Bridging the Gap: Shai Phillips on the Quantum Technology Executive Search Landscape

Insider Brief

• In the Tech Podcast, Shai Phillips, president of a quantum technology executive search firm, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the quantum computing industry.
• Phillips leads the firm, PSIRCH (pronounced ‘search’), is pioneering in its focus on senior management roles within the quantum sector.
• Phillips addresses a critical challenge in the quantum computing market is the pervasive skepticism and cynicism, even among industry insiders.

In the latest episode of the Tech Podcast, Shai Phillips, president of a company that provides quantum technology executive search firm, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the quantum computing industry. His firm, PSIRCH (pronounced ‘search’), is pioneering in its focus on senior management roles within the quantum sector.

PSIRCH stands out as the only dedicated division of an established executive search firm specializing exclusively in quantum technology. Founded in 2019 under the umbrella of Berkhemer Clayton Executive Search, a 30-year-old firm, PSIRCH leverages decades of experience serving Fortune 500 companies, private multinationals, universities, and nonprofits. ‘We are the only operation of our kind anywhere in the world,” Phillips explains.

Phillips grew up in London and studied at Cambridge University; his fascination with quantum mechanics was ignited by lectures from Stephen Hawking. Despite his non-technical academic background, his passion for quantum led him to spearhead PSIRCH’s quantum division following significant advancements in commercialization, such as Google’s Quantum Supremacy announcement.

‘I was extremely interested in quantum technology coming up,’ Phillips says. ‘In 2019, when commercialization began to take off, I realized we needed to carve out a niche in executive search for this burgeoning field.’

Phillips highlights a critical challenge in the quantum computing market: the pervasive skepticism and cynicism, even among industry insiders.

‘The biggest hurdle we face is skepticism. There’s a pervasive cynicism even among industry insiders,’ he notes. To combat this, Phillips writes a monthly column titled ‘The Unexaggerated Magic of Quantum’ in The Quantum Insider. ‘I aim to debunk the myth that quantum technology’s promises are overhyped. There is a lot of promise to quantum computing, and we need to shift the narrative from skepticism to optimism.’

The global quantum landscape is vibrant, with significant activity in the US, Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Companies like Pasqal in France and PsiQuantum, with its multinational roots, illustrate the industry’s global integration.

“Quantum is inherently global. You can’t do quantum on a domestic basis,” Phillips said.

The Quantum Insider’s intelligence platform tracks the number of quantum computing companies, providing valuable insights into the market. The platform tracks over 1,300 vendors across the supply chain and the number continues to grow.

Government funding, particularly from the US Department of Energy and Department of Defense, underscores the strategic importance of quantum technology. This funding is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge, especially against countries like China. ‘The strategic importance of quantum technology cannot be overstated. It’s about staying ahead, particularly in the face of competition from China.’

Yet, the market is still maturing. ‘We are early to the game,” Phillips acknowledges. “Most companies are building their quantum teams from the ground up, starting with junior engineers. It’s a grassroots approach.”

For technical positions, a PhD is typically required, along with considerations around security clearances due to national security implications.

“For technical roles, a PhD is almost always necessary. There are also significant national security concerns, so many positions require top secret security clearances,” Phillips said.

For executive roles, there’s more flexibility, according to Phillips, who added: “You can bring in talent from adjacent industries. For example, a CEO might come from a tech background rather than quantum specifically.”

PSIRCH employs a comprehensive approach to recruitment.

“We use everything from social media to direct outreach and networking. We leverage our extensive network within the quantum industry and go the extra mile to ensure a thorough and creative assessment process,” Phillips said

A key focus for PSIRCH is promoting women in leadership. “Our CEO, Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, has been a prolific advocate for women on corporate boards,” Phillips said. ‘There’s a strong movement within the quantum industry called Women in Quantum, which we actively support. We’re seeing positive trends, though there’s always room for improvement.”

Phillips offers a glimpse into the future of the quantum technology sector: ‘The quantum technology sector is poised for incredible growth. The need for specialized talent at the senior management level will become increasingly critical. With firms like PSIRCH leading the charge, the future looks promising.”