About
About SYSTEMshift
About SYSTEMshift
SYSTEMshift is a Canadian AI consultancy built for human-centered transformation. We help small and mid-sized businesses use AI in ways that are ethical, strategic, and actually useful—so teams can work smarter, serve people better, and scale what matters.
Founded by Bernadette, a UX strategist turned AI Management Consultant, SYSTEMshift bridges emerging tech and real-world business needs. We draw on deep experience across government, education, finance, and tech—from designing services for My Service Canada to shaping AI ethics for Fortune 500 teams.
What makes us different? We don’t sell AI hype. We help you apply the right tools for the right reasons, guided by clarity, structure, and purpose.
SYSTEMshift is a Canadian AI consultancy built for human-centered transformation. We help small and mid-sized businesses use AI in ways that are ethical, strategic, and actually useful—so teams can work smarter, serve people better, and scale what matters.
Founded by Bernadette, a UX strategist turned AI Management Consultant, SYSTEMshift bridges emerging tech and real-world business needs. We draw on deep experience across government, education, finance, and tech—from designing services for My Service Canada to shaping AI ethics for Fortune 500 teams.
What makes us different? We don’t sell AI hype. We help you apply the right tools for the right reasons, guided by clarity, structure, and purpose.
Why We Exist
Why We Exist
We believe:
We believe:
Technology should work in service of people—not distract, overwhelm, or replace them
Small businesses deserve big-system clarity
Ethics, inclusion, and strategy aren’t optional—they’re foundational
Technology should work in service of people—not distract, overwhelm, or replace them
Small businesses deserve big-system clarity
Ethics, inclusion, and strategy aren’t optional—they’re foundational
We know that off-the-shelf tools don’t always cut it
—especially for small to mid-sized businesses juggling Microsoft 365, SharePoint, CRMs, and industry-specific platforms. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a fresh perspective to connect the dots and make the most of what’s already in place.
We know that off-the-shelf tools don’t always cut it
—especially for small to mid-sized businesses juggling Microsoft 365, SharePoint, CRMs, and industry-specific platforms. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a fresh perspective to connect the dots and make the most of what’s already in place.
That’s why SYSTEMshift delivers bespoke solutions—backed by real experience solving complex problems across sectors.
At IBM iX (IBM’s digital agency), Bernadette led consulting engagements spanning financial services, public health, logistics, and higher education. Her role? Helping clients turn ambiguity into action.
This often meant facilitating cross-functional design thinking workshops to align teams, uncover blind spots, and co-create a shared vision—before making any technology decisions.
As a trained UX researcher, Bernadette also guided clients who weren’t sure where to start with customer insights—leading end-to-end research to uncover real needs, validate direction, and reduce risk before investing in tools or features.
Today, that experience fuels a nimble approach: custom-fit strategies, lean but scalable delivery, and a trusted bench of specialists who join when needed. Because SMBs deserve tailored transformation—not one-size-fits-all fixes.
That’s why SYSTEMshift delivers bespoke solutions—backed by real experience solving complex problems across sectors.
At IBM iX (IBM’s digital agency), Bernadette led consulting engagements spanning financial services, public health, logistics, and higher education. Her role? Helping clients turn ambiguity into action.
This often meant facilitating cross-functional design thinking workshops to align teams, uncover blind spots, and co-create a shared vision—before making any technology decisions.
As a trained UX researcher, Bernadette also guided clients who weren’t sure where to start with customer insights—leading end-to-end research to uncover real needs, validate direction, and reduce risk before investing in tools or features.
Today, that experience fuels a nimble approach: custom-fit strategies, lean but scalable delivery, and a trusted bench of specialists who join when needed. Because SMBs deserve tailored transformation—not one-size-fits-all fixes.
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Bernadette. I founded SYSTEMshift after 20+ years in UX, product, and service design. Along the way, I’ve helped government agencies build more inclusive services, advised global banks on automation, and coached teams through the messy middle of transformation.
As a former IBM consultant, I worked across industries helping organizations identify the right problems, align stakeholders, and deploy ethical AI systems with purpose. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to translate strategy into action—and how often smaller teams are left behind.
Now, I focus on helping SMBs bring AI into the fold—thoughtfully, ethically, and with real results. I hold certifications from Harvard and IBM in AI strategy, business fundamentals, and product management. I’m also a lifelong systems thinker. To me, good design means understanding how systems, people, and decisions interact—and shaping those connections with care.
As a former IBM consultant, I worked across industries helping organizations identify the right problems, align stakeholders, and deploy ethical AI systems with purpose. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to translate strategy into action—and how often smaller teams are left behind.
Now, I focus on helping SMBs bring AI into the fold—thoughtfully, ethically, and with real results. I hold certifications from Harvard and IBM in AI strategy, business fundamentals, and product management. I’m also a lifelong systems thinker. To me, good design means understanding how systems, people, and decisions interact—and shaping those connections with care.
Testimonials & Recognition
Endorsements from UX, AI & Business Leaders
Helen Romano
Head of IBM iX
Bernadette is an exceptional UX/UI researcher and designer. Her strategic insights and design expertise consistently delivered impactful solutions, making her highly sought after by clients and product teams alike.
Ranvir Malik
Senior Managing Consultant
IBM Canada
You are outstanding—you make a difference. Your unselfish support introduced us to the Mural universe, leading to transformative collaboration.
Uddipana Baishya
Senior Design Researcher
TD Invent
Bernadette, your blend of skills is truly impressive. Managing repository design, development, testing, and debugging as a one-woman team was remarkable. You handled a heavy workload under tight deadlines with composure and adaptability, always eager for feedback and continuous improvement.
Testimonials & Recognition
Endorsements from UX, AI & Business Leaders
Helen Romano
Head of IBM iX
Bernadette is an exceptional UX/UI researcher and designer. Her strategic insights and design expertise consistently delivered impactful solutions, making her highly sought after by clients and product teams alike.
Ranvir Malik
Senior Managing Consultant
IBM Canada
You are outstanding—you make a difference. Your unselfish support introduced us to the Mural universe, leading to transformative collaboration.
Uddipana Baishya
Senior Design Researcher
TD Invent
Bernadette, your blend of skills is truly impressive. Managing repository design, development, testing, and debugging as a one-woman team was remarkable. You handled a heavy workload under tight deadlines with composure and adaptability, always eager for feedback and continuous improvement.
Testimonials & Recognition
Endorsements from UX, AI & Business Leaders
Helen Romano
Head of IBM iX
Bernadette is an exceptional UX/UI researcher and designer. Her strategic insights and design expertise consistently delivered impactful solutions, making her highly sought after by clients and product teams alike.
Ranvir Malik
Senior Managing Consultant
IBM Canada
You are outstanding—you make a difference. Your unselfish support introduced us to the Mural universe, leading to transformative collaboration.
Uddipana Baishya
Senior Design Researcher
TD Invent
Bernadette, your blend of skills is truly impressive. Managing repository design, development, testing, and debugging as a one-woman team was remarkable. You handled a heavy workload under tight deadlines with composure and adaptability, always eager for feedback and continuous improvement.