How to Use AI to Remove Bottlenecks, Increase Margins, and Buy Back Time. A hands-on, operator-level workshop for business owners and senior leaders who care about execution, not hype. THIS IS NOT AN AI EVENT FOR EVERYONE And that’s intentional. This workshop is for you if: You own or lead a business You are the bottleneck more often than you’d like Decisions pile up faster than they should You suspect AI could help, but don’t trust the hype You want profit leverage, not more tools This is not for: Prompt collectors Tool junkies “AI will replace everyone” believers Anyone looking for shortcuts without discipline WHY THIS EVENT EXISTS Most AI events teach what AI can do. Almost none teach how leaders should use it responsibly. AI doesn’t magically fix businesses. It amplifies whatever system you already have, good or bad. This workshop shows you: Where AI actually belongs in a real business Where it absolutely does not How leaders use AI to improve margins without creating chaos WHAT YOU’LL LEARN (REAL OUTCOMES) By the end of the day, you will: Understand how AI actually works (without becoming technical) Know exactly which bottlenecks AI can remove Identify decisions you should no longer be […]

Overview This session explores the practical challenges both builders and organizations face when developing, deploying, and implementing AI systems. When: Tuesday , April 14, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm AST Where: Volta, 1800 Argyle St., Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8 or Virtual via Zoom (log in details will be included in your confirmation email) Description: As AI moves rapidly from research into real-world products and services, understanding risk, ethics, and governance becomes critical. This session explores the practical challenges both builders and organizations face when developing, deploying, and implementing AI systems — from data governance and bias to security, reliability, and unintended consequences — and how teams can approach responsible AI development without slowing innovation. Facilitator: Iaian Archibald Iaian is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, executive, and artificial intelligence (AI) strategist who specializes in emerging technologies. He is currently the Executive Director of DeepSense, an applied AI research platform housed in Dalhousie University's Faculty of Computer Science. Previously, as the CEO and co-founder of an ML first ocean technology startup, he developed an innovative marina and waterfront management software solution. The company was acquired in 2020. A native of Nova Scotia, Iaian has a commitment to the natural environment and passion for […]

Stop burnout before it starts. Learn boundaries, mindset shifts, and self-care tools for women entrepreneurs who want more ease. About the Speaker Melissa is an ICF-Certified Coach with a background in Human Resources who supports high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams. Her work focuses on mindset shifts, stress management, health and wellness, and major life transitions—including retirement. Melissa helps her clients increase productivity, reduce burnout, and create sustainable balance for a healthier, happier life. About the Talk Entrepreneurship is challenging—and for women, it often comes with the added pressure of putting everyone else first while striving to be nice, humble, accommodating, and endlessly supportive. This talk addresses the hidden cost of that mindset and offers a powerful alternative. By learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries and reframe limiting beliefs, women entrepreneurs can step into greater confidence, empowerment, and productivity—without guilt. The result? More energy, more clarity, and a more fulfilling business and life. What You’ll Gain Participants will leave with practical tools to: Set and implement boundaries that support success Shift unhelpful mindset patterns that lead to burnout Redefine self-care as a vital (and enjoyable!) part of achievement This talk offers a refreshing, light-hearted approach to personal growth—proving that […]