The AI Leader – Navigating Change for Effective AI Implementation

Date: April 22, 2026
Type: Online

The Hardest Part Isn’t the AI | The Human First Approach for Leaders Navigating AI Adoption

CareerJoy, in partnership with APEX, is proud to host a panel conversation on the human side of AI adoption in the public service.

Research shows that nearly 75% of roles in Canada’s public sector are highly exposed to AI technologies, meaning that almost every team, in nearly every department and agency, is already being affected. Yet many conversations within organizations remain focused on the tools themselves, rather than the people who must adopt, trust, and use them.

At the same time, studies consistently show that up to 70% of organizational change initiatives fail, and the reasons are rarely technical. They stem from resistance that goes unaddressed, communication that comes too late, and leaders navigating complex change without a clear roadmap.

In the public sector, successful AI adoption is not just a technical challenge. It requires leaders to guide their teams through change while maintaining trust, judgment, and accountability.

This panel brings together AI experts and public sector leaders who have implemented AI in their organizations to share lessons learned, practical strategies, and real-world insights on supporting teams through AI adoption while protecting the human core of public service.

This is not a theoretical conversation. Every insight shared comes from leaders who have navigated AI adoption within complex public sector environments.

Insights for Leaders Navigating AI Adoption

  • Understand the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption in the public sector
  • Build confidence in leading AI-driven change while safeguarding trust and accountability
  • Hear real-world lessons from leaders implementing AI in their organizations
  • Engage directly with panelists to explore questions relevant to your mandate

Event Details

Date & Time: April 22, 2026, 13:00 to 14:00 ET

Audience: All Public Service executives across Canada and internationally are invited to attend APEX’s learning events

Cost: Free

Language: This event will be bilingual. Simultaneous interpretation will be available via Wordly, an AI-based interpreting service.

Platform: Participants will attend our virtual event via Teams webinar. A meeting link will be sent once you are registered.

📍 Register here: https://share-na3.hsforms.com/2z5XbfAYyQdKGRrP2miApiQ2mv71

Meet the Speakers

Ima Okonny is Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Data Officer at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), where she leads efforts to advance data science, data management, and data sharing to support policy development, service delivery, and results reporting. With more than 23 years of experience in data and analytics across the Government of Canada, she has held senior roles at the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, and Statistics Canada. Ima is passionate about helping organizations ethically unlock the value of data.

Heather DiPenta is Director General of the Leadership, Technology and Learning Directorate within the Human Resources Branch at the Canada Revenue Agency. In this role, she leads initiatives that strengthen leadership development and learning across the organization, helping equip public servants with the skills needed to navigate complex change and evolving workplace demands. Heather brings extensive experience in public sector leadership, talent development, and organizational learning, with a focus on building strong leadership capability and fostering a culture of continuous learning across the federal public service.

Sven Byl is a senior AI and technology executive with deep experience in enterprise transformation, innovation, and digital strategy. As former Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Vice President, Enterprise Technology at Fraser Health, he helped lead the application of AI in a large, complex health-care environment. He also serves on the Board of Directors at CANFAR, where he contributes strategic leadership at the intersection of innovation, governance, and impact.

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