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/ Learning from data
Evidence-Based Insights
Curated summaries of studies that relate to this season's Open Question.
How Structured AI Use Supports Critical Thinking and Learning
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
Research conducted in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom shows that how people use generative AI can either weaken or strengthen their thinking. Researcher Michael Gerlich found that when people use AI without guidance, they tend to rely on it without improving the quality of their reasoning. In contrast, when they are encouraged to question, evaluate, and refine AI-generated responses, they engage more deeply and produce better results. These findings directly inform our current research question: How can organizations guide the use of AI to strengthen learning and development? The study suggests that AI does not automatically improve learning or performance. Without clear guidance, employees may increasingly rely on AI for tasks that previously required analysis and reflection, thereby weakening critical thinking and slowing the development of expertise. When AI use is structured, however, it can become a tool that supports deeper thinking and capability development.
Implications for practice:
Encourage employees to question and refine AI-generated responses rather than accept them at face value.
Build AI literacy so people understand both the benefits and limitations of AI.
Integrate AI into work in ways that preserve critical thinking and human judgment.
Use structured prompts as a simple and cost-effective way to support responsible AI use.
Source: Gerlich, M. (2025). From offloading to engagement: An experimental study on structured prompting and critical reasoning with generative AI. Data, 10(11), Article 172.
From Stress Management to Learning: Insights from Executive Coaching
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
Research grounded in Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) theory shows that performance and well-being are shaped by how individuals balance job demands with available resources. In this study across 13 organizations, executive coaching emerged as a key resource for stress management, helping individuals strengthen goal clarity, build resources, and regain balance in demanding work contexts. These insights connect to our current research question: How can organizations guide the use of AI so that learning and development are strengthened?
Implications for practice:
Position coaching as a resource for managing job demands and strengthening available resources
Adapt coaching approaches based on the coachee’s level of reflection and engagement
Align coaching with organizational context, including managerial support and participation conditions
Build trust and provide motivational support to sustain outcomes, especially when reflection is limited
Source: Nicolau, A. G., Demerouti, E., Van Gool, P. J. R., Kleingeld, A., & De Haan, E. (2026). Conceptualising executive coaching as a job resource for stress management: using job demands-resource theory in an intervention field study. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 1–23.
Why does attention matter for thriving at work?
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
Research suggests that thriving at work—feeling both energized and able to learn—depends not only on motivation or skills, but also on the ability to manage attention effectively. When employees constantly face interruptions, multitasking, and high information load, their attention becomes fragmented, making it harder to learn, focus, and sustain performance.
Implications for practice:
Reduce unnecessary interruptions and multitasking
Create moments for focused work and reflection
Encourage habits that support attention and recovery
Design work environments that protect cognitive resources
Source: Andreea N. We Aim to Thrive at Work, but We Might Need to Improve Our Attention First: Towards a Resourceful Work Climate that Facilitates Attention Effectiveness.
Do people need coaching to achieve learning goals?
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
A randomized controlled study with 202 coaching clients from 13 organizations examined how coaching interacts with people’s goal orientation and how goals are framed. The results show that coaching improves goal achievement regardless of whether individuals are naturally focused on learning or performance. In contrast, pursuing a learning goal without coaching is associated with lower perceived progress, particularly for people with a mastery orientation.
Implications for practice:
Coaching can strengthen learning-oriented goals.
When individuals pursue learning goals without support, progress may feel harder.
Coaching provides structure that helps translate learning goals into performance.
Source: Nicolau, A.G., Candel, O.S., Constantin, T. et al. Do I need coaching to achieve a learning goal? Coaching, goal orientation, and goal framing: a randomized control trial study.
Can I improve my personal goal level through executive coaching over time?
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
A randomized study with 202 managers from 13 organizations found that managers who participated in four executive coaching sessions increased their personal goal level more than those who did not receive coaching. Interestingly, coaching improved goal levels regardless of participants’ confidence in their abilities (self-efficacy). However, individuals with lower confidence were more likely to withdraw from the program, highlighting the importance of readiness when starting coaching.
Implications for practice:
Align coaching goals with real organizational expectations
Support learning with resources and progressively challenging actions
Understand the client’s work context before coaching begins
Source: Nicolau, A. G., Constantin, T., van Gool, P. J. R., & Kleingeld, A. (2025). Can I improve my personal goal level through executive coaching over time? A randomised control trial study.
/ learning from practice
First-Hand Perspectives
Articles written by professionals, consultants and mentors who have lived through this question firsthand.
AI Use Is Not Neutral: What Organizational Choices Reveal About Learning and Leadership
Written by:
Andreea Gheorghita
AI use is not neutral—it reflects organizational culture and leadership choices. This article highlights how context, ethics, and intentional design determine whether AI supports meaningful learning or merely drives efficiency.
From Collective Intelligence to Practice: Guiding AI Use for Learning and Continuous Development
Written by:
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
Insights from a co-creation event reveal that successful AI integration for learning and continuous development depends on context, social learning, and education—positioning AI not as a technological challenge, but as a human performance design challenge.
/ SENSE-MAKING LABS
Think It Through, Together
A focused 1–2 hour session with a small group of 6–12 people, facilitated by the Institute around this season's Open Question
The Context Map
Virtual event
October 7, 2026
A Sense-Making Lab
Empirical Evidence × Collective Wisdom
Make sense of your situation before choosing what to do next. Bring one GenAI-enabled work situation and use research and collective perspectives to uncover conditions that may shape whether you continue doing work that others value.
AI & Sustainable Performance
Romanian-American University
May 4, 2026
How can organizations harness AI to enhance performance and decision-making without compromising human judgment? Through our Sense-Making Labs, the Institute brings together experts and practitioners to co-create responsible and evidence-based practices for sustainable performance in the age of AI.
/ CO-CREATION PROJECTS
Build Something That Matters
Multi-session programmes where mixed groups of 30–40 people co-create practical outputs around a shared question.
Coaching & Mentoring for GenAI-Enabled Work: Practitioner Playbook
Eindhoven University of Technology
December 2, 2026
€151.25
A Hybrid Co-Creation Project for Experienced Workplace Coaches and Mentors
Join fellow practitioners in shaping practical approaches to support clients in GenAI-enabled work and be acknowledged as a contributor to the Practitioner Playbook
/ NETWORKING DIALOGUES
Grow Your Network With Intention
Structured conversations between 10–12 professionals from the same field — designed to create meaningful connections.
Meet Our Collaborators
Laura Balaci
Executive & Leadership Coach | Bigger Roles • Leadership Impact • Change & Complexity
With over 20 years of international leadership experience and 8+ years coaching executives globally, she combines evidence-based practice with reflective approaches to leadership, learning, and change, helping leaders strengthen executive presence, navigate transitions, and achieve sustainable growth.
Mitchell W. Uzeel
Human Resources Policy Advisor and PhD candidate, Eindhoven University of Technology
With over 10 years of international HR experience, Mitch is on a mission to modernise HRM standards. Combining evidence-based practice with expertise in strategic HR, fairness, motivation, employee experience, and AI in HR, he advocates for more effective and human-centered organizations.
Mark Ringlever
Technology Project Manager at a global leader in Floating Production Storage & Offloading Systems
With more than 30 years of experience in offshore engineering, he has led multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex offshore projects. His expertise spans electrical and instrumentation systems, technology management, and the development of engineering capability in high-performance environments.
Ovidiu Tunaru
Managing Director. Business Executive Officer, Nestlé Professional South East Europe, New Business Development
A C-level executive with extensive international experience in commercial leadership and business transformation. He specializes in translating strategy into action, leading organizational change, and developing high-performing teams that deliver sustainable business performance.
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Magdalena Irina Vrajitoru
Senior HR Consultant| HR expert in organizational development | Mentor | Business Coach
An experienced HR and organizational development professional with 20+ years in leading multinational companies. Internationally certified by EMCC, GCDF, and CIPD, she brings expertise in strategic HR, talent management, coaching, change management, employee engagement, performance, and organizational development across cultures.
James Gamgee
Learning & Development Specialist, Coaching, Leadership & Trust Researcher and Consultant
Independent consultant, coach, and speaker specializing in coaching psychology, leadership development, and workplace trust. He holds MSc degrees from the University of Derby and Heriot-Watt University, and explores how coaching, leadership, and trust support employee well-being and sustainable performance.
Andreea Gheorghita
Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Associate Certified Team Coach (ACTC)
Experienced leadership coach with 9+ years working with leaders and teams across multinational organizations and industries. EMCC Senior Practitioner and ESIA accredited, using systemic, evidence-based approaches to support transitions, collaboration, and sustainable leadership.
Arian Aryanfard
Customer Solutions Manager, Chartered Manager Fellow
Customer Solutions Manager at Festo UK & Ireland and a Chartered Manager Fellow (MSc, CMgr, FCMI). With over a decade of experience in industrial automation, technology, and service leadership, he leads cross-functional teams that drive innovation and transform complex engineering challenges into scalable, sustainable solutions.
Ana-Maria Dospinescu
Senior Electrical Engineer, Wind projects, Quality Management, High-Voltage Systems
Passionate about AI as a tool for critical thinking, continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and responsible innovation. She is committed to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the responsible use of technology to strengthen both individual expertise and organisational performance.
Tyrone Peters
Principal Solution Architect, Enterprise Technology & Innovation Advisor, MBA Candidate
Principal Solution Architect at a global software organization and an MBA candidate at the University of Sydney. With over 15 years of experience in enterprise technology and financial services, he helps organizations design innovative solutions that align technology with business transformation and long-term value.
Cristina Cristescu
AI Integration Specialist, Founder @ Witfuses.com, Executive Coach
Teaches applied AI, designs AI-enhanced learning pathways, and coaches leaders on future-fit leadership with AI adoption to support sustainable performance. Researcher with publications in Chaos, Solitons & Fractals and Physica A.
Rolf Pfeiffer
Managing Partner, International Executive Development Leader, Researcher
Executive advisor, managing partner, and PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He chairs the board of Commonpurpose Germany and serves as vice-chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany. Combining consulting and business experience with a pragmatic, impact-driven approach, he helps leaders translate strategy into action.
Alexandra Kogalniceanu
HR Operations Leader, Payroll, HR Systems & People Services
HR Operations and People Services leader with experience across both GBS and business-side HR environments. She is curious about people, their stories, and their potential. Believes growth starts with awareness and that change becomes meaningful when people feel seen, understood, and supported.
Monica Stamate
Legal for Digital Banking, LL.M Tech Law, AI, Data & Consumer Protection
Banking and legal professional with expertise in data protection, consumer rights, digital transformation, and AI governance. Combining legal insight with business understanding and process innovation, she is interested in how organizations can implement emerging technologies responsibly while supporting trust, adaptation, and sustainable growth.
Cristina Maria Ionescu
Advisory Associate Partner, Innovator in BrainFitness, Mindfulness Mentor
Business leader and human development practitioner exploring the intersection of neuroscience, executive wellbeing, technology, AI, mindfulness, and vertical development in modern organizational life. With 22 years of Big4 leadership experience, she advocates for more human-centered and sustainable ways of leading and evolving.
James E. Varnham
General Manager EMEA, AI Readiness Strategist, HR & Workforce Transformation Advisor
Human-Centered AI Advisor and serves as General Manager for EMEA at Sarder Inc., a global AI Readiness Company. Having spent 25 years in the learning and workforce development space, James brings a unique human-centered approach when guiding organizations from early exploration to confident, responsible AI adoption.
Luminita Rusu
HR & Development Consultant, Clinical Psychologist, and Senior Executive & Team Coach
Supports leaders and organisations globally to navigate complexity with clarity, focusing on sustainable performance, leadership development, and human-centered growth through evidence-based and holistic mind–body approaches.
Adriana Țuluca-Marina
Specialist Learning & Development, Instructional Designer, EMCCmentor
Focused on supporting growth and transformation. Works at the intersection of education and organizational development, with a strong interest in psychological safety, reflective practice, and integrating AI to enhance human learning and long-term capability.
Dr. Dadi Chen
Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School
Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands. Holding a PhD in Education from Leiden University, he specialises in intercultural communication, educational management, and AI-driven curriculum design.
Corina Irsik
Coach, Mentor, Artist, Researcher
Coach, mentor, artist, and researcher with 25 years of experience spanning multinational projects and transition management, and freelance practice in arts and education. Her work sits at the intersection of trust-based leadership, self-managed organizations, change leadership, participatory arts, and AI-assisted reflection.
Dr. Andreea Nicolau
Researcher on AI, Learning & Sustainable Performance, Executive Coach, Lecturer
Organizational behavior professional with 25+ years in leadership, coaching, teaching, and research. Focuses on leadership, performance, and human–AI interaction, offering evidence-based coaching and consulting for organizational effectiveness.
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