Disruptors

Latest Episodes:

Inside the WEF: AI, Geopolitics, and Canada's Place in the Future Economy Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

What happens in Davos doesn’t stay in Davos, it shapes the future of business, technology, and global markets. In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse joins co-host Sonia Sennik from Davos to break down the biggest conversations at the World Economic Forum. From Donald Trump's controversial speech and its implications for Canada to the surging confidence in AI, energy, and innovation, this episode unpacks the global trends shaping the economy.

John shares insights on the U.S.’s bullish outlook, the future of AI in business and defense, the growing space economy, and why Canada needs to step up its game on the global stage. With conversations about regulatory shifts, geopolitical tensions, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future, this episode is packed with critical takeaways for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders.

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Powering Canada: Electricity and Data Centres Jan 14, 2025

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What does it take to power the intelligence economy of the future? In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the surging energy demands of AI and data centers, exploring how Canada can seize this pivotal moment to lead the way in sustainable innovation.

Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish, shares how the province is positioning itself as a global hub for data infrastructure through initiatives like the Wonder Valley project, which aims to build the largest data center installation on the planet. Doug Beach, Chair of Eavor Technologies, discusses the role of advanced geothermal energy in creating a cleaner, more reliable energy grid. Together, they illuminate Canada’s unique potential to combine abundant natural resources, cutting-edge technologies, and bold innovation strategies to power the next generation of intelligence.

Discover how startups, policymakers, and industry leaders are coming together to transform Canada into a global leader in the data economy, while balancing energy demands with sustainability. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the opportunities shaping our nation’s future.

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From AI to the Final Frontier: Tech Trends Shaping 2025 Dec 24, 2024

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In this year-end episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik take a look back at 2024’s groundbreaking tech stories and gaze ahead to what 2025 might bring. Joined by Sean Silcoff, technology reporter for The Globe and Mail for 12 years, they explore the rise of AI, the space economy, Canada’s evolving tech ecosystem, and the influence of political shifts on innovation.

Sean sheds light on the evolving tech ecosystem, from Canadian companies like Wealthsimple and D2L bouncing back with renewed valuations, to the challenges posed by brain drain, capital gains taxes, and global competition.

The trio also discusses the political landscape’s influence on tech, including the re-election of Donald Trump and his administration’s implications for big tech, crypto innovation, and international tariffs. They delve into trends like trust in AI and dual-use technologies, the growing prominence of armed drones, and the surge of defense investments in hardware and innovation.

Whether you’re curious about Canada’s tech resurgence, fascinated by AI’s evolution, or keen to explore the intersection of politics and technology, this episode is packed with insights and foresight.

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On the Move: Canada’s EV Revolution Dec 10, 2024

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In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the rapidly advancing world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the ecosystem needed to support their success.

Kristian Aquilina, President and Managing Director of GM Canada, shares insights on the BrightDrop electric delivery vans produced at GM’s CAMI plant—the country’s first full-scale EV manufacturing facility—and how local supply chains and infrastructure can accelerate Canada’s EV adoption. Paul Soubry, CEO of New Flyer Industries, discusses the evolution of zero-emission buses and the logistical and manufacturing innovations required to meet sustainability goals.

From electric transit to supply chain resilience, this episode unpacks the opportunities and challenges that come with redefining mobility in a more sustainable and competitive economy. Whether you’re passionate about green technology, supply chains, or urban innovation, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of transportation in Canada and beyond.

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE:

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• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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Commercializing Space (Part 2): From Frontier to Marketplace Nov 21, 2024

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Part two of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era continues with a focus on how space technology is transitioning from exploration to commercial viability.

John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik are joined by aerospace leaders Christine Tovee, former CTO of Airbus Group North America, and Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. The episode examines the pioneering role of Canadian companies in transforming space technologies into practical industries, such as satellite communications and Earth observation.

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• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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Space Economy (Part 1): Opportunities and Challenges Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In part one of this two-part series on Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik discuss the unfolding potential of the space economy.

Joined by Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station and acclaimed astronaut, they delve into the evolving landscape of space access, driven by technological breakthroughs and cost reductions exemplified by the significant drop in cost of delivering assets to low Earth orbit. The conversation highlights how these advancements could democratize space exploration, unlock new business ventures, and inspire global innovation.

Whether you’re intrigued by satellite technology, space-based research, or future resource extraction, this episode sheds light on how space is becoming more accessible than ever.

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• Follow RBC Thought Leadership onLinkedIn
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• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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Educating for the Future: Post-Secondary Innovation Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore the dynamic role of generative AI in education and its far-reaching implications. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s transforming classrooms and curriculum, influencing how students learn, and prompting schools to rethink traditional teaching methods. The hosts are joined by two distinguished guests: Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, and John Baker, founder of D2L, a global ed-tech pioneer.

Janice shares her expertise on the ethical considerations and challenges of integrating AI into educational environments, highlighting how AI’s capabilities can impact both learning outcomes and the human connections vital to education. Meanwhile, John Baker provides insights into the evolving landscape of digital learning and discusses how AI-driven platforms like D2L Lumi are revolutionizing the educational experience, making learning more interactive and personalized.

This episode sheds light on the possibilities and challenges of AI in education, from enhancing productivity to rethinking team-based learning and fostering deep human connections. Whether you're an educator, student, or tech enthusiast, tune in to discover how generative AI is not only shaping the classroom of today but paving the way for the classrooms of tomorrow.

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE:

• Follow RBC Thought Leadership onLinkedIn
• Follow John Stackhouse onLinkedIn
• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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Biotech Boom: Canada’s Life Sciences Revolution Oct 22, 2024

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In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the rapidly evolving world of life sciences, exploring how Canada can leverage its strengths to lead in global drug discovery and healthcare innovation.

The pandemic accelerated scientific breakthroughs, such as AI-assisted vaccine development, but what will it take for Canada to continue leading into the 2030s? With special guests Anne Woods (Managing Director, Life Sciences, RBCx), Sue Paish (CEO, Digital), and Dr. Christine Allen (CEO, Intrepid Labs), this episode delves into how AI, data, and interdisciplinary collaboration are driving new treatments and medical advancements.

From Canada’s storied history in medical innovation to today’s challenges in scaling life sciences companies, the conversation explores the need for a cohesive strategy, greater investment in early-stage ventures, and an openness to data-driven healthcare solutions.

Listen now to hear expert insights on the future of life sciences, Canada’s unique opportunities, and how AI can reshape the way we discover and deliver life-saving treatments.

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE:

• Follow RBC Thought Leadership onLinkedIn
• Follow John Stackhouse onLinkedIn
• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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AI in Canada: Leading Innovation, Lagging Adoption Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse, Senior VP of RBC, and Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab, dive into one of the most transformative technologies of our time: Artificial Intelligence. With the potential to revolutionize industries from healthcare to energy, AI is reshaping the global economy — and Canada is both a leader in research and a laggard in adoption.

This week, Geoffrey Hinton, Professor at the University of Toronto, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research in artificial intelligence that began in 1987.

Join John and Sonia as they discuss Canada’s AI ecosystem and the country's challenges in keeping pace with global AI adoption. They’re joined by three visionary guests: Sheldon Fernandez, CEO of Darwin AI, Kory Mathewson, Senior Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, and Gillian Hadfield, a Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Senior Fellow. Together, they explore the opportunities and barriers in AI adoption, the creative applications of AI, and the role Canada must play in the future of AI.

This episode is packed with insights for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about how AI is changing our world. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a skeptic, this episode will challenge your thinking on the role of technology in shaping the future.

Tune in to learn how AI is both an opportunity and a responsibility, and how Canada can lead the charge in this new innovation era.

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE:

• Follow RBC Thought Leadership onLinkedIn
• Follow John Stackhouse onLinkedIn
• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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Disruptors x CDL: Canada’s Innovation Journey Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the first episode of Disruptors x CDL - The Innovation Era, where host John Stackhouse teams up with Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), to explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming Canadian industries. Over the next eight episodes, they'll dive deep into the disruptive power of innovations like generative AI, quantum computing, and 5G, examining their potential to reshape sectors from entertainment to transportation.

In this premiere, John and Sonia discuss Canada’s economic challenges and how embracing technological advances is crucial for future growth. They also shine a spotlight on CDL, an objectives-based mentorship program that has helped generate $36 billion in equity value. Together, they explore the evolving role of AI in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and education, offering insights into how businesses can harness tech to stay competitive.

Tune in as they lay the groundwork for an exciting season, packed with discussions on the future of life sciences, energy, and even live entertainment.

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.

PS. Tickets for @tdotswift4cats - Toronto’s one-night-only fundraiser for cat shelters on Nov 20th 2024 at the Historic El Mocambo.

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE:

• Follow RBC Thought Leadership onLinkedIn
• Follow John Stackhouse onLinkedIn
• For more insights visit RBC Thought Leadership

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