Who we are

We are international experts offering bespoke training and coaching in diplomatic soft skills by sharing our hands-on experience of working as former ambassadors and senior officials.

We provide specialist training for individuals and organisations, including diplomatic missions, seeking to understand, to influence and to operate effectively within the EU and in the international diplomatic context. 

We help course participants to master techniques of networking and stakeholder management, negotiation and chairing, speechwriting and delivery, political reporting, briefing, policy-making and analysis. We are distinctive from other international affairs consultancies and think tanks because we share the deep experience of our practitioners rather than offering an academic approach. 

Our aim is to build the confidence of participants, guiding them through complexity while also helping to build their political judgment and sharpen their diplomatic communication and media savviness. 

Our experts bring experience from their national administrations, the EU institutions and other multilateral organisations. We have coached ministers and officials preparing to take up their responsibilities as Presidency of the Council of the EU. Our deep experience and knowledge of the Brussels institutions is highly valued by Member State administrations as well as governments seeking to join the EU. 

Our approach to training is interactive, blending a little theory with plenty of practical exercises. In other words, learning by doing. We coach in small groups, using simulation exercises based on real-world topical issues. We offer personalised feedback and mentoring to maximise the learning impact.

Our Vision

We look to be a leading force in the development of diplomatic skills, contributing to a more peaceful, interconnected, and cooperative world.

As a training consultancy, Diplomatic Skills Lab empowers professionals and officials working for public and private sector organizations by developing their skills and professional performance to help thrive organisational efficiency, cross-cultural understanding, international cooperation and successful negotiations.

Our core values

• Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all training and consultancy activities.
• Empathy: Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in training delivery and content.
• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance learning experiences.
• Collaboration: Fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation among clients and within the global community.

Diplomatic Skills Lab is an international organisation registered in Belgium as AISBL (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif)