Become the leader you always wanted to be.
The Leader in Y.O.U. is a 2-day in-person leadership masterclass in Dubai. You start with a research-grade look at who you are, then turn what you learn into goals, habits and a way of leading that people actually follow.
- 2 days, in person
- Dubai, UAE
- Small groups of up to 12
- International certificate of completion
The Y.O.U. in leadership
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
- YYou are valued
- OOnly you are you
- UUnderstand yourself
Led by Dr. Owen Fernandes
Ascend Higher Associates
Leadership starts with leading yourself.
Most leadership training teaches techniques. The Leader in Y.O.U. starts earlier: with the person doing the leading. When you know your strengths, your blind spots and your motivators, your influence over others gets a lot easier.
You are valued
Recognise your inherent worth and the unique qualities you bring to every role you hold.
Only you are you
Your individuality is not something to smooth over. It is the source of your leadership strength.
Understand yourself
Know your strengths, your growth areas and what really drives you, so you can lead others well.
For people others look to for direction.
Whether your team sits in an office or in a church hall, the work is the same: understanding people, starting with yourself.
In your career
You are ready to move from doing the work to leading the people who do it.
First-time managers
Sales, customer service and line managers making the jump from individual contributor to inspiring leader.
Team leaders and project managers
Take your leadership to the next level and lead teams to results.
Department heads and division leads
Navigate complex team dynamics and drive meaningful outcomes.
Leaders of hybrid and remote teams
Build trust and engagement wherever your people sit.
In church and ministry
Leading volunteers and a congregation takes the same self-awareness and people skills, with less authority to lean on.
Pastors and ministry heads
Understand your own wiring so you lead your team and congregation with clarity.
Ministry and department leaders
Worship, children, youth, outreach and operations leaders who guide teams of volunteers.
Cell group and small group leaders
Influence people you have no authority over, and keep conflict healthy.
Emerging leaders
Young professionals and volunteers being groomed for bigger responsibility.
A five-phase journey from insight to action.
Each phase builds on the last. By the end of Day 2 you have a clear picture of your leadership, a plan, and new habits you have already started to practise.
Day 1: Know yourself
Assessment, awareness, alignment- 1
Assessment
Discover your core
The program opens with the debrief of a battery of four assessments, taken before you arrive. It gives you a clear picture of your identity, purpose and potential: personal traits, inherited patterns, core values and areas of potential.
You leave with: A clear view of your strengths and growth areas: the base of authentic self-leadership.
- 2
Awareness
Develop self-knowledge
Activities take you deeper into how you behave and communicate. You analyse your patterns, recognise your strengths and blind spots, and clarify what motivates and what stresses you.
You leave with: You understand how your behaviour lands on others, and where you can be more effective.
- 3
Alignment
Set intentional goals
Working with your coach, you set goals that fit your personality, your values and the mission of your organisation or ministry, and you name the challenges likely to get in the way.
You leave with: Personal growth linked to professional objectives, with a plan you believe in.
Day 2: Put it into practice
Activity and accomplishment- 4
Activity
Grow through action
Structured group activities and live simulations turn insight into practice: planning, keeping momentum, managing performance, building resilience and handling trade-offs, with feedback all day.
You leave with: New leadership habits, built through doing rather than listening.
- 5
Accomplishment
Celebrate and sustain
You reflect on your progress, celebrate milestones and set intentions for continued growth, so the learning outlasts the room.
You leave with: A sense of real accomplishment, and a cycle of learning you keep going.
Ten core competencies of high-impact leaders.
Practical, standalone modules you can start using the day you are back at work, or back in your ministry.
- 01
Becoming a True Leader
The process
Embrace lifelong learning and self-reflection, the groundwork for trust and engagement.
- 02
Taking Action
Responsibility
Make timely, responsible decisions in complex situations, in person and online.
- 03
Seeing the Future
Navigation
Set and share a compelling vision that people commit to.
- 04
Investing in People
Empowerment and legacy
Mentor, coach and delegate so others grow, in the office and remotely.
- 05
Developing Character
Integrity and ethics
Build the reputation that earns trust long before your title does.
- 06
Communication
Influence, clarity, connection
Listen well, speak clearly and adapt your message to each audience.
- 07
Trust
Credibility
Build and keep credibility through transparency, reliability and psychological safety.
- 08
Motivation
Effort, results, rewards
Match how you motivate to what each person actually needs.
- 09
Teamwork
Synergy and conflict
Turn disagreement into commitment instead of poison.
- 10
Culture
Values
Shape and nurture a values-driven culture that fits your mission.
Engagement
Motivate, inspire and keep your best people.
Collaboration
Resolve conflict and build team synergy that lifts performance.
Influence
Communicate clearly enough that people follow, not just comply.
A leadership pipeline
Prepare future leaders for bigger roles.
Real feedback, real tools, a certificate.
Your assessment report
A comprehensive, personalised report from the four-part psychometric assessment, with in-depth feedback on your core competencies.
60-page participant workbook
Activities, reflection exercises and key concepts to apply on the job.
5 e-books
Reading to sharpen the skills you have just learned.
Take-home tools
Practical resources for conflict resolution, communication and digital collaboration.
Certificate of completion
An international certificate, for participants who attend the full program.
Optional 1:1 coaching
Follow-up coaching with Dr. Owen over Zoom or in person.
How it runs
- Step 1
Before Day 1
You complete the online psychometric assessments. We send the link and the deadline when you register.
- Step 2
Day 1: know yourself
Assessment debrief, awareness activities and goal alignment with your coach.
- Step 3
Day 2: practise
Simulations, group activities and a close that sets your next steps.
- Step 4
After
A short feedback form at the end, then a follow-up questionnaire 30 days later to capture how you have applied it.
Dr. Owen Fernandes
Founder & Managing Partner, Ascend Higher Associates
More than 30 years of international experience helping people lead from self-awareness. Dr. Owen is known for a pragmatic, people-first style and a real passion for people development.
- MBA, Personal & Leadership Development
- Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach & Trainer
- ICF Certified Coach
- Certified Psychometric Analyst
- NLP Practitioner
- Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach Practitioner
More about Dr. Owen: owenfernandes.com · ascendhigher.ae
What participants say.
Feedback from leaders who have attended Dr. Owen's workshops in the UAE, the US, Europe, Africa and Asia.
“I can now lead with confidence. I now know what I must do to understand my people.”
“I have pulled out my results twice this week to look at areas in which I need to improve and reflect on the ones where I am strong. It's truly a blessing to have met you.”
“Must for all Team Leaders and Managers.”
“I found the training to be very informative. It was well presented by Dr. Fernandes. I am planning to get all my direct reports attend it next time.”
“Getting to know and acknowledge your weaknesses and strengths is not easy, especially weaknesses. Your passion shows so clearly and that is what moves the participants.”
“I honestly recommend this program to all people who want to be more successful and happier with their careers.”
“I will be encouraging my Pastor and the leadership of my church to have you come do a workshop with us.”
“You have touched my life positively. I am thrilled to know myself better and I know I have to be intentional in few things extra carefully.”
“I should have heard this message 20 years ago. At 53, I will still go for a great finish.”
“Powerful and Insightful. I will never be the same again.”
Questions, answered
When is the next program, and what does it cost?
Dates and the fee for each cohort are shared on request, because groups are kept small. Message Xerxes, who coordinates the program in Dubai, on WhatsApp or email and you will get the next dates, the venue and the fee.
How long is it, and where?
Two days, in person in Dubai. Attendance on both days is required, so the learning builds properly and you qualify for the certificate.
What is the assessment, and do I need to prepare?
Before the program you complete a holistic psychometric assessment: a battery of four assessments that look at your traits, values, communication and behavioural style, and motivators. Complete it before Day 1, by the deadline you are given. There is nothing to study and no pass or fail. The results form the basis of Day 1.
Is this only for senior managers?
No. It suits first-time managers, team leaders, project managers, department heads, leaders of hybrid teams, and emerging leaders. If other people look to you for direction, in your job or in a volunteer role, it is for you.
Is it suitable for church and ministry leaders?
Yes. The program is built on self-awareness, communication, trust, conflict and teamwork, which matter just as much when you lead volunteers and a congregation. Church leaders who have attended have asked for it for their own teams.
Can my company or church bring it to our own team?
Yes. The program can be delivered for your organisation, onsite, with a certificate that can be co-branded. Message Xerxes with your team size and goals and he will arrange a proposal with Dr. Owen.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Participants who attend the full program receive an international Certificate of Completion, presented by Dr. Owen Fernandes.
How is the program taught?
Mostly in the room: individual activities, group exercises, role play, case studies and simulations, each followed by a short debrief. Everyone is equal during an activity; job titles do not matter.
Ready to lead from who you really are?
Groups are kept to 12, so seats go quickly. Message Xerxes, who coordinates the program in Dubai, for the next dates, the venue and the fee. Bringing a team from your company or church? Ask about a private program with a co-branded certificate.