Aurora Chamber of Commerce Business Summit and Economic Outlook:
Navigating Change, Seizing Opportunity
The 2025 Business Summit and Economic Outlook on November 18th, 2025 brought together thought leaders and innovators to explore the forces reshaping Canada’s business landscape. From economic realities to digital transformation, this year’s event offered fresh insights and practical strategies to help organizations adapt, compete, and thrive.
Through engaging keynotes and expert presentations, attendees gained informed perspectives on Canada’s economic outlook, the rise of artificial intelligence, innovation in action for SMEs, and strategies for building strong, purpose-driven workplaces. Together, these sessions inspired new ways to think about resilience, opportunity, and the future of business.
Click HERE to view photos from the event!
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Myles Doak - Founder, Neighbour Media
Myles Doak is a two-time Dragon’s Den dealmaker, founder, and entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple businesses from idea to millions in revenue.
After 15 years of building across industries — from consumer products to media — Myles now helps entrepreneurs understand how to harness new technology to build profitable, future-ready businesses. His message is simple: AI isn’t competition; it’s leverage.
Every major technological shift in history — from the printing press to the internet — began with fear. But those who learned to adapt didn’t just survive; they leveled up.
In this keynote, Myles Doak explores how Artificial Intelligence is not replacing entrepreneurs — it’s amplifying them. Drawing from 15 years of building multiple businesses and leveraging new tools to grow faster, Myles shows how to use AI as the ultimate form of leverage — to create, communicate, and operate at a level that used to take teams of people.
Through real examples and practical frameworks, Myles will help attendees understand:
- The repeating pattern of fear and opportunity behind every major tech shift.
- How AI is redefining productivity, creativity, and scale.
- The exact ways entrepreneurs can use AI to work smarter, move faster, and grow stronger.
This isn’t a talk about robots or replacement — it’s about relevance, adaptation, and the future of entrepreneurship in the age of intelligent tools.
Click HERE to see Myles' presentation.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor, Entrepreneur & Author
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management and Founder and Academic Director of the Diversity Institute. A recognized leader in disruptive technologies and innovation, she focuses on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. She also serves as Academic Research Lead for the Future Skills Centre and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. The co-author of the bestseller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park, Dr. Cukier has received numerous academic and industry awards and was named one of the “100 Alumni Who Shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto. She holds an MA, MBA, and PhD, as well as honorary doctorates from Concordia and Laval Universities.
AI and Innovation in Action for SMEs: This session will explore the role of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Bringing together insights from both research and practice, Dr. Cukier will discuss current trends in AI adoption, innovation, and the opportunities and barriers faced by SMEs. The presentation will also highlight practical strategies and case studies illustrating how businesses can leverage AI to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
Click HERE to see Dr. Cukier's presentation.
Arnaud Franco, Director of Economic Research, BDC
Arnaud Franco was appointed Director of Economic Research at BDC in January 2024.
He leads a team of brilliant economists, tasked with providing real and actionable insights to Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, he keeps senior leaders informed about critical developments in the economic landscape.
Mr. Franco has nearly 20 years of analytical experience and a decade of management and leadership training. He is also a seasoned public speaker, having presented at numerous global conferences.
Gain a fresh perspective on the forces shaping Canada’s economy and what they mean for businesses today. In this engaging session, BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, will share insights on the country’s current economic position, the factors driving change, and where new opportunities are emerging. This presentation will offer valuable context and practical takeaways to help the business community plan and adapt with confidence in a shifting economic landscape.
Click HERE to see Arnaud's presentation.
Jodi Zigelstein-Yip, Human Resources Strategic Leader
Jodi Zigelstein-Yip is an esteemed human resources executive with over 25 years of leadership in organizational development, culture transformation, and talent strategy.
She is recognized for creating and implementing high-impact leadership development, succession planning, and performance programs that strengthen culture, accelerate growth, and enhance business results. Her work has guided organizations through complex change, aligning people strategies with long-term business objectives.
Jodi is a seasoned and dynamic facilitator, recognized by the Institute for Performance and Learning for the design and facilitation of a multi-faceted leadership development program. Jodi has been featured in HR Professional Magazine, the National Post, and the Globe and Mail. She is a past President of the HRPA York Region Chapter, where her leadership earned multiple Chapter of Excellence Awards.
AI in HR: The Good, the Bad, and the Messy: This interactive session explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the HR landscape — from automating recruitment to enhancing learning to shaping decision-making. During this session we will examine the good, the bad, and the messy side of AI in the context of HR. We will identify both opportunities and red flags and strategies to implement AI responsibly while preserving the human element at the heart of HR.
Click HERE to see Jodi's presentation
OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Elvira Caria, Award-Winning Journalist, Broadcaster & Community Leader
Elvira Caria is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and one of the GTA’s most recognized media personalities. With over 35 years of experience across radio, television, print, marketing, and PR, she has built a reputation as a dynamic emcee and international voice actor.
Host of Caria’s Corner and professor at Humber College’s School of Media Studies, Elvira brings passion, authenticity, and a strong community spirit to everything she does. Her dedication to giving back has earned her numerous accolades, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, The Order of Vaughan, and recognition as a 2025 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Woman of Excellence.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: talk to people, listen, and connect.
Thank You To Our Event Sponsors
