WHO ARE WE ?
The Young Leaders' Adventures was born out of a shared observation: today, more than ever, teenagers need meaningful experiences that challenge them both personally and in relation to the outside world, preparing them to become responsible leaders.
This initiative builds on experiences already carried out by one of our founding members, Jean-Joseph Agoua, with former French national ski team member Thomas Domenach, who have been designing adventure trips combining leadership, sporting challenges and cultural immersion for several years. These experiences inspired the creation of YLA, whose goals are:
- to train and develop the leadership potential of younger generations;
- to raise their awareness of environmental conservation;
- to implement civic and humanitarian actions.
Young Leaders' Adventures operates in Switzerland and internationally through several complementary pillars:
Outreach and Training
YLA organises practical workshops and conferences on Leadership Through Action, civic engagement, and environmental issues. We work closely with associations, foundations, schools, and sports clubs to deliver these initiatives.
Leadership and Adventure Programme
YLA organises small-group adventure expeditions structured around three pillars: outdoor sports, environmental awareness, and Leadership Through Action. These expeditions across mountains and oceans create a demanding environment for experiential learning and growth. Each participant receives the YLA Leadership Certificate, attesting to the leadership competencies developed during the programme.
Mentorship and Role Models
YLA connects our participants with inspiring figures: elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and committed leaders. These intergenerational relationships open new horizons and inspire young people during our programmes and volunteer initiatives.
Community Service
Commitment to the common good runs through all our programmes. During workshops and expeditions alike, young people engage in tangible civic action and become changemakers.
Humanitarian and Environmental Action
We organise field projects in Switzerland and abroad in partnership with recognised NGOs. These missions create real impact and teach that leadership is measured by one's capacity to serve.
A founding team with complementary profiles
Nicolas Caïsso
Vice-President
Expert in mental preparation and performance and member of the Swiss Association of Sport Psychology, ACC/ICF certified. Nicolas is the founder of Open Wild. With degrees in human resources and business administration, he has worked for over 15 years in the fields of finance and trading. With a strong international background (France, Switzerland, Australia, Portugal), he now coaches athletes, executives and young people in developing their mental performance: resilience, concentration, stress management and adaptation to demanding environments. Passionate about rugby and board sports, he is actively involved in the Nyon Rugby Club.
Jean-Joseph Agoua
President
An entrepreneur and former professional footballer, he has been working as a crisis management consultant for businesses and families since 2012 and is the founder of the FAIRE Institute. Trained in psycho-pedagogy after completing a Master's degree in political science in Montreal, he works with teenagers and young adults experiencing academic, professional or behavioural difficulties. A specialist in social skills and conflict management, he collaborates with child psychiatry services and psychology practices in France and French-speaking Switzerland. He is also co-founder of Armony, a creative and exclusive event agency.
Sophie Agoua
Communication and public relation
Former opera singer, graduate of the Geneva University of Music. After starting her career on stage in Switzerland and abroad, she discovered her true calling: teaching. She trains individuals and companies in public speaking and assertiveness through voice and is a voice teacher in dramatic arts for professional actor training. An entrepreneur, Sophie is also the co-founder and artistic director of Armony Agency, an exclusive event agency.
The YLA Manifesto
Growing up isn't just about learning. It's about living. Breaking out of the mould. Facing reality. Confronting effort, others, the world. That's where true leadership is born. We believe that young people need powerful experiences to reveal their potential. Experiences that reconnect them with what matters most: nature, community, pushing themselves beyond their limits, civic action. Experiences that challenge, empower and elevate them. We organise immersive trips where sporting adventure, community engagement and cultural exploration come together as one. Each activity is an opportunity to learn differently in the field, through initiative and connection. Our mission: to nurture a generation of conscious and active leaders. Young people who are capable of taking action, bringing people together and creating value. We're not waiting for the world to change. We're taking action now!