Milena Kumurdjieva

Sharpshooter

DISC Type : CD

Managing Director, Data and AI at Air Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Milena is the Managing Director of Data and AI at Air Canada, leading the charge in embedding AI into the companys core operations. With nearly two decades of prior experience at Canadian Tire Corporation, she is an expert in transforming AI strategies into production-ready, enterprise-scale systems. Milena holds a certification from The Judy Project for executive women.

She is a people-first leader, passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering communities of practice. Her leadership style focuses on empowering teams to translate their collective intelligence into tangible value, and she has spoken at various industry events, including the Toronto Global Forum, on the topics of AI and automation.

Unique fact: Milena has been told that she works exceptionally well with geniuses.

Personality Overview

Rigorous & Demanding

ROI Driven

Fast But Analytical

They like to be in a position where they can control the conversation and terms. They like to act fast and expect others to do the same. They are not focused on building rapport and relationships.

Topics They Care About

Scaling AI Systems

Her entire career, from Canadian Tire to Air Canada, has focused on bridging the gap from AI algorithms and proofs-of-concept to full-scale production and adoption.

Responsible AI

A consistent theme in her profile and recent posts, she co-authored an article on the necessity of responsible AI for business success and focuses on safe GenAI deployment.

Generative & Agentic AI

At Canadian Tire, she led the strategy for an Agentic AI platform, and at Air Canada, she is taking GenAI systems from concept to production.

Scaling AI Systems: Her entire career, from Canadian Tire to Air Canada, has focused on bridging the gap from AI algorithms and proofs-of-concept to full-scale production and adoption.

Responsible AI: A consistent theme in her profile and recent posts, she co-authored an article on the necessity of responsible AI for business success and focuses on safe GenAI deployment.

Generative & Agentic AI: At Canadian Tire, she led the strategy for an Agentic AI platform, and at Air Canada, she is taking GenAI systems from concept to production.

Media Appearances

Milena has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2026

Managing Director, Data and AI at Air Canada

1-2024 - 1-2026

Associate Vice President, Applied AI and Automation at Canadian Tire Corporation

8-2021 - 12-2023

Associate Vice President, Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Automation Enablement at Canadian Tire Corporation

9-2019 - 8-2021

Associate Vice President, Intelligent Automation at Canadian Tire Corporation

4-2017 - 9-2019

Senior Program Manager at Canadian Tire Corporation

Education

1-2022 - 12-2026

PhD Candidate from Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (IICT) - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

M.S. from University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski"

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Managing Director, Data and AI at Air Canada

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Milena's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">CD</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Calculativeness</div>Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Dominance</div>Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Milena's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">cna</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Emotional Stability</div>Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Milena Kumurdjieva

Managing Director, Data and AI at Air Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Milena

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Speaking in a slightly hesitant manner, and seeking their permission at the start through a negation can get you a chance.

Pace: Speak slightly fast, especially if you tend to be calm and confident. Sound like a ‘knows their domain’ person.

Tone: Keep your tone slightly apprehensive, as if you are a little unsure about calling them.

Tactics To Win: Use of negations, giving full information

Mistakes To Avoid: Use of superlatives, overusing social proof

Making The Ask: Use negations, it is extra effective with them. It gives them a chance to say no, they like doing that.

Subconscious Driver: They believe they know a lot, so it needs to make sense as well as make them curious. They need to think that it is something worth investigation.

Greeting: Hi Milena, this is [user_fname] at [user_companynamefirsttwowords].

Opener: You probably don’t want to be on this cold call, would it be a problem if I asked for 30 seconds of your time?

Introduction: My company has leveraged 30+ years of research to build an AI that can predict anyone's personality, behavior and decision-making style before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Companies like [abc], [xyz] have been able to move [KPI1] by X% and [KPI2] by Y%. Would it be too much to put 15 minutes on your calendar to share why this could be high ROI for you?

Close: Can I suggest [time1] on [date1]? Or would you prefer any other slots? And [prospect_email] would be the right email ID for you?

When Writing An Email

Subject: To the point, measured

Salutation: No

Greeting: No

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Clearly state your ask

Complimentary Close: None or standard

Tone of Words: Confident, direct

Overall Messaging: Focused on measurable results

Length of Mail: Very Short

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Milena is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Milena

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Milena move?

Can Milena take some risk or not?

You And Milena

Personality Compatibility

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