The 10th edition of the LEADER Project was officially launched on May 5th, 2025 with the conference titled Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Future Together, held at the prestigious Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Belgrade.
Mirjana Dončić Beaton, Executive Director of CANSEE Canadian-Serbian Business Association, opened the conference by addressing the attendees and providing valuable insight into the significance of the LEADER Project. She reflected on the tremendous impact the initiative has had over the past decade in strengthening entrepreneurial leadership and empowering emerging business leaders.
“The Canadian LEADER Project is an international economic development program founded in 1991 and led by instructors from Ivey Business School at Western University within the MBA, HBA, MSc, and PhD programs. This program has been successfully operating worldwide with the aim of empowering promising entrepreneurs to envision, launch, and develop new projects that strengthen the economy,” said Beaton.
“As the LEADER Project celebrates its 10th edition in Serbia, we remain committed to supporting individuals by helping them develop business ideas that contribute to society and the economy. This international mini-MBA educational program, sponsored by CANSEE Canadian-Serbian Business Association and Ivey Business School from Canada, in collaboration with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Canada in Serbia, has become one of the key contributors to the development of entrepreneurship,” she added.
Following the welcome remarks, guests were greeted by Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President and Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and international collaboration. He was followed by David Morgan, Head of the Political Department and Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, who highlighted the enduring partnership between Canada and Serbia, and the Embassy’s continued support for the LEADER Project.
As part of her address, Mirjana Dončić Beaton expressed deep gratitude to the key institutional and corporate partners who made this milestone edition possible. She thanked the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of Canada, as well as long-time supporters NALED, Apolo Printing, DVS, and all CANSEE members. Special appreciation was extended to the sponsors of this 10th edition of the LEADER Project: Zlatna Reka, DPM Avala, EMX Royalty, Teknoxgroup Srbija, Apatinska pivara, Innomotics, Sobotec, Facade Engineering, WALK Legal, Heliant, Stara Sokolova, Envico, cargo-partner, Semos Education, Atrium Property Services, and Bryan Beaton.
“The unwavering support of our institutional and corporate partners has been the foundation of this initiative’s success,” Dončić Beaton noted. “Thanks to your commitment and sponsorship, we are able to mark this significant milestone and continue building a platform for future entrepreneurial leaders.”
The conference featured three dynamic panel discussions and two keynote speakers, gathering experts, educators, and alumni to reflect on the future of entrepreneurship, leadership, and artificial intelligence.
Panel 1: Artificial Intelligence and Business Innovation
- Moderator: Ema Petrović – Digital Transformation and AI Consultant
- Panelists:
- Coby Harvey – LEADER Project Instructor, Ivey Business School at Western University
- Stefan Badža – Advisor to the Prime Minister of Serbia
- Eleonora Sergijević – MOJO AI Media and Technologies
Keynote Speaker:
- Dragana Đermanović – Business Mentor and Entrepreneur
Panel 2: Leadership and Organizational Transformation
- Moderator: Sandra Nešić – Innovation Consultant at Zavisi Consulting
- Panelists:
- Tatjana Jovanović – HR Innovator
- Nikola Rajić – Serbian Software Hub Lead
- Allen Lising – Ivey Business School Alumnus
Panel 3: Alumni Reflections – The Impact of LEADER
- Moderator: Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, CANSEE Managing Director
- Panelists:
- Jelisaveta Mojsilović (LP19 Alumnus) – DJ & Music Producer
- Ana Brzaković (LP16 Alumnus) – B2B Marketing & Communications Specialist, Host of the Biz Balans Podcast
- Miloš Stanković (LP24 Alumnus) – Programme Officer at Civil Rights Defenders, Co-Founder and Director at Granola Factory
Throughout the day, participants explored some of the most exciting and transformative trends shaping today’s world. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept – it is now an integral part of how we do business, lead organizations, and innovate across sectors. AI is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and leaders to adapt, grow, and excel in an ever-changing environment.
As part of the conference, it was announced that CANSEE is also involved in the AI National Skills Initiative, organized by CANSEE member Semos Education in partnership with Microsoft, running from April 8th to June 5th. The initiative aims to help build essential AI skills and prepare future leaders for the opportunities of tomorrow.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration, inspiration, and innovation.
“We are immensely grateful to our partners—the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Embassy of Canada, and our CANSEE members—whose continued support has been the foundation of this program. We look forward to what the future holds as we work together to shape a stronger, more innovative business community,” said Dončić Beaton.