Masterclass: Leadership in Extreme Environments
Master resilience, decision-making, and leadership under pressure
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How do astronauts, pilots, and explorers lead successfully in the world’s most extreme environments? What can business leaders learn from their strategies?
Step into the mindset of a true visionary with Nancy Vermeulen, Belgian pilot, space expert, and former Mars simulation commander. In this immersive masterclass, she shares firsthand lessons from flying in war zones, leading space missions, and overcoming personal setbacks—giving you the tools to lead with confidence, adaptability, and resilience in any high-stakes situation.
What will your learn?
✅ Building resilience – Keep yourself and your team strong through crises and change
✅ Authentic leadership – Lead with integrity while inspiring those around you
✅ Decision-making under pressure – Make the right call, even with limited information
✅ Inspiring team dynamics – Motivate your team to go beyond their limits
What makes this masterclass unique?
🌍 Real-world experience – Lessons from aviation, space exploration, and crisis leadership
🗣 Interactive & hands-on – Ask questions, engage in discussions, and apply insights
🔬 Proven strategies – Rooted in astronaut training and ISO 31000 risk management
💡 Instant impact – Practical takeaways you can apply immediately
Ready to elevate your leadership skills? Book Nancy and learn to lead like an astronaut—focused, fearless, and future-ready. 🚀
Nancy Vermeulen is a former commercial airline pilot-instructor, Master in theoretical physics and astronomy, was Commander of a Mars simulation in Utah and took part in the ESA astronaut selections of 2008.
Bringing the universe closer to people and vice a versa, that is Nancy Vermeulen’s personal mission.
In 2018 she founded the Space Training Academy where she prepares private astronauts and suborbital scientists for their first journey into space.
She is an international motivational speaker and guest lecturer for, among others: TEDx events, Deloitte University and the European Commission. In 2021 she published a first book “Iedereen Ruimtevaarder” (Everyone an Astronaut) (Lannoo).
Nancy Vermeulen has brought her aerospace expertise into the business world as a strategic leadership advisor, guiding individuals and organizations toward leadership excellence. In March 2025, she published her second book, "Aerospace Attitudes" (Pelckmans) about communication and personal leadership. She also serves as an independent board member and is active in Rotary.
Strategic leadership advisor for whom the sky is not the limit
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