Disruptors
Disruptors
RBC Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse
Understand the forces that are shaping the future of business and technology to navigate the rapid changes in Canada’s tech landscape. Innovation is driving business productivity and sustainability across industries in Canada and beyond. How can Canadian entrepreneurs make the most of these new technology opportunities? How can they embrace disruption and scale their businesses? Powered by cutting-edge research from RBC, Season 8 of Disruptors kicks off with a special series, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, co-hosted by Sonia Sennik, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), and RBC’s John Stackhouse. Together, they dive into the latest advancements in AI, automation, and data analytics, highlighting their transformative impact on business and the economy. You’ll hear from pioneers in AI, clean energy, and life sciences—people leading the way in turning technology innovation into practical business solutions. From AI’s role in improving business productivity to the future of work, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era delivers the insights you need to stay competitive in a world driven by technology and digital transformation. The show highlights strategies and ideas that can help your business navigate rapid changes in the tech landscape. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or policymaker, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era equips you with the tools to thrive in this new technology-driven economy. Follow Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, an original podcast from RBC, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Biotech Boom: Canada’s Life Sciences Revolution
In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore the future of Canada’s life sciences sector. With insights from Anne Woods (RBCx), Sue Paish (DIGITAL), and Dr. Christine Allen (Intrepid Labs and University of Toronto), they discuss how AI and emerging technologies are revolutionizing drug discovery and healthcare. Learn how Canada can build on its innovation strengths to lead globally in life-saving treatments as we move into the 2030s.
Oct 22, 2024
28 min
AI in Canada: Leading Innovation, Lagging Adoption
In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and Canada’s economy. Joined by AI leaders Sheldon Fernandez (Darwin AI), Kory Mathewson (Google DeepMind), and Gillian Hadfield (Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Senior Fellow), they discuss Canada's strengths in AI research, the challenges in adoption, and the creative applications of AI. Tune in to learn how AI can drive innovation and reshape the future.
Oct 10, 2024
28 min
Disruptors x CDL: Canada’s Innovation Journey
In this season opener of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), dive into how advanced technologies like AI, 5G, and quantum computing are reshaping Canada's industries. From entertainment to manufacturing, they explore how tech innovations can drive Canada's economic growth, while discussing CDL's role in nurturing groundbreaking startups.
Sep 24, 2024
23 min
Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era
In an era of rapid technological change, how can we reshape Canada’s economy and position it for future success? Who are the innovators leading this transformation? Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era is a limited podcast series where we dive into the cutting-edge technologies and visionaries reshaping the world. Hosted by John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President at RBC, and Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab, this series uncovers the innovation that Canada needs to stay globally competitive. From artificial intelligence to life sciences and clean energy, we explore the breakthroughs that hold the key to unlocking Canada's economic potential. Join us as we sit down with industry disruptors and explore solutions for Canada’s most pressing economic challenges. Subscribe now to Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era as we explore critical insights into Canada’s economic challenges and offer actionable strategies for our bright future.
Sep 17, 2024
1 min
REBOOT: AI is Disrupting Canada’s Labour Landscape
New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities. To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work. But how do we ensure that AI is constructive and not destructive? On this episode, we’re joined by David Autor, a renowned labour force economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who has spent his career studying the consequences of technology on jobs and the economy.
Sep 3, 2024
30 min
REBOOT: Hydrogen Horizons: Powering a Green Path Forward
The green hydrogen race is on, and billions are at stake. Countries big and small view hydrogen as an opportunity to convert wind, solar, gas and nuclear into molecules that they can sustainably ship around the world. The hydrogen promise extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint and developing cleaner sources of energy; it’s also about reimagining a new industrial model for our economy, opening avenues for economic growth and job creation. Canada is a country filled with vast renewable resources, but first we must navigate the complexities of the technology, economics and politics associated with a shift to clean energy adoption. Is green hydrogen the next great Canadian energy export and will it be the tech innovation of the decade? We’re joined by Gene Gebolys, CEO at World Energy and Marco Alvera, CEO at Tree Energy Solutions (TES) — two global energy pioneers betting on Canada’s green hydrogen potential, from the windswept Atlantic coast to the Mauricie region of Quebec. We also hear from the CEO at the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, Ivette Vera-Perez.
Aug 20, 2024
28 min
REBOOT: Mechanical Minds: Exploring the World of AI Robots
The global race to apply AI to robotics in a way that can make society better is on — offering unprecedented efficiency, precision and enhancing productivity to relieve humans from mundane tasks. Though there are concerns regarding ethical dilemmas and potential job displacement — fueling fears about the societal impact of these advancements. Striking a balance between the benefits and addressing these apprehensions will be key to unlocking a harmonious integration into our daily lives. On this episode of Disruptors, John Stackhouse visits Sanctuary AI — a Canadian company recognized on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023 — to explore the cutting-edge future of humanoid robotics and is joined by visionary, Suzanne Gildert, the company’s Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.
Aug 6, 2024
30 min
REBOOT: Navigating Canada’s Carbon Frontier
Carbon markets are at the forefront of climate action and the mobilization of carbon credits and offsets are critical — where each carbon credit holds the promise of a greener future for the Great White North. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance of mobilizing these markets — exploring the interplay of trust, transparency, and tradability — while navigating the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological stewardship. On this episode, we are discussing the hype and reality of carbon markets, the innovation and clean tech that enables carbon removal and the climate action activities that markets need to finance. We’re joined by Michael Berends, the CEO of Clear Blue Markets, Phil DeLuna, the Chief Carbon Officer at Deep Sky, and leadership from Coastal First Nations, whose community is accessing carbon markets to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest — the first offset project in North America to be implemented on traditional territory with unextinguished aboriginal rights and title.
Jul 23, 2024
30 min
REBOOT: Forging Canada’s path in a future filled with AI
This is our 7th season of Disruptors and we’re kicking it off with a bang! There is a tech wave surging and it was truly the summer of AI. People are both excited and worried about what it’ll mean for their communities, jobs, the economy, and the planet. And while these tech advances have immense potential, we need to think deeply about how they’ll be applied. When it comes to AI research, we are a podium nation but when it comes to application, how can Canada step up to the plate? To help us make sense of it all, we are joined by two pioneers in Canada’s AI sector; Nick Frost, Cofounder of Cohere and Jordan Jacobs, Cofounder and Managing Partner of Radical Ventures.
Jul 9, 2024
28 min
AI: Ready or Not?
This was the year artificial intelligence got its wings — especially generative AI — and the tech is soaring to new heights. Whether you’re excited or concerned, it’s clear that AI is one of the most disruptive forces in history. AI is transforming the world at record pace — but is Canada prepared? On the season finale, we visit the Creative Destruction Lab’s AI Super Session to talk with leading minds on the frontlines of Canada’s AI journey. We also sit down with Cari Covent, Head of AI at Canadian Tire to hear about how the iconic Canadian company is using AI — from robots to shopping assistants — to enhance the customer experience, improve employee productivity and eliminate mundane tasks.
Jun 25, 2024
25 min
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