AI Leadership: When Nature Inspires Digital ClarityMay/June AI Confidence workshops filling fast

🌟New! Find highlights in DE and EN at the end

Welcome to your fresh DesignChange edition, delivered every 2nd Tuesday at 8am to over 700 forward-thinking leaders like you!

Have you ever noticed how stepping away from technology often brings the clearest insights about how to use it more effectively?

Last week, as spring blossomed across Europe, I took advantage of the May 1st holiday to lace up my walking shoes and venture into the forest. With my phone serving only as a camera (not a scrolling device), I followed light filtering through trees and reconnected with what truly matters in leadership.

This kind of mindful hiking isn’t just downtime—it’s space-making. And in that space, I found renewed clarity about the intersection of AI and leadership development coaching that I’m excited to share with you today.

🌿 From Forest Paths to Digital Pathways

The parallels between mindful nature experiences and thoughtful AI implementation might not seem obvious at first, but both require:

It’s why I recently signed the AI Coaching Manifesto—a commitment to using AI tools in coaching with integrity, transparency, and a human-centered approach.

As these technologies transform how we lead, I believe we need both excitement about possibilities AND careful consideration of impacts.

More on this is in the next DesignChange edition!

💡 LeadershipLab Tip: The PAUSE Framework

Your 5-Minute AI Leadership Reset

Just as my mindful hike created space for clarity, this framework helps you create intentional space before implementing AI tools in your leadership practice:

P - Purpose Check: What specific leadership challenge am I trying to solve? Is AI truly the right approach?

A - Authenticity Alignment: How will this AI application maintain or enhance what I do?

U - User Experience: How will this impact the human experience of my team or clients?

S - Systemic Impact: What broader consequences might emerge from implementing this AI solution?

E - Ethical Boundaries: What specific guardrails need to be in place for responsible use?

Try it now with any AI tool you’re considering and notice what insights emerge when you create this intentional space for reflection. Note these down. Let this grow with you.

📚 New on the DC Blog: Smart AI Leaders

In my latest article, “Smart AI Leaders: Balancing Innovation with Integrity”, I give case study examples of  how the most effective leaders are approaching AI implementation through a lens of both innovation and responsibility to become future-ready.

🔆 AI Confidence Workshops—Spots Filling Quickly!

Ready to explore ethical AI use in your leadership journey? Join one of our upcoming AI Confidence Coaching Workshops created specifically for leaders, HR professionals, and curious coaches:

🟡 May 12 – 9:00–12:30 CET (German) 👉 Register for May

🟢 June 3 – 14:00–17:00 CET (English) 👉 Register for June

With limited spots available and growing interest, these workshops are filling quickly!

One recent participant of our sold-out April 6th mini-workshop noted:

“Thank you, Karla and Richard, for your very inspiring and practical session!”

In these workshops, co-led with Dr. Richard Grillenbeck, we create safe, practical spaces for professionals to explore AI tools and learn what works for them. No technical background required—just bring your AI of choice, questions, issues and an open mind to learn!

🧭 Beyond AI: Your Leadership Journey Continues

While AI fascinates me as a tool for leadership development, I’m continuing to work with clients across multiple leadership domains:

Whatever leadership challenges you’re navigating, I’m here to help create the space for clarity—with my 30 years of people experience and 3,000+ hours of coaching expertise.

🤝 Let’s Connect

Have questions about the AI Confidence workshops? Prefer a personal consultation to discuss your specific leadership challenges? Book a complimentary consultation here.

Until next time, I’d love to hear you get along with the PAUSE framework!

Karla Schlaepfer and the DesignChange Team

The future of leadership is already unfolding—and it needs both human wisdom  and digital tools.

NEW! DesignChange Highlights

Starting with this edition, I’m introducing a compact summary section for all DesignChange newsletters to help you quickly catch key points:

NEU! DesignChange Highlights auf Deutsch

Ab dieser Ausgabe führe ich eine kompakte Zusammenfassung für alle DesignChange-Newsletter ein: