Young Captain Program

Empowering the leaders of the future
This year, the program takes place on August 27 and 28, 2026.
Programma inhoud

The two-day Young Captain Program is a interactive leadership program provided by top executives from business and academia.

The Two Day Program
Top talent gains insight into boardroom dynamics and what this demands of them as future leaders. Technological, geopolitical, regulatory, societal, and climate developments are driving systemic shifts that are reshaping our lives and businesses. Organizations can no longer focus solely on short-term shareholder value; they must create sustainable long-term value for multiple stakeholders by balancing financial performance, transparency, social interests, and environmental responsibility.

In times of uncertainty, the quality of board decisions defines their effectiveness. These themes are at the heart of the two-day Young Captain Program.

This year, the program takes place on August 27 and 2
About the Program
“What I'm taking away from these days is the opportunity to zoom out of daily practice, reflect on your leadership style and share it with other like-minded people.”
Saskia Reckers
Post NL
For Whom

This two-day program is offered to all candidates who have been nominated by their organization for the Young Captain Award 2026, and who have been selected because of their potential to contribute at the highest level within their company.

They distinguish themselves through courage, decisiveness, and originality, bring an international perspective, and view leadership as a social, personal, and economic responsibility.

The program offers unique insight into the essential skills required at board level and prepares you for boardroom readiness.
By Whom
The program is offered by Young Captain Netherlands, in close collaboration with its expert partners, with the mission to further strengthen the knowledge, ambitions, talent, and visibility of the next generation of executives.

Together with our partners, we take participants into the world of the boardroom and prepare them for responsibilities at that level.

The Value for you as a Participant

This program is excellent preparation for the next step in your career. Led by experienced professionals with boardroom experience, it shows what is expected of you at board level.

You are personally challenged and taken out of your comfort zone, particularly in your development as a leader.
The program broadens your perspective on governance issues, also in relation to macroeconomic developments, and thereby contributes to your own development.
You build a valuable network of promising leaders.
In interaction with fellow participants, you look beyond the issues in your own sector.
You increase your visibility as a promising leader and strengthen your position as a future board member.

The added value for your organization

Participation in this program is a meaningful investment in both your current and your future role within the organization.

The program increases your insight into societal, environmental, and governance issues, thereby strengthening your readiness for leadership positions.
The program expands your network and reinforces the visibility of your organization as a company that actively supports talented and responsible leaders.

The Young Captain Journey
in 7 Steps

May - June

Step 2

Submit a resume, cover letter,
letter of recommendation and vlog
No later than 30 June
August

Step 5

Jury interviews with nominees
24 September
October
November

Step 1

Nomination of candidates

Step 3

Young Captain Program
27 & 28 August
September

Step 4

  • Judging by the jury
  • Announcing the 8 strongest candidates
Read more ->

Step 6

Final jury interviews
12 October

Step 7

Young Captain Award Ceremony
9 november

News

Media training for Kaya de Lange & Damla Hendriks