Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia

Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology & Innovation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Multilingual senior level ICT executive & lifelong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, with over 20 years in the private, public and academic sectors, spanning five geographic regions.

Media

Ulrike Bahr Gedalia March 28 2017 WCT Keynote

Lena Diab on Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia

Lena Diab, MLA for Halifax Armdale, thanked a constituent for being named one of Canada's top immigrants. Ulrike was honoured with a 2015 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award and the 2015 WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.

Facing The Challenges Ahead

Members of the Leadership Matters 2016 panel share their thoughts on how to advance workplace health and safety in the years ahead.

Centre for Women in Business Spring Finale

Join us May 30, 2017 at Mount Saint Vincent University for our annual Spring Finale event. Together with Digital Nova Scotia and the Centre business community, we will celebrate women leading the way in business and technology in Nova Scotia. We will also hear from Centre member Laurie MacKeigan, as she tells the story of her work as President of Backman Vidom, and the company's evolution as the market leader for commercial audiovisual technology integration services in Atlantic Canada. For tickets and details, visit http://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca

Working from home could increase risk of cybersecurity threats

Working from home could increase risk of cybersecurity threats

CTV News , June 29, 2021Television

URL: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/working-from-home-could-increase-risk-of-cybersecurity-threats-1.5490796

Attacks by cybercriminals have increased during the pandemic as they have targeted pipelines, hospitals, colleges and even subway systems.

Now Canada’s Chamber of Commerce says more needs to be done to make sure Canadian businesses and citizens are ready to thwart cyberattacks.

"A cyberattack can happen to anyone at anytime," said Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology & Innovation Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber conducted a survey on cybersecurity and found that 65 per cent of Canadians are worried about falling victim to an attack and 80 per cent of Canadian CEOs are concerned that cybersecurity is a threat to growth.

A new initiative by the Chamber, dubbed “Cyber. Right. Now.” brings together 28 tech companies, including Blackberry, Microsoft and Cisco to try and push the issue higher up on the national agenda.

“The Chamber has been seizing the momentum and this has been an important issue for a long time, so let’s bring it under one umbrella and at the same time show we can be a global leader," said Bahr-Gedalia.

The survey found there had been a 6.6 per cent increase in cybersecurity incidents in 2020 compared to 2019 and one in four organizations reported that adopting technologies was “somewhat” or “extremely” challenging.

“There are three key areas Canada must improve upon,” said Bahr-Gedalia “First, investment in innovation; second, workforce and talent pipeline expansion and diversification; and third, Canada’s global competitiveness.”

Often, cyber attacks happen with just an email, an attachment or a link that has a virus attached to it. Employees working from home also have to be vigilant to make sure they don't allow a hacker into their computer or their company’s system.

“The minute we hit the keyboard this is when the risks start so we need to be educated on an ongoing basis," said Bahr-Gedalia. “Something as simple as when it comes to passwords, or links or when you’re looking an URL, is it really the one you want before clicking on it?”

Employees are advised to slow down and always practice good cyber hygiene, because even with the best security software, it is often human error that allows hackers in.

Moving from disease care to health care: connecting the dots earlier

Mediaplanet and The Star , June 11, 2021Online

URL: https://www.thestar.com/sponsored_sections/connected-health/2021/06/11/moving-from-disease-care-to-health-care--connecting-the-dots.html

Ray Dalio may be best known for his company Bridgewater Associates, which he started in his home and is now generating over $46 billion annually in revenue. But he also created a system for decision-making, detailed in a best-selling book.

Two key concepts of Dalio’s book Principles deserve consideration concerning health care today; the first being that truth is essential and the second being that once you identify and confirm a problem within your business, you should not tolerate it.

The truth is that we currently have a disease care system that treats symptoms, as opposed to a health care system that keeps people healthy. This is a problem — and it should not be tolerated.

Moving from Disease Care to Health Care: Connecting the Dots Earlier

Mediaplanet, and Health Insight, June 11, 2021Online

URL: https://www.healthinsight.ca/health-care-industry-news/moving-from-disease-care-to-health-care-connecting-the-dots-earlier/#

Ray Dalio may be best known for his company Bridgewater Associates, which he started in his home and is now generating over $46 billion annually in revenue. But he also created a system for decision-making, detailed in a best-selling book.

Two key concepts of Dalio’s book Principles deserve consideration concerning health care today; the first being that truth is essential and the second being that once you identify and confirm a problem within your business, you should not tolerate it.

The truth is that we currently have a disease care system that treats symptoms, as opposed to a health care system that keeps people healthy. This is a problem — and it should not be tolerated.

Why Cloud Solutions and Cybersecurity Don’t Have to Be Daunting

Mediaplanet, September 30, 2020Online

URL: https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/technology/why-cloud-solutions-and-cybersecurity-dont-have-to-be-daunting/

We tap into cloud solutions and cybersecurity every day. Storing photos online uses cloud services. Updating passwords is practising cyber-secure behaviour. So why is it that, in business, we become wary to adopt new technology?

AI and Manufacturing 4.0 — The Light Blue Revolution

Mediaplanet, December 17, 2020Online

URL: https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/technology/ai-and-manufacturing-4-0-the-light-blue-revolution/

As the manufacturing sector is increasingly moving from blue collar to white collar and embracing the light blue realm, the wealth and magnitude of where the next generation of technology, transformation, people, and opportunities could take us is exponential.

How Applied Research Can Support a Business-Led Recovery

Mediaplanet, March 9, 2021Online

URL: https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/technology/how-applied-research-can-support-a-business-led-recovery/

As Canadian businesses look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and toward recovery, many will want to revamp or re-tool their operations. This is where applied research can be a game-changer, a ready-made solution for post-pandemic economic recovery, utilizing post-secondary innovation capacity to help businesses identify and respond to challenges. Canada’s polytechnics bring space, equipment, and expertise to the table, supplementing the capacity of Canada’s business community to engage in pragmatic research and development.

Can Canada Be a Global Cybersecurity Leader?

Mediaplanet (online) & National Post (print), September 30, 2021Online

URL: https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/business-and-economy/can-canada-be-a-global-cybersecurity-leader/#

Securing Canada’s digital infrastructure has never been more critical.

How COVID-19 changed Canada’s conversation on digital infrastructure

Redefining Leadership with Disruption and HumanITy

TEDxKelowna June 2017, February 15, 2017Online

URL: http://www.tedxkelowna.com/index.php/speakers/20171/

Theme TODAY- Long has the notion captured the thoughts of great minds that perhaps the most important time of our lives is today. Tomorrow and yesterdays rarely serve as the muse of philosophers for a reason. Today, is the best day to begin. Today, is the best day to quit. Join TEDxKelowna’s 2017 speakers to explore what is happening today that will change our tomorrow. Elbert Hubbard said, "The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today." Let’s start, today.

Biography

With a career spanning five geographic regions, Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia is a multilingual, award-winning entrepreneur, innovator and TEDx speaker with over 20 years of global experience within the ICT sector. Following senior executive roles at the headquarters of prominent multinational high-tech corporations, SMEs, and startups, Bahr-Gedalia is now the Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she was president and CEO of Digital Nova Scotia (DNS).

In recognition of her leadership with DNS and for her lifelong advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Bahr-Gedalia has received numerous national awards, and has been regularly featured as an inspiring role model for youth, women, and immigrants in STEAM.

Recognition/Reconnaissance

2014 Canadian Living Magazine Canada's Top 40 Change-Makers

Featured as 1 of Canada's Top 40 Change-Makers Canadian Living Magazine - 40th Anniversary Edition

2014 Progress Women of Excellence Award | Professional

The Progress Women of Excellence Awards takes place each November. Hosted by the Canadian Progress Club Halifax Cornwallis. It honours 19 inspirational women who play an important role in our community. Women at the pinnacle of their professions are recognized in the following categories: Arts and Culture, Communications/Public Affairs, Education and Research, Entrepreneur/Innovator, Health Sport and Wellness, Management and the Professions and Young Woman of Distinction.

2015 Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO Award | Professional

Since 1999, Atlantic Business Magazine has dedicated one of its six issues per year to profiling Atlantic Canada’s most accomplished business leaders. Nominations are submitted by readers and nominees are judged according to: their corporate, community and industry involvement; their company’s growth in recent years; and, their responses to various managerial challenges.

2015 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award | Professional

The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants is a peoples’ choice award that recognizes inspirational immigrants who have come to Canada, achieved success and made a positive difference living here. Whether it’s a community advocate or volunteer, a successful entrepreneur or a cultural icon, this is the first Canadian national award program that recognizes immigrants’ achievements from all walks of life.

2015 Women in Communications and Technology Top 15 Leadership Excellence Award: Innovator | Professional

The WCT Annual Awards Gala is an industry tradition attended by a who’s who of the Canadian communications and technology sectors.

2016 & 2015 WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award | Professional

Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards celebrates the professional achievements of strong female leaders across the country in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The Awards are given to remarkable women in nine different categories. Ulrike was honoured with this prestigious Award for two consecutive years in the RBC Champions category.

2016 WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award | Professional

Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards celebrates the professional achievements of strong female leaders across the country in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The Awards are given to remarkable women in nine different categories.

Additional Titles and Affiliations

Saint Mary's University Sobey School of Business: Industry Advisory Board Director

International Women's Forum (IWF): Member

FUSION Halifax: Mentor

Halifax Chamber of Commerce task force "Grow & Nurture the Skilled Workforce": Member

Dalhousie University Faculty of Computer Science: Industry Advisory Board Director

Past Talks

Speaker: "Positive Disruption. The Business Case for Gender Diversity"

9th Edition - Women in Leadership Conference: Rising to Challenges

Halifax, Nova Scotia, November 12, 2015

Panelist

Leadership Matters 2015 - Workplace Safety CEO Summit 2015

Halifax, Nova Scotia, November 9, 2015

Panelist: "Revolutionary Ideas Change the World

2015 Starting Point Student Entrepreneurship Conference

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Panelist: "The positive influence new Canadians have made on our economy, community & culture"

First Annual Sobey School of Business Commerce Society Business Leadership Breakfast

Halifax, Nova Scotia, March 4, 2016

Presenter: "Building Leadership for Business Growth: Developing Competitive Advantage in the Digital Economy"

Professional Development Summit (PDS)

Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 28, 2015

Keynote

CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap

Wolfville, Nova Scotia, September 20, 2016

Keynote - "The ICT Talent Tap: Diversifying Skill-sets and Capacity in the Digital Economy"

National Business Technology Management (BTM) Conference

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keynote: "Global Perspectives for Global Markets: Developing a Diverse Workforce for the Digital Economy".

Corporate Networking Breakfast - Theme: "Fostering Innovation through Diversity"

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Employer Panel: "Diverse Recruitment -- A Corporate Competitive Edge"

Campus Recruitment Summit

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Expertise

  • Innovation
  • Digital Economy
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Public Policy
  • Cybersecurity
  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Education
  • Stakeholder & Government Relations
  • Public Speaking & Presentation
  • Organizational Growth & Fundraising
  • International Marketing & Sales
  • ICT/Digtal Startups, SMEs & Multinational Corporations
  • Governance & Board Relations
  • Go to Market Strategies
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Immigration & Global Talent
  • Disruptive Leadership
  • Channel Development & Channel Managment
  • Business Development & Partnerships

Education/Éducation

  • University of Houston
    Film, Literature & Linguistics
    MA, 1993

    Activities and Societies: President, Academic Honor Society "Delta Phi Alpha"


  • Universität Siegen
    Political Science
    BA, 1990
  • Rice University
    Comparative Literature: Film, Literature & Linguistics
    MA, 1992

    Joint M.A. program with the University of Houston