Preparing leaders for AI-driven workplace change
Understanding AI is only part of the leadership challenge. As AI becomes embedded in everyday workflows, leaders must also rethink how decisions are made, how teams collaborate, and how roles and responsibilities evolve.
This program focuses on the leadership and organizational implications of AI, helping participants navigate AI-driven workplace change, strengthen trust and accountability in human-machine collaboration, and prepare their teams and organizations for the future of work.
Key facts
Program impact
- Develop a clear understanding of how AI is reshaping capability building, people management, leadership development, and organizational culture
- Gain a structured framework to shape the workplace in the AI era and actively prepare for the future of work
- Identify the leadership capabilities required in the age of AI and assess how to future-proof yourself and your organization
- Exchange with peers across industries and functions to learn from diverse experiences and current AI best practices
Is this program right for you?
This program is designed for leaders across industries and functions who are increasingly working with AI, shaping AI-enabled processes, integrating AI into strategic decision making, and leading teams in times of rapid technological change. It is relevant for those navigating new demands on ways of working, evolving role profiles, and leadership cultures.
Topics
The program explores critical questions at the intersection of AI, leadership, and organizational transformation. The content is structured around three core pillars:
1. Redefining roles and responsibilities in the AI-enabled workplace
- What tasks shall we delegate to AI and where should human judgment remain central?
- AI as a “team member”: how can we architect hybrid teams of humans and AI agents? How does collaboration evolve?
- Decision-making in human-machine interaction
- Building trust in AI systems while navigating uncertainty and ambiguity
2. Elevating leadership for the future of work
- Leading in AI-enabled environments: trust, accountability, and coordination
- Team dynamics as AI becomes part of the workflow
- Evolving leadership identities and new role models
- Upskilling leaders: the competencies and mindset required for future-ready leadership in the age of AI
- Communication and change leadership in AI-driven transformation
3. Organizational transformation in the age of AI
- Organizational development and design in the hybrid workplace
- Aligning HR strategy, technology governance, and operating systems
- Strengthening agility and organizational learning as core capabilities
Downloads
Leading in the Age of AI
Next dates
How you will learn
The program combines academic rigor with practical relevance. Participants engage through expert-led sessions drawing on current organizational research, case discussions grounded in real leadership challenges, facilitated peer exchange across industries, and structured reflection on their own organizational context. The goal is not only to understand the landscape but to leave with a clear perspective on how to lead within it.
Lei Lu
Lei Lu leads Leading in the Age of AI at ESMT Berlin. She brings a global outlook and broad executive education experience to the program, helping leaders navigate challenges at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and transformation.
Francis de Véricourt
He brings extensive expertise in decision science, analytics, and AI, with a focus on deep tech, health care, sustainability, and human-AI interaction.
Carolin Puppel
With 20+ years in management consulting and corporate leadership, she helps senior leaders turn AI ambition into scalable, responsible business value through strategy, governance, and organizational transformation.
Chris Tamdjidi
He helps leaders and organizations build resilient cultures, combining experience in leadership development, organizational transformation, and executive coaching.
Christian Uhle
He explores how artificial intelligence and digital transformation reshape work, society, and the conditions for a meaningful life.
Apply this program toward your AI Executive Certificate
This program counts toward ESMT Berlin’s AI Executive Certificate. Complete any mix of AI programs totaling 6 learning days and earn a credential aligned with the EU AI Act.
Looking for more information, a consultation, or support with your application?
Contact our program advisor Morgan Flaherty.
- Book a consultation
- Phone: +49 30 21231 1490
- Email: bd@esmt.org
