Coatings
Beyond SurFACES – Meet Tobias Kawohl
Pioneering the future of work
Legendary poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Tobias Kawohl, who is based in Muenster and leads the Future Workforce Office, is an example of living that philosophy. He’s built a rewarding career by being willing to embrace the unknown and taking on less-defined roles, and he applies that same adventurous approach to his personal life – making every day count and creating special memories for his family.
Beyond SurFACES – Get to know our winning team
At BASF Coatings, we are driven by passion and science to always go beyond the surface. In our new series, Beyond SurFACES, we introduce you to the talented individuals who make it happen. From developing innovative coatings to creating sustainable solutions, our winning team is at the heart of everything we do. Meet Tobias Kawohl, Future Workforce Office Lead at BASF Coatings in Münster, Germany, and discover how he works. Want to be part of the journey?
Tobias has been with BASF for 15 years.
During that time, he’s held a variety of roles centered on managing change and driving new innovations and solutions. He was recently named to a new position and previously played a key role in the digitization and implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the Controlling organization and beyond. We had the opportunity to talk with him, and he shared some of his experiences and perspectives.
You’ve just taken on a new role, can you tell us a little about it?
Yes. I’ve taken on the responsibility as the lead for the Future Workforce Office, where we’re building an environment for seamless collaboration between people and AI agents. Our focus is on implementing scalable strategies for hybrid team management, driving change initiatives, and integrating AI into our business processes. It’s a forward-looking space, and I’m excited to help shape our organization’s evolution.
You are actively engaged in integrating AI into our work. What are some of the benefits you envision for AI in our daily work?
AI offers clear benefits in making our work more efficient and effective, which are the obvious gains for all of us. But its impact goes far beyond that. It opens up new opportunities for leadership – not just for traditional leaders, but also for those who haven’t held leadership roles before. With AI agents supporting decision-making and execution, more people can take the initiative to drive change.
AI also brings flexibility into our workflows. Agents are accessible 24/7, which means we’re no longer dependent on others’ schedules or bottlenecks. Tasks can move forward anytime, unlocking new levels of responsiveness.
And perhaps most exciting: totally new things are possible. For instance, tasks that once required deep coding expertise can now be tackled without writing a single line of code. Think about the potential that can unlock for the company! This lowers barriers and empowers more people to contribute creatively. That said, the situation is highly dynamic. We’re learning and evolving as we go, which makes this journey both challenging and full of opportunity.
Exploring abandoned or forgotten spaces offers the perfect balance. It’s a way to reflect, slow down, and appreciate the stories that places carry with them.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role today? What actions are you taking to overcome hurdles?
Balancing multiple high-priority initiatives, each requiring focus and a lot of people’s time from across the organization, poses unique challenges.
At the same time, agentic AI is emerging as the next big thing – people recognize the importance of AI, but some hesitate to take the next step right now. Finding the right moment to launch initiatives is a delicate balance.
To overcome these hurdles, I’ve found that communication is key. It’s about striking the right level of push; remaining clear and confident, and also empathetic. That human touch is essential, especially when navigating change. 
 What are you passionate about, whether at work or outside work?
I’m passionate about exploring new things, especially when they offer a chance to learn and grow. Whether it’s diving into a new topic or experimenting with emerging technologies, I find energy in discovery.
I also love getting inspired by others, whether through conversations or books. Seeing how different people think and approach challenges sparks new ideas and perspectives.
And at work, I’m especially driven by the opportunity to bring people (and in the future as well AI agents) together. Watching a team collaborate effectively and achieve something great is incredibly rewarding. It’s that sense of shared purpose and synergy that keeps me motivated.
You took some time away from work this past summer for an amazing experience. Anything you want to share about that?
Yes. I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months in Asia with my wife and our four young kids. It was fascinating to watch how quickly they adapted. Within just 24 hours, they were confidently ordering smoothies in English.
Beyond visiting beautiful places, it was a true outside-in experience. It opened our eyes to how things can be done differently, and it gave us a deep sense of gratitude for what we often take for granted.
It wasn’t just a holiday, it was a journey with many highlights, a few health challenges, and countless moments of humility and kindness from the people we met. Experiencing those highs and lows together as a family made it all the more meaningful.
What do you do to recharge after a long day at work?
Usually, the next challenge is already waiting – getting the kids to bed! But seriously, I love spending time outside, whether it’s in the garden, doing little outdoor activities with the family, or just taking a walk in nature. It helps me unwind, clear my head, and reconnect with what matters most.
What is something unique about yourself that might surprise people who read your profile?
One thing that might surprise people is my recent fascination with lost places. It’s something I only discovered for myself not long ago, and I find it deeply inspiring. Since I spend a lot of time working on future-oriented topics – both professionally and personally – exploring abandoned or forgotten spaces offers the perfect balance. It’s a way to reflect, slow down, and appreciate the stories that places carry with them.
