4 5 Advancing Women Conference Fall/Winter 2025 | East businesses compete in ways that were not possible before. In the past, access to detailed market data and competitive insights was often limited to large companies with significant resources. Today, affordable AI-powered tools allow small businesses to view real-time information about pricing, sales performance, and market trends. For example, analytics platforms now provide insights into how products are priced across retailers and how competitors are performing. This access gives small businesses a stronger voice and a fairer position in the market. They can make informed decisions, respond quickly to changes, and identify new opportunities for growth. AI is no longer limited to large organizations; it is becoming a tool that levels the playing field and encourages innovation at all levels. Another key point raised was the speed at which AI is developing. Many people find this rapid acceleration overwhelming. The idea that change will continue and increase can feel stressful. However, resisting change is not a practical solution. Customers are also adapting to modern technologies, and their expectations are rising. Businesses must keep pace with these changes to remain relevant and responsive. Adapting to AI requires flexibility and an open mindset. Instead of focusing on fear, organizations and individuals need to focus on learning. This includes understanding how AI tools work, exploring how they can improve efficiency, and identifying areas where human skills remain essential. Collaboration between people and technology is becoming a core requirement for success. The panel emphasized that AI adoption is a two-way street. Businesses must adapt not only for their own benefit but also to meet the changing needs of customers. As customers become more familiar with digital tools, they expect faster service, personalized experiences, and better insights. AI helps meet these expectations, but human understanding and communication remain crucial. Another important message was the need to overcome personal insecurities. Many people feel uncertain because they worry about keeping up with technology or fear making mistakes. However, avoiding AI does not prevent change; it only increases the risk of falling behind. Learning to use AI gradually and responsibly allows individuals to stay confident and prepared for the future. The discussion also highlighted that AI is widely accessible. Because these tools are available to everyone, those who choose not to engage risk being left behind. When customers, competitors, and partners use AI, ignoring it can create gaps in communication, service quality, and decision-making. Staying informed and engaged helps maintain balance and competitiveness. Artificial intelligence should not be seen as an enemy or a threat. It is a powerful tool that, when used thoughtfully, can support growth, creativity, and efficiency. The key is to move beyond fear and focus on adaptation. AI is not replacing human experience; it is amplifying it. By combining technology with knowledge, skills, and openness to change, individuals and businesses can build a more resilient and successful future. Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, has become one of the most discussed technologies in recent years. Many people feel excited about its possibilities, while others feel intimidated, threatened, or uncertain. This challenging topic was explored during an excellent panel discussion during the AWC East 2025. Experts shared clear and practical views on whether these fears are justified and how individuals and businesses should respond. Their message was simple but powerful: AI is not a passing trend. It is a lasting part of modern technology, and learning to work with it is no longer optional. One of the most important points highlighted was that AI did not suddenly appear in the last year. While tools such as Generative AI have gained widespread attention recently, artificial intelligence has been part of technological systems for many years. It has quietly supported decision-making, data analysis, automation, and digital services across industries. Unlike short-lived trends that rise quickly and fade away, AI has steadily grown and become deeply embedded in daily operations. This makes it clear that AI is here to stay. Despite this reality, fear remains a major challenge. The most common concern people express is whether AI will take away jobs. This fear is understandable, especially as automation continues to increase. However, the discussion emphasized that AI should not be seen only as a replacement for human work. Instead, it should be viewed as a tool that supports and enhances human skills. Technology has always changed the nature of work, but it has also created new opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. AI can handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing people to focus on creative thinking, problemsolving, and relationship-building. These human qualities cannot be easily replaced by machines. Experience, judgment, and understanding remain critical strengths that people bring to the workplace. By combining human expertise with AI tools, individuals can become more effective and valuable in their roles. The panel also discussed how AI is helping small AI IN BUSINESS - THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY? WHY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS ACCELERATING CHANGE AND RESHAPING JOBS AND LEADERSHIP. Your Farm’s Next Breakthrough Starts Here Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre ncinnovation.ca/hesic Scan Here to See Inside Our New Greenhouse! We help growers and agri-tech companies across Canada to validate new products, refine and optimize production strategies, and run applied trials that solve real-world challenges. Denise Faguy The thought-provoking panel of experts included Azrah Manji-Savin, Co-founder, Syzl; Karla Congson, CEO Agentiiv; Lindsay Toth, Membership and Marketing, FEAD Canada; and Karen Rossit, Foodservice Sales Director, Bunge.
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