Meet The Team

Nicolas is a seasoned strategist with 25 years of experience in the Brussels landscape, specializing in institutional relations and European affairs. Throughout his career, he has successfully built meaningful connections between civil society and public institutions, contributing to the shaping of EU policies through impactful collaborations across both the private and non-profit sectors.

A recognized voice in policy and decision-making circles, Nicolas has held leadership positions in prominent networks such as the Human Rights and Democracy Network and the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office. In 2011, he founded Leadeur, to help civil society organizations and senior management teams engage effectively with European and international institutions through smart, collaborative, and results-driven strategies.

He holds degrees from the Clermont-Ferrand School of Management and Heriot-Watt University. In addition to his consulting work, Nicolas is a respected speaker and trainer, known for his expertise in social brokering and strategic engagement.

Colin combines strategic insight with a strong commitment to European external affairs, particularly in the nexus of peacebuilding, human rights, and media development. As team leader, he coordinates the work of consultants, mentors young professionals, and supports civil society organisations in navigating complex EU decision-making processes.

An expert in engagement strategies, Colin helps clients refine their policy contribution and funding approaches, while also driving strategic partnerships and designing innovative advocacy tools. He is the architect of a dedicated training programme on public affairs and interest representation, aimed at building long-term institutional capacity.

Colin brings hands-on experience in institutional engagement, drawn from his work at the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office, where he specialised in EU funding for peacebuilding, EU policy, and EU-Africa relations. He holds degrees from the Peace and Conflict Institute of Granada and the Free University of Brussels.

Ema joined Leadeur in 2025, where she supports the design and delivery of advocacy and engagement strategies for international NGOs. She works closely with clients to support strategic positioning and deliver tailored briefings and reports. Her work includes advising on stakeholder engagement, organising missions and helping organisations navigate the EU funding landscape.

With an academic background in international development and humanitarian action, Ema has previously worked for corporate foundations supporting NGO projects internationally, and consulted for a UK-based INGO providing policy analysis and strategic recommendations on child protection in international contexts. Her work at Leadeur is driven by a commitment to strengthen the voice of NGOs in Brussels, supporting them in navigating and engaging with the EU system.

Ema holds an MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Hautes Etudes Internationales et Politiques (HEIP) in Paris.

Johanna contributes to the development and implementation of advocacy and engagement strategies, with a focus on EU policy processes and funding opportunities. She monitors policy developments, drafts briefings for clients, and contributes to client engagement, helping translate complex policy dynamics into actionable recommendations. Through her work, she connects policy analysis with practical advocacy, helping organisations engage effectively with EU institutions and decision-makers.

With an academic background in migration, development, and climate change, Johanna brings an interdisciplinary and globally oriented perspective to her work. She has gained international experience through her engagement in environmental and humanitarian NGOs, as well as through roles in academia and the public sector. Rooted in her long-term engagement in NGOs, Johanna’s work is driven by a strong commitment to strengthening the voice and capacity of civil society organisations, and to fostering a resilient and impactful civil society both within and beyond the EU.

Johanna holds degrees from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Vienna.