Best RBC Thought Leadership Podcasts (2025)

1
Agentic AI - The Next Frontier 29:55

11d ago29:55

29:55

AI is moving beyond passive outputs toward autonomous action. In this episode, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore Agentic AI, a new class of AI systems that can reason, plan, and take initiative with limited human oversight. These systems represent a major evolution beyond traditional and generative AI, capable of real-time adaptation and com…

1
Beyond Offsets: How to Build a Carbon Removal Industry 31:39

25d ago31:39

31:39

Carbon offsets aren’t enough. To truly tackle climate change, we need a global industry dedicated to pulling carbon out of the air and at massive scale. Join hosts John and Sonia inside the innovation race to scale carbon removal technologies, featuring insights from leading voices in the field. They speak with Dr. David Keith, a pioneering climate…

1
Detect Early, Treat Early: Innovations Shaping the Fight Against Cancer 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

Early detection remains the single most effective strategy for treating cancer, significantly enhancing survival rates and outcomes. Join hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik as they explore how groundbreaking innovation and technology are reshaping cancer detection, treatment, and prevention. Physician and entrepreneur Jesse Salk discusses his p…

1
How Tech Entrepreneurs Can Capitalize on the Buy Canadian Movement 22:14

2M ago22:14

22:14

The “Buy Canadian” movement has surged during talks of tariffs, often highlighting consumer goods. How can Canadian tech companies take advantage of this sentiment? Join John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik in a conversation about Canada's emerging era of supporting local businesses and products. This episode explores how recent geopolitical shifts and…

1
The Cleantech Edge: Tackling Methane Emissions with Canadian Innovation 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

With global energy demands surging and climate concerns intensifying, Canada finds itself in a rare position: rich in natural resources, top technical talent, and the innovation needed to become a clean energy superpower. But how do we harness that potential without compromising on sustainability? John and Sonia take listeners inside Houston’s CERA…

1
Scammers, Fraud, and Deepfakes: The AI Arms Race 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

With cybercriminals leveraging AI to fuel scams and misinformation, how do we verify what's real? Joined by cybersecurity experts Shuman Ghosemajumder (former Global Head of Product Trust at Google and Co-founder of Reken), and Ken Nickerson (Inventor and Entrepreneur, iBinary, ex-Microsoft, ex-Rogers, ex-Kobo, ex-OMERS, and behind Sealed, a tool d…

1
Entrepreneurs seek to boost Canada’s prosperity and productivity 30:42

3M ago30:42

30:42

How can Canadians unleash their competitive spirit and rediscover the drive to build bigger, faster, and smarter? Serial entrepreneur and tech investor Daniel Debow joins John and Sonia to tackle that question. They explore how decades of slow productivity growth have eroded Canada’s economic position, and why there’s new urgency to rewrite the cou…

1
AgriFood and Food Security: Can Canada Feed the World? 29:26

4M ago29:26

29:26

With a growing global population and climate challenges reshaping food production, Canada has a golden opportunity to lead the ag-tech revolution. But are we ready? In this episode of Disruptors x CDL, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik take a deep dive into the future of farming with industry experts Evan Fraser (Director, Arrell Food Institute) and…

1
Inside the WEF: AI, Geopolitics, and Canada's Place in the Future Economy 29:32

4M ago29:32

29:32

What happens in Davos doesn’t stay in Davos, it shapes the future of business, technology, and global markets. In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse joins co-host Sonia Sennik from Davos to break down the biggest conversations at the World Economic Forum. From Donald Trump's controversial speech and its implicatio…

1
Powering Canada: Electricity and Data Centres 30:07

5M ago30:07

30:07

What does it take to power the intelligence economy of the future? In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the surging energy demands of AI and data centers, exploring how Canada can seize this pivotal moment to lead the way in sustainable innovation. Alberta’s Minister of Technology…

1
From AI to the Final Frontier: Tech Trends Shaping 2025 27:58

5M ago27:58

27:58

In this year-end episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik take a look back at 2024’s groundbreaking tech stories and gaze ahead to what 2025 might bring. Joined by Sean Silcoff, technology reporter for The Globe and Mail for 12 years, they explore the rise of AI, the space economy, Canada’s evolving te…

1
On the Move: Canada’s EV Revolution 29:35

6M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the rapidly advancing world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the ecosystem needed to support their success. Kristian Aquilina, President and Managing Director of GM Canada, shares insights on the BrightDrop electric delivery vans produced at GM’s CAMI …

1
Commercializing Space (Part 2): From Frontier to Marketplace 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

Part two of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era continues with a focus on how space technology is transitioning from exploration to commercial viability. John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik are joined by aerospace leaders Christine Tovee, former CTO of Airbus Group North America, and Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. The episode examines the …

1
Space Economy (Part 1): Opportunities and Challenges 29:06

6M ago29:06

29:06

In part one of this two-part series on Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik discuss the unfolding potential of the space economy. Joined by Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station and acclaimed astronaut, they delve into the evolving landscape of space access, driven by technological bre…

1
Educating for the Future: Post-Secondary Innovation 28:39

7M ago28:39

28:39

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore the dynamic role of generative AI in education and its far-reaching implications. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s transforming classrooms and curriculum, influencing how students learn, and prompting schools to rethink traditional teac…

1
Biotech Boom: Canada’s Life Sciences Revolution 28:47

7M ago28:47

28:47

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik dive into the rapidly evolving world of life sciences, exploring how Canada can leverage its strengths to lead in global drug discovery and healthcare innovation. The pandemic accelerated scientific breakthroughs, such as AI-assisted vaccine development,…

1
AI in Canada: Leading Innovation, Lagging Adoption 28:49

8M ago28:49

28:49

In this episode of Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, hosts John Stackhouse, Senior VP of RBC, and Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab, dive into one of the most transformative technologies of our time: Artificial Intelligence. With the potential to revolutionize industries from healthcare to energy, AI is reshaping the global economy …

1
Disruptors x CDL: Canada’s Innovation Journey 23:32

8M ago23:32

23:32

Welcome to the first episode of Disruptors x CDL - The Innovation Era, where host John Stackhouse teams up with Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), to explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming Canadian industries. Over the next eight episodes, they'll dive deep into the disruptive power of innovations like generative A…

1
Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era 1:12

9M ago1:12

1:12

Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era is a limited podcast series exploring the innovators and technologies reshaping Canada’s economy. Hosted by John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President at RBC, and Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab, this series dives into solutions for navigating unprecedented global change.…

1
REBOOT: AI is Disrupting Canada’s Labour Landscape 30:51

9M ago30:51

30:51

New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities.To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work.But how do we ensure that AI is construct…

1
REBOOT: Hydrogen Horizons: Powering a Green Path Forward 28:45

9M ago28:45

28:45

The green hydrogen race is on, and billions are at stake. Countries big and small view hydrogen as an opportunity to convert wind, solar, gas and nuclear into molecules that they can sustainably ship around the world. The hydrogen promise extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint and developing cleaner sources of energy; it’s also about reimagin…

1
REBOOT: Mechanical Minds: Exploring the World of AI Robots 30:45

10M ago30:45

30:45

The global race to apply AI to robotics in a way that can make society better is on — offering unprecedented efficiency, precision and enhancing productivity to relieve humans from mundane tasks.Though there are concerns regarding ethical dilemmas and potential job displacement — fueling fears about the societal impact of these advancements. Striki…

1
REBOOT: Navigating Canada’s Carbon Frontier 30:21

10M ago30:21

30:21

Carbon markets are at the forefront of climate action and the mobilization of carbon credits and offsets are critical — where each carbon credit holds the promise of a greener future for the Great White North. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance of mobilizing these markets — exploring the interplay of trust, transparency, and tradability — wh…

1
REBOOT: Forging Canada’s path in a future filled with AI 28:04

11M ago28:04

28:04

This is our 7th season of Disruptors and we’re kicking it off with a bang! There is a tech wave surging and it was truly the summer of AI. People are both excited and worried about what it’ll mean for their communities, jobs, the economy, and the planet. And while these tech advances have immense potential, we need to think deeply about how they’ll…

1
AI: Ready or Not? 25:30

11M ago25:30

25:30

This was the year artificial intelligence got its wings — especially generative AI — and the tech is soaring to new heights.Whether you’re excited or concerned, it’s clear that AI is one of the most disruptive forces in history.AI is transforming the world at record pace — but is Canada prepared?On the season finale, we visit the Creative Destructi…

1
The OceanTech Wave: Diving Deep for Climate Action 30:25

12M ago30:25

30:25

AI and emerging technology are critical in reducing emissions and helping us better understand the ocean’s impact on climate.Canada is a leader in ocean research, and we continue to punch above our weight in the delivery of ocean innovation. But can innovative tech turn the tide in the climate crisis? On this episode, John Stackhouse visits Atlanti…

1
Cultivation Innovation: A New Era for Canadian Agriculture 29:10

12M ago29:10

29:10

AI, automation, robots, and drones are all impacting the way we grow food — and it’s happening right here on Canadian soil.With a growing population, an affordability crisis, and increasing food insecurity, greenhouse innovation has a huge role to play in the agri-food sector.Can Canada emerge as a leader in a low-carbon global food system?To find …

1
The Tech Outlook: Bumpy Now, Bright Soon 25:54

1y ago25:54

25:54

It’s no secret that the last few years have been rough for tech, but the sector also has a unique ability to look beyond the clouds and see opportunity through innovation.And while there are challenges ahead, there is a renewed optimism that we may be entering a recovery stage — where a period of fiscal discipline and strategic focus can set compan…

1
Canada’s Big Plans for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors 29:49

1y ago29:49

29:49

Nuclear innovation is making a resurgence as an attractive power source for a net-zero future — from large legacy reactors to small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs use compact and moveable nuclear technology, and if commercialized successfully, could bring new, non-emitting sources of electricity to big cities and remote communities alike, while prov…

1
AI is Disrupting Canada’s Labour Landscape 30:29

1y ago30:29

30:29

New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities. To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work. But how do we ensure that AI is constru…

1
Building Blocks: Solving the Supply Shortage with Prefabricated Homes 29:32

1y ago29:32

29:32

Housing affordability has become a crisis in Canada, and we must prioritize innovative designs, building techniques, and technology to boost productivity and close the supply-demand gap.Prefabricated homebuilding promises faster, more cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods — and if scaled correctly, a solution to address ho…

1
Overruled: The New LegalTech Precedent 29:31

1y ago29:31

29:31

Innovative technology continues to disrupt the service sector — where expertise is augmented by cutting-edge tools — in attempt to remove complexity and reimagine delivery. Cloud computing has transformed the legal profession and now AI stands to push that transformation even further — paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient legal system.…

1
Unlocking the Energy Transition’s Economic Benefit 29:56

1y ago29:56

29:56

The complexities of the climate transition require funding and access to capital that includes broader support nationwide — because without investment, there will be no transition.But it’s a bumpy year for innovators, with higher interest rates and consumer resistance. Our research also shows that while climate intentions are admirable, consumers a…

1
Shattering Glass Ceilings in Canadian Cleantech 29:49

1+ y ago29:49

29:49

Innovative green technology is critical for driving environmental resilience and economic growth — though this tech is no stranger to obstacles.Cleantech faces challenges and persistent barriers and having a diverse ecosystem — including entrepreneurs and investors — that encourages innovation and provides access to capital is critical to scale and…

1
Doubling Down: The Definitive Decade for Climate 30:28

1+ y ago30:28

30:28

The climate transition is complex, not just for countries and economies, but for households and individuals.Across the country, Canadians are engaging more with climate action — though we’re still not doing enough to help ourselves and the warming planet. Canada’s climate capital needs to double to $60 billion in annual investments, and if this is …

1
Davos Discourse: AI Takes Centre Stage 30:49

1+ y ago30:49

30:49

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is known for its annual gathering of global leaders, policymakers, CEOs, and academics — convening to address the most pressing issues facing people and the planet.“Rebuilding Trust” was the theme this year, though the topic of the week was artificial intelligence — dominating the dialogue on the world stage and the a…

1
Hydrogen Horizons: Powering a Green Path Forward 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

The green hydrogen race is on, and billions are at stake. Countries big and small view hydrogen as an opportunity to convert wind, solar, gas and nuclear into molecules that they can sustainably ship around the world. The hydrogen promise extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint and developing cleaner sources of energy; it’s also about reimagin…

1
New Year’s Promise: Pragmatic Shift to a Digitally Charged Future 3:04

1+ y ago3:04

3:04

2023 was a year of disruptive change, with the cost-of-living crisis, rising geopolitical tensions, the ongoing climate emergency and rapid technological transformation. Amid the murky backdrop of increasing challenges and negative outlooks, there is also hope and opportunity; a tech resurgence is brewing that’s expected to rise like a phoenix from…

1
Climate Crossroads: Unpacking the Dialogue in the Desert at COP28 18:01

1+ y ago18:01

18:01

Amid the backdrop of an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape, growing socio-economicchallenges and intensifying climate conditions, the 2023 United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP28) hosted its largest ever summit in Dubai with 100,000 attendees.Each COP provides a global stage for nations to collectively address urgent climate issue…

1
Bridging the Growth Gap with AI Innovation 36:34

1+ y ago36:34

36:34

AI has created a dynamic landscape that presents risks and rewards for our nation, and this is Canada’s chance to reimagine its approach in a way that allows us to increase efficiency, remain competitive and enable economic growth. As a nation, we must leverage AI’s true transformative potential to foster an innovative workforce for the future — so…

1
Navigating Canada’s Carbon Frontier 30:06

1+ y ago30:06

30:06

Carbon markets are at the forefront of climate action and the mobilization of carbon credits and offsets are critical — where each carbon credit holds the promise of a greener future for the Great White North. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance of mobilizing these markets — exploring the interplay of trust, transparency, and tradability — wh…

1
Mechanical Minds: Exploring the World of AI Robots 30:31

1+ y ago30:31

30:31

The global race to apply AI to robotics in a way that can make society better is on — offering unprecedented efficiency, precision and enhancing productivity to relieve humans from mundane tasks. Though there are concerns regarding ethical dilemmas and potential job displacement — fueling fears about the societal impact of these advancements. Strik…

1
Mapping Canada’s New Greenprint with Sustainable Building Materials 28:24

1+ y ago28:24

28:24

Climate change and housing affordability are on a collision course, and we're going to need to think differently about how we build our communities across the country. Buildings are critical to the climate transition, whether it’s our homes, offices, hospitals or schools, these structures all have a role to play in the journey to net zero and we ne…

1
Soaring Toward a Greener Future with Sustainable Aviation Fuel 28:17

1+ y ago28:17

28:17

Flying is at the centre of our culture and acts as an enabler for economic growth and development — connecting Canadians and facilitating integration into the global economy. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is shaking up the aviation industry with an alternative method to power existing aircrafts, with aims of decarbonization to achieve a more sust…

1
Forging Canada’s path in a future filled with AI 28:20

1+ y ago28:20

28:20

This is our 7th season of Disruptors and we’re kicking it off with a bang! There is a tech wave surging and it was truly the summer of AI. People are both excited and worried about what it’ll mean for their communities, jobs, the economy, and the planet. And while these tech advances have immense potential, we need to think deeply about how they’ll…

1
Disruptors: Season Seven Trailer 4:50

1+ y ago4:50

4:50

What an epic, even historic, summer it was.Heatwaves, wildfires, storms – it was like Mother Nature and Planet Earth were reminding us that no matter where we are, or what we do, the climate is profoundly changing. Now, as climate presents equal parts challenges and opportunities, we’ll need to accelerate climate action.Meanwhile, the explosion of …

1
Reboot of “Disruptors LIVE: In Conversation with Applyboard’s Martin Basiri 27:45

2y ago27:45

27:45

It’s no secret that Canada’s labour market is facing significant challenges, but heading into another school year, there’s hope that a series of regulatory changes enacted by the Federal Government could help get more international students into the workforce. That’s why we’re highlighting an episode from the past season of Disruptors, an RBC Podca…

1
Reboot of “The Growing Challenge: Part 3: The Hidden Threat of Food Spoilage and Waste” 35:13

2y ago35:13

35:13

Summer bounties are hitting our dinner, picnic and BBQ tables, and farmers are busy gearing up for another fall harvest season. But have you ever considered how much of the food we produce in Canada never even makes it to your plate? Or how much goes into the green bin? This year on Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, we tackled the challenge of food waste…

1
Reboot of “Investing in Climate Action: What Canada Can Learn from the US” 35:57

2y ago35:57

35:57

As another wildfire season blankets Canada and the U.S. with smoke, air quality is worsening, and the summers are only getting hotter. Some of Canada’s most populous cities even topped the rankings when it comes to the worst air quality on the planet. That’s why we’re highlighting an important episode of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, focused on spend…

1
Reboot of “AI Helped Produce This Episode" 31:33

2y ago31:33

31:33

Few things have been more disruptive and hotly debated this year than AI as 2023 marked the potential tipping point in its mass adoption thanks to the public release of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT. From healthcare, to cybersecurity, to journalism and, now, Hollywood, AI is sending shockwaves through virtually every sector of our economy. S…

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