In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Oleg Tolchinsky, Head of Solutions Engineering at Cisco Canada, shares how strategic technology adoption and a strong network foundation can help Canadian SMBs bridge the gap between AI ambition and real innovation. Drawing on 16 years of hands-on industry expertise and a passion for solving tough business challenges, Oleg explains why incremental progress, secure infrastructure, and the “Pacesetter” mindset are key for businesses hoping to thrive in Canada’s fast-evolving AI landscape.
Oleg Tolchinsky is Head of Solutions Engineering at Cisco Canada. He works with customers, partners, and some of the finest technical sales professionals in the world to deploy the special combination of modern technologies and industry knowledge that help businesses overcome their most pressing challenges. Oleg has spent his life learning how to use technology to solve difficult problems and earning accreditations, applying this knowledge to various roles in engineering, sales and leadership over 16 years in the industry.
Cisco’s latest research highlights a significant “innovation funding gap” in Canada, with many businesses struggling to move from ideas to action. What are the underlying barriers that SMBs face, and how can they safely experiment and innovate despite budget constraints?
For many small and mid-sized businesses, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of creativity but outdated systems that limit what’s possible. Over time, many organizations have accumulated what we call “AI infrastructure debt” — older networks, scattered data, and manual processes that make it hard to scale new ideas. Cisco’s research found that 40 percent of Canadian companies say their networks can’t handle AI workloads, and more than two-thirds struggle to centralize their data.
The good news is innovation doesn’t always require massive budgets. The most successful SMBs start small and invest in flexible, secure technology that can grow with them. Cloud platforms, managed services, and strong cybersecurity foundations allow teams to test ideas safely and build on early wins. Incremental progress is often the most sustainable way to innovate, especially when every dollar counts.
Only 8% of Canadian organizations are considered truly AI-ready according to recent studies. What sets these leaders apart, and what practical steps can smaller companies take now to accelerate their own AI adoption and readiness?
We refer to these leading organizations as “Pacesetters.” What makes them different is not their size, but their mindset. They treat AI readiness as a business strategy rather than a technical project. Pacesetters are four times more likely to move AI pilots into production and 50 percent more likely to see measurable results.
For smaller companies, the first step is focus. Identify one or two areas where AI can make a clear difference, such as improving customer service or streamlining operations. Then, make sure the underlying systems — your network, data, and security — are ready to support that change. Only 10 percent of Canadian companies describe their networks as flexible enough for AI. That’s where most organizations can make the biggest impact right now. Building a strong foundation today will make future AI investments faster, safer, and far more cost-effective.
Many SMBs feel pressure to demonstrate AI’s ROI but struggle to measure real impact. What strategies or tools do you recommend for moving beyond experimentation and capturing tangible business value from AI initiatives?
The key is to treat AI projects like any other business investment; define success early and measure what matters. In our latest research, the most AI-ready organizations track the outcomes of 95 percent of their AI investments, compared with less than 20 percent in Canada overall.
For SMBs, it starts with setting clear, realistic goals. Choose a few metrics that link directly to business performance and design pilots around those outcomes. Use simple dashboards or analytics tools to track progress and adjust quickly.
At Cisco, we see the strongest results when companies integrate AI into existing workflows rather than building isolated pilots. That approach makes results visible across the business and helps turn data into real value. Measurable outcomes are what turn AI from an experiment into a growth strategy.
With the rapid evolution of AI, cybersecurity risks are increasing. What emerging threats should small businesses be most aware of, and how is Cisco working to help them build stronger, safer AI-enabled infrastructures?
AI is changing the security landscape, creating both new defenses and new risks. The most pressing threats for small businesses include AI-driven phishing, data tampering, and unauthorized access by automated systems. Our research found that only 22 percent of Canadian organizations can detect or prevent AI-specific threats, which shows how vulnerable many companies still are.
Cisco’s goal is to help level the playing field. We are embedding AI directly into our security products so that even small teams can detect and respond to threats automatically. Tools like Cisco Secure Access and AI-enhanced firewalls constantly learn from new data to identify unusual behavior before it becomes a problem.
For SMBs, the best defense is to build security into every step of their AI journey. Protecting your data and systems is not a separate task — it’s part of being ready for the future.
Looking ahead, what would you like to see from Canadian industry, government, and the education sector to help more businesses become global leaders in responsible, competitive AI adoption? Any final advice for aspiring SMB innovators?
Canada has incredible potential to lead in responsible AI, but it will take collaboration. Industry, government, and educators need to align on three priorities: improving access to scalable digital infrastructure, supporting small business adoption through funding and partnerships, and expanding AI and cybersecurity education across all fields of study.
We have world-class research and talent, but we need to make those resources accessible to every business, not just large enterprises. A coordinated effort can help ensure that innovation reaches every corner of the economy.
For SMBs, my advice is to start with readiness. Focus on strengthening your network, data, and security before chasing the next big idea. When your foundation is strong, innovation becomes faster, safer, and more sustainable. The companies investing in readiness today will be the ones defining Canada’s next decade of growth.
