Laura Lewandowski: AI Leadership, Storytelling as a Key Competency & Germany's Perspective on AI

What is Germany’s real take on AI in 2026? Between doomsday headlines, regulatory debates, and the narrative that "Europe is missing the boat," there is a lot of gray area. Media, policymakers, companies, and users all tell very different stories about AI—and that is exactly what determines whether people become curious or immediately shut down.

In this episode of narrative now, host Max speaks with Laura Lewandowski—former journalist, founder of Smart Chiefs and AI Americano, and one of the most visible voices in the AI debate across the DACH region. Together, they assess the status quo of AI narratives in Germany: Why does the media narrative here often seem more fear-driven than in the US? Which political frames dominate? And why does what happens in the headlines often fail to reflect what Laura experiences in conversations with SMEs,founders,and executives?

Especially interesting for comms leads, CMOs, and leadership teams: How is AI communicated internally? Laura distinguishes between startups and scaleups, which approach the topic much more aggressively, and the SME sector, which has huge potential but often struggles with unrealistic expectations, uncertainty, or a lack of a clear narrative. It’s about media literacy, internal communities, safe learning spaces, and the question of why a CEO can’t just say "Go learn AI," but instead needs a real story to get people on board.

In short: Laura’s mission is to make Germany AI-ready—with more agency, competence, and curiosity. She explains why storytelling in the age of AI is no longer just a nice-to-have communication skill, but a core leadership task. And why the best narratives don’t come from a tool, but from real conversations, clear rituals, and a better understanding of how people truly embrace change.