October 26, 2025 · Events
HWZ Empowers: human and machine – shaping the future together
At the recent HWZ Empowers event, the focus was on how we can not only use artificial intelligence, but also actively shape it. Through keynotes and breakout sessions, it became clear: the central issue is not the machines, but people – it is about responsibility, creativity and attitude in a future shaped by AI.
Around 90 people attended this year’s edition of HWZ Empowers on Thursday, 23 October 2025. Under the theme «Human x AI», participants gained practical insights through keynotes and breakout sessions into how artificial intelligence is transforming our working world – and the role humans will play in this future. The focus was not on machines, but on people: those who actively help to shape the future – or allow themselves to be shaped by it.
AI is changing everything – but we shape what endures
In his keynote address, Gustavo Salami demonstrated with striking clarity how rapidly AI is transforming our working lives. New roles, new systems, and new uncertainties are emerging—along with the need to develop new skills. In his breakout session, «Future Skills – Competencies for the Age of AI», he emphasised that the future will not only be about «prompt engineering», but also about «context engineering»: we must learn to shape the framework within which AI is used meaningfully, creatively, and human-centred. Using the so-called «digger scenario», Salami showed that experience remains indispensable even in an age of automation. The future of work will require people who lead AI, inspire its use and embed it responsibly – not those who allow themselves to be driven by it.
Humanity as a Competitive Advantage
In her breakout session, «Human after all – Our humanity as a USP in the age of AI», Nicole Kopp placed the human dimension at the centre. While AI can analyse, structure, and make recommendations, it lacks one crucial element: empathy. Kopp demonstrated that emotional intelligence, intuition, and genuine listening are among the most important skills for the future. The more powerful AI becomes, the more significant our ability to build relationships, empathise, and take responsibility will be. «AI can do many things – but it cannot be human», was her conclusion. It was a reminder that the most valuable skills of the future are not programmed, but lived.
Brain, Stress and Resilience
In her breakout session, Dr. Manuela Adcock from hirncoach.ch adopted a neuroscientific perspective. Under the title «Self-Leadership & Resilience – Remaining Stable in Times of Change», she demonstrated that our brains remain adaptable throughout our lives. This so-called neuroplasticity enables us to develop new patterns of thinking and behaviour, even during periods of constant change. Adcock shared practical strategies for maintaining mental stability during stressful times, such as conscious breathing exercises, mindfulness, taking breaks, and movement. In doing so, she made one thing clear: self-leadership is not a technique, but a mindset – and resilience does not mean toughness, but flexibility.
Shaping the future – a team effort
In conclusion, futurist Dr. Martina Kühne reminded the audience in her keynote address that the future is not the achievement of individuals, but rather a team effort. She encouraged everyone to exercise their «imagination muscle». This means having the courage to consider different scenarios and to take responsibility for shaping the future. The future is created where people collectively decide which technologies to adopt, how to use them, and which values should guide them in the process.
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HWZ Empowers 2026
The next edition of HWZ Empowers will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Further information will be provided at a later date. To stay informed, subscribe to the HWZ newsletter now.
