Upskill or Hire? The SME Playbook for the Future of Work

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we dive into how Canadian SMEs can navigate the future of work by leveraging talent, AI, and inclusion to drive innovation and growth.Joining us is Dr. Wendy Cukier, Academic Director of the Diversity Institute, and co-author of Innovation Nation. Dr. Cukier shares her insights on how businesses can build resilient, diverse, and innovative organizations even in uncertain times.Key Highlights:1. Skilling Up vs. Hiring: Dr. Cukier discusses strategies for upskilling talent and retaining key employees.2. AI Adoption: How SMEs can innovate with AI despite limited resources and overcome challenges.3. Strategies for Economic Uncertainty: Key strategies for SMEs to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable growth.4. Diversity as a Growth Catalyst: How diversity and inclusion drive innovation and new market opportunities.5. SME Summit & Future Vision: Dr. Cukier shares what to expect from the upcoming summit and her long-term vision for inclusion in Canada.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.