Lessons Learned from Building an AI Global Leader in Canada
In this episode of AI Tsunami, we are honored to host Neil Cawse, CEO of Geotab and a prominent figure in the tech industry, as he shares his first-hand perspective into the growth of an AI business in Toronto that has been 20 years in the making.
We’ll embark on a fascinating journey with Neil, as he provides exclusive insights into the Geotab experience, specifically with artificial intelligence and machine learning. He’ll walk us through how these pillars have been instrumental in propelling the company's growth to mega-business status.
Delve into the strategies and challenges faced by senior leaders steering organizations that have not only embraced but have gone beyond the initial stages of ML/AI adoption. Neil's experience will offer a unique glimpse into the decision-making processes, innovations, and transformative initiatives that have driven Geotab's success.
Whether you're a business leader, tech enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the development of large businesses built using AI in its very fabric, this episode cannot be missed. You’ll gain valuable insights into the practical applications of AI and ML in a real-world business setting and learn how senior leaders navigate the complexities of scaling AI initiatives.
Speaker Highlights
The Winners
Financial institutions and data-heavy companies will become the next big winners by leveraging AI to extract valuable insights from their extensive data.
Evangelizing the Benefits
Foster a data-centric culture through evangelism and training.
Canada Is Lagging
By embracing more risk, investing in technology, and capitalizing on open immigration policies, Canadian companies can better compete on a global scale.
Neil Cawse
Neil Cawse founded Geotab in 2000 with a singular purpose: to create technology for organizations to unlock the fleet vehicle data needed to empower critical business decisions. A true engineer-at-heart, Neil brings to Geotab more than three decades of proven success as an entrepreneur, software developer, product visionary and business leader.
As CEO, Neil is responsible for setting the mission, values and strategy that have propelled Geotab into the position of global leader in telematics. Neil has shown a strong aptitude for identifying major technology and business shifts and taking advantage of those changes early on, which is demonstrated by Geotab’s strong growth and inclusion in The Financial Times - The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2022.
In addition, his ‘do the right thing for the long term’ leadership style and forward-thinking, analytical management approach have also been instrumental to this success.
Prior to Geotab, Neil co-founded and was CEO of Vircom, a South Africa-based software solutions company, which was sold in 1999.
Neil has received many accolades for his business leadership including in 2015, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Ontario.
Neil holds a BSc Eng (Electrical) from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Our Hosts
Nick Darveau-Garneau
Nick is renowned for his instrumental role in accelerating digital transformations for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies as a board director and technology executive. He is the former Chief Evangelist of Google.
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David R. Beatty, C.M., O.B.E., F.ICD, CFA
One of the world’s most experienced corporate directors and educators, David has served as a Director on 40 boards in Canada, America, Mexico, Australia and England. He has been chair of 11 companies, nine public and two private.
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