Doug Walker - Revolutionizing Workforce Development

Doug Walker joins us to discuss the role of technology in helping SMEs achieve their full potential. Doug Walker is a veteran of the Canadian technology industry and a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University. His career began at IBM, followed by leadership roles in SMEs and global enterprises. Doug served as President of Silicon Graphics Canada (which acquired Cray Computing) and CEO of Alias Systems and BitTorrent. He co-founded WhoPlusYou with Joanne Rusnell (COO) and Al Lopez (CPO). Walker shares why SMEs aren’t connecting with the support the government makes available, why one size fits all solutions don’t work for Canada’s economy, and what he’s learned from the 70,000+ businesses using Magnet.

Highlights from our conversation include:

1. SMEs are in survival mode and don’t have the time or resources to access support, even when it’s available. Technology needs to play a role in streamlining how SMEs identify and access funding, training opportunities, etc. 
2. Canada has traditionally taken the approach of spreading SME support across several buckets and programs. Walker advocates for comprehensive support programs that combine training, funding, and labour market information.
3. AI isn’t just about making things go faster. For businesses, we need to consider how AI can be used for very specific purposes to boost their outcomes.