Introduction to this salon: a thought ahead of the conversation

As exciting as the technical side of AI currently is, this salon will intentionally focus less on the technology itself and more on the human side of transformation. In particular:

What truly creates hesitation, friction or resistance in AI transformation - and how do we resolve it?

You are warmly invited to reflect on your personal perspective, shaped by your own unique experience and expertise on the topic. I would love for us to begin from our own genuine perspectives before being influenced by one another’s thinking. As to me, the most meaningful part of the evening emerges through everyone’s unique perspectives and lived experience.

I will also briefly share my own perspective on The Inner Layer and connect it to the very experience we will be having together throughout the evening. Because our shared experience may naturally lend itself to something quite interesting:

Not only discussing the underlying mechanisms of human resistance to uncertainty and change - but, in some ways, also experiencing and empathising with them ourselves. After all, we will find ourselves immersed in perspectives, disciplines and domains that may feel unfamiliar to us; listening to ways of thinking we may not naturally encounter in our own professional worlds.

Throughout the evening, we will likely encounter perspectives ranging from philosophy, psychiatry and physics to leadership, entrepreneurship, journalism, strategy consulting, restructuring, investment, technology, organisational transformation and human behaviour - just to name a few.

And that, in itself, requires:

• a willingness to temporarily tolerate not knowing

• the courage to ask what may feel like a naïve question

• curiosity across different perspectives

• and, at times, a willingness to resist the temptation of certainty

In many ways, this is precisely what The Inner Layer seeks to explore:

What truly creates friction, hesitation or resistance in people - particularly in moments of transformation that increasingly shape how we work, lead and collaborate?

So as a small invitation ahead of the evening, I would love for everyone to reflect on these questions:

In your experience, where do you personally see the strongest friction when it comes to AI transformation on the human side? And what do you see as the most meaningful path toward resolution?

Perhaps there is an observation, contradiction, moment of resistance, or experience that has stayed with you.

I’m very much looking forward to thinking together,

Laura

Summer Salon: "The Inner Layer"

Thursday, 11th of June, 6:00-8:00 pm

At Jungfernstieg by the Alster

Bringing together people across fields such as technology, consulting, psychology, finance, law, philosophy, engineering, and beyond, the salon is intentionally designed around curiosity, depth, and meaningful exchange.

Together, we step outside our usual worlds - and into one another’s.

What to expect

The evening will be spacious, effortless, and intentionally designed to allow conversations to unfold organically. The setting is curated - from the atmosphere to light refreshments - creating a space for thoughtful exchange and genuine connection.

One week prior to the evening, you will receive a short contextual note to gently frame the salon and introduce the spirit of the conversation.

Arrival
We will begin at 6:00 PM. Please do not worry if you are running late, you are warmly welcome to join later. You will not be disrupting the flow of the evening.

Afterward
As we are already by the Alster, those who feel like continuing the evening are warmly invited to join informally at a nearby bar afterward.

I look forward to welcoming you and to the genuine connections that will emerge between all of you.

Kind note
As the salon is intentionally intimate, each seat matters. Should your plans change, I would deeply appreciate hearing from you at your earliest convenience so that someone from the waitlist may join; even at short notice, this is still helpful.

Waitlist
Please feel free to reach out via e-mail if you were not able to secure a seat. I will do my best to include you - at the very least in the next suitable event. You are genuinely welcome.

The salon is intentionally intimate. Kindly RSVP to secure your place. Confirmations will be handled on a first confirmed basis. A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached.