Kirsten Poon, an AI analyst based in Edmonton, has been helping businesses understand how artificial intelligence can be used in simple and practical ways. With years of experience in building and managing AI systems, she works closely with teams to solve real problems using data.
In this interview, Kirsten Poon shares why Edmonton businesses should stop seeing AI as something complex and start seeing it as a useful tool that can improve daily work across many industries.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Kirsten Poon. You’ve been working closely with companies on how they can bring AI into their everyday operations. To begin, can you tell us a bit about what you do?
Kirsten Poon: Absolutely. I’m an artificial intelligence analyst based in Edmonton. I work with businesses both commercial and industrial to help them understand how AI can be useful in their day-to-day work. That includes designing and building AI systems, solving problems during deployment, and working alongside data scientists and tech teams to make sure everything works smoothly. My main focus is on making AI simple, clear, and practical for real business needs.
Interviewer: Your recent advice has been that Edmonton businesses should focus on practical AI uses. What does that mean exactly?
Kirsten Poon: It means businesses shouldn’t feel pressured to chase the latest trend or adopt AI just because it sounds advanced. Instead, they should look at the problems they already face like managing inventory, answering customer questions, or predicting sales and ask, “Can AI help with this in a simple way?” The goal is to use AI to make things easier, not more complicated.
Interviewer: That’s a very grounded approach. What are some examples of simple AI tools a business might start with?
Kirsten Poon: A good place to begin is with automation tools. For example, using AI chatbots to answer common customer service questions or setting up systems that automatically update stock levels when items are sold. These are small steps, but they save time and reduce errors. AI doesn’t have to mean robots or complex algorithms. It can just mean using data to help you make quicker and better decisions.
Interviewer: You work closely with data scientists and engineers. How do you bridge the gap between technical teams and business teams?
Kirsten Poon: That’s a big part of my role. I translate technical details into business outcomes. For example, instead of saying, “This model has 90% accuracy,” I might say, “This tool can predict which customers are most likely to buy, so your team can focus their time better.” I also encourage teams to ask questions, share feedback, and treat the AI system like a regular part of their workflow. It’s a team effort.
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Interviewer: What are some of the most common misunderstandings about AI you see when working with business owners?
Kirsten Poon: A big one is thinking that AI will replace human workers or take full control. In most business settings, AI is more of an assistant. It supports decision-making or handles repetitive tasks so that people can focus on work that needs human attention. Another is that AI must be perfect. That’s not true either. Like any tool, it improves over time and with proper use.
Interviewer: You mentioned education earlier. What should Edmonton businesses do to prepare their teams for AI?
Kirsten Poon: Start small. A basic workshop or even an internal demo can go a long way. It’s helpful when team members understand what AI can and cannot do. That removes fear and builds interest. There are also many free tools and platforms where teams can test simple models or try out basic automation. Once people see how useful it can be, they become more open to learning.
Interviewer: Are there any industries in Edmonton where AI is already showing strong results?
Kirsten Poon: Yes, quite a few. Retail, logistics, manufacturing, and even local service businesses are using AI in useful ways. For example, in retail, businesses are using AI to analyze sales data and plan better promotions. In logistics, it helps with route planning or tracking shipments. Even restaurants are using AI to manage food waste and forecast demand. It’s not limited to tech companies.
Interviewer: What’s your advice to a business owner who wants to start using AI but doesn’t know where to begin?
Kirsten Poon: Start by listing your daily challenges and things that are time-consuming or repetitive. Then ask if any of those can be supported by tools like data dashboards, chat systems, or scheduling software that uses AI. Talk to a consultant or attend a workshop if needed. You don’t have to do everything at once. One simple improvement is better than none.
Interviewer: How do you see the future of AI use in cities like Edmonton?
Kirsten Poon: I think we’ll see more businesses using AI not as a separate thing, but as a part of normal tools. Like how we use spreadsheets now. AI will become part of accounting software, customer tools, and planning systems. Edmonton is a great place for this because we have a strong mix of industries and a growing tech community. The key is to keep things clear, useful, and focused on real outcomes.
Interviewer: What would you say to someone who still feels unsure or nervous about using AI?
Kirsten Poon: That’s completely normal. New tools always feel a bit overwhelming. But remember, AI is here to support, not to replace. You don’t need to be an expert. Just be open to trying small things and asking questions. The best AI tools are the ones that fit into your day without causing stress. Focus on what helps you work better.
Interviewer: Final question: What motivates you to do this kind of work?
Kirsten Poon: I really enjoy solving problems and helping people understand new things. When a business owner tells me, “I didn’t think we could use AI, but now it’s saving us time,” that’s the best part. AI should feel helpful, not distant or confusing. That’s what I try to bring to every project.
Interviewer: Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing your insights and experience. It’s been a valuable conversation and will surely help many Edmonton businesses take their first steps into AI.
Kirsten Poon: Thank you for having me. I’m always glad to talk about ways we can make AI more useful and easier to understand for everyone.