Meet the Speaker —Isabell Welpe
Isabell Welpe is a Strategy Professor at TUM — Technical University of Munich. Her session at WITS 2023 Virtual Summit is The next chapter of leadership: AI & Web3.
Why is speaking at WITS important to you?
Speaking at Women In Tech Summit (WITS) is deeply significant to me, as it provides an opportunity to contribute towards an ecosystem where technology and leadership are both inclusive and diverse. As a management professor who is passionate about technology, science, and the betterment of humanity, I believe in utilizing platforms such as WITS to amplify the voices of (wo)men in tech, encourage younger generations, and inspire a more balanced representation in this field. These events not only create awareness but also provide practical steps towards bridging the gender gap in the tech industry. WITS is also about making meaningful connections and about the most inspiring social connections you would hope to find at a conference.
What or who inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by people who have consistently broken barriers and defied stereotypes. Women like Grace Hopper, who revolutionized the field of computer science, and Steffi Czerny, co-founder of DLD (Digital-Life-Design), a global conference network on innovation, digitization, science, and culture. They have paved the way for more diverse people to participate and lead in these historically siloed fields by connecting unusual people with a mission with each other. In terms of concepts, I’m inspired by the incredible potential of technology and science, not just as tools for development, but as means to help humanity advance in a more inclusive and equitable way.
Most useful article you’ve read in the last month?
The most thought-book I’ve read recently is a classic, the seminal book “The Sovereign Individual” by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg, this article explores how digital technology and artificial intelligence are catalyzing a profound shift in our societal structure and the way work is conducted. It delves into the prediction of the rise of the “sovereign individual,” a person who uses technology to assert greater control over their economic destiny, leading to the decentralization of power from traditional institutions. As a management professor intrigued by the future of work and the role of technology in shaping this evolution, this article provided a stimulating read, offering a unique perspective that’s critical to understanding the trajectory of societal and economic trends.
When you were a kid, what was your dream job?
As a child, I harbored dreams that were less about specific jobs and more about experiencing the vast, diverse world we live in. My dream was to travel extensively and meet people from all walks of life. I yearned for the kind of rich, varied experiences that only come from immersing oneself in different cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. This youthful curiosity has been a driving force throughout my life, informing my approach to teaching and research, and inspiring my passion for diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of humanity in the technology and management sector.
Tell us something about your session?
My upcoming session, titled “The Next Chapter of Leadership: AI & Web3,” aims to delve into the groundbreaking intersections of artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized web technologies (Web3), and leadership. The landscape of leadership is shifting, and these technological advancements are playing a significant role in shaping the future of how firms, teams, and individuals operate and interact.
The session will explore how AI and Web3 are fostering new avenues for innovation and disruption in leadership. For instance, we’ll discuss how AI can enhance decision-making, foster collaboration, and personalize employee development, while Web3 can decentralize authority, create transparent systems, and enable more democratic participation within organizations.
This session is designed for those intrigued by the potential of these technologies and eager to explore their application in leadership. Attendees can expect a blend of theoretical discussion, practical examples, and innovative insights, all aimed at equipping them with the tools to navigate and lead in this exciting new era of technological advancement.
What other sessions or speakers are you most excited to see?
I am particularly excited to hear from Lauren Giacobbo and Danielle Hughes, as they are both influential figures and have made significant contributions towards understanding the intersection of technology and management including psychological aspects.
