Delivering a transformational leadership programme for women leaders working in conservation in Southeast Asia.
NOW Leaders 2025
Apply for the 2025 cohort of NOW Leaders and be part of a growing community of passionate women conservationists in Southeast Asia
Our planet needs talented, committed women like you to protect it in the long-term. NOW Leaders is the only programme of its kind in Southeast Asia. It's designed to give women working in conservation in Southeast Asia the skills and support they need to thrive as leaders.
NOW Leaders teaches you ways to look after your wellbeing and understand why this is so important. We'll help you become more confident in your role as a leader, no matter what your job title is.
You'll learn strategic tools to be more influential and communicate better. You'll learn practical ways to plan your career and have greater impact. You'll see new ways to manage or support your team and wider organisation. And you'll meet other women in conservation to collaborate with, learn from and of course, have fun!
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This module is all about understanding who you are. You will learn ways to look after your health longer-term and to build your vision for the future.
During this module you will: Learn why your wellbeing is key to being an effective conservationist
See how you can support your own wellbeing in simple ways
Build helpful habits
Understand how your values influence who you are and your leadership
Develop an inspiring and achievable leadership vision
Create an actionable plan for your goals
Have 1:1 and group coaching to support your learning
Develop connections with inspiring peers from around the region
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In this module you will explore ways to build your strategic influence and that of your organisation.
During this module you will:
Expand your vision to include your influence in conservation
Learn communication tools for more strategic and impactful communication
Receive personalised support to build your personal communications strategy
Hone your own coaching skills to be able to support others in your team or networks
See how you can empower others to look after their own wellbeing
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In this module you will learn how to lead positive change at a societal level. You will also learn why storytelling is an important leadership skill. The programme concludes with an inspiring graduation event where you will receive your certificate of achievement.
During this module you will:
Learn about “systems change “– powerful shifts in organisations, communities and society
Learn how to use storytelling as a leadership skill
Prepare a presentation with an expert coach to share at graduation
Explore the role that wellbeing can play in sustaining the conservation sector
Download the booklet
A handy booklet about NOW Leaders that you can share with your manager or colleagues
The programme includes:
A five-day in-person leadership intensive
Six months of online training
1:1 and group coaching on leadership, wellbeing, communication and presenting
After graduating, you'll be invited to join the NOW Collective, our alumnae network
Programme content
Who is the programme for?
This programme is for mid-level to senior women working in conservation in Southeast Asia. If you want to build your strategic influence, support your team so they thrive and better manage your mindset, then this programme is for you.
To be eligible, you must:
Identify as a woman
Work for an ASAP Partner organisation*
Have 5 or more years of experience working in conservation
Be from Southeast Asia or have worked in the region for more than 5 years — and intend on continuing to work in Southeast Asia
Have at least one direct report or manage project(s) with multiple stakeholders
Be able to attend the in-person leadership retreat and all programme dates
Be open to learning about yourself and others in a group environment
Commit time for the online sessions and assessments
Complete all coursework - three written assessments and a presentation
Be supported by your organisation to join the programme and attend the sessions. (If your organisation is not supporting your application, please tell us in the application form.)
Have a high level of English language as the programme will be delivered in English
*Preference will be given to applicants working for ASAP Partners in a role that involves conserving one or more ASAP Species. In special circumstances, applications from individuals who are not ASAP Partners may be considered. If you do not work for an ASAP Partner and wish to apply, please contact us directly.
“Joining the ASAP Visible Leadership Programme gave me the tools and confidence to lead and support my team in conservation, staying true to my leadership style and values
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What previous participants say
“The NOW Leaders Programme was a life-changing experience through which I knew I was not alone, and I could become a great leader!
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Programme dates and times
27 March, 2:00-4:00pm Introductory call to meet your coaches and fellow participants
24 April, 2:00-4:00pm Pre-retreat planning call
Visibility to self
19-23 May, In person retreat (in Southeast Asia, location to be confirmed)
11 June, 2:00-4:00pm Integration session
Visibility to others
24 June, 9:30-1:00pm Leadership Impact Vision
8 July, 9:30-12:30pm and 10 July, 9:30-1:30pm Two day communications and influence (GAMPER) workshop
21 July-5 August, 1:1 Visibility coaching
6 August, 9:30-1:30pm Combining 4MAT and GAMPER techniques
26-27 August, 11:00-1:00pm Coaching others
10 September 2:00-4:30pm Wellbeing session
Collective visibility
6 October 9:30-12:30pm Collective visibility and dominant narratives
8 October 9:30-1:00pm Story harvesting and graduation preparation
13-31 October 1:1 Coaching and graduation preparation with Sara Tiefenbrun
22 October 2:00-4:00pm Wellbeing session
7 November 3:00-6:00pm Graduation and storytelling session
Additional 1:1 coaching for participants will be organised throughout the programme
Note: All times are in Singapore time zone
The programme’s proven success
100%
Say the network developed will support their personal and professional development
100%
Feel programme has helped them overcome challenges faced as women in conservation
100%
Say the programme has increased their overall wellbeing
Meet the delivery team
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Nerissa Chao (Programme Convenor)
Nerissa is a conservation biologist with nearly 20 years of experience managing and implementing conservation field programmes. Nerissa has headed up ASAP since 2016 where she has established ASAP's training and grant programmes and grown the partnership significantly.
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Julia May (Lead Designer and Facilitator)
As a learning designer, strategist and facilitator, Jules has supported more than 10,000 change-making leaders from more than 50 countries to create better outcomes for themselves and the planet. Julia is a former foreign correspondent, with a particular passion for conservation and environmental activism.
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Sarilani Wirawan (Deputy Lead Facilitator)
A professional leadership & habit formation coach, and a professional facilitator. Sari's purpose is to create trust and opportunities for people to optimize their potential, shine with their own authenticity and experiencing meaningful life at its fullest.
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Vik Mohan (Wellbeing lead)
Dr Vik Mohan is a medical doctor, conservation practitioner, educationalist and life coach. Vik works with conservationists from around the world to enable them to thrive and will support the wellbeing of programme participants.
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Sara Tiefenbrun (Storytelling)
Sara is a Story Harvester. Her career includes making documentaries for the BBC, and helping clients tell stories through workshops, strategies, and writing. She helps you shape impactful stories and build the courage to share them.
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Elicia Duczmal (Programmes Manager)
Elicia Duczmal brings 20 years' experience leading complex projects with a talent for creating inspiring experiences. She leads the smooth logistical operation of NOW Leaders to ensure the learning experience is everything our participants might hope for.
Expectations and graduation
This is a leadership programme; participants are expected to show self-leadership and commitment. To successfully graduate we require you to:
Attend the in-person five-day leadership intensive (to be held in Southeast Asia)
Engage in all online sessions - attending at least 80% live, rather than watching recordings
Complete three assessments
Allow time for personal reflection between sessions
Allow time to connect with other participants between sessions
Participate in 1:1 coaching
What does it cost?
ASAP has secured funding so that we can offer this programme (valued at USD 10,000 per participant) to ASAP Partners without charging any of these costs to you. Even down to the cost of travel and accommodation for the in-person retreat, we've got it covered. In return, we ask you to be fully committed to the programme, bring an open mindset and willingness to grow as a leader.