Karla Schlaepfer

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KARLA SCHLAEPFER

AI didn’t ask for your permission. It showed up, changed the rules, and now your team is looking at you for answers you don’t have yet.You’re not lost. You’re navigating something genuinely hard.But somewhere in the back of your mind: “Am I still the right leader for this?”What experienced leaders struggle with quietly: Which AI tools actually matter – and which are just noise Big decisions, no breathing room Holding it together outside while running on empty inside “How do I still lead authentically in all of this?”I get it. I co-founded a VR tech startup and learned firsthand what happens when technology moves faster than clarity. My answer: AI Confidence CoachingI combine emotional intelligence with genuine AI literacy. This isn’t tool training. It’s a structured space to think clearly about the leadership decisions that keep you up at night.My approach is built on the 4Cs Framework I developed – four principles that sharpen how you decide, lead, and use AI: Clarity — Know what you want before you prompt. Better questions, better decisions Connection — Stay grounded in your values and your people Curiosity — Experiment without the pressure to be perfect Courage — Act decisively even when the playbook doesn’t existThese aren’t soft skills. They’re the decision-making edge that separates leaders who react from leaders who shape what comes next.Why me: ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – 3,500+ hours Tech co-founder with real startup experience American-born, 30+ years leading and coaching in Germany Author + university lecturer (MA Applied Linguistics) Hogan certified – making blind spots visibleAs co-initiator of the \"AI in Coaching\" initiative at ICF Germany Charter Chapter e.V. and member of the expert panel for the first-ever ICF audit of an AI 1:1 coaching platform (Speexx), I actively help shape how our profession evolves in the AI era.My clients: Senior leaders at Mercedes-Benz, SIXT, Telekom, DeepL, Bayer, SNP – and ambitious mid-sized companies across Europe.I’m your sparring partner when: The path forward is unclear AI upskilling feels overwhelming The “go AI” mandate needs a human touch You want to be known for substance, not noiseWhat drives me most: supporting women in leadership who want to grow their impact.Ready to think out loud with someone who gets it?Let’s talk. 20 minutes, a live conversation about where you are and what’s possible. Book your call: designchange.de/termin k••••••••@designchange.de