What can a $10 million mistake teach a data leader? What belongs in an organization’s technology graveyard? And what can people still do better than AI?

Those were among the questions that caught executives’ attention at the CDO Magazine Toronto Roundtable Exchange, held November 3 at Harbour 60.

Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and fellow data, AI and technology executives from across industries gathered to compare experiences, challenge assumptions and talk openly about the decisions shaping their organizations.

The event brought together executives facing many of the same pressures: making technology investments count, learning from initiatives that haven’t worked as planned, and figuring out how to keep people at the center of data and AI transformation.

For Jessica Jolly, Alexion Global Head, Alexion Data Office, the energy in the room was unmistakable:

“The energy at the CDO Magazine event this week in Toronto was palpable…. From riveting discussions around data and technology hits and misses like: ‘The $10M Delete Button, the Technology Graveyard, The Human Advantage’, it was an evening filled with curiosity and thought leadership.”

Those themes gave executives plenty to examine, but the conversations didn’t stop at technology.

The value of talking about what didn’t work

Technology leaders are accustomed to sharing successful initiatives. Talking about expensive mistakes, abandoned projects and investments that failed to deliver can be harder.

In Toronto, executives made room for both.

The references to a “$10M Delete Button” and a “Technology Graveyard” brought the less celebrated side of technology leadership into focus: the decisions organizations reconsider, the systems they leave behind and the lessons that can influence future investments.

The questions were relevant across industries, even when participants approached them from different business and technology environments.

Qahir Rajwani, CIBC Mellon Vice President, Client Experience and Analytics, appreciated the opportunity to compare challenges with peers.

“It was a great event with some great conversations around challenges and opportunities we face today in a fast-changing world, where we could collaborate and find solace in our great community on what to accomplish and advance our agenda at work.”

The value of those exchanges lies partly in hearing how other organizations approach familiar problems. An executive may leave without a definitive answer, but with a new way to evaluate a decision or a connection worth following up on.

The human advantage in an AI-driven world

As AI becomes part of more business processes, leaders are looking beyond what the technology can accomplish to what people contribute.

The “Human Advantage” theme opened a different kind of conversation about the relationship between technology, judgment and organizational change.

For Hondy Hung, CIBC Mellon Director, Process Optimization and Change Management, the opportunity to explore the human side of AI was a particular highlight:

“The event was well organized and energizing. I enjoyed the conversations on data, analytics and beyond – sharing perspectives on the human side of AI and what the future would look like. The opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with friends across organizations is why I keep coming back.”

That perspective speaks to a challenge familiar to many data and AI executives. New capabilities may change what organizations can automate or analyze, but leaders still have to consider how people will use those capabilities and adapt to new ways of working.

The Toronto exchange gave participants a chance to consider those questions alongside peers who are making similar decisions in their own organizations.

Different industries, familiar challenges

One of the strengths of Toronto’s data and AI community is the range of industries represented.

Leaders working in banking, insurance, healthcare, technology and other sectors bring different operating environments and priorities to the table. Yet many face similar questions about data, AI adoption, technology investments and organizational change.

Silvana Ortega, Scotiabank Senior Manager, AML Data, valued the opportunity to step outside those day-to-day responsibilities:

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the CDO Roundtable Exchange 2026. Being part of this conversations reminded me how valuable it is to step outside our day-to-day responsibilities, listen to different perspectives, and learn from other leaders in the data community.”

For Jide Adeoye, goeasy Director, Business Intelligence, connecting with peers was equally important.

He described the opportunity to exchange industry perspectives, share experiences and learn from other leaders as a reminder of the value of networking and collaboration.

The range of experiences also created opportunities for relationships to continue beyond the event itself.

Miki Alanam, State Street Head, Analytics, left with ideas to explore and conversations already moving forward:

“What makes these evenings special is the room—the collection of diverse talented people that you have brought together. I left Harbour 60 with new ideas and a few conversations I’m already following up on.”

Those follow-up conversations are an important part of what makes a regional executive community powerful. Leaders can return to their organizations with new perspectives and a network of peers they can continue learning from.

Why Toronto’s executives keep coming back

For several participants, the Toronto Roundtable Exchange was an opportunity to reconnect with a community they have come to value.

Anna Hannem, TD Bank Vice President, Data Risk Management, described CDO Magazine gatherings as a priority despite competing demands on her time:

“In a world of competing priorities, the CDO Magazine gatherings are among the few events I always make time for. The intimate setting brings together exceptional industry leaders for meaningful conversations, candid perspectives, and genuine connections.”

Her observation captures something important about the Toronto community: the opportunity to step away from immediate business demands and speak with people who understand the responsibilities that come with leading data and technology initiatives.

Soumita Bhattacharya, Rogers Communications Sr. Data Governance Analyst, also emphasized the relationships that bring her back:

“I keep coming back because nights like this remind me why this community is different. It’s not just networking, it’s real connections, great conversations, and the kind of momentum that stays with you long after the evening ends.”

Dashmira Musa, Scotiabank Sr. Manager, Enterprise Data Governance, appreciated meeting new people while reconnecting with former colleagues and familiar faces.

For her, the evening demonstrated what happens when professionals who care about their work have an opportunity to share ideas and build relationships outside their usual organizational circles.

Conversations that continue beyond Harbour 60

For Toronto’s data and AI leaders, the value of the Roundtable Exchange extended beyond any single topic.

For Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director, the enthusiasm of Toronto’s executive community stood out:

“Toronto doesn’t just show up. Toronto makes an ENTRANCE!”

Caveness celebrated the turnout and the connections made throughout the evening.

The response from participants points to why these gatherings continue to resonate: executives value opportunities to exchange ideas openly, learn from people outside their organizations and develop relationships that last beyond a single event.

And judging by the conversations already continuing after Harbour 60, Toronto’s data and AI community has plenty more to talk about.

Toronto Roundtable Exchange Attendees:

• Jide Adeoye, goeasy Director, Business Intelligence
• Shiv Agarwal, Singulr.ai CEO
• Pankaj Agrawal, IMCO Head, Data & AI Enablement
• Rajesh Aggarwal, Moneris Data Engineering
• Miki Alanam, State Street Head of Analytics
• Henry Awere, Canada Life Lead, Responsible AI Operations and Tech Risk
• Alex Belousov, BMO Sr. Directory Planner
• Soumita Bhattacharya, Rogers Communications Sr. Data Governance Analyst
• David Cagigal, Former State of Wisconsin CIO
• Alexander Chan, Royal Bank of Canada Sr. Director, Head of Analytics
• Gabriella Chidiebere, TD Bank Manager, Data Management and Governance
• Adeline Chew, Rogers Communications Director, Technology Strategy
• Shirl Clarke, Lendcare Director of Partner Support
• Avalon D’Souza, American Tire Distributors Director of Analytics
• Raj Debnath, Manulife Director, Global Data & AI Governance
• Abhijit Debnath, Sanofi Manager, Data and AI Engineering
• Charanjit Dhillon, Royal Bank of Canada Director of Analytics and Operations
• Shweta Gaggar, Vanguard Director
• Dilan Goonetilleke, Sun Life Director
• Yan Gu, Manulife Senior Director, Global Customer AI Solutions
• Rahul Gupta, Toronto Police Service Director, Data & AI
• Anna Hannem, TD Bank Vice President, Data Risk Management
• Stefanie Hazlewood, Royal Bank of Canada Distinguished Technologist, Head of EDM Products & Solutions, Chief Data Office
• Eily Hickson, Sanofi VP & Head, Global Data and AI Strategy, Portfolio and Operations
• Kyle Hinkson, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Director, Quantitative Analytics & Monitoring
• Adnan Hoque, Wellington-Altus Vice President, Data & Analytics
• Hondy Hung, CIBC Mellon Director, Process Optimization and Change Management
• Jessica Jolly*, Alexion Global Head, Alexion Data Office
• Lawrence Jordan, Aviso Vice President, Data & Artificial Intelligence
• Pranav Kapoor, Sun Life AVP, Digital, Internal Audit
• Robert Knoblauch, WFCU Credit Union Senior Vice President, Information Technology & Information Security
• Naveen Kumar, Digital Coalesce Managing Partner
• Daniel Liu, TMX Group Managing Director
• Betsy Luo, AstraZeneca Clinical IT Associate Business Analyst
• Dina Maxwell, TD Bank AVP, Compliance, Global Privacy Officer
• Paul Mendes, Sun Life AVP, Data Enablement & Governance
• Anthony Morra, BDO Canada CDO
• Dashmira Musa, Scotiabank Sr. Manager, Enterprise Data Governance
• Sahar Nezami*, Meridian Credit Union VP, Data, AI & Member Insights
• Anu Oladele*, Afterdata Co-Founder
• Silvana Ortega, Scotiabank Senior Manager, AML Data
• Ukiwe Otisi, goeasy Senior Manager, BI Operational Reporting
• Teodor Pana, SE Health Senior Director, Cyber Security
• Rishi Pandeya, Royal Bank of Canada Senior Manager, Analytics
• Lakshmi Parola, OTPP Sr. Business Consultant
• Divyam Prasad, Citi Vice President
• Faisal Rajan, Sanofi Data Product Owner
• Qahir Rajwani, CIBC Mellon Vice President, Client Experience and Analytics
• Kevin Richards, AstraZeneca Sr. Director, Clinical Quality
• Mireille Rosenburg, Parkinson Canada Director, IT and Data Strategy
• Tamojit Saha, Express Scripts Canada Director, Software Engineering
• Shweta Saxena, Royal Bank of Canada Audit Director, AML and FC Data
• Azhar Shah, TD Bank Group Business Architect
• Farid Sheikhi, Royal Bank of Canada Sr. Manager, Analytics
• Neeleesh Shariff, Procter & Gamble Enterprise Data Governance Office Leader
• Elaheh Sharifiy, EQ Bank Data Analyst
• Tezbir Singh, BMO Managing Director, Data & Analytics Capabilities
• Sameera Sivji, Scotiabank Director & Head, Global Retail Reporting & Data Management, GRM Retail Credit Risk
• Michael Simpson, Express Scripts Canada CIO
• Ana Stepnova, Citi Assistant Vice President, Market Operations and Technology
• Swetha Subramanian, Loblaw Vice President
• Aida Tahiri*, Mattamy Homes VP, Finance, Planning, Data & Analytics
• Kristelle Talia, CyberAIDE ITS Lead
• Kaydene Tyson, Canadian Investor Protection Fund Enterprise Risk & Data Governance Leader
• Clair Wong, TD Bank Director
• Stella Chung, Couchbase Account Manager
• Lidija Dujmenovic, BMC Account Manager
• Shane Earley, Dell Technologies Capital Director of Portfolio Development
• Kristofer Faric, Intercast Global Talent Partner
• Carlos Hernandez, Google Cloud Data Analytics Sales Specialist
• Jack Harper, Couchbase Director, Solutions Engineering
• Geetesh Iyer, WisdomAI Founding Product Manager
• Eric Lottman, BMC Account Executive
• Salman Malik, Data Century Managing Director
• Matt O’Sullivan, Couchbase Solutions Engineer
• Eric Pronio, Intercast Account Manager
• Yasser Nabavi, Data Century CEO / Founder
• Sam Lee, WisdomAI Enterprise Account Director
• Anthony Losanno, CDO Magazine Managing Director
• Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director

*Jessica Jolly, Sahar Nezami, Anu Oladele, Aida Tahiri are CDO Magazine Global Board members

CDO Magazine thanks BMC, Couchbase, Data Century, Dell Technologies Capital, Google Cloud, Intercast and WisdomAI for supporting the Toronto Roundtable Exchange and helping bring together the city’s data and AI leadership community.