The AI Playbook: Lead, Compete or Be Left Behind
How to turn AI from a tool into a true competitive advantage
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Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how decisions are made, how organizations compete and how careers evolve. The real challenge for leaders isn’t adopting AI, it’s embedding it into decisions in ways competitors can’t easily replicate.
In this webinar, Ceren Kolsarici, Director of Smith’s Scotiabank Centre for Analytics & AI and Ian R. Friendly Fellow of Marketing, will explore how forward-thinking organizations are using AI not simply to automate tasks, but to think more strategically, move more quickly and outperform competitors. Drawing on practical examples and current research, she will cut through the hype to focus on what leaders actually need to know, and do, today. The session will also provide clarity on how organizations can navigate the increasingly crowded landscape of AI tools and make informed, strategic choices, while addressing critical considerations around AI ethics and governance, and how these developments are reshaping workforce practices.
You'll explore:
- Where AI can create the most value and how to evaluate when to trust or challenge AI-driven results
- Ways to integrate AI into decision-making without needing deep technical expertise
- How to navigate the expanding ecosystem of AI tools and select the right solutions
- Key considerations around AI ethics, governance and responsible use
- Common misconceptions that hold organizations back and actionable steps to ensure AI strengthens, not undermines, your leadership
Whether you are shaping strategy, leading teams or navigating your own career, this webinar will equip you with the perspective and tools needed to lead confidently in an AI-driven world.
Session Participants
Dr. Ceren Kolsarici
Dr. Ceren Kolsarici is director of the Scotiabank Centre for Customer Analytics & AI at Smith School of Business, Queen's University. She is an associate professor and Ian R. Friendly Fellow of Marketing, specializing in AI, marketing analytics, advertising strategy, consumer decision making and causal inference. Her research integrates advanced statistical, econometric and machine learning techniques to analyze firm and consumer decisions in dynamic, data-rich environments, with work published or in advanced review at top journals. Outside of teaching and research, Dr. Kolsarici consults, delivers executive training and serves as an expert witness for organizations across Canada and internationally, providing evidence-based guidance on advertising effectiveness, consumer perception and data-driven marketing strategy.
Gillian Smith
Gillian Smith serves as executive director in the Office of the Chair of the Board for Canada and Chile at Deloitte. In this role, she is the senior advisor to the Chair and oversees the governance operations of the firm. In addition, she supports the Chair’s work with Deloitte’s global board, in public policy advocacy, as well as in the marketplace, supporting the firm’s partners and clients. Gillian is active in her community and serves as chair of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and sits on the Smith School of Business Advisory Board.