Ottawa Chapter: AI Practical Insight - A Cybersecurity Company's Perspective

Description

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how organizations operate, innovate, and defend against emerging threats. But with rapid adoption comes critical questions: How do you apply AI in a way that truly drives business value? How do you balance innovation with security? And what lessons can be learned from organizations already using AI at scale?

Join one of Fortinet’s Regional VP-Systems Engineering, Peter Smetny-Sowa, for an exclusive session offering practical insights into how one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies leverages AI to address complex challenges. From enabling employees and customers to rethinking security posture, this session goes beyond the hype to share real-world perspectives on where AI delivers tangible impact—and where caution is required.

Through Fortinet’s lens, CIOs will gain a deeper understanding of how to responsibly harness AI to both advance organizational objectives and safeguard their enterprises.

Key Takeaways

• AI in Action: Real-world examples of how Fortinet integrates AI into cybersecurity operations to solve today’s most pressing challenges.
• Balancing Risk and Innovation: Considerations for leveraging AI while ensuring strong governance, compliance, and security.
• Strategic Lessons Learned: Insights from Fortinet’s journey that CIOs can apply when deploying AI initiatives within their own organizations.
• Future of AI in the Enterprise: Emerging trends in AI that CIOs should be aware of—and how they may disrupt or enable business growth.

Speaker: Peter Smetny-Sowa, Regional VP - Systems Engineering at Fortinet

Peter Smetny-Sowa is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a proven track record in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical digital assets. Currently, Peter is a Regional VP of Systems Engineering at Fortinet based out of Ottawa. Peter works primarily with Federal Government departments and large enterprises, advising on the design, deployment, and operation of cyber security solutions. Previously, Peter worked with national carriers and service providers helping them secure their infrastructures as well as develop security service offerings. Peter embarked on his cybersecurity journey over two decades ago, with a background in Computer Systems Engineering, where he laid the foundation for his deep technical expertise. Peter also spent 8 years at CGI as an architect developing and deploying network and security solutions for several organizations around the globe. His combination of leadership, technical acumen, and dedication to protecting digital assets makes him a respected figure in the field. Peter continues to inspire and lead the charge in securing the digital world against evolving threats.

Agenda

6:00 - 7:00pm – Arrival & Networking Reception

7:00 - 8:00pm – Presentation – Q & A

8:00 - 8:30pm – Networking

Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages to be served

Open to CIOCAN Members & their Qualified Member Guests Only (CIO/CISO/Senior IT Executive)

Thank you to our sponsor!