Leading with AI
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Redefine How You Lead in an AI-Driven World
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how leaders think, decide, and inspire.
To lead effectively in today’s environment, executives need to understand how AI influences leadership, from communication and creativity to motivation and culture.
This two-day executive program explores how to use AI tools and insights to enhance leadership effectiveness while preserving what makes leadership human.
Designed for experienced managers and senior professionals, it combines academic expertise, interactive learning, and practical relevance to help you evolve as a leader in the age of intelligent technology.
Key Facts
Program Structure
One on-campus module
2 days
Program Dates
January 26-27, 2026
Location
On site, Mannheim, Germany
Language
English
Course Fee
Regular: €2,160
Early-bird price (until November 30, 2025): €1,950
Alumni of MBS and Mannheim University: €1,730
Prerequisites
At least 5 years of work experience, good English language skills
Credits
Certificate awarded by Mannheim Business School
Reputation
Germany's #1 Business School for Executive MBA (Financial Times 2024)
Expert Voice: How AI is Changing Leadership
Learn from leadership expert Prof. Dr. Eric Kearney, Adjunct Faculty at Mannheim Business School.
In this segment, Prof. Kearney explores how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the nature of leadership.
Find out more about Prof. Dr. Eric Kearney below and hear directly from him about how to prepare for the evolving leadership landscape in this transformative program.
Your Benefits at a Glance
Future-Ready Leadership Mindset: Understand how AI changes leadership roles, team dynamics, and organizational strategy.
Applied AI Skills: Learn to evaluate and use AI tools that enhance vision-setting, motivation, and performance.
Responsible AI-Leadership: Gain clarity on the opportunities and limits of AI and how to lead responsibly in a digital world.
Strategic Foresight: Anticipate AI-driven changes and make informed leadership decisions.
Decision-Making in Complexity: Strengthen your ability to navigate uncertainty and make data-informed yet human-centered decisions.
Who Is this Program for?
The program is designed for senior professionals with leadership experience from all backgrounds who want to understand how artificial intelligence will reshape leadership and the workplace and how to make AI a valuable part of their leadership toolkit.
It’s ideal for:
Executives and managers seeking to anticipate and adapt to the impact of AI on leadership and organizations
HR, innovation, and strategy leaders wanting to leverage AI for team performance and decision-making
You will get a chance to connect with a diverse group of professionals and industry peers to expand your network and exchange ideas on AI innovation, strategy as well as leadership.
Participant Profile
Industry
Years of Work Experience
Program Structure & Course Contents
Our teaching approach combines academic excellence with practical application. The program integrates interactive discussions, expert-led lectures, real-world business cases, guest talks from industry experts and applied workshops, ensuring that participants can translate AI concepts into actionable strategies for their leadership and organizational context.
Current Expectations and What We Know So Far
- Has AI already influenced your experiences with leadership?
- What are your expectations in regard to how you as a leader or as a follower will be affected?
- AI demystified – what leaders need to know about AI, its current capabilities and future potential
- Overview of current research and expectations of researchers and practitioners in the fields of AI, leadership, and other disciplines on how AI will transform work and leadership
Overview of Currently Available Tools that Support Leaders in Their Daily Tasks
- Presentation of different tools that can be useful to leaders
- Discussion of the capabilities and limitations of various tools
- Practical exercises with different tools
Leadership Tasks: What Role Will AI Play in…
- Setting goals and formulating visions
- Individual and collective decision-making
- Selecting, training, and developing employees
- Fostering motivation
- Promoting creativity, innovation, and performance
- Enhancing commitment and satisfaction
- Evaluating and rewarding people
- Promoting team dynamics
- Shaping organizational culture
What Will the Future Bring? Will We Still Need a “Human Touch” in Leadership?
- Can AI lead teams, larger units, and entire organizations?
- Can AI resolve conflicts and manage power dynamics and organizational politics?
- Can AI provide new narratives and visions that inspire and motivate us to go beyond where any human leader could take us?
- Can AI become the key driver of organizational culture and organizational change?
- Do people want to be lead, at least in part, by a human? Now and in the future?
Lecturers
Prof. Dr. Eric Kearney
Eric Kearney has been Professor of Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resource Management at the University of Potsdam since 2014. He has taught at numerous German and international universities and business schools and regularly teaches leadership courses at Mannheim Business School. His research on leadership and teamwork has been published in leading scientific journals (e.g., Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Organizational Research Methods, Organization Science, Leadership Quarterly, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes). In his talks, keynotes, and workshops, he shows how scientific findings can be highly useful for organizations in their efforts to promote performance and satisfaction. Eric Kearney's research focuses on the leadership of individuals and teams. He is particularly interested in visionary and empowering leadership, as well as how we can leverage the potential of team diversity.
Registration and Course Fees
- Registrations are open until January 9, 2026, via an e-mail to ee@mannheim-business-school.com.
- The regular course fee is €2,160. Secure the early-bird discount until November 30, 2025 to pay €1,950.
- Alumni and participants at Mannheim Business School, their spouses and co-habiting partners, and alumni, staff and participants of the University of Mannheim pay €1,730.
- Alumni and participants at Mannheim Business School, their spouses and co-habiting partners, and alumni, staff and participants of the University of Mannheim are eligible for a discount. Special conditions for Executive MBA alumni taking part for the first time apply.
- Good to know: Tax offices usually recognize costs for your further education if they are job-related. Depending on your tax status in Germany, you may claim up to 50% of the tuition fee and related travel expenses on your annual tax return. Outside of Germany, please check details with a tax advisor in your country of residence. Please note: Each federal state in Germany has regulations on educational leave. Check here to see which regulations apply in your federal state and get in touch with us to discuss your individual situation.
FAQ
How can I register for this program?
Simply click “Register Now” in the sidebar or download the registration form in the "Downloads" section below. Make sure to complete the registration form and email it to ee@mannheim-business-school.com.
Once your registration form has been viewed, the Open Courses & Certificates Team will reach out to you to support you with the next steps.
What will I take away from the program?
- I will become familiar with and able to use the currently available AI tools that support leaders in their daily tasks.
- I will gain awareness of both the potential and limitations of AI in various leadership functions, including vision and goal formulation, decision-making, motivation, and shaping team dynamics and organizational culture.
- I will develop an understanding of the broader implications of the changes AI is expected to bring in the coming years.
Do I need a technical background to join?
No. The program is designed for leaders from all industries. You’ll gain a solid understanding of AI’s leadership implications without coding or data science prerequisites.
What is included in the program fee?
The program fee covers participation in all program days, course materials, guest lectures, meals and a networking dinner.
Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. However, Mannheim Business School will be pleased to provide a list of hotels discounts once you have successfully registered for the program.Can I book any add-ons to this course?
Yes, you can.
If would also like to explore how AI is changing business, our AI Business Impact and Leadership Transformation Week could be the perfect next step for you.
This immersive 5-day experience includes the Leading with AI Certificate plus 3 additional days focused on AI and its impact on business, covering the two areas most profoundly reshaped by artificial intelligence.
Contact Person
Downloads
- Factsheet Leading with AI
- Registration Form Leading with AI
MANNHEIM BUSINESS SCHOOL (MBS)
Located in the heart of the German and European economy, Mannheim Business School (MBS), the umbrella organization for management education at the University of Mannheim, is considered to be one of the leading institutions of its kind in Germany and is continuously ranked as Germany’s #1.
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