Sean Murphy, '13 MBA

Sean Murphy (MBA ’13) is a seasoned tech leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation across startups, Fortune 500s, and public service. From Silicon Valley to Alberta, he’s led teams using emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. Formerly Head of Software & Innovation at Attabotics — where his AI and 5G work earned an ASTech Award — Sean now leads Alberta’s AI & Data Centre Strategy as Assistant deputy minister, helping position the province as a global innovation hub.

BAA: What led you to pursue an MBA after a background in computer science, and how has it shaped your approach to tech leadership?

I started out in computer science, which taught me how to code and solve complex problems. Early in my career, especially in consulting, I naturally stepped into leadership roles — but I often found myself in meetings where I didn’t fully grasp the financial or strategic discussions. That gap led me to pursue an MBA at the University of Alberta, which I completed in 2013.

The MBA gave me the business acumen I was missing — things like financial literacy, management frameworks, and industry context. Combined with my technical background, it’s been a powerful mix. It’s helped me lead more effectively in tech, bridging the gap between engineering and strategy, and understanding both how systems work and how to deliver real value to customers.

BAA: As Alberta’s Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief AI Officer, what are your top priorities for advancing the province’s AI & Data Centre Strategy — and what’s one key goal you aim to achieve in the next five years?

When I joined the Government of Alberta from industry about two and a half years ago, I started as Corporate CIO — overseeing systems, infrastructure, and roadmaps across all ministries. That role gave me a deep understanding of our technical landscape, including the accumulated technical debt and areas ripe for transformation.

With strong support from leadership, we're now embracing AI not just as a tool but as a foundational capability. Our top priority is enabling human-centric, AI-first workflows across government — where systems don't just support work but intelligently partner in it.

One key goal I hope to achieve within the next five years is to make Alberta’s public service the most AI-enabled in Canada. Through programs like “AI Maximalists,” we're rotating teams through immersive AI-first experiences, preparing them to lead innovation, not just adopt it. It’s an exciting time — and Alberta is well-positioned to lead.

BAA: How do you approach building long-term strategies in a field where the technology often evolves faster than policy?

It’s one of the biggest challenges in this space. AI is evolving at a pace unlike anything I’ve seen — even faster than previous tech shifts like service-oriented architecture or Web 2.0. Every week, there’s a new tool or platform that outpaces what came before. That’s why adaptability and curiosity are essential. My team and I stay constantly engaged with what’s emerging, knowing that this week’s policy assumptions might be outdated by next week.

The key is finding a balance — drafting policy that’s specific enough to be actionable, but flexible enough to accommodate rapid change. If it’s too vague, it becomes meaningless; too rigid, and it’s obsolete before it’s implemented. Our approach is to stay curious, agile, and grounded in what's best for the public, while keeping one eye on the next evolution.

BAA: What are some real-world challenges you think Alberta is uniquely positioned to solve using AI? Which sectors do you see AI transforming most in the near future?

Over the past year leading Alberta’s AI & Data Centre Strategy, it’s become clear that Alberta is uniquely positioned to support AI at scale. While power is a major constraint across North America, Alberta has both the capacity and political will to move quickly making it an attractive location for hyperscalers and data infrastructure.

With a strong energy sector, a cold climate ideal for data centres, and a growing AI ecosystem, Alberta is well-placed to lead in hosting and applying AI. From energy and logistics to healthcare and government, we’re already seeing AI drive real efficiencies. I’ve seen it firsthand — from pipelines to robotics startups. Alberta’s edge lies in marrying domain expertise with AI-first innovation, and this is just the beginning.

BAA: What’s your philosophy on mentoring the next generation of AI leaders in Alberta?

Having worked in both Alberta and Silicon Valley, I’ve seen different innovation cultures firsthand. In Alberta, there’s often a sense that certain things can’t be built here — simply because they haven’t been yet. But that’s not true. We have the talent and the potential.

My mentorship style focuses on fostering a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and experimentation — even if that means failing and trying again. We need to normalize that cycle of building and learning here at home. Equally important is cultivating local buyers. Start-ups shouldn’t need validation elsewhere before gaining support here. Alberta’s business and government sectors must become early adopters. As Jeffrey Moore notes in Crossing the Chasm, real growth happens when the early majority gets on board. Supporting Alberta-built tech from within is key to unlocking our innovation ecosystem.

BAA: In your view, what’s one technical skill and one interpersonal skill that are essential for standing out in today’s evolving AI job market?

On the technical side, it’s essential to develop AI fluency — not just knowing how to prompt a model for a report but understanding how to interact with AI systems in increasingly operational ways. We’re moving quickly from asking AI to say things to asking it to do things. That shift means you'll need to be specific, structured, and clear in how you communicate with these systems.

And that’s where the interpersonal skill comes in: succinct, purposeful communication. Whether you’re guiding an AI agent, collaborating in a team, or answering a question in a job interview — being vague simply won’t cut it. Ambiguity leads to hallucinations in machines, misalignment in teams, and missed opportunities. The future belongs to those who can think critically, express their intentions clearly, and package complex ideas in a direct, actionable way.

BAA: What words of wisdom would you share with the first cohort of ASB’s Master of Management Analytics?

You’ll often hear about data-driven decisions — but with AI, it goes further. Data now shapes the logic of the systems themselves, meaning your outcomes are only as good as your data.

My advice: take your data seriously. Even the best AI models can’t perform with poor-quality input. Strong analytics starts with understanding, cleaning, and structuring your data. And when it’s messy — as it often is — don’t walk away. Dig in, collaborate, and find ways to turn it into insight. That’s the skill that truly sets you apart.