Kirsten Poon, an AI analyst based in Edmonton, is on a mission to make artificial intelligence more approachable for local businesses. With years of experience designing and managing AI systems, Kirsten Poon focuses on using technology to solve everyday problems in simple, effective ways.
In this interview, Kirsten Poon talks about why businesses should stop viewing AI as something complex or out of reach. Instead, she shares how AI can become a useful, everyday tool that improves workflows and decision-making across a wide range of industries.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Kirsten. To start, could you tell us a little about your background and how you became involved in AI for business?
Kirsten Poon: Thank you for having me. I’m an AI analyst based in Edmonton, and I’ve spent several years designing, developing, and deploying AI solutions in commercial and industrial settings. My work involves helping businesses of all sizes understand how AI can fit into their everyday processes without overwhelming them. I focus on practical, data-driven solutions that bring real value to companies.
Interviewer: AI often sounds complicated and intimidating. How do you help businesses approach AI without feeling overwhelmed?
Kirsten Poon: That’s a great question. The key is breaking down AI into simple, understandable parts. Many people hear “AI” and think of robots or futuristic tech, but at its core, AI is about using data and computers to make tasks easier and faster. I work closely with business teams and data scientists to translate AI concepts into straightforward tools that solve real problems like automating routine tasks or analyzing sales trends. My goal is to make AI approachable and useful, not something to be feared.
Interviewer: How do you start working with a business that is new to AI?
Kirsten Poon: Usually, I begin by listening carefully to the business’s needs and challenges. Every company is different, so understanding what daily tasks take up the most time or where errors happen is important. Then, I look at what data they already have and think about simple AI tools that could help. For example, a small business might use AI to improve customer service by answering common questions automatically, or a retailer could use AI to better predict inventory needs. Starting small and focused helps build confidence and shows immediate value.
Interviewer: You mentioned working with data scientists and AI experts. How does that collaboration benefit the businesses you work with?
Kirsten Poon: Collaboration is critical. Data scientists bring deep technical knowledge and help develop models that make sense of complex data. I act as a bridge between those experts and the business teams. By working together, we ensure the AI solutions we build are practical and fit into the company’s existing systems and workflow. This teamwork reduces the chances of creating tools that are too complicated or don’t match the business’s real needs.
Interviewer: Can you share some examples of simple AI tools that businesses in Edmonton have successfully adopted?
Kirsten Poon: Certainly. One example is a local retail business that wanted to improve their inventory management. We introduced a basic AI system that analyzed past sales data to forecast what products they would need and when. This helped reduce overstock and out-of-stock situations without requiring the business to hire extra staff or learn complicated software. Another example is a service company that used AI-powered chatbots to answer frequent customer questions. This freed up their team to focus on more complex customer needs.
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Interviewer: Many people think AI requires huge budgets and technical teams. Is that true for smaller businesses?
Kirsten Poon: Not at all. While large companies might have more resources for complex AI projects, smaller businesses can benefit from many affordable, easy-to-use AI tools available today. These tools often come as plug-and-play software or cloud services that don’t require deep technical expertise. My role is to guide businesses to the right options that fit their size and budget so they can start seeing benefits quickly without heavy investments.
Interviewer: How important is data quality when it comes to implementing AI?
Kirsten Poon: Data quality is very important. AI systems rely on data to learn and make decisions, so inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to poor results. I always encourage businesses to focus on collecting clean, consistent data. That could mean standardizing how sales or customer information is recorded or regularly cleaning up databases. Good data practices help ensure that when AI is introduced, it performs well and delivers trustworthy insights.
Interviewer: Some business owners worry AI will replace jobs. What would you say to them?
Kirsten Poon: That concern is common, but AI is not about replacing people; it’s about helping people do their jobs better. AI can handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks, which frees employees to focus on work that requires creativity, problem-solving, and personal interaction. I’ve seen many businesses where AI tools improve job satisfaction by reducing stress and allowing workers to concentrate on higher-value activities.
Interviewer: How do you help businesses prepare their teams for using AI?
Kirsten Poon: Training and communication are key. I work with businesses to explain AI in simple terms, focusing on what the tools do and how they help daily work. I also encourage hands-on sessions where team members can try out AI tools in real scenarios. This helps reduce fear and builds confidence. It’s also important to involve the team early in the process so they feel part of the change, not left behind by it.
Interviewer: What are some common challenges businesses face when starting with AI, and how do you address them?
Kirsten Poon: Common challenges include unclear goals, data issues, and resistance to change. To address unclear goals, I help businesses define what they want to achieve with AI, keeping it realistic and focused. For data problems, I guide them through improving data quality step by step. Resistance often comes from fear of the unknown, so I prioritize open communication and education. When teams see how AI benefits them directly, they become more open to using it.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you see AI evolving for local businesses in Edmonton?
Kirsten Poon: I believe AI will become a standard part of how businesses operate here. More affordable and user-friendly AI tools will continue to appear, making it easier for small and medium companies to adopt them. Edmonton’s business community is smart and adaptable, and I expect many local businesses to lead in using AI to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and make smarter decisions. My hope is that AI will be seen as a helpful partner rather than a complicated technology.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to business owners who are still hesitant to start with AI?
Kirsten Poon: I’d say start small and focus on one area where AI can bring quick benefits. It could be automating a repetitive task, improving customer response, or using data to plan better. Don’t worry about making everything perfect at once. AI is a tool to support growth, and taking the first step is the most important. Also, seek out experts who understand your business and can guide you without adding complexity.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing your insights. Any final thoughts?
Kirsten Poon: Thank you. I’d just add that AI doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. When done right, it’s a practical tool that can help businesses save time, reduce errors, and make smarter decisions. Edmonton businesses are well-positioned to benefit from AI, and with the right support, anyone can start using it effectively.