Why we need a new kind of leadership
Organisations face increasingly complex challenges: the climate crisis, social change and ever more diverse teams. That is why “doing less harm” is no longer enough. Instead, we need leadership that can see the whole system.
Sustainability aims to reduce negative impacts. Regeneration, however, goes one step further: it repairs, renews and helps people, communities and the environment to grow. As a result, those who lead organisations need new skills, not just new rules.
Regenerative leadership: a leadership style focused on creating systems that repair, renew and grow, rather than simply maintaining the status quo. It puts people, the planet and future generations at the heart of every decision.
Fit for Future: free training in regenerative leadership
Fit for Future supports organisations in the shift from sustainability to regeneration. The content was developed and tested by a European partnership of 8 organisations, as part of the Erasmus+ programme.
The programme is free and private: it is delivered only to your team, on the real challenges of your organisation. In other words, it is training for your organisation and about your organisation.
Who it is for
- Managers and people in leadership roles
- Educators, trainers and vocational education staff
- HR managers and team coordinators
- Companies, non-profits, schools and educational organisations
There are no limits on sector or size: any organisation can request it.
The 8 modules of the free leadership course
The course is organised into 8 modules and 3 stages: vision, people and action. You can follow them all in sequence or choose only the most useful ones. All materials are available on the Fit for the Future training materials page.
Stage 1: vision
- From sustainability to regeneration. Why “doing less harm” is no longer enough, and how to strategically reorient the organisation.
- Applying systems thinking. Seeing organisations as living systems, with their connections, feedback loops and leverage points.
Stage 2: people
- Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion. Turning differences into a resource for collaboration, innovation and wellbeing.
- Bias awareness and inclusive decision-making. Recognising unconscious bias through an intersectional lens and making fairer decisions.
- Personal leadership in complexity. Self-awareness, resilience and adaptability to lead through uncertainty.
Stage 3: action
- Co-creating transformational change. Designing change together with stakeholders, through participatory approaches.
- Measuring impact. Going beyond counting activities, with useful indicators for continuous regeneration.
- Regenerative organisational practice. Turning values into everyday actions that are inclusive and wellbeing-oriented.
How the free leadership training works
The programme adapts to the needs of each organisation. In fact, it can last from a single 2-hour session to a series of meetings.
- Tailor-made: you choose the modules, the length and the schedule.
- Online or in person: in-person sessions take place at your organisation’s premises.
- Free and private: no cost, and a group made up only of your team.
Each session combines short theoretical inputs, group activities, reflection exercises and worksheets. Moreover, it always ends with concrete actions to apply in your own context.
What you receive
- Europass certificate of attendance, recognised across Europe
- Materials and toolkit for your organisation to keep
- The Fit for the Future board game, to keep learning together
Results of the pilot
The course was piloted in 2026 in Leipzig, Germany, with participants from several European countries. 94.1% reported a significant impact on their understanding of future challenges. In addition, 88.2% felt fully prepared to face change.
Who leads the training
The training is led by Marco De Cave, trainer with an M.Sc. in Peace and Development Work. He is an expert in European project design for non-profits and businesses, communication and the non-profit sector. He also works in youth work and digital education.
“There are no actions that concern just one issue, because our lives never concern just one issue.” — Marco De Cave
How to request the free leadership training
Requests are open until 30 October 2026. To bring the programme to your organisation, contact the trainer directly:
- Marco De Cave – Polislab | Centre for education and training
- Phone: +39 331 230 1447
- Email: m.decave@polisedu.it
If you would like in-person training, mention in your request that you can provide a venue. Before getting in touch, you can also browse the Fit for the Future course materials.
Frequently asked questions
Is the training really free?
Yes. The programme is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, so there is no cost for your organisation.
How long does the course last?
It depends on your needs. It starts from a single 2-hour session and can grow into a programme of several meetings.
Is the course open to individuals?
No. It is a private programme, reserved for an organisation and its team.
Do participants receive a certificate?
Yes. At the end, each participant receives a Europass certificate of attendance, recognised across Europe.
Project no. 2024-1-FR01-KA220-VET-000244092, co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.in