Asiakastarinat
Johtamisvalmennus, joka “avasi aivan uuden maailman” – Kokemuksia Emergy® AITO JOHTAJA -valmennuksesta
Millaista on kehittyä johtajana – ei vain tiedollisesti, vaan syväsukeltaen
Emergy®
authentic leader
Leadership and
Self-Awareness
Individual Training
Do you sometimes feel that although people nod along, genuine commitment is missing?
Do you find yourself spending more time on miscellaneous tasks than truly advancing what matters most?
Do you lead reactively under pressure — or are you able to pause and choose what will genuinely move things forward?
Please note: the next group starting in autumn 2026 is now full. If you’re interested, please leave your details and we will keep you updated on the future groups.
If you want to bring your leadership and self-understanding to a truly new level, join our Emergy® AUTHENTIC LEADER training.
This program uses an unprecedented integration of individual therapy, coaching, and organizational development grounded in the Gestalt approach.
Emergy® AUTHENTIC LEADER is a profound and practical training program for experienced leaders, leadership trainers, and organizational development professionals. It offers a rare opportunity to pause, examine your leadership, and strengthen your ability to act authentically, impactfully, and humanely — even under pressure.
Building authentic leadership — a deep learning journey for experienced leaders
Leadership today requires more than ever: the capacity to meet constant change, sensitivity to perceive group dynamics, and courage to look honestly in the mirror.
Traditional leadership training often delivers models, metrics, and methods — but what if we need something more? Something that goes deeper and builds your leadership as a person, not just a role?
In this program for experienced leaders and professionals in organizational and leadership development, you deepen your self-understanding, learn to see beneath surface fluctuations, and examine leadership and change dynamics from fresh perspectives — at the individual, group, and organizational levels.
This one-year training begins in September 2026 and ends in August 2027. After the first year, you may continue for a second year and pursue the international Gestalt Practitioner in Organizations (GPO) certification.
The training uses a holistic Gestalt approach that combines experiential learning, rich theory, and effective practical skills. The program strengthens your capacity to lead change, lead with impact in varied situations, and build a culture of trust within your organization.
This training offers a personal, multi-layered learning path, where you can challenge yourself in new ways both as a person and as a leader.
From the Emergy® AUTHENTIC LEADER training, you will acquire practical skills and tools that help you elevate your leadership:
What will you gain?
1. Self-awareness and ability to reflect
You will recognize your blind social skills.
2. Strengthened emotional and interactional skills
You will learn to meet emotions constructively — even the difficult ones.
3. Understanding group dynamics and your own influence
You see situations in the broader context and discern your potential for impact.
4. Concrete applicability
You bring insights directly into daily leadership
Alongside, you will meet inspiring contacts and join a growing network of Gestalt professionals.
Who is this for?
Emergy® AUTHENTIC LEADER training program is suitable for you if you are:
An experienced leader/supervisor with significant leadership experience seeking a deeper way to understand yourself and influence others, aiming to develop emotional intelligence, interaction skills, and understanding of group dynamics
An HR leader, development manager, change leader, coach, or consultant responsible for organizational development, change leadership, or culture work.
A coaching professional wanting to deepen the impact of your work through experiential and self-reflective learning.
What is Gestalt?
The Gestalt approach (or Gestalt therapy / Gestalt psychology, depending on context) is based on the idea that a person and their experiences should be viewed as a whole, not as separate parts. The German word Gestalt means “whole” or “shape.”
1. Gestalt psychology
It emphasizes that a person perceives not just individual stimuli but meaningful wholes (for example, in music we hear a melody, not separate notes). In organizations, individual events, words or actions never appear in isolation — they become part of a larger pattern: the emotional climate, culture, or leadership style. One comment by a leader acquires meaning only in relation to how the whole “pattern” has been formed through earlier experiences and the shared context.
2. Gestalt therapy, coaching & organizational development
They emphasize awareness (“here and now” experience). The premise is that challenges in individuals and organizations often arise because people are disconnected from their emotions, needs, or environment. It emphasizes interaction, experiential exercises, and taking responsibility for one’s own life.
Key principles of the Gestalt approach:
Here and now: attention to the present moment rather than only past analysis
Contact and connection: relation to self, others, and environment
Awareness or presence in the moment: being conscious of what one feels, thinks, observes, and does
Field theory: understanding of the whole system – the individual is more than the sum of parts
The paradoxical theory of change: true change happens not by trying to become something else, but by fully accepting who and what one is in the present moment
Personal responsibility: one is the creator of their own experiences, choices, and reactions in the present moment
What Gestalt adds to leadership development?
In leadership development, Gestalt thinking helps understand that a person always acts in relation to their environment.
Leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum — every emotion, decision and interaction is part of a broader context.
The program blends theory, experiential learning, and reflective work. It does not teach how one should lead, but investigates who I am as a leader. Learning is both deep and practical — therefore meaningful.
We don’t teach you how to lead; we explore: who am I as a leader? Learning is both deep and practical — thus meaningful.
Concrete outcomes
1. You learn to see situations holistically, identify what matters, and make decisions that take both people and business results into account.
2. You strengthen your presence, your capacity to perceive complexity, and your ability to build trust even in a hurry.
3. You learn to recognize hidden dynamics and turn reactive responses into deliberate choices so that both people and outcomes flourish.
- Leaders, supervisors, trainers, consultants, workplace advisors
- In-person training: 6 × 3 days (Niittykumpu, Espoo)
- Duration: one year (option to continue for second year)
- Language: English and Finnish
- Cost: 5950€ (+ alv)
Training content:
The training includes in-person days, participant case studies, interventions, and small-group work. Graduates receive a certificate. After the year, you have the option to continue for the second year program and apply for the international Gestalt Practitioner in Organizations (GPO) certification.
1.
Module 1:
Introduction to Gestalt
10.-12.9.2026
2.
Module 2:
Story of an organization
19.-21.11.2026
3.
Module 3:
Field theory and culture
28.-30.1.2027
4.
Module 4:
Change & Gestalt cycle
18.-20.3.2027
5.
Module 5:
Organizations as systems
27.-29.5.2027
6.
Module 6:
Ending relationships and closure
26.-28.8.2027
Training schedule and content of modules:
Please see the bios of all trainers in the end of this page.*
Module 1: Introduction to Gestalt
10.-12.9.2026
Trainer Jarkko Rantanen
We will explore the basic principles of Gestalt thinking and how they relate to leadership and communication. The module provides an overview of key Gestalt theories and working principles, while also engaging participants in activating, experiential, and insightful methods. This module lays the foundation for the entire program and offers participants their first simple exercises through which Gestalt thinking begins to transform into practical skills immediately.
Module 2: Story of an organization
19.-21.11.2026
Trainer Yannis Angelis
Every organization has its own unique story, shaped by its history, vision, mission, strategy, culture, and behaviors. As a leader, it is essential to listen to and respect this story, as it provides valuable insights into the organization’s core elements and potential areas for development. During this module, we will dive into the multi-layered dimensions of organizational stories, with a particular focus on a phenomenological (experience-exploring) attitude. By examining and understanding the different levels of an organization’s story, we can deepen our awareness of its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth and development.
Module 3: Field theory and culture
28.-30.1.2027
Trainer Talia Bar-Yoseph Levine
Understanding our own hidden assumptions and applying process-oriented leadership approaches can lead to more conscious decision-making and presence. In this module, we will deepen our understanding of Gestalt’s theoretical perspective on organizations and change, focusing especially on the concepts of Awareness and Field Theory. We will also use this session as a learning model for building strong relationships with employees and teams.
Module 4: Change & Gestalt cycle
18.-20.3.2027
Trainer Ionna Rizou
Leadership is often seen as an individual-centered activity in which one person steers and controls the organization. We believe, however, that leadership takes place in the collective field, as a group phenomenon. A true leader is someone who can inspire and enable dialogue among organizational members, fostering collaborative, participatory decision-making.
In this moduule, we will explore the concept of dialogic leadership and how it can be applied in different types of organizations. Through dialogic leadership, we can gain new insights into how to build stronger relationships with team members, foster creativity and innovation, and create a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Module 5: Organizations as systems
27.-29.5.2027
Trainer Alice Wiegers
An organization can be viewed as a living system. There are organizing forces independent of human action that exist to maintain the system’s dynamic balance.
In this module, you will increase your awareness of these dynamics. You will practice systemic principles and methods to explore hidden forces: time (order), place (belonging), and exchange. Looking at organizational questions from a systemic perspective reveals energies at the level of the whole system. This can be a valuable resource for leaders and change facilitators.
Module 6: Ending relationships and closure
26.-28.8.2027
Trainer Frans Meulmeester
Every relationship has its beginning and its end. The ending requires just as much time and attention as the beginning. Careful work at the closing stage helps complete unfinished experiences and enables re-orientation.
In this module, we will focus on consciously ending relationships and projects in the workplace. We will also reflect on the contributions of the small groups. Concluding the entire training program itself is an essential part of this module.
Personal benefits for you
Past participants report having especially gained:
Greater self-confidence and courage to face challenging interaction situations (e.g. underperformance discussions, change negotiations, conflicts).
Ability to recognize and verbalize emotions in oneself and others — reducing misunderstandings and diffusing tension.
Deep self-understanding: discovering blind spots, growing in them, and strengthening your leadership identity.
Resilience and pressure tolerance:
managing your own reactions and staying functional even in demanding situations.
Benefits to your organization:
Increased change capability: the organization can implement changes more smoothly when emotions are handled constructively and social interactions flow smoothly.
Fewer escalating conflicts: improves workplace climate and saves time and costs.
Building a trusting atmosphere: enables an open discussion culture where ideas and development suggestions are surfaced more easily.
Productivity and commitment grow: people can focus on work; less time/energy is wasted on internal friction.
Interested?
The next group starting in autumn 2026 is now full. Please leave your details below and join our waiting list for the future groups. No obligations, just updates.
The AUTHENTIC LEADER program gives you practical tools and deep insight and direct experience for leading with difficult emotions, interaction challenges, and change.
With the program, you strengthen your leadership, build trustful and open workplace atmospheres, and increase your organization’s capacity for change.
Apply now and we will schedule a non-binding initial conversation (via Teams) to discuss the training and its suitability for your situation. The initial discussion will be with Jarkko Rantanen.
*Trainers in the AUTHENTIC LEADER training program
Jarkko Rantanen is Emergy’s founding partner. Jarkko has worked for more than 20 years with leaders, leadership teams, and organizations on developing emotional skills. He is a psychologist, author of several books on emotions in working life, as well as a Gestalt therapist, organizational trainer, and consultant. Jarkko is a highly regarded and well-liked trainer whose sessions combine theoretical insights, impactful experiences, and practical, concrete methods.
Ioanna Rizouis a psychologist, Gestalt psychotherapist, and Gestalt-based organizational developer working in Athens, Greece. After completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, she began her career as a career counselor in Athens and later as a communications manager. During this time, she also pursued studies in Gestalt psychotherapy as well as an MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business.
Since 2011, she has worked as a psychologist and psychotherapist, supporting adults and young people in discovering new and more effective ways to meet their needs, improve communication, and engage in creative work toward the life they aspire to. Alongside her private practice, Ioanna collaborates with companies and international organizations, training groups in the field of organizational development.
Her Gestalt-based work is featured in the book The Art of Change – Gestalt: A Different Approach for Organizations, which she co-authored with Frans Meulmeester and George Stamatis. Ioanna is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the Hellenic Association for Gestalt Psychotherapy, and the European Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT).
Yannis Angelis is a Gestalt-based organizational developer and trainer, narrative strategist, and artist. He has worked for over 25 years in various development roles within organizations. His work is grounded in the principles of Gestalt therapy, Theory U, narrative therapy, Warm Data, and the Art of Hosting methodology. He has a background in Gestalt-based organizational development and change work, as well as in narrative therapy and community practice.
Yannis is a founding member of the INTAGIO Association, which aims to further develop Gestalt theory, methods, and practices within organizations — offering an independent and unique contribution to the communities and societies it serves.
He facilitates participatory processes both in physical and digital spaces. He also trains in the pedagogy, philosophy, psychology, and technology of online spaces and meetings, fostering a shift in awareness toward engagement, effectiveness, and the well-being of all participants.
Yannis is also co-author of the books Transforming Organizations and Beyond Storytelling, which explore how narrative approaches can support individual growth, community building, and organizational transformation.
Alice Wiegers has nearly 30 years of experience in leadership training. She holds an academic background in psychology and education. In her search for a deeper and more embodied way of working, she has trained as a Gestalt coach and systemic facilitator. In her teaching and facilitation, Alice values creating calm, and she is an advocate for honesty and compassion.
Talia Bar-Yoseph Levine is a clinical psychologist, Gestalt therapist, international trainer, supervisor, and management consultant. (Her areas of expertise include organizational change, leadership and team development, and family businesses.) Talia believes that Gestalt philosophy forms the foundation for human connection, dialogic leadership, and bridging differences — and represents a unique contribution to building a better world.
She has served as head of the Gestalt Department at the Metanoia Institute in London, where she achieved academic MSc recognition for the program. In addition, she was the academic director of an eight-year training program in the Czech and Slovak Republics, as well as a five-year training program in Greece. She has also contributed to organizational, psychotherapy, and supervision training programs in several countries.
Currently, she serves as the President of the Israeli Gestalt Association and its representative at the EAGT, as well as Vice President of the Gestalt Institute of Jerusalem. She is also a former President of the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT) and a former member of the INTAGIO Executive Committee.
Talia has edited several books, including The Bridge – Dialogues across Cultures and Gestalt Therapy Advances in Theory and Practice (2011), as well as From Here to Later (2021), which addresses systems in the midst of global crisis. She has published extensively in books and journals. Talia is married, the mother of two, and grandmother of three.
Frans Meulmeester is an internationally known and respected Gestalt coach, and also the program’s lead trainer. Frans has worked as a teacher, trainer, and consultant for over 40 years. He began his career in education and later moved into healthcare. About 30 years ago, he founded his own training, consultancy, and therapy center called Invitation. Since then, he has worked as a Gestalt therapist, coach, consultant, trainer, and supervisor.
Frans has been involved in founding Gestalt training institutes in several countries, including Bulgaria, Georgia, and Nepal, and serves as a permanent or visiting trainer at many other Gestalt institutes worldwide. He is a full member of the European Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT), a registered Gestalt Practitioner in Organizations (EAGT), and a member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP).
At the core of all his work is his genuine interest in people, his enthusiasm for the Gestalt approach, and his extensive experience with organizations.
Our other trainings
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for?
Don’t worry – we’re here to help! Contact us, and together we’ll find the solution that’s right for you.