Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways

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Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways — hosted by Amir Rasool, Founder of QAi Talent The go‑to podcast for anyone building or joining the quantum workforce. Real conversations with founders, researchers and investors about breaking into quantum, structuring teams and hiring in a market with no playbook. Real stories. Real advice. Real careers.

  1. APR 1

    From Banking to Quantum Strategy — Brian Lenahan on Bridging Business and Frontier Tech

    In this episode, we are joined by Brian Lenahan — Founder ofthe Quantum Strategy Institute and a leading voice on the business adoption of quantum technologies — who transitioned from a career in banking and AI into becoming one of the early strategists focused on quantum’s commercial future. Since entering the space in 2019, Brian has worked at theintersection of business and emerging technology, helping organisations understand not just what quantum is — but how and when it matters. This episode explores the reality behind quantum adoption —from early curiosity and white space, to strategy, risk, and the growing urgency for organisations to act. We discuss:🧠 Brian’s transition from banking and AI into quantum strategy🚀 Why quantum isn’t just a technology shift — but a business adoption challenge📉 The early gap between research, vendors, and real customers in quantum📚 His books and frameworks for helping organisations think about quantum today🔐 The growing importance of post-quantum cryptography and “Q-Day” risk🏢 Why companies don’t need quantum physicists — but do need quantum strategists🌍 Government investment, ecosystem growth, and what it means for industry🎓 How individuals can realistically enter the quantum space without a physics background Guest: Brian Lenahan https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lenahan-innovation/Founder, Quantum Strategy Institutehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/quantum-strategy-instituteSubstack: Quantum’s BusinessBooks: Available on Amazon

    57 min

  2. FEB 19

    From Microsoft Quantum to Ecosystem Builder — Orlagh Neary’s Next Chapter

    New episode from Beyondthebit.co! In this episode, we are joined by Orlagh Neary — former Vice President of Quantum, AI, and Space Go-To-Market at Microsoft — who spent more than two decades leading commercialization strategy across some of the world’s most advanced emerging technologies. Since stepping away from Microsoft, Orlagh has launched Quantum Links, advising deep-tech founders on positioning and go-to-market execution, and founded the ORB Network — a fast-growing leadership and community platform supporting women navigating careers in technology, transition, and entrepreneurship. In this episode we explore what happens when frontier technology meets personal reinvention — from leading quantum inside Big Tech to building new ecosystems outside it. We discuss: 🧠 Orlagh’s 22-yearjourney inside Microsoft and leading quantum commercialization🚀 Her transition from Big Tech into advisory, venture building, and communitycreation📈 The most common go-to-market mistakes quantum and deep-tech startups make🤝 Why trust and positioning matter as much as technical capability🌍 The current state of quantum talent — and why the ecosystem isn’t ready yet🎓 How non-physicists can realistically break into the quantum industry👩‍💼 The vision behind the ORB Network and building opportunity, resilience, andbelonging Guest:Orlagh NearyFounder, Quantum Links | Creator, ORB Network LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlaghneary/ORB Network: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-orb-network/

    49 min
  3. Full Circle: Quantum, Business and Building Ecosystems – with Amro Imam

    JAN 29

    Full Circle: Quantum, Business and Building Ecosystems – with Amro Imam

    Full Circle: Quantum, Business and Building Ecosystems – with Amro Imam(https://www.linkedin.com/in/amroimam/) In this episode, I’m joined by Amro Imam — my very first guest on Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways — exactly one year after we recorded the first episode of the show. Amro is a physicist turned deep-tech operator who recently completed an MBA at NYU Abu Dhabi and is now building QAM, a new initiative focused on growing the quantum ecosystem across the Arab world through research collaboration, education, translation, and large-scale hackathons. The conversation goes beyond hardware roadmaps into what it actually takes to scale quantum: talent, capital, ecosystems, and long-term thinking. We discuss: 🧠 How the quantum industry has changed over the past 12 months🎓 Why Amro moved from pure research into business and venture building💼 The real challenges quantum startups face when dealing with investors🤖 The growing overlap between quantum and AI funding narratives🌍 Building sustainable quantum ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa📚 Removing language barriers through Arabic quantum education and translation⚙️ Why hackathons are one of the most effective tools for developing new quantum talent 🔗 QAM on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qam-%D9%83%D9%85/💬 Join the QAM community on Discord: https://discord.gg/dH4H8rTayh #QuantumComputing, #QuantumEcosystem, #DeepTech, #QuantumStartups, #QuantumCareers, #MiddleEastTech, #MENAtech, #TechEcosystems, #VentureBuilding, #BeyondTheBit, #Podcast

    36 min

  4. JAN 26

    Inside Quantum Hiring: Ethics, Mistakes, and the Talent Reality – with John Barnes

    In this episode, Amir Rasool speaks with John Barnes, Founder of Entangled Positions and one of the earliest specialist recruiters to work in quantum. John has been operating in the space since 2014—long before quantum hiring became commercial or mainstream. The conversation goes beyond job titles and buzzwords into what actually shapes successful quantum teams. They discuss: 🧠 How early-stage quantum teams are really built🚀 Common hiring mistakes that slow startups down⚙️ Why perfection is the enemy of progress in technical hiring🌍 Global quantum talent movement across the UK, Europe, and the US⚖️ The role of ethics in recruitment within a small ecosystem🎓 Whether a PhD is truly required for a serious career in quantum🤝 Why collaboration between “competitors” often works better in quantum than in other industries Guest: John BarnesFounder, Entangled PositionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/entangled/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entangled-positions/ Host: Amir RasoolFounder, QAi Talent | Host, Beyond the Bit: Quantum PathwaysLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirrasool/Website: https://www.qaitalent.com

    1h 7m

  5. 10/31/2025

    The Quantum Communicator: Balancing Research and Outreach with Maria Violaris

    Quantum research is pushing boundaries — but withoutclear communication, how do we cross into the future? In this episode of Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways,I sat down with Maria Violaris, Quantum Physicist, Science Communicator, and Content Creator at Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC). Maria is a rare talent who proves that deep technical expertise and high-quality storytelling are a powerful "superpower." 🔥 In this episode, we dive into: 💎 Maria's unique hybrid role balancing advanced research like quantum error correction)with vital external communication. 🧠 How making content for the public actually fuels and informs her fundamental quantum research. 🏆 The mission behind her efforts, including the Quantum Foundations podcast and the "Quantum on the Clock" competition. 🚀 The most exciting opportunities and challenges as the industry scales toward mega-cop quantum computers. 💡 Maria's essential advice on why you shouldn't feel pressured to "stay in one lane" in your career. If you’re curious about how technical knowledge istranslated for the world—and why embracing diverse skill sets is critical for the quantum ecosystem—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 👉 Connect with Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-violaris/

    39 min

  6. 09/24/2025

    From Teenage Quantum Pioneer to Global Educator — Arda Abay & QUCAN

    At just 13, Arda Abay was studying quantum computing with researchers at MIT and Oxford. Today, he’s the founder of QUCAN — a global online academy making quantum education accessible to learners, professionals, and executives worldwide. In this episode of BeyondTheBit: Quantum Pathways, Arda and I explore his journey and how QUCAN is: Lowering barriers to entry with its flagship QC101 program Bridging theory and real-world skills through industry partnerships with Q-CTRL and Classiq Building a global community of learners already spanning 30+ countries 👉 Connect with QUCAN and Arda: 🌐 https://www.qcan.org 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/qcan 🐦 https://x.com/qcanx 👤 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardaabay/

    29 min

  7. 09/10/2025

    Christopher Bishop: Improvising Careers & Thriving in the Future of Work

    In this episode, Amir Rasool speaks with Christopher Bishop — career futurist, quantum industry voice, and author of Improvising Careers: Succeed at Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet. Across eight careers — from touring rock musician, to jingle composer, to IBM executive, to quantum tech thought-leader — Chris has mastered career reinvention and staying ahead of change. He introduces his Future Career Toolkit: 🎤 Voice – finding what truly resonates with you 📡 Antenna – tuning into the conversations and trends shaping tomorrow 🌐 Mesh – building a network that opens doors to new possibilities We explore: ✅ Why fear of change holds people back — and how to replace it with curiosity and confidence ✅ The historical patterns that show reinvention has always been part of progress ✅ How AI, quantum computing, and emerging technologies are reshaping skills and creating new career paths ✅ Practical steps to build resilience, adaptability, and future-ready skills This was one of the most energising conversations I’ve had — not just about the future of work, but about how to design your own career with intention. Connect with Christopher Bishop on LinkedIn by searching his name, and follow me, Amir Rasool, for more conversations on tech and talent.

    38 min

  8. 08/26/2025

    Demystifying Quantum: How Dr. Jonas Kölzer is Opening Doors for Everyone

    “Quantum tech is racing ahead — but without accessible education, who will keep up?” In this episode of Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways, I sat down with Dr. Jonas Kölzer, physicist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Polarstern Education. Jonas is the driving force behind the School of Quantum, a new initiative breaking down barriers and making quantum learning accessible for everyone. 🔥 In this episode, we dive into: 💎 Jonas’ journey from physics research to building global learning platforms 💎 The mission and vision of the School of Quantum 💎 How hidden quantum champions are shaping the ecosystem 💎 The role of AI and digital tools in transforming education 💎 Why democratizing quantum is critical for the next generation of innovators If you’re curious about how quantum education is evolving — and why it matters for the future of industry, startups, and careers — this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    41 min
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Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways — hosted by Amir Rasool, Founder of QAi Talent The go‑to podcast for anyone building or joining the quantum workforce. Real conversations with founders, researchers and investors about breaking into quantum, structuring teams and hiring in a market with no playbook. Real stories. Real advice. Real careers.

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