Carrie-Anne Mercer on AI, Fractional Leadership & Growth Strategy

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Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and medium-sized businesses can scale smarter by combining AI, strategy, and fractional executive leadership to build resilience and accelerate growth.

We’re joined by Carrie-anne Mercer, Founder of Mercer Marketing & Advisory, a Fractional CMO and executive advisor working with global forums and AI-driven companies like Ethicrithm and Crosure Inc. With two decades of experience across SaaS, cybersecurity, and FinTech, she brings a rare blend of calm leadership, global perspective, and AI-enabled strategy to help businesses operate with clarity and confidence.

Key Highlights:

  • AI: Good, Bad, Ugly: How SMEs can benefit from AI while managing risks like data leaks, hallucinations, and bias.
     
  • Fractional Leadership: Why part-time executive expertise gives SMEs strategic strength without full-time cost.
     
  • Resilience Mindset: How global crisis leadership shaped Carrie-anne’s approach to calm, smart AI adoption.
     
  • AI-Driven Growth: Her long-term vision for helping SMEs scale through smarter marketing and client value creation.
     
  • Tech for Good: How work with The Cambridge Forum guides her focus on ethical, community-centered technology.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html

UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA

Google: https://www.google.ca/

A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/

ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

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SK Uddin
As the founder of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, SK Uddin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the Canadian SME landscape. His experience in providing valuable insights into business tools, trends, and success stories makes him a compelling host who understands the needs and challenges of entrepreneurs. He also brings his expertise from organizing the annual Small Business Summit and Small Business Expo, further enriching the podcast’s content with real-world perspectives on collaboration and growth.