Leadership Training Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL)
Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL)DIAL supports leaders adapting to rapid technological change.
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade’s Business Growth Academy (BGA) partners with SFU’s Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) Initiative to bring cutting-edge learning opportunities directly to our business community – helping organizations build the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven, digital economy.
What is the DIAL program?
The Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) program is an applied professional development initiative designed to help business leaders and teams understand, adopt, and lead digital transformation. Through expert-led instruction, practical frameworks, and real-world case studies, participants learn how to leverage emerging technologies, strengthen innovation capacity, and drive organizational change with confidence.
Why it matters
Digital transformation is no longer optional — it is essential for competitiveness, productivity, and long-term growth. The DIAL program equips participants with the tools to:
– Identify opportunities for innovation within their organization
– Improve operational efficiency through digital solutions
– Strengthen strategic decision-making using data and technology
– Lead teams effectively through change and disruption
– Future-proof their business in an increasingly digital marketplace
By connecting local business leaders with the research expertise and applied learning environment of a leading university, this partnership helps build stronger, more resilient organizations across our region.
Who should participate?
DIAL is designed for business owners, senior leaders, managers, and professionals responsible for strategy, operations, innovation, or organizational change. It is especially valuable for organizations looking to modernize processes, scale growth, or better understand emerging technologies.
What participants can expect
– Interactive, practical learning (not just theory)
– Instruction from experienced faculty and industry experts
– Opportunities to apply concepts directly to your organization
– Peer learning and networking with other business leaders
– Actionable tools you can implement immediately
What you should know
Programs are typically delivered in cohort-based formats that encourage collaboration and shared learning. Space may be limited to maintain an interactive experience, and participants should be prepared to engage actively and apply insights to real organizational challenges.
Employer Training Grant
SFU’s Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) Initiative is supported by a $5 million investment from the Federal Government’s DIGITAL Supercluster and is designed to build digital capacity and leadership at all levels, from early career professionals to senior executives. Many DIAL programs are eligible for funding support through the Employer Training Grant, administered by the Province of British Columbia, which may reimburse up to 80% of eligible training costs to a maximum of $10,000 per participant per fiscal year.
Information Session
March 11, 12:00 – 12:30pm, virtual
Join us for an engaging information session to learn more about the DIAL Program. Whether you’re exploring new technologies, looking to streamline operations, or seeking strategies for growth, this information session will provide a clear overview of program offerings, participation benefits, and how your organization can get involved.
Program Information & Registration
AI-Empowered Leadership
AI-Empowered Leadership
As a business leader, you’re witnessing the rapid rise of AI, transforming industries and redefining competitive landscapes. Yet, integrating AI into your organization’s strategy and operations can be daunting. Traditional leadership methods often struggle with the complexities of aligning AI to business goals, navigating organizational change, and anticipating market demands, leaving you feeling unprepared to harness AI’s potential for predictive insights and scalable innovation.
The AI-Empowered Leadership Program is uniquely designed to turn these challenges into opportunities. By reshaping your leadership mindset, it provides you with a strategic, hands-on approach to becoming an AI-driven leader who can not only implement AI effectively but also drive transformative change. With this program, you’ll gain the tools to make data-driven decisions, lead cross-functional AI initiatives, and secure your organization’s competitive edge in an AI-driven world.
– Register Today –
Applied AI for Professionals
Applied AI for Professionals
As a business leader, you’re witnessing the rapid rise of AI, transforming industries and redefining competitive landscapes. Yet, integrating AI into your organization’s strategy and operations can be daunting. Traditional leadership methods often struggle with the complexities of aligning AI to business goals, navigating organizational change, and anticipating market demands, leaving you feeling unprepared to harness AI’s potential for predictive insights and scalable innovation.
The AI-Empowered Leadership Program is uniquely designed to turn these challenges into opportunities. By reshaping your leadership mindset, it provides you with a strategic, hands-on approach to becoming an AI-driven leader who can not only implement AI effectively but also drive transformative change. With this program, you’ll gain the tools to make data-driven decisions, lead cross-functional AI initiatives, and secure your organization’s competitive edge in an AI-driven world.
– Register Today –
Digital Transformation Leadership
Digital Transformation Leadership
As a senior leader, you’re likely feeling the pressure of leading digital transformation in a world where technology disrupts traditional business models at a relentless pace. Even with your leadership experience, guiding your organization through these changes can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with cross-functional teams, complex digital strategies, and fast-evolving technologies. The challenge is not just understanding the tools but creating a vision that drives meaningful, organization-wide transformation.
The Digital Transformation Leadership (DTL) Program is designed to help you tackle these issues head-on. It equips you with the strategic insight, leadership capabilities, and digital acumen needed to confidently lead your organization through the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring sustainable success in this ever-changing landscape.
– Register Today –
Applied AI in Data Analytics
Applied AI in Data Analytics
Are you a forward-thinking professional working to stand out in an AI-driven world? As Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforms industries, the flood of articles and tutorials might leave you asking: Where do I start? How do I keep up and stand out? Which tools make a difference in my work?
The real challenge is not just mastering AI tools—it’s using these tools to amplify your unique expertise. Individual contributions can blur when AI is used simply to automate. You want your creative potential to stand out and apply AI as an intelligent assistant that empowers your capacity and skills. The real power of AI rests in you and your preparation to use it effectively.
At Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, we empower you to be the architect of your personalized AI strategy. Our Applied AI for Professionals program is designed to help you strategically integrate AI into your workflow, so your contributions are not just effective— they’re exceptional.
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Technology Leadership Program
Technology Leadership Program
Technology is no longer just a support function—it’s the driving force behind business success. Organizations need technology leaders who can translate complex systems into business value, lead change with confidence, and influence key decisions at the highest levels.
For ambitious IT leaders and aspiring CIOs, this is an opportunity. Bridging the gap between IT and business is about shifting how you think, communicate, and lead. The challenge isn’t technical—it’s about stepping up as a business leader in a world that still sees IT as a back-office function.
Through expert-led learning, real-world insights, and a powerful peer network, the Technology Leadership Program (TLP) equips you with the tools to lead with vision, drive business strategy, and make a lasting impact.
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Digital Transformation Management
Digital Transformation Management
As a specialist in your field, you are constantly challenged by the pace at which technology is transforming business. Emerging technologies are disrupting traditional business models, and the challenge of integrating these new AI-driven tools with your established processes seems intimidating. Even with deep industry knowledge, you may find it difficult to lead digital transformation efforts effectively, especially within cross-functional teams where technical jargon and unfamiliar concepts can create barriers.
Feeling left behind or losing your competitive edge in a world where digital-first strategies are the norm can be frustrating. The Digital Transformation Management (DTM) Program is designed to address these challenges, streamline processes, and foster a culture of sustained engagement, helping you stay relevant and lead effectively in this rapidly changing environment.
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Leading Innovation and Capacity in Asia
Leading Innovation and Capacity in Asia
Asia is not a future market—it’s the center of global growth today. For Canadian companies, the ability to operate confidently in this region quickly becomes essential to long-term success. However, most organizations still rely on limited expertise or external advisors to navigate Asia’s political, economic, and cultural complexity. This creates missed opportunities, constrained strategy, and growing vulnerability in supply chains and partnerships.