I-AH INSTEAD OF AI: WHAT EXECUTIVES CAN LEARN FROM DONKEYS

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the world of work. This makes the skills that cannot be digitized all the more important: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, empathy, presence, and authentic leadership.

I-AH Instead of AI deliberately plays on this idea. “I-AH,” the donkey’s characteristic bray, also symbolizes a shift in perspective: less artificial intelligence, more natural intelligence.

Donkeys follow only people who come across as credible, send clear signals, and inspire trust. That is exactly why they are ideal feedback partners for modern leaders.

At a Glance

Number of people: 6–20 (customizable)
Duration: 3.5 hours or more (half-day or full-day format)
Location: ST. MARTINS Business Lodge
Requirements: No prior knowledge required. Please be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Features: Certified animal-assisted intervention, facilitated by biologists, trainers, and animal-assisted specialists.
Goal: To develop leadership skills and gain experience that make a decisive difference in the digital age.

Leadership Experience
This program combines the latest insights from personality development, modern leadership research, and animal-assisted intervention into an extraordinary learning experience.

Among other things, participants will explore:

Authentic Leadership
Emotional Intelligence
Nonverbal Communication
Self-Management and Self-Efficacy
Trust Instead of Control
Safety in the Team
Resilience and Mindfulness
The Impact of Body Language and Inner Attitude

Donkeys reflect human behavior directly and without judgment. This results in honest feedback that is often more effective in the long run than traditional seminars or theoretical models.

Program Following an introduction to the biology, history, and behavior of donkeys as working animals, participants gain insights into their unique perception and social structure. In the subsequent hands-on session, various exercises are conducted that allow participants to directly experience leadership, communication, cooperation, and trust. The experiences are reflected upon collectively and, with the help of professional facilitation, applied to specific situations from everyday business life. This leads to practical insights for leadership, collaboration, and personal development.

The Goal
Modern leadership means, among other things, less control and more guidance, less hierarchy and more interpersonal skills.
This Leadership LAB supports leaders in leading authentically,
communicating clearly, building trust, effectively guiding teams,
consciously leveraging their personal impact, and remaining present and capable of taking action even in challenging situations.
Direct interaction with the donkeys not only makes these skills visible but also allows participants to experience them in a lasting way.
Professional guidance

Location
ST. MARTINS Business Lodge at ST. Martins Therme & Lodge, which is certified as a Greencare facility for animal-assisted intervention. The animals used are specially trained and are deployed in accordance with strict quality standards for animal-assisted intervention. All animals at ST. Martins Therme & Lodge are part of the ST. Martins team.

Facilitation & Expert Guidance:
The animal-assisted Leadership Experience is facilitated by Mag. Elke Schmelzer.
As a biologist, adult education trainer, certified specialist in animal-assisted intervention, and Resident Manager at St. Martins Therme & Lodge, she combines scientific expertise with many years of experience working with people and animals.

IMPRESSIONS