learn why you should choose the CLIMB Leadership Program

"The CLIMB Leadership program has been truly transformational. James takes you on a leadership mindset booster journey delivered in unique, carefully set 12 sessions, which progress from self-leadership to advanced inspirational and metamorphic leadership sessions.

It is not a class, where you sit and discuss. You get immersed in an original mix of sports/game like exercises, compiled to challenge and refine your leadership skills. In the slower sections, you get the chance to discuss and reflect, even meditation like self-reflection sessions were truly impressive. All is set on a solid foundation of program materials available in text and podcast forms.

James awakens the little child in you maximizing the learning potential and energy during every moment. Despite starting at 20:00 and sometimes expanding through 22:00, we would come out energized and positively inspired. The program flourishes thanks to various backgrounds of your peers which lets you see “your topics” from more perspectives. I could feel the change already throughout the program and I am progressing further since.

I can recommend this program to everyone feeling the urge to grow, improve or to feel energized. It will help you to boost your positive impact to your environment professionally as well as in private."

Martin Novák, Technology Lead, SKAN AG

"Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this leadership course cohort. The format presents practical and applicable leadership techniques in a fun engaging atmosphere - something I find refreshing and worth exploring.

Every training session included plenty of physical activities, which over time strengthened the group dynamic and made the concepts tangible, reinforcing the concept of leadership as a team effort.

James showed up exceptionally well prepared and present, offering support every step of the way. He is always ready to tell a story to demonstrate his real-life experience, adding depth to the course material. He knows what he is teaching, is relatable and open to discuss and coach every person in their leadership journey."

Nadja F, HR Professional and Coach

"For the past 5-6 years I've been in a leadership role, in this time I've read several books, listened to countless podcasts and blogs to try to become a better version of myself and learn how I can inspire my team for them to achieve their potential. Not an easy task... This amazing and inspiring course opened my eyes in so many ways. Each module made me reflect and see where I can improve as a leader and as a person. James, the producer of the course created a perfect balance of wisdom, real-life struggles and wrapped it all up with fun and often challenging physical activities and created a perfect combo between learning and being active, growing outside ones usually class-room set-up comfort zone. I really learned a lot and it was a great experience. Become a CLIMB'er!"

Richard Lo Giudice, Cloud Systems Architect

"I had the privilege of attending the very first CLIMB course with James. It was a great development exercise for me and the whole group. James applies a powerful combination of historic and scientific evidence, examples from his career, anecdotes and metaphors to exemplify the concepts of the course modules. Moreover, he uniquely combines those elements with lots of sports and skill exercises, which creates a stimulating and also fun experience. The course program conveys an integrated toolset of skills, knowledge, and attitudes for contemporary leadership. The course reading material and self-made podcasts are superb. Coming from a pharma background with a leadership role, as a father, and as a member of society, I constantly switch between different roles, all of which come with leadership components. Thanks to the course, I am sharpening my awareness and my capabilities for the benefit of my own orientation and the interaction with my surroundings. James is a person of high integrity, he has tremendously broad knowledge and experience, he is intelligent, witty, and motivating, and most of all, he is inspiring and a great leader.

Thank you, James, for the great learning and fun experience – I even relearned the headstand!Thank you, James, for the great learning and fun experience – I even relearned the headstand!"

Ueli Blaeuer, Pharma Supply Chain Expert

"Leadership isn’t something you learn by sitting still, and this course proved it in the best possible way. Held in a gym rather than a seminar room, it blended physical activity with leadership exercises, making learning far more immersive than any classroom. Instead of sitting through lectures, we were constantly engaged—solving team challenges, stretching while discussing leadership concepts or scenarios, and practicing decision-making in real time.

One concept that stuck with me was the OODA loop—observing, orienting, deciding, and acting—a mindset we practiced in motion. The action-centred leadership module stood out most for me, balancing task achievement, team cohesion, and individual growth. Equally impactful was servant leadership, which reinforced that true leadership isn’t about authority but about empowering and supporting others.

James is a truly multi-talented mentor, drawing from a wealth of experience to share insightful, real-world anecdotes that vividly illustrate different leadership styles in action. His dynamic, hands-on approach made leadership accessible and engaging—far from rigid or theoretical training.

If you want a leadership course that goes beyond PowerPoint and truly sticks, this is it. And beyond the lessons, it was just incredibly fun—laughing, moving, and tackling challenges alongside such a motivated group made the experience truly unforgettable." 

Joachim Schnabl, VP Digital Solutions, Athebio

"I've taken several leadership courses in the past, but the authenticity and fresh perspective that James Darnbrook brings to Climb Leadership really stands out. One does notice from the start, that James' experience in demanding environments has shaped a thoughtful balance of empathy and practical, results-oriented insights.

What truly sets this training apart is how James skilfully creates scenarios that challenge you to rethink not only your role but also how you relate to your team. It isn’t easy to teach abstract concepts like leadership dynamics or to break through rigid corporate habits, but James does it with remarkable clarity. His focus on real-world application ensures that you aren’t just learning theoretical models, but are developing genuine, long-lasting shifts in how you approach teamwork and leadership.

If one is looking for a course that promotes personal growth, challenges common assumptions, and provides a deeper understanding of effective leadership, I would definitely recommend James’s program. His combination of psychological insight, pragmatic coaching, and genuine empathy is a strong asset for anyone aiming to develop a more authentic and impactful leadership style."

S.Temelkov, BSc, Business Information Systems

"The CLIMB course presents multiple perspectives on leadership to improve one’s working relationship with their teammates.

I thoroughly enjoyed James’ approach. His strong belief in “a healthy mind in a healthy body” makes learning all the more enjoyable: through some physical exercise and fun team-building exercises one gets to implement each week’s leadership takeaways in a positive, constructive, educational setting. You’ll be amazed of what you are capable of!

The different perspectives on leadership help you identify your weak spots, and the reference materials provide concrete solutions to improve yourself and your leadership behaviour. There is a lot of food for thought, and ample opportunities to practice with your course mates. In summary, useful and great fun!" 

Francesco Marass, Computational Biologist