A premium global leadership intensive for emerging leaders. Built for real-world influence and real outcomes.
Applications reviewed individually. Acceptance is not automatic.
Dates
13–15 October 2026
Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Cohort
50 curated participants
Investment
CHF 3,500 standard package
About the Academy
A selection-based, high-touch leadership lab for emerging leaders with roughly 3 to 8 years of experience.
You build a leadership operating system, practise under pressure, and take away a 60 to 90 day plan you can actually implement. The cohort is limited to 50 selected participants and the programme is delivered in English.
Built for real behaviour change.
01
Simulations built around stakeholder mapping, negotiation, conflict and team dynamics.
02
Participants bring a live leadership challenge from their work, organisation or project.
03
Fifty selected participants, chosen for responsibility, motivation and willingness to contribute.
04
Everyone leaves with a written 60 to 90 day action plan and a personal leadership commitment.
The Programme
Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead Impact. The programme is delivered in English.
Self-awareness, values, strengths, emotional intelligence, resilience, leadership identity and cultural intelligence. The day also includes a Geneva-based immersive activity.
Building trust, leading diverse teams, influencing stakeholders, applying negotiation tactics, handling conflict and running difficult conversations.
Change leadership, innovation mindset, stakeholder strategy, execution, and the final team challenge pitch.
The programme runs 13–15 October 2026 within a wider Monday to Saturday travel window. Two hotel nights, 13–15 October 2026, are included in the standard participation package.
Outcomes
Included in the experience
Participants visit the United Nations in Geneva, a global symbol of diplomacy, cooperation and shared responsibility. The visit connects directly to the programme's leadership focus: understanding complex systems, navigating stakeholders and leading with purpose in an interconnected world.
Trainer team
The Academy is delivered by an international trainer team with decades of combined leadership, business and JCI experience.
International leadership trainer, business coach, and founder of the Marlen Wehner Academy®
Marlen Wehner is an international leadership trainer, business coach, and founder of the Marlen Wehner Academy®, specializing in developing leaders and teams who combine strong performance with positive, sustainable impact.
For more than a decade, Marlen has worked at the intersection of leadership development, organizational performance, communication, and team effectiveness. Through her Academy, she supports companies, executives, and emerging leaders in strengthening leadership capabilities, navigating change, building high-performing teams, and turning personal development into tangible organizational results.
Her approach is captured in her philosophy “Diplomatic Leadership. Positive Impact.” It combines evidence-based leadership development with principles drawn from diplomacy: understanding different perspectives, navigating competing interests, building trust, communicating strategically, and creating solutions that people are willing to support.
Alongside her business career, Marlen has built extensive international leadership experience through Junior Chamber International (JCI). Since joining in 2013, she has served as State President of JCI Bavaria, National President of JCI Germany in 2022, and JCI Vice President for Europe in 2023. Today, she serves as Global Chairperson of JCI's Skills Development Commission, leading an international team dedicated to strengthening the quality and impact of leadership and trainer development worldwide. As a JCI Training Mentor, she also develops and mentors trainers across cultures and continents.
Marlen has further expanded her expertise into international diplomacy and sustainable development through studies with UNITAR and collaborations with organizations including the SDG Academy and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for Global Citizens. These experiences bring a global and cross-sector perspective to her work with leaders in business and civil society.
Whether working with corporate leadership teams, mentoring international trainers, or designing global leadership programs, Marlen's focus remains consistent: developing leaders who can navigate complexity, bring people together, and turn leadership into positive impact.
International leader, communication expert, speaker, and public-sector executive
Argenis Angulo is an international leader, communication expert, speaker, and public-sector executive whose career has been dedicated to turning vision into action and leadership into meaningful impact.
With a professional foundation in journalism and strategic communication, Argenis has built his career around one of leadership's most essential capabilities: the ability to communicate ideas, connect people, and mobilize them toward a common purpose. He holds a Master's degree in Communication Sciences with a focus on management and has further strengthened his executive expertise through the Global Business Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and professional certification in leadership program development by the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
His leadership experience spans civil society, international organizations, media, and government. He served in a senior executive role within the Government of Zulia, Venezuela, bringing his experience in leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement into the complex environment of public administration.
In 2022, Argenis served as World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), following a leadership journey that took him from local and national presidency to Vice President and Executive Vice President at the global level. Leading an international organization with a presence in more than 100 countries gave him extensive firsthand experience in cross-cultural leadership, diplomacy, organizational transformation, and inspiring people across borders.
During his presidency, he championed the principle “Leading is Our Duty” and initiated the Universal Declaration of Human Duties for Leaders, placing responsibility and ethical leadership at the center of the global conversation about leadership.
As a journalist, columnist, speaker, political leader, and leadership educator, Argenis combines the power of communication with practical leadership experience.
His work reflects a clear conviction: successful leadership is not defined by position, but by the ability to create trust, inspire action, and take responsibility for turning ideas into lasting impact.
International business leader, entrepreneur, and leadership expert
Lars Hajslund is an international business leader, entrepreneur, and leadership expert with decades of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve stronger performance and sustainable growth.
Having worked with high-performing organizations in 123 countries, including 44 U.S. states, Lars brings an exceptional understanding of what drives success across different markets, cultures, and organizational environments. Throughout his career, he has led organizations ranging from 4 to 180,000 people, giving him firsthand experience of leadership and performance at every scale.
His work focuses on what ultimately makes organizations successful: the right strategy, effective communication, strong leadership, and the ability to turn ideas into results. His approach is highly practical, combining strategic thinking with creativity and extensive real-world leadership experience.
As Co-founder and Principal of CLICK Institute and Founder of Be Better Academy, Lars works with leaders and organizations to strengthen performance, accelerate growth, and build the capabilities needed to succeed in changing environments. He also serves as chairman and board member of several companies and foundations, contributing his experience at both strategic and operational levels.
Alongside his business career, Lars has built an extraordinary track record in developing leaders globally. He served as President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) in 2006, and for 11 years led the JCI Academy in Japan. He has also led national leadership academies across five continents, developing generations of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Whether advising executives, developing emerging leaders, or speaking on stages around the world, Lars brings one consistent focus: helping people and organizations perform better, grow stronger, and turn leadership into tangible results.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Who this is for
For people leading other people, projects, partnerships or stakeholders, with or without formal authority.
Recently promoted. Needs tools for feedback, motivation, conflict and performance.
Works in ESG, CSR, NGO, public or institutional settings. Needs partnership-building and tools for leading under constraints.
Building team and culture. Needs routines for decision-making, delegation and scaling execution.
Applications
You can apply on your own, or be nominated by your company, organisation or partner. Applications are reviewed individually and acceptance is not automatic. Seats are limited to 50, so apply early.
Applications are available at airtable.com. Limited seats. Global perspective. Real outcomes.
Standard package
Full Academy participation plus 2 hotel nights at ibis Genève Centre Nations.
Participation-only package
Prefer to arrange your own stay? Choose the participation-only package at a reduced rate and book your accommodation independently.
Indicate your preferred option in the registration form. International travel to and from Geneva and local transportation are not included in either package.
Hotel and accommodation
Rue du Grand-Pré 33–35
1201 Geneva, Switzerland
Two nights, 13–15 October 2026, are included in the standard participation package.
Need additional nights? If you would like to arrive earlier or extend your stay in Geneva, please contact ibis Genève Centre Nations directly to arrange and book any additional nights.
Fatima Byambajav
Immersive Leadership Academy Coordinator
Participation feeCHF 3,500
Per participant, standard package including two hotel nights
What's included
What's not included
Supporting documentation such as an invitation letter may be issued where needed. Participants remain responsible for obtaining the required Swiss or Schengen visa.
For companies · HR and L&D
Develop your high-potentials. Measurable ROI, real behaviour change, and no internal academy to build.
Many organisations promote strong individual performers before they are fully equipped to lead others. That creates measurable risk: weak delegation, unclear communication, poor conflict handling, low ownership, stakeholder misalignment and slow execution.
The Academy closes that gap through a compact, structured and internationally oriented development experience.
The programme moves participants from knowledge to behaviour: understand, practise, receive feedback, reflect, apply.
| Methodology | How we apply it | Participant outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential learning | Short inputs followed by practice, reflection and application. | Learning by doing, not only by listening. |
| Simulation-based training | Realistic leadership situations: stakeholder mapping, negotiation, conflict and team dynamics. | Stronger confidence in complex leadership situations. |
| Action learning | Participants work on real leadership challenges from their own context. | Direct transfer from the Academy to the workplace. |
| Peer learning | A curated global cohort works in teams, exchanges perspectives and gives feedback. | Broader perspective, stronger collaboration and a global network. |
| Coaching and reflection | Guided self-assessment, leadership identity work and personal reflection. | Greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence and leadership clarity. |
| Challenge-based learning | Team challenges, stakeholder strategy and a final pitch. | Better execution, structured thinking and the ability to turn ideas into action. |
| Workplace transfer | Each participant creates a 60 to 90 day action plan. | A clear implementation plan after the Academy. |
| Evaluation and feedback | Trainer observation, peer feedback, final pitch and optional follow-up. | Visible progress and measurable development outcomes. |
Impact can be measured through:
First-Time Managers stepping into people leadership, Impact Builders in ESG, CSR, NGOs, public institutions or foundations, and Early Founders or Operators building teams, culture and execution.
About
Vision
Develop world-class emerging leaders who create measurable impact in business and society.
Mission
Deliver an action-based leadership academy that equips emerging leaders with the mindset, tools and network to lead people and stakeholders, execute under complexity, and translate purpose into results.
For over a century, Junior Chamber International has empowered young people to lead, to innovate and to build stronger communities across the globe. Our story is driven by action, and it's only just beginning.
JCI members span more than 5,000 communities in over 100 countries. Through local initiatives and international collaboration we create a ripple effect of change that crosses borders and cultures, connecting young leaders worldwide around knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and joint projects that address societal challenges.
Find out more at jci.ccQuestions
About the Academy
A premium leadership intensive for emerging leaders who are ready to lead people, stakeholders and change, with or without formal authority.
To help emerging leaders build practical leadership skills, stronger self-awareness, stakeholder influence and the ability to turn purpose into measurable action.
No. The Academy is not a conference or a passive learning event. It is an action-based programme built around practice, simulations, peer learning, reflection and real leadership challenges.
The Academy is organised by JCI.
Participants and eligibility
No. The Academy is also designed for people who lead without formal authority, through projects, partnerships, stakeholder work, team coordination or entrepreneurial initiatives.
The ideal participant has around 3 to 8 years of professional experience. The most important factor is not age or title, but current leadership responsibility and readiness to grow.
There is no strict age limit. The Academy is designed for emerging leaders, usually early in their leadership journey.
Yes. We welcome a global cohort of selected participants. Participants are responsible for ensuring they can travel to Switzerland and obtain any required visa.
Programme and learning experience
An evidence-informed leadership development approach: experiential learning, simulations, action learning, peer learning, coaching reflection, challenge-based learning and workplace transfer.
Yes. Participants are expected to bring or connect the learning to real leadership challenges from their work, organisation or project context.
Yes. Participants who complete the Academy receive a certificate of participation.
Dates, location and logistics
The core programme runs from 13 to 15 October 2026 within a wider Monday to Saturday travel window. Plan your travel accordingly.
The cohort is limited to 50 selected participants to protect the quality of interaction, peer learning and personal feedback.
Accommodation is arranged at ibis Genève Centre Nations, Rue du Grand-Pré 33–35, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland. Two nights, 13–15 October 2026, are included in the standard participation package.
Yes. If you would like to arrive earlier or extend your stay in Geneva, please contact ibis Genève Centre Nations directly to arrange and book any additional nights. Additional hotel nights are not included in either package.
Yes. The participation-only package is available at a reduced rate if you prefer to book your accommodation independently. Indicate your preferred option in the registration form.
Meals according to the programme are included, along with drinks and snacks provided at the training venue and non-alcoholic beverages during organised dinners where included. Meals and drinks outside the official programme and coverage are not included.
No. International and local travel are not included unless stated otherwise. Participants arrange their own travel to and from Geneva.
Where needed, participants may receive supporting documentation such as an invitation letter. Participants remain responsible for obtaining the required Swiss or Schengen visa.
For companies and partners
The Academy develops emerging leaders who can lead people, influence stakeholders and deliver results under complexity.
Yes. It is especially relevant for mid-sized companies, fast-growing organisations and institutions that want high-quality leadership development without building a full internal academy.
Yes. The programme covers stakeholder leadership, cultural intelligence, partnership thinking, systems perspective and execution under constraints.
Yes. Sponsorship or partner participation may be possible. Contact [email protected] for details.
Refunds, transfers and terms
By registering, participants confirm they have read and accepted the Terms and Conditions for the JCI Immersive Leadership Academy, including the JCI Event Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy, personal data consent, media consent, refund policy, liability waiver and behavioural expectations.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] with supporting documentation. Refunds are processed within 30 business days using the original payment method. Refunds are subject to an administrative fee of CHF 150 and follow these deadlines:
No. For tickets that include hotel accommodation, the accommodation cost is entirely non-refundable. Any eligible refund is calculated on the net ticket cost, excluding the non-refundable accommodation cost.
Visa-related refund requests will only be considered if JCI is notified in writing by 15 August 2026. No visa-related refunds will be granted or considered after that date.
Yes, provided the replacement participant meets all Academy eligibility criteria. Ticket transfers are subject to an administrative fee of CHF 150.
Bundle tickets are sold at a promotional discounted rate. If a partial cancellation breaks the required number of tickets for the bundle, the promotional discount is forfeited. Remaining active tickets are recalculated at the standard individual rate and the difference is deducted from any eligible refund.
A 75% refund may be granted in cases involving documented illness or the death of an immediate family member.
Code of conduct, data and media
Participants are expected to maintain respectful behaviour towards all participants, staff and organisers. Harassment, discrimination or inappropriate conduct may result in removal from the event without refund.
Participants agree to follow the JCI Event Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy, which ensures a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all participants.
Participants can report incidents of harassment or inappropriate behaviour according to the procedure outlined in the JCI Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy.
Yes. By registering, participants grant JCI permission to use their image, voice and likeness captured during the event for promotional and educational purposes without further approval or compensation.
Personal information may be collected, processed and shared for event management purposes, including registration, communication and post-event surveys.
JCI is not responsible for personal injury, property damage, loss or theft that may occur during the event.
JCI National and Local Organisation cashbacks
Cashback incentives or rebates offered to NOs and LOs for selling tickets are conditional on the registered participant completing the event.
If a ticket is cancelled for a refund under any circumstances, no cashback will be granted or paid to the respective National or Local Organisation for that ticket.
Eligible cashback amounts are processed and paid to the respective organisation within 60 business days following the closing ceremony of the event.
Applications open
Fifty selected participants. Three days in Geneva. A 60 to 90 day action plan you can implement.
