Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards (selected)
Affiliations
Publications (selected)
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Carrie Purcell

Toronto,ON

Summary

Innovative education strategist with 18+ years leading learning transformation in executive, higher ed, and emerging tech contexts. Former CEO of an award-winning VR/metaverse education company and professor of digital experience design using immersive and AI-enabled delivery models. Passionate about reimagining education for senior leaders through research-based, human-centered innovation. Recognized speaker and advisor on responsible AI, entrepreneurship and the future of learning. Track record of designing and scaling experiential, digital-first programs that drive engagement, insight, and leadership readiness. Contributor to The AI Revolution: Thriving within Civilization’s Next Big Disruption (Chapter: "From Resistance to Revolution: How Organizations Can Thrive with AI").

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Principal Advisor/Researcher

Insight Research Group Inc.
11.2018 - Current
  • Lead AI-enhanced design and innovation consulting for organizations advancing responsible and ethical AI adoption and emerging technology solutioning
  • Developed frameworks to integrate responsible and ethical AI adoption
  • Delivered research reports and innovation workshops for executive teams
  • Contributed to thought leadership via The AI Revolution, and frequent speaking engagements across the education and innovation sector

Professor (Part-time), Digital Experience Design

George Brown College
09.2022 - Current
  • Designed and taught 3rd- and 4th-year curriculum in Digital Experience Design focused on technology-enhanced learning, inclusive UX, and human-centered design
  • Led experiential learning through design jams, VR-based delivery, and audio-first (Clubhouse) environments alongside traditional and hybrid formats
  • Advised students on capstone projects, digital product development, and accessibility in education
  • Incorporated learning analytics and emerging tools to increase engagement and inclusivity

Co-Founder, CEO/COO/CPSO

Tech Adaptika (now ConnectED Labs)
12.2019 - 06.2022
  • Co-led development of a virtual campus platform for corporate training end events, scaling to 13 countries and $30M USD valuation
  • Directed all aspects of go-to-market strategy, digital pedagogy, and cross-sector partnerships
  • Secured over $1M in public funding (NSERC, FedDev, Mitacs) to support innovation in immersive education
  • Won Best Company in EdTech (Education 2.0, 2022); featured in Forbes, CBC, Toronto Life
  • Delivered 45% YoY revenue growth

Chief Product & Operations Officer (Fractional)

KnowMeQ.com
03.2020 - 01.2022
  • Oversaw AI product development and MVP delivery for a talent-matching platform focused on minimizing bias in career mobility
  • Co-led grant strategy resulting in $2.5M funding; guided ethical AI design in partnership with University of Guelph’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical AI
  • Engaged on a fractional basis 1/4 while concurrently leading Tech Adaptika 3/4

Business Developer

George Brown College Research & Innovation
11.2018 - 12.2019
  • Built industry-academic partnerships for applied research in digital design, UX, VR/AR, and AI
  • Facilitated cross-sector collaborations and secured NSERC funding to support innovation in online learning
  • Led innovation scoping for digital transformation initiatives across partner organizations

Education

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Emerging Technology (Generative AI)

Golden Gate University
01.2027

MBA - Entrepreneurship & Blockchain

Quantic School of Business & Technology
01.2023

MA - English Literature

University of Toronto
01.2009

BA - English & Comparative Literature

McMaster University
01.2006

Skills

  • Executive & Board Education
  • Digital Learning Strategy & Innovation
  • AI & Emerging Tech in Learning
  • Curriculum & Instructional Design
  • Virtual & Immersive Learning Platforms
  • Learning Experience Design (LXD)
  • Research & Evidence-Based Design
  • Governance & Leadership Development

Awards (selected)

  • Top 50 Women Leaders in Toronto – Women We Admire (2023 & 2024)
  • Outstanding Leadership in EdTech – Education 2.0 (2022)
  • Best Company: Tech Adaptika – Education 2.0 (2022)

Affiliations

  • Advisory Board Member – Miracle Math Coaching (2023–Present)
  • Chair – Global Leaders Organization, Toronto Chapter (2022–2024)
  • Board Member – Voila Learning; Tech Adaptika (2018–2022)
  • CMF Advisory Committee Member – Interactive Ontario (2022–2023)

Publications (selected)

  • Contributor, The AI Revolution: Thriving within Civilization’s Next Big Disruption (2024)
  • "Virtual Experiences – A Human Interaction Design Perspective," CBIE Annual Conference, 2020
  • "Building Community with a Virtual Campus," 2021
  • Guest Lecturer – Stanford University (2021), Columbia University (2018)

Languages

French
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Professor (Part-time), Digital Experience Design

George Brown College
09.2022 - Current

Chief Product & Operations Officer (Fractional)

KnowMeQ.com
03.2020 - 01.2022

Co-Founder, CEO/COO/CPSO

Tech Adaptika (now ConnectED Labs)
12.2019 - 06.2022

Founder & Principal Advisor/Researcher

Insight Research Group Inc.
11.2018 - Current

Business Developer

George Brown College Research & Innovation
11.2018 - 12.2019

MBA - Entrepreneurship & Blockchain

Quantic School of Business & Technology

MA - English Literature

University of Toronto

BA - English & Comparative Literature

McMaster University

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Emerging Technology (Generative AI)

Golden Gate University

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