09/2026
Leading the AI Workforce: An Evening of Insights with KPMG and DeepSkill
What does it take to turn AI ambition into meaningful transformation? On September 16, 2026, DeepSkill and KPMG brought together HR and technology decision-makers in Cologne to explore exactly that question.
Following the first day of Zukunft Personal Europe, the KPMG Skylounge overlooking Cologne provided the setting for an exclusive evening of expert insights, fresh perspectives and conversations that went well beyond the usual conference discussions.
From AI Strategy to Workforce Transformation
Under the theme Leading the AI Workforce: Human-Centric Transformation, three experts explored one of the most pressing challenges facing organisations today: how to translate technological progress into sustainable business value.
Simone Gratz and Josef Rückert from KPMG examined the strategic and organisational challenges of AI adoption. Their impulse highlighted why introducing new tools is only the beginning. Without clearly defined use cases, governance, leadership and workforce enablement, even ambitious AI initiatives can struggle to deliver meaningful results.
Miriam Mertens, CEO and Co-Founder of DeepSkill, brought the human perspective into focus. As AI reshapes tasks, responsibilities and decision-making, organisations need to reconsider which capabilities will enable their people to thrive. Critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration and leadership are becoming essential to translating AI potential into everyday performance.
Together, the impulses made one thing clear: Successful AI transformation requires the right strategy, organisational conditions and human capabilities to work in concert.
Conversations Worth Continuing
Beyond the presentations, interactive breakout sessions and open discussions created space to challenge assumptions, exchange experiences and explore practical approaches to workforce transformation.
The evening concluded with dinner and networking above the rooftops of Cologne, bringing together different industries, perspectives and experiences in an atmosphere that encouraged genuine dialogue.
For us at DeepSkill, the evening was particularly valuable because it demonstrated how closely strategic transformation and people development are connected, and how much can emerge when different areas of expertise come together.
Our thanks go to KPMG, our speakers and everyone who contributed to such an engaging evening.
And while the event itself has ended, the exchange certainly hasn't. We're looking forward to continuing these conversations and exploring what we can build on together.
More to come.
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