In episode 620 of the HRchat Podcast, I talk with Margo Crawford, a distinguished figure in the Canadian business landscape. Margo is the Founder and Chair of Business Sherpa Group and a renowned expert in small and mid-sized businesses with a wealth of experience in leadership, succession planning, and strategic management.
Margo’s accolades speak volumes about her dedication and expertise in the field. She has been featured at national events as both a keynote speaker and panelist, sharing her invaluable insights with eager audiences. Her achievements include being named Business Woman of the Year by the Women’s Business Network and earning the prestigious title of HR Professional of the Year at the HR Vision Awards.
In this conversation, Margo delves into the fascinating realm of AI-fueled technologies and their potential to revolutionize HR functions within small and medium-sized businesses. We explore various facets of AI, from its role in recruitment and employee engagement to talent management, performance evaluation, and the increasingly crucial realm of workforce analytics.
We also explore the potential pitfalls of relegating human involvement in these processes to the background. As we embrace AI, we must be mindful of the risks and challenges that come with it, including ethical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and accountability.
Margo doesn’t stop there. She goes on to provide insights into best practices for ensuring responsible AI adoption and strategies to mitigate ethical risks within the HR context. Her expertise sheds light on the intricate dance between technology and ethics, ensuring that businesses tread carefully as they embrace AI-driven HR solutions.
Preparing the workforce for the integration of AI is another topic we dissect. Margo shares practical tips and strategies for HR professionals to support employees in transitioning to an AI-powered work environment. As AI continues to shape the landscape, upskilling and reskilling initiatives become paramount for businesses of all sizes.
But that’s not all! Margo also brings her extensive experience to the table as she discusses the rise of AI’s impact on the workforce, with a particular focus on Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). The need for robust succession planning in this evolving landscape becomes evident, and Margo shares her insights on how businesses can build value by navigating these transitions successfully.
Before her role as Founder and chair of Business Sherpa Group, she was President and CEO, overseeing the company’s growth to support over 500 small and mid-sized businesses across Canada and internationally. Margo cultivated a team of strategic and operational professionals offering flexible consulting services in Human Resources, Cloud-Based Accounting, Managed Recruitment, and Executive Solutions.
Prior to her tenure at BSG, Margo co-founded Meriton Networks, a trailblazing optical telecom start-up. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in expanding the company globally, securing over $75M in equity financing, and executing successful expansion strategies through mergers and acquisitions.
Margo’s commitment to the business community extends to her involvement on various boards including the Digital Opportunity Trust, the Ottawa Network for Education, and the Canadian Museum of Nature Foundation. She also actively contributes to organizations like the ICD Executive Committee – Ottawa Chapter, the Venture Development Committee of Invest Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade SME Council.
In addition to her extensive professional commitments, Margo is a passionate mentor, guiding business peer groups and individual CEOs as they navigate the challenges of scaling and transitioning their businesses.
This episode promises a treasure trove of insights from a seasoned expert who has truly walked the talk in the world of business. Stay tuned as we embark on this enlightening journey with Margo Crawford, where the future of HR in the age of AI takes center stage.