Speaker of the day: Léa Steinacker — AI & Technology

Every day we spotlight one voice from the UnoMe network. Today: Léa Steinacker, AI & Technology — one of the keynote speakers we recommend for corporate events and conferences in Fujairah, Al Khobar and across the GCC.

Who is Léa Steinacker?

Léa Steinacker – Architect of Code Capital and Human-Centered AI Leadership

Dr. Léa Steinacker is a social scientist, bestselling author, board member, and award-winning entrepreneur whose work explores the dynamic interplay between technology, society, and power. At the intersection of research, leadership, and education, she investigates how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—reshape human behavior, organizations, and systemic structures.

She is the Executive Chairwoman and co-founder of ada Learning, a future-skills platform empowering thousands of employees across DAX-listed firms, SMEs, government bodies, and NGOs to lead innovation from within. Léa also serves on the Board of Directors at Weleda AG, and as a member of the AI Advisory Board of Ringier AG, one of Switzerland’s major media groups.

In academia, she lectures at the University of St. Gallen, where she teaches courses such as “Social and Economic Impacts of Artificial Intelligence” and “AI Governance: Perspectives from Asia.” Her publications span AI governance, algorithmic accountability, and her original framework “Code Capital”—a concept analyzing how software shapes institutional power.

Previously, she served as Chief Innovation Officer at WirtschaftsWoche, Germany’s leading business magazine, where she reported on the future of work and digital transformation. Her international background includes work with social justice organizations in Bosnia, Rwanda, and the DRC.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30, Medium Magazine Top 30 Under 30 Journalist, BCG Thought Leader, and Atlantik Brücke Young Leader, she holds degrees from Princeton University (A.B.), Harvard Kennedy School (MPP), and a PhD from the University of St. Gallen. Her 2024 book on AI, co-authored with Prof. Miriam Meckel, became an instant national bestseller.

🏆 Notable Achievements

• Co-founder & Executive Chairwoman of ada Learning, a leading platform for workforce transformation

• Author of a 2024 AI bestseller with Prof. Dr. Miriam Meckel

• Developer of the Code Capital framework, analyzing how software reallocates power

• Lecturer on AI and governance at the University of St. Gallen

• Board member of Weleda AG and AI Advisory Board Member at Ringier AG

• Former Chief Innovation Officer at WirtschaftsWoche

• Recognized by Forbes, Medium Magazine, BCG, and Atlantik Brücke

• Recipient of the Henry Richardson Labouisse Prize for global research

Languages spoken by the speaker:

• French
• English

🧠 Keynote Themes

1. From Hype to Hybrid Intelligence: Putting People at the Heart of the AI Era

2. Code Capital: Leading Responsibly in the Age of AI 

3. Transforming the workforce in the Age of AI: What Every Leader Must Know 

4. Everything Everywhere All at Once: How AI Is Reshaping Our World