As we approach 2025, the business world is brimming with change, innovation, and bold predictions. From shifting consumer preferences to pivotal advancements in technology, the landscape is evolving quickly. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, leave outdated practices behind, or prepare for what’s coming next, these perspectives from some of Canada’s top business leaders can offer a roadmap of how to navigate the year ahead with fresh ideas and renewed confidence.
Future of Business is AI Driven
“AI is shifting from novelty to necessity, and 2025 will be the year it becomes practical. Forget the gimmicks — AI will transform business models, from customer engagement to decision-making, and will have a particular impact on law. Companies that use AI to boost productivity, personalize services, and empower teams, all while maintaining responsible guardrails, will lead the way. Those that hesitate will fall behind.”
Mark Doble, Founder and CEO of Alexi
Connect With Your Audience
“As we approach 2025, the podcasting and content creation landscape is rapidly evolving. At Quill and CoHost, three key trends stand out: AI-driven personalization is deepening audience engagement through tailored content and real-time recommendations. Community building is transforming podcasts into interactive hubs for live feedback and user-generated content. Lastly, data-driven insights are helping brands refine strategies to align with cultural moments and market trends. In 2025, these trends will enable businesses to forge more meaningful connections with their audiences.”
Fatima Zaidi, Founder and CEO of Quill & CoHost
Timing and Transformation
“Launching during the pandemic taught us that timing is everything. Even the best solutions depend on the right external factors aligning. Recent legal shifts in the U.S., such as challenges to traditional real estate commission structures, highlight a growing demand for innovative models that disrupt outdated practices and pave the way for the future—exactly what we’re building at Zown.”
Rishard Rameez, Founder and CEO of Zown
The End of One-Size-Fits-All
“As we move forward, one-size-fits-all strategies are out. Both employees and customers now expect personalization — whether it’s in tailored benefits or unique experiences. Flexibility and modularity are the new standards. Equally outdated is the idea of growth at all costs. Reckless expansion is being replaced by sustainable, purpose-driven growth, where the focus shifts from burnout business models to strategies that prioritize profitability and long-term value.”
Sam Jenkins, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Punchcard Systems
Adapt to Global Shifts
“In 2024, economic pressures and climate change reshaped how people spend their money and time. Record temperatures, natural disasters, forest fires, and flooding impacted industries, pushing businesses to adapt by offering climate-resilient solutions and aligning products with evolving needs. Economic trends like currency fluctuations, particularly the devaluation of the Canadian dollar, created opportunities for Canadian businesses to attract international clients. As we move into 2025, understanding how global shifts intersect with local opportunities will be key to staying competitive.”
Jayne McCaw, Founder and President of Jayne’s Luxury Rentals
People Want Flexibility
“Flexibility and transparency in payment options are going mainstream for both consumers and businesses in Canada. The ability to pay over time without tricks and gimmicks is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity. As consumers increasingly demand more from their payment methods, businesses that offer the most flexible and customizable options will gain a competitive edge, particularly as we continue to see a shift in market share away from traditional credit cards. Beyond e-commerce, the potential for newer payment methods to expand in-store is vast given how much spending still occurs offline and how underpenetrated the category remains, which provides significant growth opportunities for Affirm.”
Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer of Affirm
Embrace Global Growth
“Internationalization is on the rise, with more American and global companies eyeing Canada for growth, while Canadian businesses increasingly explore markets beyond the U.S. With a slowing economy in Canada, and limited growth prospects in developed countries, many are starting to acknowledge the need to tap emerging markets for future expansion. As these markets shift, adaptability and forward-thinking approaches will be key to sustainable growth.”
Simon Bourgeois, Co-Founder and CEO of Nmbr
Empower the Future
“Visionary leaders are everywhere but often hidden, facing systemic barriers. Many work in smaller markets on critical challenges like healthcare, clean energy, and education. To support them, we need more than funding — we must create ecosystems that include mentorship, peer networks, and partnerships. Building these platforms fosters collaboration and growth while shifting the narrative to value bold, unconventional leaders willing to take the long, uncertain path to success, and it’s what we intend to keep doing at OneEleven in 2025.”
Chris Greenfield, Managing Director of OneEleven
