Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read Dallas Gislason’s last thoughts before stepping down as CEO of the South Island Prosperity partnership, discover which new group MarineLabs’ Scott Beatty has joined, and learn what big AI research has been funded at Vancouver Island University.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 732 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Mayor of Ladysmith to take over South Island Prosperity Partnership

Seven months after Emilie de Rosenroll stepped down from an eight-year term as CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), the organization has announced a new leader.

Ladysmith local — and current mayor — Aaron Stone will take the reins in October. Stone is stepping down from his third term in the public office to take on the role.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at SIPP,” said Stone. “When I decided last year that I would not seek political office in the future, I began to contemplate post-elected life and explore new opportunities. Nothing really ignited the fire in me until I discovered that SIPP was seeking a new CEO; a role that leverages my 25 years of experience in technology, marketing, and public service, combined with my passion for economic development.

“The South Island is a vibrant region with immense potential,” he continued. “I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver on this potential through continued collaboration and innovation.”

Stone’s experience includes time spent at the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Island Coastal Economic Trust, and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance.

Dallas Gislason, who is SIPP’s interim CEO, will continue in the role until Stone begins his new position on October 7.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

☁️ Penny for your thoughts: After SIPP’s new CEO was announced, interim CEO Dallas Gislason shared his last monthly reflection post.

🤝 Lean on me: MarineLabs CEO Scott Beatty joined the 2024 C100 Fellows Cohort, a program that provides mentorship, resources, and connections for founders.

🙈 Ain’t nobody’s business: Vancouver Island University computer professor Ajay Shrestha received $86,601 in funding from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada for his research on AI privacy concerns from young people’s point of view.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Customer Success Manager at Premier Cloud

• IT Cloud Infrastructure Specialist at BC Pension Corporation

• Director Observatory Digital Operations at Ocean Networks Canada

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📅 Upcoming events

September 6 | When To Be a Hard-Ass

The vast majority of today’s leadership dialogue is about connecting with your team on their level, being empathetic and compassionate. There is no denying this is all good and valuable stuff. But that might miss that you’ve got a business to run, and you may need to switch your approach to draw a hard line in the sand and be more authoritative. How do leaders know when to be lead with kindness or become the hard-ass? Find out in this session.

September 11 | Online | COAST's Blue Pathways Initiative and advancements in AI for the workplace

Discover how AI is revolutionizing marine conservation through COAST's innovative Blue Pathways Initiative. Explore groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence that are shaping the future of ocean sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.

September 26 | Tech Nachos

​Victoria Tech Nachos is a covert group at the intersection of nachos and technology. A no-speaker, social-only, no-sponsor, nacho-friendly event.

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