For leaders who want to shape what comes nextMore clarity. Better decisions. Real transformation.
You’re not afraid of technology. You’re thoughtful about it. And that’s a strength.
The question in 2026 is no longer “Should I use AI?” It’s: “How do I start responsibly and motivate my team to use AI intentionally?”
You don’t need another standard training. You need a thinking partner who speaks both languages; the language of understanding people and the language of technology.
We work on your clarity, your presence, and how you lead your team through change with confidence.
Book your free 20 min. introductory call
Tech founder experience. 28 years in training, facilitation & people development.
How I support you
Together we work on staying effective in your role, strengthening your team, moving through change with confidence, and using new technology responsibly. With clarity, curiosity, and the belief that change can actually feel good.
Here’s what my clients say
Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing., MBA
Founder with drive. Now with direction.
I’m an industrial engineer with an MBA, and I left my corporate job to build my own company. In my coaching with Karla, the focus was on what I call my “inner engine”: a strong drive for performance, a need for independence, and a desire to make an impact.
The most valuable part was recognizing the shadow side of that drive. Through structured reflection, I gained clarity on where my drive carries me forward and where it holds me back. Today I make more grounded decisions, communicate more maturely with investors, and show up more consciously in my role as an entrepreneur.
The result: I no longer operate just as an autonomous solo entrepreneur. I work with strategic depth and a new sense of agency. For founders with a strong inner drive, coaching with Karla creates exactly the kind of clarity that makes a lasting difference.
Senior Service Manager
Using AI well. That’s what this AI Confidence coaching delivered.
As a Senior Service Manager at a semiconductor supplier, I kept asking myself the same question: How do I use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in a way that actually makes a difference to my work?
The biggest insight: the more specifically I define the task for AI, the better the result. Karla showed me how to structure prompts, with my role, the context, and the goal clearly defined. It sounds simple. It changed everything.
One concrete example: as part of our Service Operations Maturity project, I used AI to develop a Contract Governance Matrix, with clear roles, responsibilities, and business rules. The positive feedback from the Senior Leadership Team genuinely surprised me.
What impressed me most about Karla’s coaching, she explains in plain language what AI can do and what it can’t. And she asks the right questions, the kind that spark practical ideas. Importantly, she’s clear about what data is safe to share with AI and what isn’t.
Today, I’m significantly more confident working with Microsoft Copilot. My advice to anyone who wants to use AI with purpose and real impact: Karla’s AI Confidence Coaching is worth it!
Director Aldi
From problem-solver to reflective leader
As a Director with international responsibility at Aldi, I was facing classic leadership challenges: How do I handle complex topics, from strategic decisions to new technologies like AI, quickly, responsibly, and with confidence?
In the first sessions, I was looking for concrete solutions to immediate problems. But it quickly became clear that the coaching offered something far more valuable. The reflective space to look at complex issues from different angles changed how I approach things entirely.
What impressed me most was Karla’s ability to challenge constructively. She helped me become more mindful of myself, and that deepened my effectiveness as a leader. That self-awareness is the foundation for authentic leadership when complexity is high.
The coaching is especially valuable during periods of change. It creates the space to clarify priorities and make well-grounded decisions. My recommendation to any leader who wants to grow their impact, especially before stepping into new and complex areas of responsibility.
Ready to think forward together?From Change Management to lasting growth.
My clients are often:
Senior and mid-level leaders in SMEs and DAX companies, who are accountable for results in complex, fast-moving environments.
International executives and expat leaders working in Germany.
Female leaders who want to grow in fast-moving, technology-driven organizations.
They lead across cultures and functions, under pressure to deliver results, handle uncertainty, and bring AI into their organizations responsibly.
My coaching and talent management work supports them in building strategic clarity, authentic leadership presence, and resilience in the face of stress and change.
From Blind Spots to Leadership Strengths
Confidence
Clarity about your leadership style and security in strategic decisions, even under pressure.
Resilience
Inner strength to handle stress, uncertainty, and change.
Self-Awareness
A deeper understanding of how your leadership style shapes your team's results.
AI Competence
The ability to guide your team through AI adoption safely and responsibly.
Change Strategy
Tools to turn AI resistance into confident team adoption.
AI Leadership Coaching
One-to-one executive coaching to strengthen your leadership presence, sharpen your strategic thinking, and support you through transitions in the AI age.
AI Barrier Buster Workshops
Practical, team-based sessions to reduce AI resistance, build prompting skills, and lay the foundation for confident digital adoption.
What you can expect from working with me
I help you build the confidence to use technology with intention, while keeping your human judgment at the center. The skills that truly make a difference when working with AI are deeply human: critical thinking, clear decision-making, genuine connection with your team, and the courage to stay in the driver's seat, even when technology is moving fast.
With structured frameworks, intercultural experience, and personalized support, I help you turn technological challenges into real opportunities for growth. With 25 years in people development, coaching, training, and teaching, plus hands-on startup experience in emerging technologies, I understand both the human and the technical side of leadership today.
This foundation shapes a coaching experience that is strategic, human, and fully aligned with the high professional and ethical standards of the ICF (International Coaching Federation).
My latest blog posts
Permission to Break the Rules
100 Leaders, One Question: How Do You Lead When AI Does the Work?Here Downloadable: The Human Skills in 4 Cs Compass Framework
When AI Gets Smart, Humans Get EssentialFuture-Ready Leadership in the Age of Intelligent Technology
Talking about being BAD in 2026 😯Why bad is better for a Growth Mindset
Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas JoyA 3-Minute Christmas Energy Check for Leaders
Leadership Lab: When Being Smart Isn’t EnoughThe Emotional Intelligence Advent Gift
FAQs—Everything you want to know before you book
Not sure where to start or whether coaching is the right step? Your questions, answered here:
What makes Karla the right sparring partner for you?
Karla Schlaepfer is a certified ICF (International Coaching Federation) Professional Coach (PCC) with over 3,000 validated coaching hours. She is a published book author, Design Thinking expert, and tech founder. Born in the US and based in Germany for 30 years, she bridges two cultures. And she bridges what many consider incompatible: deep human leadership with cutting-edge AI and digital skills. With her support, you learn to understand and transform self-doubt, so you can lead with confidence and greater ease in the face of change.
What is executive coaching for AI leadership transformation?
Executive coaching for AI leadership transformation is structured leadership development for the AI age. I offer tailored coaching that helps leaders integrate AI leadership effectively while strengthening authentic human leadership skills. Available online, hybrid, live coaching in Cologne.
My technical background as a former Scrum Master (PSM1) and Professional Product Owner (PSPO1), combined with my experience as female co-founder of the Virtual Reality company V4P GmbH (2019), connects technical understanding with transformative leadership development. As an entrepreneur who built a VR technology startup, I understand the realities of digital transformation firsthand. My frameworks address the cultural and organizational barriers that, according to Accenture, prevent 92% of companies from moving beyond experimental AI implementation.
Since 2022, my focus has been on AI leadership: through a specialized Bitkom AI course, sold-out webinars, workshops, and keynotes on AI leadership transformation. This combination of executive coaching expertise, entrepreneurship experience, and technical understanding allows me to support you in building AI confidence. Because the human factor is what makes AI transformation not only work but succeed.
Ready for an introductory conversation? Book your free 20-minute call here!
How does Karla’s coaching help female leaders with AI implementation?
Female leaders in technology-driven environments face complex challenges: imposter syndrome in technical areas, underrepresentation in AI strategy discussions, and the pressure to demonstrate both technical competence and authentic leadership presence.
As co-founder of a VR technology startup, university lecturer, and signatory of the AI Manifesto (2025), a public pledge for ethical and human-centered AI, I know these barriers firsthand. My own path through the tech industry has shown me how important it is to connect technical confidence with strategic influence and networking.
My approach brings together real tech industry experience with over 25 years of leadership coaching, interdisciplinary insights from psychology, Design Thinking, and agility, practical strategies for balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities, and science-based tools for lasting growth in digital transformation.
I support women in using their strengths — strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and relationship skills — with intention in leadership roles, while building the technical credibility that today’s AI-driven business world demands.
👉 My AI Confidence Guide offers practical information, exercises, and talking points, developed specifically for leaders navigating digital transformation.
What specific AI leadership challenges does your systemic coaching address?
My systemic coaching approach identifies how organizational systems, team dynamics, and leadership patterns interact during AI implementation. As a certified Change Manager (2013, INeKO University of Cologne) with Scrum Master experience and Hogan/360 certification, I find precise leverage points for successful transformation.
The Hogan Personality Profiler makes invisible leadership barriers visible — the ones that block AI adoption. This science-based diagnostic shows where people-centered leadership can make a decisive difference in technology acceptance.
My interdisciplinary approach directly addresses the people and culture issues that cause AI projects to fail. I connect AI strategies with leadership values for relevant implementation approaches across diverse organizational cultures.
👉 Get my free EU AI Act cheat sheet — your practical guide to smart compliance in the European market, without slowing down innovation.
How does the 4Cs coaching methodology differ for AI integration?
My 4Cs Compass — Clarity, Connection, Curiosity, Courage — is a proprietary framework that connects technical expertise with interdisciplinary leadership development. It draws on my experience in both US and German business culture. As a member of Viva la Coaching AI Rebels, tech entrepreneur, and keynote speaker, I provide practical orientation for AI integration decisions while maintaining authentic leadership.
Clarity helps you make well-grounded AI decisions rather than following trends. Connection strengthens your relationship with your team during times of change. Curiosity opens the space for experimentation and new perspectives. Courage gives you the confidence to take a clear position, even when the path ahead is not yet fully visible.
My process connects technology decisions with core leadership values, creating clarity that transforms both digital strategy and team effectiveness. Inspired by current research including “More Human: How the Power of AI can Transform the way you Lead,” my approach emphasizes the importance of authentically human qualities in leadership. AI should amplify genuine human connection, empathy, and intuitive decision-making. Not replace them.
👉 Book your free 20-minute introductory call and discover how the 4Cs can strengthen your leadership approach to AI adoption.
What makes Karla’s approach to AI leadership coaching unique?
Where science meets practice: I combine a deep understanding of how leaders actually learn with real experience from technology ventures. My Master’s in Applied Linguistics (MA, University of Freiburg) and teaching experience at three German universities provide research-based insights into how adults acquire new skills. That matters when you need to develop AI leadership capabilities quickly.
As co-founder of a VR startup, I know the practical challenges of technology implementation beyond the success stories. This experience, combined with over 25 years of teaching, facilitation, and coaching, means I develop learning approaches that actually work.
My brain-friendly learning methods ensure that you don’t just understand AI concepts intellectually. You develop the ability to make confident, intuitive decisions in technology-driven environments. This evidence-based approach accelerates leadership transformation in ways that traditional coaching cannot reach.
👉 Book your free 20-minute introductory call and experience the difference.
How long does AI leadership coaching take?
Lasting AI leadership transformation starts with a minimum of 6 coaching sessions. Most leaders choose 2 sessions per month over 3 to 6 months for lasting change and measurable results. We work out which package fits you best together in the 45 minute consultation call.
Your coaching schedule adapts flexibly to your specific challenges and organizational requirements. Format: online, in person in Cologne, or at your location (+ travel costs). Cancellations are possible with 48 hours notice.
Between sessions, you stay supported. The DesignChange Leadership Newsletter, my 2x monthly newsletter, delivers insights on personal development, emotional intelligence and practical AI frameworks you can put into practice in 5 minutes. Not to forget, MirandAI, your 24/7 AI coaching bot, is available anytime for spontaneous questions, reflection, and deeper exploration.
👉 Book your free 20-minute introductory call and find the format that works for you.