Mistakes, setbacks and unfulfilled expectations: an honest f*ck-up session

Let’s be honest! Not all change projects are successful. Not every AI implementation works out. Not every new product is successful in the end. Which initiatives sounded promising but ultimately underdelivered? Which concepts stumbled over practical obstacles or were simply outpaced by real-world developments? Four seasoned journalists and media experts openly reflect on missteps and disappointments. Rather than celebrating success stories or highlighting best practices, this session focuses on the projects that fell short – and the reasons for it. It is a rare chance to learn from others’ mistakes and to view what didn’t go as planned with a mix of humor and insight. A candid discussion about setbacks that often prove more instructive than successes. Moderated by Steffi Dobmeier. Con: Charlie Beckett (director Polis London School of Economics), Steffi Dobmeier (head of digital and editorial development STERN), Katrice Hardy (CEO The Marshall Project), Lea Korsgaard (co-founder and editor-in-chief Zetland)