Cooperation instead of Competition – The Story of the IN and the Future of NLP

In this special episode of NLP Podcast Marian welcomes the founder of the International Association of NLP Institutes (IN), Karl Nielsen. Together they talk about the beginnings of the IN, the principle of “Cooperation instead of Competition” and the global development of NLP. Karl shares inspiring stories about building international networks, NLP in universities and schools – and how NLP can help preserve humanity in the age of artificial intelligence.

How it all began – The Idea behind the IN

The story of the IN began in 2000 in Berlin. Karl Nielsen organized an NLP trainer training where several institutes worked together for the first time. The core idea: learning from and with each other instead of competing against each other. Seven institutes with eleven trainers met, shared materials, provided each other feedback, and experienced how much they could learn from one another. From this energy, the vision to create something bigger emerged.

A year later, in 2001, the International Association for NLP Institutes was founded – today the largest NLP association in the world. The impetus came from Bernd Isert, who promoted the idea of global cooperation between trainers and institutes. Thus, a Berlin experiment became a worldwide movement.

Cooperation instead of Competition – Living NLP together

The motto of the IN has been since its founding: Cooperation instead of Competition. This attitude continues to shape the work of the association today. Karl describes: “We wanted to create a culture where trainers and institutes learn from each other, support each other, and grow together.”

This cooperative energy was so contagious that more and more people wanted to join. The IN began to grow – entirely without marketing, solely through personal recommendations and the enthusiasm of its members.

From the Berlin Network to the World Association

Today, the IN is represented in over 108 countries – a global network of NLP trainers, coaches, and therapists. This growth came about through word of mouth and international congresses. The first World Congress took place in 2006 in Potsdam, the second already in Brazil. Through these events, more and more countries and partners joined – from Latin America to Africa to Asia.

The openness of the organization was particularly important. Anyone who met the quality standards was welcome. This open attitude has made the IN one of the most diverse and inclusive NLP networks worldwide .

NLP in Universities and Studies

A milestone was the collaboration with a university in Nicaragua. At their initiative, the first psychology program with a focus on NLP, coaching, and human developmentwas created. Initially, this idea faced resistance – many considered “Dr. NLP” to be unprofessional. But Karl and his team persevered: Today, the program is state-recognized, and there are even graduates with master's and doctoral degrees based on NLP.

Well-known names like Lukas Derks or Nada Kaiser have written their academic work within this framework. This has integrated NLP to some extent into the scientific discourse – a step that clearly demonstrates the professionalism and depth of the approach.

NLPT – The Therapeutic Form of NLP

Another significant step was the development of NLPT (Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy), the therapeutic application of NLP. Nada Kaiser established NLPT as a recognized psychotherapy method in Austria and founded the NLPT World Association. Meanwhile, there are training groups in Europe and Latin America that teach this approach.

The special thing: In Austria, the NLPT training is even recognized as a Bachelor Degree – a great success for the recognition of NLP in the therapeutic context. This closes a circle that began in 2000 with the idea of learning from and with each other.

NLP and Artificial Intelligence

Karl Nielsen is convinced: NLP will be more important than ever in the age of artificial intelligence. While machines process data, emotional intelligence – empathy, connection, meaning – remains a profoundly human competence. He says: “AI can do many things better than we can – but it cannot feel, cannot love, cannot heal.”

Therefore, the IN calls on trainers worldwide to further develop NLP techniques to strengthen people in their humanity. Currently, a new network is even emerging, the AITI (Artificial Intelligence Training Institutes), which connects NLP and AI – an exciting field of the future that links NLP with modern technology.

Membership, Events, and Collaborations

Anyone who wants to be part of the IN can find all the information on the official website. The basic requirement is certified NLP training (Practitioner, Master, Trainer according to IN standards). For coaches, there is also the opportunity to publish their own offerings on the platform and thus gain international visibility.

Current events:

• September 13–14 (Berlin): Master Trainer Meeting with Open Space Sessions
• World Congress 2026: Planned in Poland or Serbia (Theme: NLP & Artificial Intelligence)

Particularly inspiring is the initiative to bring NLP into schools – a project that has already been approved by the Ministry of Education in Serbia. Young people learn to deal with emotions, exam anxiety, and motivation – real life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Conclusion: NLP as a Global Movement of Humanity

The history of the IN shows what can arise when people cooperate instead of compete. From a small group of trainers in Berlin, a global network has emerged that uses NLP as a tool for growth, awareness, and peace. Karl Nielsen puts it succinctly:

“We have so much to give. NLP is not a closed system – it is a living process that can change the world if we shape it together.”

→ Learn more about the IN and its international projects