Developing Leaders for the Digital Economy

Essential roles and many occupations will undergo a considerable skills overhaul brought on by the digital economy. In short, digital technology and generative artificial intelligence (AI) require British Columbians to have new skills in order to succeed.

That is why the BC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) initiative, the Digital Supercluster and Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business, is helping members access short-term training opportunities to develop the skills and competencies to build labour force capacity and speed up digital adoption to become more resilient, productive and innovative.
 

DIAL Helps Business Leaders Adapt and Compete

DIAL helps leaders from across industries to understand the foundations of digital transformation and develop the capacity to leverage technology and generative AI to create innovative business solutions.

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1. Improve Digital Systems Literacy
Improve your understanding of digital technology and the tools and process for digital transformation.

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2. Become A Champion for Change
Learn to co-create solutions through collaboration and develop a digital-first mindset to drive innovation for your team.

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3. Upskill and Retain Your Employees
Develop your employees and leadership teams to understand how to use digital technology to support your organizational needs.

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4. Future-proof Your Business Model
Guarantee the long-term viability of your business by developing a digital innovation mindset to respond to a changing economy.

 

 


The DIAL initiative includes the following training opportunities:

 


Digital Transformation Management 

The Digital Transformation Management (DTM) program will help participants develop the mindset and skills needed to understand digital technology and the confidence to implement it. 

Throughout the DTM program, individuals will be encouraged to use generative AI to explore new digital tools and ideas while gaining first-hand experience in using digital technology that can transform the way they work. The DTM program will equip individuals to:

  • Design efficient and effective solutions for users, customers, and communities.
  • Streamline operational processes by combining business and technology perspectives.
  • Use the DTM toolbox of frameworks and skills to create visuals to align, communicate and implement digital services and products.
  • Collaborate in diverse team to co-create digital solutions.
 

Interested? You are: 

  • In your early-mid career
  • In a business unit such as sales, marketing, Human Resources, operations, IT and finance
  • Ready to identify issues, ideate, develop, and implement digital solutions
 

What can you expect?

  • 11-week program
  • Entirely online with live sessions via Zoom and weekly assignments
  • Total time to complete: 4-6 hours/week
  • Certificate of Completion
 

Program fees:

The Digital Transformation Management program was created in partnership with the Digital Supercluster. With their generous support and matched funding, participants can access the program at CAD $2,500 plus GST, which covers the entire program and includes the application fee.

 

How do you apply?

Click here to apply to the DTM program*. Click here to learn more.

*When applying, applicants will be asked "How did you hear about the program?". Applicants must select "Other" and add "BC Chamber of Commerce".

 

Questions?

For questions and information, please contact [email protected].

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Digital Transformation Leadership

The Digital Transformation Leadership (DTL) program will help participants understand the foundations for digital transformation, develop a digital-first mindset and learn how to lead digital transformation projects. Leaders and decision-makers craft customized strategies for their organizations, propelling them toward successful digital transformation and creative business solutions.

Each module is led by a senior SFU faculty member and accompanied by industry-led content, case studies, discussions, and applied learning activities. During the program, individuals will work on their digital innovation project and receive feedback from peers, industry professionals and experienced professors. After completing the DTL program, individuals will be able to:

  • Understand the current state of digital platform technology and critical areas of focus for digital transformation, including new business models, customer experience and operational excellence.
  • Expand their perspective on digital opportunities - from products to platforms.
  • Increase their leadership capabilities, including vision, engagement, governance, and inclusion.
  • Apply the steps to enable digital transformation in their organization.
  • Engage in the design of a digital transformation project.
 

Interested? You are:

  • A professional with 5+ years of senior management experience
  • A manager, director, business owner, or decision-maker
  • Leading a team involved in digital transformation (e.g., senior managers, directors, operational leaders)
 

What can you expect?

  • 11-week program
  • Entirely online with live sessions via Zoom and weekly assignments
  • Total time to complete: 4-6 hours/week
  • Certificate of Completion
 

Program fees:

The Digital Transformation Leadership program was created in partnership with the Digital Supercluster. With their generous support and matched funding, participants can access the program at CAD $2,500 plus GST, which covers the entire program and includes the application fee.

 

How do you apply?

Click here to apply to the DTL program*. Click here to learn more.

*When applying, applicants will be asked "How did you hear about the program?". Applicants must select "Other" and add "BC Chamber of Commerce".

 

Questions?

For questions and information, please contact [email protected].

 


What others have to say...

“I used to believe that digital transformation was only related to IT, but now I understand that it can have implications in any industry.”

- Amarjit Manku, City of Surrey


“This program was a turning point in my career. One of the first things I learned is that digital transformation has no finish line. The technology we adopt today will quickly become obsolete, so we should always be looking ahead, learning, and adapting.”

- Olya Ollila, Esri Canada


“The program really changed how I view a lot of the projects that we were already doing. Learning the terminology really opened my eyes to the changes we were making and how they all fit together. Being able to come into a project with the right tools and being able to explain the big picture with the right terminology has resulted in more buy-in from everyone involved.”

- David Gilbert, Canfor Corporation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital transformation is using digital technologies to create new—or modify existing—business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. Well-implemented digital tools can provide a wealth of benefits for businesses:

Retail: Create an omnichannel retail experience by analyzing and optimizing the customer journey

Manufacturing: Utilize Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to monitor plant operations, maintain temperature/humidity control and track equipment downtime and equipment maintenance

Fleet Management: Adopt technology solutions to gain real-time insights on fleet safety, employee safety, fleet efficiency, and regulation compliance

Banking: Offer a seamless customer experience across channels (portal, mobile, branch, and contact centre) and provide a more personalized account opening experience

Accounting Automation: Move to a more streamlined and efficient Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable processes that reduce the time for data entry and approvals and limits write-offs

Rapid digital technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and unprecedented events like the global pandemic increase the demand for skilled talent. Moreover, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence is disrupting and transforming many jobs.

The Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) initiative, founded by Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business in partnership with the Digital Supercluster, BC Chamber of Commerce and 140+ consortium partners, was designed to ensure Canadians have the skills and knowledge required to succeed amid this rapidly changing landscape.

DIAL focuses on bridging the gap between existing and digital adoption skills to transform business processes. The program helps businesses drive their growth plans forward in the digital economy; simultaneously, it aims to accelerate diversity and support adopting practices that improve equity within organizations.

DTM is for individuals in their early to mid-career, project managers, analysts, developers, or consultants in any business unit.

  • Innovating operational processes to create value.
  • Employing digital tools to achieve business goals.
  • Communicating digital change projects and their benefits.
  • Building bridges between business and IT.
  • Working with colleagues and external stakeholders to bring together diverse perspectives.

 

DTL is for professionals who are ready to take their business to the next level and are responsible for the success of digital innovation programs.

  • Innovate your customers' digital experience or operational processes.
  • Build successful digital innovation programs and take your business to the next level.
  • Build a business case and communicate the benefits of your project to stakeholders, such as investors, your board, and your team.
  • Clarify the digital transformation process, build the culture, and excite your team to innovate digitally.
  • Validate and accelerate your digitalization efforts.

 

 

 

 

 


IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

 

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