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DC Leadership Lab: Stretch Your EdgeWhy the hardest conversations start with ourselves

Find highlights in DE and EN at the end

Welcome to your fresh DesignChange edition, delivered every 2nd Tuesday at 8am to over 730 forward-thinking leaders like you!

Last week, I did something that made my stomach flutter with nerves. I created a video announcement for my upcoming Masterclass and posted it on LinkedIn.

Simple enough, right? Wrong.

I must have recorded that 50-second video eight times. Each attempt felt awkward. Too formal. Too chatty. Not specific enough. My inner critic had a field day: “Who are you to talk about this? What if people think you’re not credible enough?”

But here’s what I’ve learned in my 28+ years of professional life: the moments when we stretch beyond our comfort zones—even in small ways—are precisely when we grow.

Showing up authentically, especially when it feels hard, is part of learning. It’s where self-awareness meets courage.

🌿 The Leadership Stretch That Matters

That video taught me something I often tell my clients but sometimes forget myself: vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the birthplace of strength.

When we dare to be seen—really seen—we give others permission to do the same. And that’s the safe space we can make for ourselves and offer our teams to do the same.

💡 LeadershipLab Challenge: Your Personal Stretch Audit

3 Questions to Expand Your Leadership Edge

When did you last stretch beyond what feels comfortable? Here’s a little dare for you! Grab these three questions and see where your next growth edge might be hiding!

  1. The Conversation Question: What important conversation have you been avoiding because it feels too risky or vulnerable? (With a team member, your boss, or even yourself?)
  2. The Visibility Question: Where are you playing it safe professionally when showing up more authentically could create deeper impact? (In meetings, presentations, or leadership decisions?)
  3. The Learning Question: What skill or knowledge area makes you feel like a beginner again, and how could embracing that beginner’s mind strengthen your leadership? (i.e. like with AI 😊)

Go ahead. Write down your answers. Pick one. And commit to doing it this week. If you like,k drop me a line about what you discover!

🔆 Speaking of Stretching: Real Client Transformation

Another stretch for me? Sharing testimonials. Tests have shown I’m an introverted extrovert. I love connecting with people but sometimes hesitate to highlight the impact of my work. Yet when clients experience genuine transformation, their stories deserve to be shared.

Here’s feedback from Alicia Weber, Product Management Lead:

“Karla combines coaching expertise with a deep understanding of the impact of emerging technologies and transformation. Her approach is rooted in emotional intelligence and clear, actionable guidance, making her an exceptional partner for leadership development. While her coaching is valuable for leaders in a wide range of roles and contexts, I found her perspective particularly impactful as a female leader navigating the tech and transformation space.”

Alicia’s journey included both personal breakthroughs and a new job offer. This is what happens when we create space for authentic growth 🎉

📢 Exciting Speaking Opportunity

I’m thrilled to be invited to share my practical AI knowledge at the Wissensimpuls der BDVT Akademie in an interactive talk: “KI effektiv und sicher einsetzen – von Prompt bis Praxis” (Using AI Effectively and Safely – from Prompt to Practice). Interested? It’s online on Sept. 17th. Check out the link above for tickets.

🎯 The Masterclass That’s Changing Perspectives

A participant recently described his current attitude toward AI as treating it “like a neglected stepchild” (stiefmütterlich) giving it inadequate attention despite knowing it’s important. After our personal conversation about the practical frameworks and use cases we’ll explore in the Masterclass, he decided to register for September 25 🚀

What about you? Is your AI approach still “stiefmüttlerlich” or are you ready to take steps towards shaping your leadership in an AI-enabled world?

Check out my landing pages: More Human Leadership Masterclass 🗓️ September 25, 2025

🔗 English Registration 🔗 German Registration

Reach out to me Karla for a free Masterclass consultation to check your readiness

🤖 Exclusive: Miranda CoachBot Beta Testing

I’m thrilled to announce that my safe and ethical Miranda CoachBot is ready for free testing! This state-of-the-art, privacy-secure coaching bot represents months of careful development.

Interested in being one of only 5 beta testers? Email waitinglist@designchange.de to be considered for exclusive 4 week access.

🤝 Ready for Your Next Leadership Stretch?

Whether it’s navigating hands-on AI implementation, developing authentic leadership presence, or having those difficult conversations, I’m here to support your growth.

Sometimes the biggest courage is in daring to be vulnerable, to admit we don’t have all the answers, to show up imperfectly, to stretch beyond what feels safe.

That’s where leadership lives.

Best wishes,

Karla Schlaepfer and the amazing DesignChange team

True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to keep asking better questions.

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