Ashveen's learnings on leadership, AI and equity

“UFred specifically had the flexibility without requiring me to step away from my career,” he says. “I was looking for a program that was very practical and relevant to working professionals.”

His Global Leadership course at UFred proved especially influential. Ashveen says it gave him the confidence to move forward with his plan for Innovate Within. By the time he was finishing his MBA, he had begun focusing more attention on the business and working with its first clients.

The discipline behind the degree

Building momentum required discipline. Ashveen was working full time and had recently welcomed his first child. His study time often began while the rest of the household was asleep.

“Most of the time I was working about four o’clock in the morning to do my work and then manage some personal commitments and then go to work,” he says.

The demanding schedule made him more deliberate about where he placed his time and energy. With competing responsibilities, every hour devoted to his MBA had to count.

Helping leaders see more in the data

Ashveen is growing the consulting firm organically while continuing in his full-time role as the Human Resources Legislated Program Manager at Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, an organization serving the people who serve.

He uses Power BI and Excel to modernize employment equity reporting and support data-informed decisions. His reporting helps identify workforce representation gaps and gives leaders clearer information about where attention may be needed.

“Reporting should not simply describe what is happening, but it should help leaders understand the trends, identify the gaps, and as well determine where actions may be needed,” he says.

Lessons in change management and stakeholder communication learned at the University of Fredericton have further helped shape his approach to business.

Where technology meets educated leaders

Artificial intelligence adds another layer to the relationship between information and leadership. Ashveen sees real value in the technology and its ability to help people expand their knowledge. However, he does not see access to AI as a replacement for learning the material or developing the ability to assess outputs.

Knowledgeable leaders remain accountable for questioning AI, understanding context and considering the people represented in the data. AI can help a student gather information, but it cannot supply curiosity, commitment or the willingness to do the work. Those qualities determine whether someone is engaging with an education or simply trying to complete an assignment.

The limits become even more consequential when decisions affect people. Data may reveal a workforce pattern and AI may help process information, but neither automatically determines the responsible course of action.

“There will still be a lack of lived experience and ethical responsibility,” Ashveen says. “This is where human touch will be required.”

The confidence to keep growing

Ashveen is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in Leadership. He also remains connected to UFred as an alumni ambassador and contributes to the Professional Advisory Committee.

His continued involvement reflects the growth that began during his MBA. The idea behind Innovate Within was already there. Education helped Ashveen broaden his perspective and gave him the confidence to act on it.

“AI won’t be able to push me to move forward. So it really depends on the person’s character,” Ashveen says. “And this is what will differentiate you in becoming a better leader.”