One day, two stages, over 6,000 guests—Oliver Stoldt, CEO of Premium Speakers and co-founder of LEADING MINDS, once again played a key role this year in making Telekom’s Digital X in the heart of Cologne a resounding success. For one day, Cologne’s Rheinauhafen became a hub for new perspectives, concrete solutions, and the crucial question:

How can we actively shape the digital future instead of merely understanding it?

On two stages, in masterclasses, and through numerous hands-on experiences, participants discussed, experimented, and explored the future. The focus was on artificial intelligence, the cloud, security, and connected infrastructures—but above all, on what these developments mean for businesses in concrete terms.

Leading figures from business, politics, and society shared their perspectives. New technologies were not only presented but also brought to life.

In between, there was plenty of room for fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and connections that will last.

A particular highlight of the day was the discussion between Prof. Miriam Meckel and Dr. Angela Merkel on the topic of freedom in the age of artificial intelligence. The former chancellor called for more curiosity and a greater sense of urgency in dealing with AI, but also made it clear:

“Anyone who wants to help shape the digital future must also consider its social and democratic dimensions.”

Oliver Stoldt has conceived and helped shape many event concepts over the past 17 years, but this day in Cologne was also one of his highlights. We are proud that LEADING MINDS is part of Premium Speakers, because it is precisely these events that embody the core philosophy of LEADING MINDS: staying close to the topics, the people, the companies, and the ideas that will make a difference tomorrow.

DIGITAL X has once again shown just how much energy is generated when bright minds come together.