With more than two decades of experience in strategy, marketing, and digital transformation, Karla Congson has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader in artificial intelligence and business innovation. Throughout her career, she has led AI consulting initiatives for leading Canadian and U.S. organizations, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By combining strategic insight with emerging technologies, Congson has guided companies in building strong brand frameworks and operational models that allow them to remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven economy.
Today, as CEO of Agentiiv, Congson is focused on shaping new approaches to the future of work. Her company explores how artificial intelligence can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and support smarter decision-making across a wide range of industries. Rather than viewing AI simply as a technological upgrade, Congson believes organizations must rethink how teams collaborate, innovate, and deliver value in a digitally integrated environment. Her work centers on helping businesses integrate AI into everyday processes in ways that are practical, responsible, and aligned with long-term growth.
Most recently, Agentiiv launched a $5-million accelerator program designed to help organizations adopt and implement artificial intelligence more effectively. The initiative provides guidance, resources, and mentorship to companies seeking to harness the transformative power of AI. Congson’s leadership has also earned national recognition, including being named a finalist for the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. In the conversation that follows, she shares insights on how AI is reshaping leadership and the workplace, and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to build innovative and resilient businesses.
How do you leverage the power of AI to provide services with a competitive advantage?
You’ve heard of the term SaaS—software as a service. Think of us instead as AI-as-a-service. What we do with digital twins allows organizations to dramatically increase their capacity by accessing more than 120 AI-powered workers that reflect the domain expertise of real professionals.
This creates a powerful multiplier effect for companies. Mid-market organizations, for example, can suddenly compete at a level far beyond their size. Imagine a company with 200 employees competing against a firm with 2,000. If each expert within that smaller organization has access to dozens or even hundreds of digital twins trained on their knowledge and workflows, the organization’s productivity and reach expand significantly.
What makes our approach particularly competitive is that we built the system with enterprise standards from the beginning. Security, integrity, and governance were core priorities. Many advanced AI capabilities are often out of reach for smaller organizations because they are expensive and technically complex. Our goal was to remove that barrier and make powerful AI infrastructure accessible to both mid-market companies and growing businesses.
You were recently a finalist in the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. How does it feel to receive such recognition?
It brings a mix of emotions. First, there is a sense of validation. Being recognized at that level is a privilege, and it signals that the work we are doing matters. It shows that the ideas behind Agentiiv resonate with others and that the impact we are striving to make is meaningful.
At the same time, the recognition is humbling. When I look at the other women who have won or been nominated for the award, many of them have spent years building remarkable organizations. To stand alongside leaders who have created such influential companies is both inspiring and motivating. It reminds me that entrepreneurship is not just about individual success—it is about contributing something valuable to a larger community.
What role will AI play in people’s lives in the future?
Artificial intelligence is undeniably a disruptor, and, like many transformative technologies, it brings both opportunities and challenges. There will certainly be job displacement, and entire industries will be forced to rethink their business models. Some companies will adapt and thrive, while others may struggle to survive the transition.
At the same time, the long-term potential of AI is enormous. I believe AI will eventually become part of the foundational infrastructure of our lives, much like electricity or the internet. It will quietly power systems behind the scenes while enhancing how we work, learn, and solve problems.
Perhaps the most exciting impact will be how AI augments human capability. Many professionals spend a significant portion of their day on repetitive administrative tasks. AI can handle those responsibilities, allowing people to focus on their expertise, creativity, and strategic thinking—the work that truly creates value.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who want to follow your path?
My favourite definition of an entrepreneur is that they are “dreams in motion.” The reality is that you will never feel completely ready to start a business. If you wait until you have every skill, every answer, or every detail figured out, you may never begin.
The most important step is to move forward with a clear purpose and a viable business idea. Leap while continuing to learn and refine your approach.
Equally important is building your company around your core values. Too many founders feel pressure to build businesses that align with external expectations—whether that is investor trends or Silicon Valley culture. Instead, build something that reflects what you believe in and what you would be proud to lead over the long term.
What leadership skills will become most important in an AI-driven economy?
As AI becomes more integrated into business operations, leadership will increasingly focus on judgment, ethics, and human-centred thinking. Technology can process enormous amounts of information, but leaders must still decide how to apply those insights.
Future leaders will need to balance technological capability with human values. They will need to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI while ensuring that innovation remains aligned with responsible decision-making.
In many ways, the rise of AI will make leadership even more human. The ability to inspire teams, guide ethical choices, and create environments where people can do their best work will become the defining qualities of successful leaders.
Aaron Levinson | Staff Writer
