Artificial Intelligence has gone from being a niche experiment to a boardroom topic in just a few years. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, over 75% of executives now say AI is reshaping their industries – a dramatic shift from only 40% just five years ago. Our own Sarah Walker-Leptick, Head of Partner Sales at Dedicated and former Google and Amazon Manager, introduces AI not as a trend, but as a practical tool for businesses of every size. With more than a decade of experience in AI, both as a profession and a passion, she frames the discussion in practical terms: not hype, not fear – just clarity on how leaders can make sense of the biggest technological wave of our time
This business-focused session cuts through the technical jargon and shows how Canadian organizations are already leveraging GenAI to streamline operations, boost productivity, and stay competitive.
What You’ll Learn
Brief History of AI Learn about the surprisingly “long” history of AI, its evolution over time to where it is now and understand why this moment represents a unique opportunity for forward-thinking businesses.
See the Numbers That Matter Review current adoption statistics specific to Canadian businesses and learn what’s driving successful implementations across industries.
Explore Proven Use Cases Walk through real-world applications that deliver immediate value, from automating document processing to generating comprehensive reports that save hours of manual work.
Build Your GenAI Culture Learn practical strategies to encourage employee adoption while addressing common concerns and resistance to new technology.
Make Smart Technology Choices Understand why business-grade AI solutions matter and how to evaluate platforms that protect your data while delivering enterprise-level performance.
Prepare for What’s Next Get insights into the future of GenAI and emerging Agentic AI technologies, so you can plan strategic investments that won’t become obsolete.
The History of AI
AI might feel like a new phenomenon, but its story goes back centuries: from Ada Lovelace writing the first algorithm in 1843 to Alan Turing cracking codes in World War II, and John McCarthy coining the term “artificial intelligence” in 1956. Even the ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism shows that humans have always dreamed of building “thinking machines.”
Today, AI is moving faster than ever, with breakthroughs in generative AI, natural language processing, and computer vision transforming industries and creating real business opportunities. But to truly harness its power, you need to understand where it came from, how it got here, and how to apply it wisely. Watch this video to explore AI’s fascinating journey and see how its lessons can help businesses stay ahead.
Where AI is Today
AI is now embedded in industries from healthcare to retail, but its growth comes with nuance. While 75% of surveyed executives report measurable ROI from AI pilots, they also name risks like hallucinations, deepfakes, and unsustainable compute demands as top concerns. This section will balance optimism with realism, because knowing both the promise and the pitfalls is the only way to lead responsibly.
Adoption Statistics of AI in Business
AI is everywhere in conversation, but how deeply is it really embedded in businesses today? While many organizations are experimenting with pilots and isolated use cases, true transformation—where AI is aligned with strategy, operations, and decision-making – is still in its early stages. In fact, 74% of companies say they face challenges scaling AI, and only 16% feel prepared for AI-driven reinvention. This video breaks down where businesses actually stand in their adoption journey, why some industries are pulling ahead, and what steps leaders need to take to move from experimentation to enterprise-wide impact.
While global discussions about AI often center on the U.S., Europe, and China, Canada has carved out its own position in the AI landscape. The government has invested over $4.4 billion into AI infrastructure, adoption programs, and a newly established AI Safety Institute, signaling a long-term commitment to leadership in this space. Yet, public trust tells a different story. Only 28% of Canadians believe companies will protect their personal data, while 63% say AI products make them nervous. This tension—investment at the national level versus hesitation at the individual level – creates both challenges and opportunities. For Canadian businesses, this means walking a fine line: adopting AI boldly while building trust carefully. As Sarah notes, this is not a uniquely Canadian dilemma, but Canada’s proactive funding combined with public skepticism makes it a test case for responsible innovation.
Practical Business Use Cases of AI
AI is not just for tech giants, it’s already embedded in the operations of everyday companies. Technology companies are pouring investments into AI chips, servers, and R&D to power innovation across all sectors. In finance, AI is being used for fraud detection, risk management, and customer service through chatbots and personalization. Consumer industries are leveraging AI for computer-simulated R&D, personalized engagement, and smarter business planning. Media, entertainment, and sports are enhancing creativity, audience experiences, and content production with hyper-personalized and immersive solutions. Telecommunications firms are moving beyond predictive AI to expand generative AI for automation, customer support, and network management.
Companies that scale AI beyond pilots achieve cost reductions of up to 30%, proving these aren’t just nice-to-have tools ,but bottom-line drivers. As Sarah emphasizes, AI is not here to replace people – it’s here to free human talent for strategy, innovation, and creativity. Watch the video and get real-world applications show how AI is moving from experimentation to tangible business impact.
Beyond Gen AI – What’s next?
The most disruptive changes are often those we cannot yet foresee. Nevertheless, certain market shifts are already apparent, providing valuable insights into potential future directions for AI. While generative AI has transformed how we work, it is only the beginning. Sarah introduces Agentic AI – a new phase where AI acts more like a colleague than a tool. Instead of waiting for instructions, it proactively manages tasks: filtering spam, scheduling meetings, or coordinating with other agents across organizations. This shift turns AI from a reactive assistant into an active problem-solver that saves significant time and mental energy. Imagine spending less time on routine admin and more on strategic projects, innovation, or professional growth. Though still early, the foundations for this technology are already being built, and leaders who understand it now will be better prepared to capture its value in the near future.
The World Economic Forum reports that executives expect agent-based AI to impact productivity at a scale comparable to the internet itself. This isn’t speculative science fiction; the groundwork is already being laid in enterprise workflows. The organizations that begin preparing today will find themselves ahead of the curve when agentic AI becomes mainstream.
Will AI ever be Conscious?
It’s the question every leader gets asked: will AI become sentient and replace humanity? Sarah’s answer is thoughtful but reassuring. True consciousness would require replicating the complexity of the human brain – a feat science is nowhere near achieving. The reality is that AI reflects the data and rules humans design; it doesn’t “want” or “decide” on its own. The real risks are not rogue robots, but bias, misuse, and lack of governance. So instead of worrying about AI “taking over,” the urgent question is how businesses and governments guide it responsibly. With trust, governance, and careful design, AI is more likely to serve as an enabler than a threat
