Katja Schipperheijn

Leading through uncertainty with human wisdom, imagination and consilience

In a world shaped by AI, the changing nature of work and profound social transformation, leadership is no longer about control or certainty. It is about navigating perpetual liminality: a continuous state of transition in which yesterday’s models no longer apply, while tomorrow’s reality has not yet emerged.

You’ll discover:

• Why liminal leadership requires letting go of outdated assumptions and using uncertainty and imagination as a space for exploration and possibility

• How Human Wisdom (Phronesis) helps us make better choices when data, technology or expertise alone cannot provide the answer

• How to empower people and teams through learning and shared intelligence, both human and artificial

• more

Unleash potential through a learning mindset empowered by technology, neuroscience, and human connection.

Practical, positive and thought-provoking, this is one of Katja’s most versatile keynotes. It resonates with employees and leaders alike and has connected with audiences across cultures and continents.

In this talk, Katja unpacks:

• What a learning mindset truly means and why it matters for individuals, teams and organisations

• The role of AI and neuroscience in supporting learning, creativity and performance

• How different generations can learn from one another, rather than allowing differences in experience, expectations and technology use to divide them.

Based on the extensively rewritten 2026 edition of Learning Ecosystems.

This keynote explores how organisations can build Cognitive Learning Ecosystems in which people, knowledge, data and technology continuously strengthen one another.

You’ll discover:

• Why understanding Cognitive Learning Ecosystems is essential for adaptability, innovation and continuous improvement

• How predictive technologies and data can help anticipate what people and organisations need next

• How to combine artificial intelligence with human competencies, psychological safety and experimentation

This unique keynote bridges generations, cultures, and technological realities, challenging audiences to look beyond their own assumptions and imagine the next generation’s future.

You’ll discover:

• What children across cultures can teach us about human potential, innovation and ethics in a globally devided world

• Why understanding how young people experience AI, virtual worlds and digital identity matters for the future of work and society

• How perspectives from different cultures can reveal ethical blind spots and assumptions about responsible innovation

Learning Ecosystems: Creating Innovative Lean and Tech-driven Learning Strategies (November 2026 – Second Edition)

Learning is no longer a support function, but a strategic imperative for organizations navigating the liminal space between past realities and future possibilities.

Learning Ecosystems by Katja Schipperheijn is a strategic guide for learnscapers: people across the organization, including learning leaders and business decision-makers, who help build the architecture and culture needed for continuous growth.

Combining strategic frameworks with practical guidance, this new edition redefines learning as the foundation for nimble organizations operating in an era shaped by AI, complexity and constant transition. It explores how to create value and data-driven environments in which people and innovative technologies learn with and from one another to accelerate innovation and organizational performance.

You’ll learn how to:
– Build a strategy of continuous learning and adaptability in liminal times
– Integrate AI and learning technologies effectively in corporate architectures
– Develop future-proof competencies and translate them into practical wisdom
– Apply value and data-driven learning models to business strategy
– Navigate global ethical challenges around Agentic AI and performance management

This book draws upon Katja‘s own models, from the Lean Learning Framework and the Learning Maturity Model for Organizations to the newly introduced Cognitive Learning Ecosystems and the paradigm of the 6 Moment of Learning. Supported by expert insights and international real-world examples, Learning Ecosystems provides a clear roadmap for embedding learning into the core of organizational success.

Themes include: cognitive learning ecosystems, human-AI collaboration, skills vs tasks, human competencies, learning mindset, practical wisdom, liminal leadership, continuous improvement, global ethics, and learning technologies

References

“This book goes far beyond learning. It’s a must-read for anyone working in companies or organizations today that would like an up-to-date overview of how technological advancements such as AI are influencing skills, behaviours and therefore the state of work in general. Katja opens your mind to new trends and how they’re playing out from a human perspective differently depending on regions.”– “Katie Bourdet, Global Head of Employer Promise, Orange“

“Learning Ecosystems brings unconventional, confrontational but practical insights on how to learn and, in a broader sense, how to work in a world created by AI. Fully revised for liminal times, this edition pairs rigorous academic theory with practical frameworks to show how individuals and organizations can integrate AI while deliberately moving away obsolete practices. Katja Schipperheijn makes a compelling and timely argument: although technology will reshape our lives and work, it is the growth of human capabilities like curiosity, practical wisdom and collaborative sensemaking that will determine which organizations will thrive in the future. Clear, theoretically grounded and operationally focused, the book equips leaders with the mindset, strategic imperatives and design patterns needed to prepare an organization for these uncharted territories in a world created by AI.”– “Peter Willems, Vice President Local Medical Safety at J&J and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Janssen-Cilag International”

“As learning takes its place at the centre of transformation, cognitive learning ecosystems become the engine that helps organisations adapt, perform and grow in uncertain times. Katja Schipperheijn’s Learning Ecosystems brings clarity, structure and practical wisdom to this challenge. Drawing together leadership, AI, data, human capability and continuous improvement, it is an essential guide for learning leaders seeking to shape ecosystems that are ready not only for today’s realities, but for tomorrow’s possibilities.”– “James Godfrey, Global Head of Marketing & Sales Capability Building, Nestlé”

The Learning Mindset: Combining Human Competencies with Technology to Thrive (2024)

Developing a learning mindset, the new book of Katja Schipperheijn is essential for success in a rapidly changing world of work. But how can you adopt this approach? What qualities do you need? What role do technology and neuroscience play? How can it boost innovation, problem-solving and collaboration?

The Learning Mindset has the answers. Written by an international learning expert, this book explains what a learning mindset is and what the benefits are for individuals, teams and the wider organization. It covers the competencies needed for this approach such as imagination, curiosity, consilience, empathy and openness. This book shows how these traits can be developed in everyone, whilst still celebrating their individual differences.

This essential guide outlines how to overcome negative emotions and embrace learning, how to foster social collaboration and lean learning, how to become a learning leader and how a learning approach can turn challenges into opportunities. There is also coverage of the neuroscience of learning, the importance of diversity for innovation, the evolution of artificial intelligence and how humans and technology can work in symbiosis for the best results. Packed full of insights, advice, practical guidance and interviews from leaders at global companies, this is crucial reading for everyonelooking to develop a learning mindset in themselves, their teams or their organizations to thrive in a constantly changing world.

Read more about the Amplifier professional diagnostic and event tool here!

“Mind-blowing! People walked out changed, inspired, and ready to think differently about the future of work. This wasn’t just a talk. It was a wake-up call, a moment of truth, and a gift of perspective.

Probably the most coherent, provocative, and sobering presentation about the mindset and shift needed in organisations to adapt to the new work context. What stood out wasn’t just the clarity of thought or the simplicity of the message — it was the way the story touched everyone.

Katja didn’t simply present ideas; she offered an emotional journey, one that made space for reflection, discomfort, and hope”

Amazing Keynote!! So good that our main stakeholders where commenting there praises of you to each other even during and not after! Thank you so much for taking part of this Katja and I’m really happy that we had you for the last week as you preffered, defenitely turned some heads!

– Filip Videira – Senior Manager  Open Innovation and Partnerships — United Kingdom

Katja’s session was incredibly practical and insightful. People loved it, and it made a significant impact on their learning experience. Her insights and expertise truly resonated with our audience, and her presentation style was engaging and informative. Her contribution to the Masterclass including a tailored keynote has left a lasting impression.”

– Huguette Andreoli – Director People and Culture MCI Group — The Netherlands

A great Keynote Katja. The importance of fostering a learning mindset can’t be overstated, especially in today’s fast-paced world where innovation is key! It’s inspiring to see how emerging technologies can support and enhance this process. This not only benefits individuals in their personal growth but also contributes significantly to organisational success. A win win!

– Cathy Hoy – CEO and Co-founder CLO100 — United Kingdom

Your intervention at the Netex Salon was amazing. This morning, when I woke up I didn’t think that we would be talking about something that for me is as important as children to improve as a person, so thank you for saying it with the naturalness and certainty with which you did it! I believe that imagination and creativity are key elements that make us unique and that can never be taken away from us by machines. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of calm, transformation, self-management and curiosity in this ever-evolving world. I hope to have the opportunity to talk to you more about this at some point.

– Clara Lepoutre – L&D Project Manager at ADEO Group — Spain

A couple of days ago, I had the privilege of attending the Toyota Tech Conference where Katja Schipperheijn was an esteemed speaker. She captivated the audience with her perspective on how lessons from children could be applied to shape the future of our workplaces. Katja, your thought-provoking insights and innovative approach to reimagining the work process were truly inspirational.
My heartfelt gratitude for enlightening us and instilling a fresh perspective on our professional journey.

– George Tsiramua – Head of Business Technology Department at Toyota Caucasus LLC — Georgia

““Katja Schipperheijn has taken a complex topic and made it approachable and actionable. Whilst grounded in science and research, it’s also full of practical ideas. The weaving of evidence with myth-busting, real-life stories and inspiration from experts make this book engaging and fascinating. .”

– Stella Collins Co-founder and CLO Stellar Labs and author The Neuroscience of Learning.

“Brilliantly captures the essence of the evolving learning mindset. With insightful examples and actionable ideas, Katja Schipperheijn shows how we can unlock the huge potential of the learning mindset to scale a more intelligent and human future.” 

– Terence Mauri, Founder of Hack Future Lab and author of The Upside of Disruption