The 2026 Lab | Global Leadership Labs

The 2026 Lab:

We live in an era of profound disruption—social, technological, political, and environmental. The collapse of shared narratives and civic trust in the U.S. demands a new kind of leadership: one that is historically aware, culturally agile, and rooted in the human experience.

The Global Leadership Lab is a transformative leadership experience designed to immerse U.S.-based leaders in global contexts to cultivate new perspectives, collaborative spirit, and imaginative approaches to civic challenges back home. Launching in Pula, Croatia in September 2026, the inaugural Lab draws from the region’s rich intercultural history and values of commitment to pluralism, resilience, and unity. Participants will explore the Yugoslavian story, engage with local Croatian leaders, and reflect on what it means to lead across difference in a rapidly changing world.

Primary Goals:

Expose U.S. leaders to historical and cultural contexts that challenge dominant narratives.
Deepen understanding of leadership across difference, conflict, and reconciliation.
Create a generative space for reflection, innovation, and connection.
Gain clarity about bridging, belonging and impacts of othering

Anticipated Outcomes:

Strengthened civic imagination and commitment to pluralism.
New frameworks and leadership tools for tapping into our collective imagination.
Cross-cultural partnerships and peer support networks.

1. Engage fully in all
group sessions

The Commitment

This experience asks participants to:

2. Approach dialogue with humility and curiosity

3. Be present for the entire duration (Sept 19–26)

4. Seek to cultivate a more global perspective

Transformation requires presence.

This may not be for you if you’re looking for tourism, credentials, or quick answers.

Program Overview

Duration: 8 Days
Dates: September 19 - September 26, 2026

Participants: US-based business, civic and governmental leaders. Participation is limited to 20 leaders to ensure depth of dialogue and connection.

Key Program Elements:

Pre-work: Virtual sessions with local historians, curated readings, and film screenings.
Historical Immersion: Guided learning on Yugoslavia’s formation, fall, and legacy.
Cultural Exchange: Dialogue with Croatian leaders, artists, activists, and scholars.
Special lunch hosted by the City of Pula elected leaders.
Nature-Based Reflection: Day-long excursion to Brijuni National Park.
Creative Practice: Imagination workshop at ROJC cultural center (or other venue).
Exploration: Visits to Rovinj, local ecovillage in Bale, and historical sites like the Roman Arena.

What You’ll Experience

Learning with historians
Dialogue with local leaders
Nature & restoration
Exploration of Pula and surrounding historic towns
Imagination and learning sessions

Outcomes

New perspectives and insights
Deeper relationships
Frameworks for complexity
Renewed imagination

Program Investment

The total investment for the Global Leadership Lab - Pula, Croatia

Early Bird Rate: $3500 if registered and paid by 4/30/2026 includes tuition, hotel, excursions/activities, minimum of 2 meals per day and transports within Pula, Croatia and surrounding towns. For payments by credit card or PayPal, a 3% fee will be added.
Please note: for registrations after 5/1/2026, the program is offered at full rate of $4000.

Deposit: A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place in the cohort. Your registration is not confirmed until the deposit is received. (Contact us via email if you'd like info about payment plans.) All remaining tuition balances must be paid in full by June 30, 2026.

What's Included:

7 nights accommodations at Hotel Amfiteatar in the heart of Pula, Croatia
All excursions and planned activities including dialogues, site visits.
All meals during planned excursions/activities and all breakfasts
Transport in Pula and surrounding areas

What’s not included:

Transport from USA to Pula, Croatia and back to USA

2026 Lab Registration / Pula, Croatia

First name

Last name

Organization & Title/Role

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Will you be bringing a partner/spouse? If so, please provide name/email of partner/spouse. Note: We have a limited number of partner spots.

Please Review and Acknowledge

I understand that it is strongly recommended that I purchase travel insurance when purchasing my airline tickets.

I understand that I am responsible for my own travel arrangements from the US to Pula, Croatia including flight and other forms of transportation.

I understand that the full cost of the Global Leadership Lab in Pula Croatia is $3500 early bird rate if paid by April 30th, 2026.

I understand that if a payment plan is required, the full cost of the Global Leadership Lab in Pula, Croatia is $4000 for payments submitted on or after May 1, 2026 - June 30th, 2026.

Do You Have a Valid Passport?

Yes

Unsure

13. What sparked your interest in the Global Leadership Lab?

What leadership questions are you currently exploring in your work or community?

Cancellation Policy

We understand that circumstances can change. Due to the nature of international planning, speaker commitments, and limited cohort size, the following policy applies:

Cancellations on or before June 30, 2026: A 25% penalty of total tuition ($875) will apply.
Cancellations between July 1 and July 31, 2026: Eligible for a refund minus the non-refundable $1,000 deposit.
Cancellations after July 31, 2026: No refunds will be issued. However, tuition may be transferred to a future Global Leadership Lab cohort within 18 months of the original program date, subject to availability.

Transfer Policy

If you are unable to attend and cancel after July 31, 2026:

Your tuition may be applied to a future Global Leadership Lab offering.
Transfers must be requested in writing.
Future cohort placement is subject to space availability.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances when purchasing their airline tickets.

Commitment

By submitting your registration and deposit, you acknowledge and agree to the above payment and cancellation policies.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Flight Options:

You can choose to fly from Houston to Venice, Italy or to Zagreb, Croatia. Return flights to Venice are currently being sold from $900 to $1,000. A return flight to Zagreb currently costs anywhere between $800 to $1,100. Flights are 13 to 15 hours in duration.

Most of the flights from Houston to either Zagreb or Venice arrive in the early afternoon, so a one-night stay in Zagreb or Venice could be the best option. Travel insurance recommended.

Both cities have ample hotel and Airbnb accommodation options.

However, transportation options to avoid staying In Venice or Zagreb are also available.

Getting to Pula:

From Venice you can either take a ferry ($150 one way; 3.5 hours) or a speed boat (catamaran; $100 one way; 2 hours) to Pula.
You can also take a bus ($25; 4.5 hours).

From Zagreb you can fly (1 hour; $55) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or go by bus (4.5 hours; $25). This is usually the easiest option.

Ready to Join the Inaugural Cohort?

Spots are limited.

2026 Lab Registration / Pula, Croatia

Registration Deadline: APRIL 31, 2026