Transformative Role of AI for Small and Medium Enterprises
May 6 at 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Presented in partnership with Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Join UBC Faculty of Management for an event focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized businesses. Featuring a panel discussion and keynote address from a renowned expert in disruptive technologies, innovation and diversity, Dr. Wendy Cukier, this event will explore how AI is reshaping the future of business, driving growth, and enhancing efficiency. Gain valuable insights and discover practical ways to leverage AI for your own business success.
Featuring keynote Dr. Wendy Cukier
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University; Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH); and Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Academic Director of the Diversity Institute, and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre. She co-authored the bestseller “Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park” and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation. With a PhD in Information Systems and more than thirty years of technology consulting, she is particularly interested in the complex processes associated with technology adoption. Her recent work on the Canadian AI Paradox addresses the gap between Canada’s leadership in the development of AI tools and the adoption of them. With the Future Skills Centre, she has led several related research projects, the development of competency frameworks and strategies to support the adoption of AI among entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises. She leads Toronto Metropolitan University’s Diversity Institute, which has almost 100 research staff, 100 research associates from around the world, and more than 200 industry partners focused on future skills, entrepreneurship and dimensions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Wendy has been recognized with many awards for her volunteer work. She has also received Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. In addition to her PhD in Information Systems from the Schulich School of Business, she has an MBA (Marketing and Information Systems), an MA, and honorary doctorates from Laval and Concordia universities.
Panelists
Rob Cupello
Rob Cupello, Chief Strategy Officer at Csek Creative, has a knack for turning big, intimidating ideas—like AI and marketing—into approachable, actionable strategies that businesses can actually use. With over 20 years of experience, he’s partnered with organizations of all shapes and sizes to drive growth
Dr. John Henderson
Dr. John D. Henderson is a public operations executive fluent in capital markets and technology. With a PhD in Management specializing in Machine Learning and AI, and an MBA in Finance from Sauder School of Business, John’s vision is to advance public innovation companies. John’s expertise includes finance, tech development, cryptocurrency, and data analytics, with proficiency in Python and Machine Learning
Dr. Ying Zhu
Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management, Dr. Ying is a dedicated marketing researcher and educator who focuses on two key areas: how emerging technologies—especially AI and the Metaverse—shape consumer behaviour, and how companies can harness these insights to enhance their marketing strategies, business networks, and brand management.
Event Timing:
- 11:30 am—Registration
- 12 pm—Keynote presentation from Dr. Cukier (40- minutes)
- 12:45 pm—Moderated panel conversation and questions
