Vancouver, BC · Canada

Tianyi (Mia) Liu

AI Strategist & Co-Founder @ SGSI | Marathon Runner | Equestrian Enthusiast

Building AI solutions by day, conquering trails by weekend. I bring the same strategic thinking to closing deals as I do to finishing marathons—it's all about pacing, perseverance, and knowing when to sprint.

Tianyi Liu

About Me

I co-founded SGSI because I believe AI should actually solve real problems, not just sound impressive in pitch decks. With 5+ years turning complex data into business wins, I've helped organizations go from "AI-curious" to "AI-profitable"—delivering solutions that have doubled client performance metrics and closed deals worth half a million dollars. Now, as CTO & Backend Engineer at The Acquist, I'm building their entire SaaS platform from scratch—owning everything from system architecture and database design to secure API development and RBAC implementation. Think Supabase, PostgreSQL, React/Vite, CI/CD pipelines, and scalable infrastructure that powers global HR operations.

Currently wrapping up my Master's in Analytics at Ivey Business School (yes, with a scholarship), I nerd out over machine learning models, strategic growth, and cybersecurity best practices. I'm big on OWASP principles, secure authentication flows, and making sure no API endpoint becomes an open door for attackers. From SQL injection prevention to implementing proper RLS policies, I treat security like a full-contact sport. But here's the plot twist: I also run marathons, spend weekends horseback riding, and dominate badminton courts. Because who says you can't optimize both algorithms and your personal best?

I've served as a Condo Board President (harder than any boardroom negotiation), advocated for Indigenous rights, and basically learned that leadership is leadership—whether you're pitching to C-suite executives or organizing community events. Life's too short for boring bios, so let's just say I'm here to build cool stuff, run long distances, and occasionally make people laugh.

Experience

CTO & Backend Engineer

The Acquist · Self-employed

Aug 2025 - Present

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada · Remote

Driving technical leadership and backend engineering at The Acquist, where I am building the company's SaaS platform from the ground up. Own the backend architecture and system design across Supabase, PostgreSQL, secure APIs, RBAC, and CI/CD, while ensuring the platform is scalable, secure, and built for long-term growth. Lead technical execution by working closely with cross-functional team members on roadmap priorities, feature delivery, and architecture decisions, helping transform early-stage product ideas into production-ready solutions. Combine strategic thinking with hands-on development to support both platform stability and team effectiveness, while fostering a collaborative and high-ownership working style across the startup.

Program Management Google Cloud Platform (GCP) +3 skills

Co-Founder in Consultation & Agentic AI Solutions

SGSI · Permanent Full-time

Dec 2024 - Aug 2025

Markham, Ontario, Canada · Hybrid

Designed and delivered ChatGPT-powered and agentic AI solutions for legal and hospitality organizations, combining client consultation, solution design, and cross-functional project execution. Partnered with clients to assess workflow inefficiencies, define AI opportunities, and develop tailored conversational systems integrated with internal documents and external service channels. Worked alongside technical teams to guide implementation, refine prompts and user flows, and ensure the final solution addressed both operational and customer experience goals. Helped deploy AI assistants that automated intake, inquiry management, and support processes, improving responsiveness, scalability, and overall engagement while meeting industry-specific compliance expectations.

Chatbot Development Legal Tech Hospitality AI NLP

Business Analyst

Skyone Global Inc · Permanent Full-time

May 2019 - Dec 2024

Toronto, Ontario, Canada · Hybrid

Led CRM and ERP integration projects, bridging technical and business teams to streamline enterprise systems. Specialized in Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics implementations, designing data flows and API integrations to unify sales, finance, and operations. Used SQL and Python to migrate legacy data, automate workflows, and build custom dashboards for executive reporting.

  • Closed high-value B2B deals, including a $500K CRM-ERP integration for a healthcare chain and a $300K Salesforce automation solution for a fintech client
  • Architected bi-directional integrations between CRM and ERP systems, reducing manual data entry by 85% and improving sales forecasting accuracy
  • Led cross-functional teams through system implementations, conducting UAT sessions and ensuring seamless adoption across sales, finance, and operations departments
  • Delivered custom API integrations and middleware solutions connecting disparate systems with clear ROI and scalability
CRM Integration ERP Systems Salesforce SAP API Integration

Education

🎓

Master of Management in Analytics

Ivey Business School at Western University

Aug 2025

Ivey Scholarship
🎓

Data Analytics and AI

University of Toronto

Completed

Grade: 97.08
📜

ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers

Coursera

2025

Prompt Engineering AI Engineering
🔒

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Coursera

2026

Cybersecurity Network Security Threat Analysis

When I'm Not Building AI Solutions...

🏃‍♀️

Marathon Running

Because nothing says "I make good life decisions" like voluntarily running 42 kilometers. My PR keeps improving, unlike my ability to explain why I do this to non-runners.

🏇

Equestrian

Horseback riding: where I practice patience, balance, and the art of looking graceful while secretly holding on for dear life. Also, horses don't care about your KPIs, which is refreshing.

🏸

Badminton

My smash game is almost as strong as my sales pitch. Fast-paced, strategic, and surprisingly competitive—basically business consulting but with a shuttlecock.

⛰️

Hiking

Vancouver's trails are my therapy sessions. Nothing clears your head like a steep incline and the looming threat of bears. Plus, the views beat any conference room.

Community Impact

Condo Board President

TSCC · Social Services

May 2023 - Jun 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

Led board meetings, navigated neighbor disputes, and mastered the fine art of reading bylaws at 11 PM. Turns out managing budgets and community expectations is excellent training for startup life.

Fundraising Volunteer

Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC) · Human Rights

Feb 2015 - Apr 2020 · 5 yrs 3 mos

Raised digital awareness about the Sixties Scoop and contributed to preserving Indigenous rights through strategic advocacy. Some things matter more than business metrics.

aborginalsupport.com

Let's Connect

Interested in discussing AI strategies, digital transformation, or potential collaboration opportunities? I'd love to hear from you.