Disruptors

RBC Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse
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Disruptors

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Detect Early, Treat Early: Innovations Shaping the Fight Against Cancer

    Early detection remains the single most effective strategy for treating cancer, significantly enhancing survival rates and outcomes. Join hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik as they explore how groundbreaking innovation and technology are reshaping cancer detection, treatment, and prevention with physician and entrepreneur Jesse Salk, Peter Liu, CEO of Oxford Cancer Analytics, and Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. Listen in to discover how innovations are bringing renewed hope to one of humanity's most pressing health challenges.

    30 min

  2. APR 8

    How Tech Entrepreneurs Can Capitalize on the Buy Canadian Movement

    The “Buy Canadian” movement has surged during talks of tariffs, often highlighting consumer goods. How can Canadian tech companies take advantage of this sentiment? John and Sonia explore Canada's renewed push to support local companies with guests Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed, and Derek Jouppi, creator of the Buy Canada Tech. Discover why supporting local is not just a trend but a crucial step toward economic resilience and national unity.

    22 min

  3. MAR 25

    The Cleantech Edge: Tackling Methane Emissions with Canadian Innovation

    John and Sonia explore how Canadian innovators are tackling one of climate change’s biggest culprits: methane. From satellites in space to software on the ground, meet four Canadian startups shaping the future of emissions reduction, and hear why Canada may be uniquely positioned to lead the charge.

    26 min

  4. MAR 11

    Scammers, Fraud, and Deepfakes: The AI Arms Race

    With cybercriminals leveraging AI to fuel scams and misinformation, how do we verify what's real? Joined by cybersecurity experts Shuman Ghosemajumder (former Global Head of Product Trust at Google), and Ken Nickerson (Inventor and Entrepreneur, ex-Microsoft, and ex-Rogers), John and Sonia confront a startling new reality where AI-generated deepfakes can mimic voices, images, and even entire identities with frightening accuracy. They explore how to protect democracy, businesses, and personal identities in a world where proof of authenticity is harder than ever.

    32 min

  5. FEB 25

    Entrepreneurs seek to boost Canada’s prosperity and productivity

    How can Canadians unleash their competitive spirit and rediscover the drive to build bigger, faster, and smarter? Serial entrepreneur and tech investor Daniel Debow joins John and Sonia to tackle that question. They explore how decades of slow productivity growth have eroded Canada’s economic position, and why there’s new urgency to rewrite the country’s playbook. Daniel explains how his passion for building ventures, from software startups acquired by Salesforce and Shopify, to the collaborative “Build Canada” initiative, reflects a broader need for bold experimentation in Canadian policy and business culture. He highlights how stronger digital frameworks, better data sharing in healthcare, and a more ambitious national narrative can help Canada punch above its weight in a rapidly changing global environment. John and Sonia underscore the power of collaboration and the importance of making tough policy choices to reimagine Canada’s future. If you’re ready to think bigger and help propel this country forward, don’t miss this conversation on reclaiming the builder’s spirit.

    31 min

  6. FEB 11

    AgriFood and Food Security: Can Canada Feed the World?

    With a growing global population and climate challenges reshaping food production, Canada has a golden opportunity to lead the ag-tech revolution. But are we ready? In this episode of Disruptors x CDL, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the future of agriculture with industry experts Evan Fraser (Director, Arrell Food Institute) and Alison Sunstrum (CEO, CNSRV-X Inc.). From AI and robotics to climate-resilient farming, they explore how Canada can harness cutting-edge technology to feed the world. Tune in to learn why the farmer of the future might not be behind the wheel of a tractor—but in a lab, developing the next agricultural breakthrough.

    29 min

  7. JAN 30

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

    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 reports from Davos, unpacking the major themes from the World Economic Forum. From Donald Trump's controversial speech to the future of AI, space technology, and Canada's global competitiveness, John and co-host Sonia Sennik dive into the key insights shaping business, innovation, and policy in 2025.

    30 min

  8. JAN 14

    Powering Canada: Electricity and Data Centres

    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 explore Canada’s role in balancing AI’s surging energy demands with sustainable innovation. Featuring Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish, and Doug Beach of Eavor Technologies, the conversation highlights bold initiatives like the Wonder Valley project and the potential of advanced geothermal energy. Tune in to discover how Canada is leading the charge in the global data economy.

    30 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    RBC Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    195
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Disruptors

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