01.04.2026
Leadership Talent Academy: The journey begins!
We kicked of our fifth batch of the Startup:Yourself–Leadership Talent Academy (LTA) successfully with a first meeting on March 11 and the completion of the first module, which took place from March 20 to 22 at Kloster Obermarchtal.
To begin this intensive three-month journey, the new cohort of 20 master’s graduates, PhDs, and postdocs gathered at the Startup Center for a first meeting. The atmosphere was both motivating and open: after an inspiring speech by Katharina Springwald from the Karl Schlecht Stiftung, the participants connected with their future coaches in a speed-dating format and started building the peer group that will accompany them throughout the program. The kickoff also underlined that good leadership always starts with yourself.
The first module, held in the beautiful environment of an ancient monastery, built on this foundation and set the tone for the weeks ahead. Under the guidance of trainer Simone Ramelsberger, the participants explored coaching techniques and practiced how to ask thoughtful questions without steering others too strongly. They also trained active listening as a key leadership skill. The module then shifted toward self-leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging participants to reflect on their own values, strengths, and personal direction. Leadership was introduced not as a fixed role, but as something dynamic and adaptable. A central takeaway was the image of leadership as a balance board: good leaders need to move between four different roles (manager, coach, leader, and expert) depending on the situation.
The module ended with a personal reflection on each participant’s purpose statement: what matters to me, where do I want to go, and what kind of impact do I want to have? With that, the LTA journey truly began. The foundation has been laid, and the coming months will be intensive, collaborative, and transformative as the participants continue working with coaches and peers to grow into confident and responsible leaders.
We're looking forward to guide them through this journey!
About the Startup:Yourself–Leadership Talent Academy:
The Startup:Yourself – Leadership Talent Academy (LTA) helps you to find out whether you are a leader and provides you with valuable qualifications for a future leadership role in science, industry or as an entrepreneur. In workshops and individual coaching sessions, the LTA program focuses on personal strengths, people and leadership skills. We award 20 scholarships supported by the Karl Schlecht Stiftung (KSG). After successful completion, each participant will receive a certificate.
Find more information here.
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