Dr. Elena Krause-Söhner
For 17 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of tradition and innovation. In roles ranging from IT consultant to CIO, from founder to researcher, I’ve seen firsthand what real transformation takes: the courage to challenge the status quo, the ability to drive innovation, and the smart use of technology to boost efficiency.
These experiences led me to my core questions: How do we foster innovation? What makes change successful? And what does leadership need to look like today? My passion for ambidexterity—the ability to balance stability and reinvention—eventually became the focus of my PhD research.
Today, I share my insights as a speaker, advisor, and thought leader, helping companies take charge of their future and turn digital transformation into real opportunity.
Bringing Innovation to the Paper Industry – Navigating Tradition and Digital Transformation
Embracing the
Digital Future
Between Tradition and Change
Yes, even the digitalization of the envelope and packaging industry can be innovative! In this highly traditional sector, working for a hidden champion in the paper industry, I proved as a CIO and managing director that transformation is possible—even where it’s least expected.
As CIO, I led the digital transformation of an entire corporate group. As the founder of a Digital Innovation Hub and the managing director of a software startup, I developed new business models. These experiences shaped my perspective: Innovation doesn’t always require massive budgets or radical disruption. Often, it’s about strategically evolving what already exists and driving change step by step.
Today, I bring these insights into my work as a lecturer, speaker, and advisor. With my background in industry, research, and the startup world, I understand the challenges that companies—and students—face in the age of digital transformation.
Research with
Impact
Bridging Theory and Practice
With extensive management experience in IT, my work is grounded in a strong scientific foundation. I earned my PhD (Dr. rer. pol.) from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) at the Chair of Information Systems – Innovation and Value Creation, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kathrin M. Möslein and Prof. Dr. Angela Roth, in collaboration with DHBW and Prof. Dr. Christian Schaller.
In my dissertation, I explored how organizations can effectively manage the dynamics of ambidexterity—developing an innovative perspective. By combining my academic expertise with hands-on consulting, I bring the latest insights directly into organizations. In my talks and workshops, I demonstrate how scientific models can create real impact—not just in theory, but in practice.
Starting in April 2025, I will bring my expertise to DHBW Karlsruhe as a Professor of Business Administration – Digitalization & Commerce. As the founder of IMPULSEe³, my Steinbeis Transfer Center for Technology, Transformation & People, I will continue to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
Shaping the Future: Digitalization with a focus on Innovation & Efficiency
Keynotes that inspire. Workshops that empower. Learn how ambidexterity and cutting-edge technologies can accelerate innovation and help you master digital transformation while staying true to your strengths. Whether it’s about developing new business models, optimizing workflows, or fostering a fresh mindset.
For Companies
- Inspiring keynotes on how ambidexterity and emerging technologies drive innovation in businesses.
- Hands-on workshops where you’ll learn how to tackle digital transformation challenges while leveraging your existing strengths.
For Academia
- Talks and seminars that bridge the gap between research and practice—from ambidexterity in organizations to fostering an innovation culture through dedicated units.
- Collaborative research and university lectures on digitalization, business model development, and change.
Driving
Innovation
Together
Dr. Elena Krause-Söhner helps organizations and teams shape leadership and transformation with a future-oriented approach. With her expertise in digital solutions, she supports companies in driving innovation and efficiency in a targeted way.
Through workshops and keynotes, she empowers leaders to actively advance digital transformation, set the right impulses for innovation and efficiency, and maximize their impact on both team and individual levels.