WHO ARE WE ?
Young Leaders Adventures was born out of a shared observation: today, more than ever, young people need meaningful experiences that challenge them both personally and globally, and prepare them to become responsible leaders. Not in theory, but in action, through pushing themselvers beyond their limits and through concrete engagement in the field and in real life.
This initiative builds on experiences already carried out by one of our founding members, Jean-Jean 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 concrete civic and humanitarian actions.
To achieve its goals, YLA organises practical workshops, camps and intercultural trips..
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, an agency that combines art and value creation.
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 that combines art and value creation.
The YLA Manifesto
Growing up is not just about learning. It's about living.
Step outside the box. Get real. Confront effort, others, the world..
This is where true leadership is born.
Not in speeches, sitting on a chair or on social media.
At YLA, we believe that young people need powerful experiences to reveal their potential..
Experiences that reconnect us with what matters most: nature, community, pushing ourselves beyond our limits, public service.
Experiences that challenge, empower and uplift.
We organise immersive trips where sporting adventure, community engagement and cultural exploration come together as one..
Every activity is an opportunity to learn in a different way: in the field, through initiative, in connection with others.
Our mission: to nurture a generation of conscious and active leaders.
Young people capable of taking action, bringing people together and creating value.
We are not waiting for the world to change.
Let's take action now!