Leadership doesn’t only rest exclusively in the hands of the leader. To get your business going, you have to get your people on board. This three-day programme by RSM Executive Education will boost your skills to inspire, engage and motivate others, and teaches you the power of presence to reach your organisation’s goals.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
You will learn new perspectives and techniques to reach your highest personal and professional potentials as a leader, including how to build trust, manage conflict, use positive emotions for successful decision-making, and implement effective time management. Your new non-verbal communication skills, such as presence and body language, will motivate and inspire people to achieve their best. You will also create an awareness and expansion of your repertoire as a leader. Connect, inspire and motivate your team by having your message congruent with your body language and voice.
The programme was an enjoyable and enriching challenge that exceeded my expectations. I chose RSM based on its reputation and the experience of the trainers, and for a holistic approach to leadership development. What stood out was the focus on scientific context and practical self-management tools that enabled me to shape my unique leadership style and to mobilise and nurture the talents within my team. I appreciated the emphasis on effective non-verbal communication for leading under pressure. I learned to consciously use my presence with body language and voice for difficult communications and decision-making, making me a more effective leader. It was a transformative journey that has empowered me to connect, inspire, and motivate. I highly recommend it.
During the Essentials of Leadership Programme you will learn from Mr. Patrick Lybaert, Ms. Amanda Wolzak and Mr. Antonie Knoppers. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Patrick Lybaert is a trainer and consultant in organisational growth and development, corporate transformation and culture change. He has led courses in the European banking sector, and conducts individual coaching and counselling for managers. He works with top management teams to help them to define mission, strategy and vision, and to find ways to work effectively to achieve their goals. He co-founded several organisations to support managers moving up towards success, deliver seminars and learning solutions worldwide, and create a network of global leadership experts and practitioners. More than 40,000 participants from various sectors have attended Patrick’s seminars.
Antonie Knoppers is a trainer, coach, facilitator, guest speaker and actor. He trains individuals and teams on leadership and personal development, presence, communication skills, storytelling, and presentation through his company D&A Trainingen. He is co-author of Leading with Presence (Emerald Publishing 2021) and wrote How To Have Effective Zoom Meetings—And Make Them Less Boring for Forbes magazine (March 2021). He is adjunct faculty at RSM and guest faculty at Nyenrode University and the University of Maastricht. Antonie holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University (Summa Cum Laude) and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of San Diego/Old Globe Theatre.
Amanda Wolzak is a trainer at RSM and teaches the Essentials of Leadership. As a trainer in the business world, Amanda specialises in voice, presence, storytelling and improvisation. Her previous work in professional theatre and film and drama across the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Finland has enriched her training capabilities. And she calls on the teachings of Grotowski, Le Page, Brecht and Stanislavski in her work. Amanda’s goal is to inspire, invent and challenge students to be in the moment and release tension when presenting to small and large groups. She has worked in Europe, USA, and South Africa with company consultants, HR specialists, technical staff, CFOs and CEOs.
11 - 13 June 2025
6 - 8 October 2025
2 - 4 December 2025
€ 3,800 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam. See more information in the Transportation, directions and accommodation section below.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.
Client engagement officer
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.