GERMAN LEADERSHIP AWARD (GLA)

We are in the transition from the digital era to the AI era, with leadership increasingly characterized by the integration of AI technologies.

The German Leadership Award (GLA) was founded in 2014 at the Palais Biron in Baden-Baden as an initiative of the non-profit German Leadership Award e.V. with the significant participation of alumni of the Collège des Ingénieurs (CDI). The GLA developed in a circle of excellent young engineers and scientists who are characterized by a sustained interest in setting the economic course. The winners of the GLA are authentic role models in their preparation for future management tasks at various levels of responsibility. The prestigious award comes at a time of change from the traditional German corporate culture, which relied heavily on stability and hierarchy, to a more dynamic, technologically savvy and people-centered leadership. Especially in light of the rapidly growing relevance of artificial intelligence.

The German Leadership Award is presented annually to outstanding personalities from the German economy, in Baden-Baden, Munich and in 2024 and 2025 at the Heilbronn Education Campus.

The award is also a catalyst for anchoring the future topic of "Responsible Leadership in Times of AI" in the innovative ecosystem of the Heilbronn Education Campus.

Award ceremony 2024

Bildungscampus Heilbronn, auditorium

Award ceremony 2025

Bildungscampus Heilbronn, auditorium

German Leadership Award winner

Dr. h.c. Susanne Klatten

Ayla Busch
Lars Wagner (Jury)

2022

Prof. Dr. Michael Kaschke

2020

Dr. Hans J. Langer

2019

Dr.-Ing. E. h. Manfred Wittenstein

2018

Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger

2017

Peter Bauer

2016

Dr. phil. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller

2015

Erich Harsch

2014

Leadership Bildungscampus Heilbronn

Our Responsible Leadership in Times of AI (RELAI) program connects institutions of the Heilbronn Education Campus (AIM, DHBW, CAS, TUM Campus Heilbronn, Heilbronn University, Fraunhofer ISI and others) and prepares graduates and doctoral students specifically for leadership tasks in a world shaped by AI.

Each institution is represented by specific input and participants

→ Common cohort, common understanding of values, stronger networking.

RELAI hybrid program

6 modules - 5x online, 1x in presence

1st AI Deep Dive - opportunities, risks & social impact

Introduction to the key developments in artificial intelligence: What are the potentials and risks? How does AI influence society, work and leadership?

2. governance & regulation - legal & institutional framework conditions

Overview of national and international regulatory approaches. Which legal, political and institutional framework conditions are decisive for future leadership?

3. data & decision making - AI-supported decisions, bias & transparency

Understanding how AI-supported systems can support decisions, but also distort them. Discussion on bias, transparency and traceability. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer ISI - Joint Innovation Hub Heilbronn

4. ethical leadership - value orientation, responsibility & credibility

Dealing with values and responsibility in disruptive times. How can managers ensure trust and credibility?

5. integration lab - case study work & reflection

Participants work on practical case studies in small groups. Peer learning and joint reflection help participants to transfer what they have learned directly into their management role.

6th Career & Impact Lab + Award Ceremony (On Site)

Practical degree with a focus on shaping your own career:

Give & accept feedback
Communication essentials for interdisciplinary teams
Personal leadership pitch ("This is how I want to lead")
Ceremonial awarding of certificates & networking with stakeholders

Our goal:

Cross-institutional networking & shared understanding of values

Developing a new generation of responsible managers

Profiling the Heilbronn campus as a European pioneer in the field of responsible leadership

Partner:

AIvolve Leadership Dynamics GmbH, Zurich. As part of the Global Alliance for Artificial Intelligence, in line with the United Nations' flagship initiatives on Responsible AI Governance, AIvolve is setting new standards for responsible leadership in the age of AI.

AIvolve combines over 20 years of international experience in leadership development with deep expertise in emotional intelligence and human-centric AI transformation.

Tina Lieber
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
tina.lieber@aivolveld.com

41 76 680 2165
Zollstrasse 6
8005 Zurich
Switzerland

lieber@european-leadership-center.com

Leadership Circle

Partner:

The Mittelstand BVMW e. V.
The partners of the Mittelstand BVMW are selected companies that have committed themselves together with us to the further development of SMEs.

Josef Stumpf
josef.stumpf@bvmw.de
Phone: +49 6221 1389010
Vangerowstraße 17
69115 Heidelberg
Germany

News

Those who lead leave their frustration at home

Good leadership requires courage and confidence

Read more, Heilbronner Stimme from May 26, 2025

"Bringing in the human aspect": Networking students, bringing bring together

Read more, Heilbronner Stimme from August 05, 2025

German Leadership Center moves to education campus

Read more, Heilbronner Stimme from June 26, 2024

Contact & contact person

GLA European Leadership Center gGmbH
Bildungscampus 7 · 74076 Heilbronn
Tel: +49 7131 264180
info@european-leadership-center.com

Prof. Hans-Peter Mengele
Managing Director
Contact:
Leadership Bildungscampus Heilbronn
GLA European Leadership Center gGmbH
mengele@european-leadership-center.com

Maria-Paz Millán Millán
Executive Director
Contact: German Leadership Award
GLA European Leadership Center gGmbH
millan@european-leadership-center.com

Knut Stannowski
Managing Director
Collège des Ingénieurs Deutschland, Munich
Contact: CDI Alumni
stannowski@european-leadership-center.com

Tina Lieber
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
AIvolve Leadership Dynamics GmbH, Zurich
Contact: RELAI program
lieber@european-leadership-center.com