Main focus: Strategic AI Transformation
Websites/Blogs/Social Media Accounts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-hess/
Social Media:
Languages: German, English
City: Munich
State: Bavaria
Country: Germany
Topics: digital transformation, trustworthy ai, ai and the future of work, women in tech/ai, ai governance, ai & strategy, ai & society
Services: Talk, Moderation, Workshop management, Consulting, Coaching, Interview
Willing to travel for an event.
Willing to talk for nonprofit.
Artificial Intelligence requires more than just technology—it requires methodology, strategy, and governance. As a Professor of Digital Transformation, I bring current research directly into corporate practice. My goal is to lead organizations beyond mere AI experimentation toward value-driven application at scale.
My focus is on empowering decision-makers and approaching AI transformation as a holistic process: from strategic validation and robust governance to enabling the people within the organization.
Equally, I am dedicated to the question of who shapes our digital future. In my keynotes and workshops, I address how to dismantle barriers and attract more women to computer science. My mission is not only to drive technological transformation but also to establish the structural foundations for a diverse and future-ready tech landscape.
Strategic AI Advisor & Executive Coach, since 09/2022. Strategic guidance and impuls-driven coaching on AI transformation and governance. I support organizations in moving from experimental setups to scalable, value-driven technology deployment, focusing on leadership empowerment and methodical rigor.
Professor of Digital Transformation | IU International University, since 12/2020. Academic lead and lecturer specializing in AI, Data Science, and Agile Methodologies. I bridge the gap between scientific research and corporate application, equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills to steer digital change responsibly.
Examples of previous talks / appearances:
Talk at IT-Tage 2025, IT-Konferenz für Software-Entwicklung, -Architektur, DevOps, KI, Datenbanken, IT-Security, Agile, IT-Management, Digitale Souveränität und Open Source, 08.-11.12.2025, Frankfurt am Main,
Artificial intelligence is rapidly revolutionizing businesses and society, but it brings with it not only great opportunities, but also profound ethical challenges and a wide range of risks. But how can we address these responsibly? What strategies can help make AI secure, transparent, and human-centered? The answer lies in effective AI governance that creates clear rules and structures. But what does successful AI governance look like in practice—one that ensures compliance, reduces risks, but at the same time enables innovation?
This presentation highlights the various levels of AI governance – from international and national principles, standards, and regulations (e.g., OECD AI Principles, IEEE CertifAIEd, EU AI Act) to industry- and sector-specific approaches (such as the use of AI in medicine) to practical implementation in companies and teams.
This presentation highlights the various levels of AI governance – from international and national principles, standards, and regulations (e.g., OECD AI Principles, IEEE CertifAIEd, EU AI Act) to industry- and sector-specific approaches (such as the use of AI in medicine) to practical implementation in companies and teams. In the presentation, we will explore the question of how organizations can create the right conditions for the successful and trustworthy use of AI. What processes, responsibilities, competencies, and tools are required for this? How can AI governance be effectively integrated into existing governance structures and interlinked with IT and data governance? What are the first steps to get started? Experience in a practical and vivid way how well-structured AI governance becomes a key strategic factor and promotes the trustworthy, sustainable use of artificial intelligence.
This talk is in: German
Talk at Lean Leader Summit 2024, München, 04.07.2024.
The use of Artificial Intelligence is currently transforming workflows across all industries, with new application scenarios hitting the headlines daily. AI-based systems take on tasks traditionally performed by humans and make decisions autonomously. This session is about the balance between technological progress and social values. We will explore real-world AI applications and discuss ethical dilemmas. To address these challenges, ethical principles essential for building trustworthy AI will be presented, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness. The picture is completed with insights into current regulatory approaches and certification standards that need to be considered in the development and deployment of AI systems.
This talk is in: English
Talk at IT-Tage 2024: IT-Konferenz für Software-Entwicklung, -Architektur, KI, Datenbanken, DevOps, Agile und Management, 09.-12.12.2024, Frankfurt am Main.
The IT industry has been complaining about a shortage of skilled workers for many years. Is it because of the image that IT professionals are nerds who work in dark basements surrounded by empty pizza boxes? Or have we now managed to dispel this image and convey how exciting a career in computer science is and that we are actively working on solutions to current social challenges? In this presentation, we take a look at the next generation. Why do teenagers and young adults decide for or against training or studying computer science?
We report on a recent study conducted in the summer of 2024 with young people between the ages of 15 and 20. The study highlights various factors that shape self-image: What can I do in terms of computer science? What do I enjoy about it? – and, on the other hand, the external image of computer science, i.e., how attractive and meaningful is the profession? And what role models are there? We pay particular attention to gender-specific differences.
This talk is in: German
Member of the panel discussion: „Challenges of AI-driven Computation and Data Analytics“, Advances on Societal Digital Transformation DIGITAL 2023, 28.09.2023.
This talk is in: English
Vortrag. IT-Tage, IT-Konferenz für Software-Entwicklung,-Architektur, KI, Datenbanken, DevOps und Agile. Virtuell, 15.12.2022.
Solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) are now finding their way into many industries. Start-ups, but also established companies, are acting as AI developers, consulting firms, or users of AI-based solutions.Business models bridge the gap between AI as an innovative technology and the economic value created by its use. Are there typical AI-based business models? What are the special features of AI-related business models?
In this presentation, we will look at the key features and common patterns of AI-related business models. We will also discuss ethical and legal aspects that should be taken into account during planning and implementation. Current examples illustrate the implementation of these AI-related business models in practice and provide inspiration for actually generating value from your own ideas.
This talk is in: German
Impulsvortrag: Transparenz im Kontext Zertifizierung. ZVKI Fachforum – Vertrauen durch Transparenz, Wie viel Transparenz benötigt vertrauenswürdige KI. Virtuell, 10.11.2022.
This talk is in: German
Mitglied der Paneldiskussion: „Den Gender-Gap in der Informatik schließen! Was zeigt Wirkung?“, MINTvernetzt, Gender-Tag - Wie wir Mädchen und Frauen nachhaltig für MINT begeistern, Virtuell, 21.11.2022.
This talk is in: German
Keynote beim KI-Ideathon - Mit KI in eine smarte Zukunft, jumpp - Frauenbetriebe e.V., Virtuell, 27.04.2022.
This talk is in: German