Senior leaders today face complex choices: how do you stay relevant, energised, and influential in a world that never stops changing? EDGE gives you the tools to consciously strengthen your leadership and evolve with impact. Leaders are constantly challenged to reframe their mission, rediscover what energises them, and shape their next chapter with intent. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, combining multiple responsibilities, or seeking to renew your leadership journey — the ability to evolve with clarity and purpose is your greatest strength.
EDGE: Explore. Design. Grow. Emerge. is a six-month executive lab for experienced leaders ready to evolve with purpose. It is a transformative experience that guides you from reflection to clarity, from clarity to action, and from action to visible impact. The programme is led by Prof. Dr. Svetlana Khapova, a global expert in leadership and organisational growth, and Regina Kuzmina, advisor, coach, and business executive whose leadership journey has been defined by a passion for developing and empowering talent and teams. You will blend leadership psychology, behavioral science, and design thinking to refine your leadership identity, clarify your direction, and strengthen your influence. Over six months, you will work closely with experts to identity, design new pathways, and amplify your impact with confidence and authenticity
By the end of the programme, you will have gained deep self-awareness, designed a clear and purposeful leadership direction, and strengthened your confidence, influence, and visibility. Emerging with renewed energy and a distinct leadership identity, ready for your next chapter.
EDGE at a glance
Programme Type: Open Enrolment Leadership Academy
Degree: Post-Graduate Certificate
Duration: 6 months, 3 x in-person modules (2.5 days each)
Start Date: February 2026
Tuition Fee: €7.500
Language: English
Location: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Required: Executive-level experience
Application Deadline: January 2026
Who this programme is for
EDGE is designed for senior leaders ready to reinvent themselves.
Ideal participants:
- At a strategic inflection point preparing for what’s next
- Ready to step up in their career or exploring portfolio career, board roles, or entrepreneurial directions
- Seeking renewed clarity, confidence, and energy for the next phase
- 10+ years of leadership experience and a global mindset
Why choose this programme
EDGE integrates psychological depth, strategic clarity, and practical tools in one immersive journey. It’s designed for senior professionals who want to develop their leadership skills.
- Strategic and unconventional: Use behavioral science, leadership psychology, and design thinking to tackle complex challenges
- Peer-powered and trusted: Learn alongside a select group of experienced leaders in a safe, open environment under Chatham House Rule
- Modular and actionable: Three phases (Explore → Design → Grow & Emerge) translate insights directly into concrete actions
- World-class faculty: Globally recognized experts in leadership development, career design and executive presence
- Evidence-based tools: Hogan insights, job-crafting frameworks, and stakeholder mapping for informed choices
- Sustainable impact: Alumni labs and coaching ensure that your growth remains visible after the program
