Purpose and Impact

AI is reshaping industries, but for many business leaders, its impact still feels unclear or disconnected from day-to-day strategy. In fact, the hype surrounding AI can overwhelm more than it empowers, and valuable insights about AI’s impact on competitive advantage get lost in the noise. 

How can AI help sharpen your focus and amplify your impact?

Harnessing AI for Competitive Advantage focuses on using structured frameworks to guide business leaders' imagination and help them explore how AI could reshape business models and create new opportunities. Participants leave with sharper judgment and greater confidence in applying AI insights to decisions that matter for their team, department, and strategic direction.

Participant Profile

Who will benefit the most from the AI Leadership Program?

We've created this program for leaders at a strategic inflection point in their careers who are increasingly responsible for shaping how their department or business unit responds to AI-driven disruption.

Ideal participants include:

• Mid-to-senior level leaders across strategy, operations, digital transformation, or innovation.
• Business unit leaders who need to assess and guide AI investments across products, customer experience, or operational workflows.
• Cross-functional change agents looking to bridge AI knowledge gaps across silos and build enterprise-wide momentum.

Participants do not need a technical background, although some previous engagement with generative AI is helpful.

Learning Outcomes

What are the key takeaways for Harnessing AI for Competitive Advantage?

Building a Strategic AI Roadmap

• Assess whether AI’s main impact on your organization will be in process innovation or product innovation and align initiatives accordingly.
• Distinguish areas in your business model where AI acts as homogenizer, lowering the barriers to entry, and areas where AI acts as a strategic differentiator, deepening existing competitive advantages, and opening up new ones.
• Apply proven strategic frameworks like Porter's Five Forces, Business Model Canvas, and the Innovator's Dilemma to evaluate how AI is reshaping your industry and business unit.

Navigating Disruption with Confidence

• Separate real AI impact from noise and hype by clarifying the sources of your business’ competitive advantage and how they will be impacted by AI.
• Use frameworks like FLUX to navigate uncertainty, and determine appropriate response strategies without overreliance on instinct or inertia.
• Make informed decisions on whether to build, buy, or partner for AI solutions, while aligning efforts with both business unit goals and enterprise strategy.

Turning Insights into Action

• Translate AI insights into practical decisions that drive performance within your business unit.
• Reduce internal resistance, break down functional silos, and design practical entry points for AI adoption without overcommitting resources.

Return on Investment

Fees

$3,990 CAD

Program fees cover program materials, meals, and hotel accommodations for sessions held at our Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre. For sessions delivered in Toronto and Calgary, fees include program materials, breakfast, and lunch; participants are responsible for accommodations and meals outside of program hours. Program fees are tax-exempt.

Applications must be submitted no later than 14 days before the start of the program.

FAQs

Do I need a technical background?

No. This program is built for strategic leaders, focusing on actionable AI strategy rather than technical implementation.

How should I prepare before attending the program?

Our program managers will contact all registered participants prior to the program start date with instructions to join our online Learning Management System. Once logged in, you will be able to create a class profile, view other participants' profiles, and access a list of assigned pre-reading, cases, and activities. Plan to review and complete preparation work in advance of each class session.

What funding resources are available?

Organizations and participants in Canada may benefit from the Canada Job Grant or the Canada Training Credit to offset a portion of program fees. Visit our Funding Resources page to learn more.