Net Positive Podcast

In the final episode of Net Positive Podcast: Building Future Skills for Canada and AI, host Brent Arnold reflects on the insights and key takeaways from this season’s incredible lineup of guests. From reshaping education and law to transforming the public and private sectors, Brent revisits the groundbreaking discussions that explored how AI is driving change across industries in Canada.

This wrap-up highlights practical strategies for adopting AI responsibly, bridging the digital divide, and upskilling workforces to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or curious listener, this episode ties together the season’s themes and leaves you with actionable ideas for navigating the future of AI.

Thank you to our expert guests John Cousins, David Fraser, Anna Jahn, Mark Patterson, and Shingai Manjengwa for your insights this season.

A huge thank you to our season sponsors, Diversity Institute and Future Skills Centre, for making these timely conversations possible.

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations next season!

Get ready to dive into the future of education on this episode of the Net Positive Podcast! Host Brent Arnold is joined by Shingai Manjengwa, Head of AI Education at ChainML, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we teach and learn in Canada. From coding and real-world case studies to building a new era of AI-powered classrooms, Shingai shares her hands-on experience transforming educational spaces with cutting-edge tech. Discover how AI is helping educators create richer, more personalized learning experiences—and why mastering these tools is key to unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s innovators. Whether you’re a teacher, tech leader, or just curious about the future of learning, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

This episode of the Net Positive Podcast explores the critical role of diversity and inclusion in driving successful AI adoption and upskilling efforts across Canada. Featuring insights from Mark Patterson, an expert from the Future Skills Centre, the discussion delves into the potential risks of an AI divide, the importance of leadership and public policy in guiding AI development, and practical steps organizations can take to harness the productivity gains of this transformative technology. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, or individual seeking to stay ahead of the AI curve, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving AI landscape. 

 Hear insights from Anna Jahn from Mila, the Quebec-based AI Institute, who outlines initiatives to build AI capacity like its AI Policy Compass program. Discover how their multisector collaborations with groups like the Digital Academy at the Kennedy School are fostering curiosity through diverse speaker series on topics from climate to healthcare. Learn practical ways public institutions can address challenges like rapidly changing tech and siloed approaches through mitigation strategies highlighted in the discussion like testing for bias with new assessment tools. This informative discussion provides actionable advice to help government leaders navigate AI adoption responsibly through an ethics-first lens. 

 Tired of losing cases because you're stuck in the past? In this episode, privacy law pro David Fraser serves up an ace on how AI is revolutionizing legal research. He delivers a smashing return on the top tools lawyers need to stay competitive in the digital age. Plus, hear how firms that adopt these technologies are scoring big wins in the courts. Don't get left in the dust - tune in to learn game-changing strategies for leveraging AI to come out on top. This high-powered discussion is sure to leave you with a whole new set of skills to dominate the legal circuit. Your clients will thank you - and so will your bottom line. Game. Set. Match to the lawyers listening in 

How has Google shaped the AI landscape over 18 years of innovation? What challenges do organizations face when upskilling workforces for emerging technologies? Tune in to hear John Cousens, Managing Director of Public Sector Canada at Google, discuss pioneering work in AI and practical strategies for embracing new skills. Learn how Google's open source projects have powered AI startups around the world. Discover challenges in balancing governance with experimentation when adopting new technologies. Get actionable advice for starting your AI upskilling journey, from understanding foundational concepts to experimenting safely. This insightful conversation provides a window into Google's AI history and a vision for a skilled workforce ready to close productivity gaps through technology. Practical tips help organizations just beginning their foray into AI while highlighting an unpredictable future of new opportunities.