Help, we’ve reinvented the wheel. How do we learn to drive now? Our (working) world is undergoing fundamental change. ChatGPT, Google IO, Microsoft Copilot etc. have already found their way into our everyday lives and are developing rapidly. Many people are asking themselves: How is artificial intelligence changing my industry? What does this mean for our team? And will I still be needed in the future?
The new is uncertain and harbours risks. But also enormous opportunities. We ask start-up founder and transformation designer Dominik Graetz where the technological journey is heading and what role we humans can play in it. We also show which skills will be in demand tomorrow and how equilibrio can support your personal transformation and that of your company.
The future is what we make of it together. We are looking forward to it.
Every achievement harbours opportunities and risks. Artificial intelligence is one of the technologies of this century that is fundamentally changing the way we work, communicate and interact with each other.
The Goethe-Institut writes: “Scientists see artificial intelligence (AI) as a key technology whose application can be expected in all areas of society. AI can improve the quality of life of many people and help to overcome global challenges such as climate change or health crises. … However, with the increasing use of AI applications, concerns are also growing, for example with regard to the importance of human values such as fairness, freedom, data protection, security and liability. Hardly any other development is currently posing the question of how we want to view our technical capabilities in a social context so clearly and comprehensively. What is certain is that this technology has already profoundly changed our everyday lives and will continue to do so.”
The challenge for us humans is to shape this change and not just manage it. Humans have empathy, creativity, ethical judgement and contextual understanding, while AI can analyse large amounts of data, recognise patterns and perform repetitive tasks efficiently. The future lies in combining these skills and guiding the machines with their capabilities. And to do this, we need to focus on our strengths and develop our own leadership skills.
Interview:
Left: Interviewpartner Dominik. Right: The leadership team of DigitalNewX with its unifying credo.
DigitalNewX accompanies companies and organisations on their path to digital transformation and supports them with digital products and services relating to artificial intelligence and data – from the initial idea and analysis to prototyping, implementation and scaling. Above all, the aim is to get people on board and enable them to work with the technology.
In June, the DigitalNewX leadership team took part in an equilibrio workshop in Cilento, Italy, to focus on teamwork and their own leadership skills outside of work and everyday life. This provided the opportunity for an interview with Dominik.
eq: What are the biggest opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence?
Dominik Graetz: „The opportunities offered by AI are manifold. AI can automate repetitive work, analyse large amounts of data in seconds and support many tasks as a kind of digital assistant. For us as a consulting firm, AI is an accelerator of innovation and operational excellence and is already an integral part of many workflows and processes – within DigitalNewX and in our projects.
In my opinion, the current risk does not lie in the AI itself, but in the way we deal with it. Uncritical and continuous use harbours the danger that interpersonal trust will be lost, biases will be strengthened, and ethically correct applicability will slip into the background.”
eq: How will humans and AI work together in the future?
Dominik Graetz: „In my opinion, humans and AI are not competitors in many areas, but partners – but the responsibility always remains human. Good collaboration happens when everyone does what they do best:
The future belongs to organisations that consciously shape the collaboration between humans and machines – with clear roles, ethical guidelines and the ability to reflect. It is less about simply utilising AI and more about redefining one’s own role in interaction with AI. Those who manage to do this will not be replaced by AI but rather strengthened by it.
At the same time, one thing is clear: just like the loom in the industrial revolution, AI will also change and replace jobs. The decisive factor is how we shape this change – with responsibility, training and, above all, the courage to reorient ourselves.”
eq: What can equilibrio do to ensure that people can cooperate well with AI and guide it?
Dominik Graetz: „equilibrio creates a space in which people can consciously and thoughtfully shape their relationship with AI. It’s not just about technological knowledge, but about an inner attitude:
As already mentioned, I am convinced that people will still be in the driver’s seat in the future. That’s why methods for self-reflection, psychological safety in the team and decision-making in management teams are extremely important in order to consciously control, categorise and responsibly use AI. This is leadership in the age of machines – and it starts with ourselves.”
eq: What have you and your team learnt from equilibrio?
Dominik Graetz: „We have learnt to pause and deal better with change. As individuals, but also as a leadership team.
We have learnt that an open approach to strengths and weaknesses and clear, authentic communication within our leadership team are absolutely crucial.
We have learnt that – true to Ubuntu “I am because we are” – a deeper sense of shared connection, humanity and community is created.
The great leadership of equilibrio in beautiful locations around Cilento has given us the opportunity to grow not only as the DigitalNewX leadership team, but also personally. As humans.”
Empathy, intuition, creativity, contextual understanding, teamwork … Human skills and lifelong learning are crucial when working with AI. equilibrio supports you in developing and effectively utilising your strengths and potential.
Through coaching in nature, by the sea, at inspiring historical sites and also with horses, you gain access to your deep-seated emotions and become aware of your body language. You learn to deal with fears or inner resistance, open up and can be yourself without any pretence. A change that pays off in the long term in all relationships. Because you can connect with others openly and authentically. Everyone in the team has strengths and is allowed to show weaknesses. This builds trust and team spirit. Motivated and confident, you can take on challenges together and shape your collaboration with AI as a leader.
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