Think Tank Q1 2026: Navigating Leadership, AI, and Cross-Border Complexity

On Thursday 12, the France Canada Chamber of Commerce (ON, MB) hosted its Think Tank Q1 2026 breakfast event, graciously hosted by Gowling WLG at their headquarters in Toronto.

The breakfast brought together C-suite executives, senior managers from major Canadian and French companies, and members of the Chamber, offering a high-level and candid forum to exchange perspectives on the profound transformations reshaping organisations today. The discussion reflected the realities leaders face as they navigate technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasingly complex regulatory and trade environments.

✨ Key Takeaways from Think Tank Q1 2026

🧭 Adaptability as a Core Capability: Participants emphasised that organisations are now operating in a context of accelerated change driven by artificial intelligence, geopolitical shifts, and evolving trade and regulatory frameworks.

In this environment, adaptability is no longer optional—it has become a defining leadership and organisational capability.

🤖 AI at the Heart of Business Strategy: Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion. Far from being a purely technical tool, AI is now embedded in core business strategy, driving productivity gains, unlocking new revenue opportunities, and reshaping roles, workflows, and management models. One striking insight captured the moment: current managers are “the last generation of managers managing humans.” Leaders increasingly face the dual challenge of managing both human and digital workers.

🧠Building AI-Ready Workforces: With AI transforming how work is done, building AI-ready organisations was identified as a top priority. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous training, forward-looking talent strategies, and sustained investment in human capital. While technical expertise is critical, the discussion underscored the growing value of human skills—such as emotional intelligence, judgment, and client engagement—that complement technological capabilities.

🌐 Trade, Regulation, and Strategic Sectors: The conversation also addressed the rising complexity of cross-border business between Canada, France, and the United States. Trade dynamics, legal considerations, and increased government involvement in strategic sectors are shaping corporate decision-making. At the same time, sustainability and energy investments were widely viewed as essential long-term growth drivers, requiring regulatory clarity and cross-sector cooperation.

🤝 The Power of Collaboration: A strong consensus emerged around the importance of collaboration and partnerships, particularly through the FCCCO network. Participants stressed that trusted forums like the Think Tank play a vital role in sharing knowledge, strengthening France–Canada ties, and helping organizations innovate and grow while navigating uncertainty together.

The Think Tank Q1 2026 once again demonstrated the value of bringing leaders together in a confidential, forward-looking setting to exchange insights and challenge assumptions. The Chamber warmly thanks Gowling WLG for hosting and all participants for contributing to a rich and thought-provoking discussion that will continue to inform business leaders as they prepare for the year ahead.