation, strengths, development goals, and what you can contribute to the group.
Fill out the application form here: Application for Emerging Leader Program
Application deadline: 1th of February 2026
Time & Format
Duration: March – June 2026
The program includes:
- Kick-off (residential, 1 day) at Himmelbjerggården, Ry
- 8 learning modules (3 hours each) at Kaospilot Aarhus
- Closing session (residential, 1 day) at Himmelbjerggården, Ry
Contact
Program director Bo Blaabjerg
bb@kaospilot.dk
€ 4.125,00
