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Léa Steinacker speaker

Léa Steinacker – Architect of Code Capital and Human-Centered AI Leadership

Dr. Léa Steinacker is a social scientist, bestselling author, board member, and award-winning entrepreneur whose work explores the dynamic interplay between technology, society, and power. At the intersection of research, leadership, and education, she investigates how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—reshape human behavior, organizations, and systemic structures.

She is the Executive Chairwoman and co-founder of ada Learning, a future-skills platform empowering thousands of employees across DAX-listed firms, SMEs, government bodies, and NGOs to lead innovation from within. Léa also serves on the Board of Directors at Weleda AG, and as a member of the AI Advisory Board of Ringier AG, one of Switzerland’s major media groups.

In academia, she lectures at the University of St. Gallen, where she teaches courses such as “Social and Economic Impacts of Artificial Intelligence” and “AI Governance: Perspectives from Asia.” Her publications span AI governance, algorithmic accountability, and her original framework “Code Capital”—a concept analyzing how software shapes institutional power.

Previously, she served as Chief Innovation Officer at WirtschaftsWoche, Germany’s leading business magazine, where she reported on the future of work and digital transformation. Her international background includes work with social justice organizations in Bosnia, Rwanda, and the DRC.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30, Medium Magazine Top 30 Under 30 Journalist, BCG Thought Leader, and Atlantik Brücke Young Leader, she holds degrees from Princeton University (A.B.), Harvard Kennedy School (MPP), and a PhD from the University of St. Gallen. Her 2024 book on AI, co-authored with Prof. Miriam Meckel, became an instant national bestseller.

🏆 Notable Achievements

  • Co-founder & Executive Chairwoman of ada Learning, a leading platform for workforce transformation

  • Author of a 2024 AI bestseller with Prof. Dr. Miriam Meckel

  • Developer of the Code Capital framework, analyzing how software reallocates power

  • Lecturer on AI and governance at the University of St. Gallen

  • Board member of Weleda AG and AI Advisory Board Member at Ringier AG

  • Former Chief Innovation Officer at WirtschaftsWoche

  • Recognized by Forbes, Medium Magazine, BCG, and Atlantik Brücke

  • Recipient of the Henry Richardson Labouisse Prize for global research

Langages spoken by the speaker:

  • French
  • English

🧠 Keynote Themes

1. From Hype to Hybrid Intelligence: Putting People at the Heart of the AI Era

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the workplace- How can organizations navigate this shift with purpose and clarity? Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur, researcher, and innovation expert, Dr. Léa Steinacker shares real-world lessons from DAX-listed firms and mid-sized companies. This keynote outlines what skills employees actually need and shows why successful AI transformation depends on combining technological progress with human-centered leadership. A vital guide for anyone who wants to shape AI. not just survive it.

2. Code Capital: Leading Responsibly in the Age of AI 

How can we ensure AI is deployed fairly, transparently, and for the benefit of all? Blending cutting-edge research with hands-on experience, Dr. Léa Steinacker explores how AI is reshaping business models and power structures alike. With concrete examples, she unpacks how organizations can understand, measure, and responsibly leverage “code capital”—the invisible engine behind modern transformation. Essential insight for leaders who want to wield AI responsibly and effectively

3. Transforming the workforce in the Age of AI: What Every Leader Must Know 

AI promises explosive gains in speed and scale—but are we measuring productivity the right way? In this provocative keynote, Léa Steinacker challenges conventional metrics and reveals how AI is transforming not just what we produce, but how we think, collaborate, and create value. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, organizational strategy, and her work with leading companies, she explores how to unlock a mindset that fuses AI with reflection, output with impact, and performance with purpose. A must for leaders who want to move from busyness to meaningful progress.

4. Everything Everywhere All at Once: How AI Is Reshaping Our World

We’re living in a moment where Artificial Intelligence touches everything—automating routines, personalizing digital life, and reshaping entire industries. But what happens when AI starts influencing everything, all at once? In this keynote, Dr. Léa Steinacker explores how AI is redefining not just work and communication, but also creativity, ethics, and economic power. A deep yet accessible look at the promise, perils, and paradoxes of an AI-saturated world.
 

Léa Steinacker Keynotes

AI & ethics
Code Capital
Responsible leadership
Digital transformation