As technology continues to advance, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are often the ones left behind—not due to lack of ambition, but lack of access, time, and practical support. This one-day, in-person workshop is designed to close that gap by giving Nova Scotia SMEs the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to begin using AI in meaningful, cost-effective ways. Delivered by Digital Nova Scotia, in partnership with AI experts, this hands-on workshop provides a practical introduction to artificial intelligence—what it is, how it works, and how it can be applied directly to everyday business operations. Workshop topics: Make AI Work Better for You (Even If You’re Not Technical) -  Hosted by Aigility Hub Let AI do the Work: A Hands-On Workshop of Practical Tools for SMB Leaders - Hosted by HiVanya AI Agents: Automate Your Knowledge Work - Hosted by Bayloch Technologies  This workshop includes complimentary light breakfast and lunch In the event of poor weather, this workshop will take place virtually 

High-growth environments demand a lot from founders and leadership teams. The pace of innovation, constant decision-making, and pressure to perform can push even the most capable leaders into cycles of stress, overextension, and burnout. But sustainable leadership isn’t about working harder, it’s about building the habits, boundaries, and self-awareness that allow both leaders and businesses to thrive over the long term. This refreshingly honest and practical session explores the human side of entrepreneurship: the energy, values, and rhythms that quietly shape leadership capacity and business performance. Through real-world insights and practical frameworks, we’ll examine how stress, decision fatigue, and people-pleasing show up in leadership—and how addressing them can directly impact clarity, profitability, and long-term resilience. Tailored for the fast-moving tech community, this workshop meets founders where they are—ambitious, innovative, and often stretched thin—and provides practical tools to build endurance without burnout. Participants will learn strategies to navigate high-stakes environments more sustainably while strengthening both their personal leadership and the health of their business. Session Takeaways: Practical strategies for navigating stress, decision fatigue, and people-pleasing; A framework for self-leadership in high-growth, high-pressure environments and; Clarity on the habits and structures that sustain high performance over time. Meet Your Presenter Matt Thomson […]