How to Talk to Your Boss About Quantum: The Business Chat You Didn’t Know You Needed

Editor’s Note: Based on some conversations, people with non-quantum backgrounds, but who are convinced of the technology’s potential and are working in businesses that might be affected by quantum, have told me they are struggling to open up conversations with management at their businesses about quantum technologies. The bosses seem not to understand, or may even be oblivious to, the possibilities of a quantum era. The manage-up predicament of non-experts trying to convince reluctant, or uninformed — or misinformed — bosses reminded me a little of those old “How to Talk to Your Children About X” health pamphlets. So, here’s our own version — “How to Talk to Your Boss About Quantum”.

If you’ve ever found yourself nervously shifting in your seat, trying to explain why quantum computing isn’t just a distant futuristic dream but something your company should think about — and think about now — you’re not alone. Talking about quantum technologies in the workplace can feel a bit like an awkward conversation parents have with their teenagers about important topics. The eyes glaze over, the disinterest becomes palpable, and somehow, the message gets lost.

But, you also know — with a quick look at the headlines — that quantum technologies are advancing and, while it’s hard to know for sure when the impact will be felt, you know that when the quantum era arrives it will be transformative. And businesses will either thrive or dive depending on their state of preparedness.

So fear not: this guide will help you have “the talk” about quantum with your boss, addressing all the objections you’re likely to hear.

“Quantum? Isn’t That Just for Sci-Fi?”

One of the biggest barriers to discussing quantum computing is the perception that it’s decades away from reality. Quantum seems like something out of a science fiction movie—powerful, mysterious, and largely theoretical. It’s important to remind your boss that while full-scale quantum computers are still in development, quantum technology is already being commercialized and beginning to be integrated into forward-thinking businesses today.

Major companies like IBM, Google and Microsoft have quantum divisions that are not only working on research but are offering access to quantum platforms via cloud computing. Whether it’s optimization of supply chains or developing chemical compounds more efficiently, businesses are exploring how quantum could provide a competitive edge.

If your boss thinks quantum is a far-off fantasy, hit them with examples from real companies leveraging early-stage quantum for practical, measurable results.

“We don’t need to own a quantum computer yet, but we do need to understand how it could change our industry in the near future,” might be the best opener.

“Isn’t This Going to Be Way Too Expensive?”

Ah, the classic budget concern. Those “personal computers” are too expensive, am I right? The internet — And that expensive monthly subscription? No thank you.

Quantum is undoubtedly expensive—building quantum hardware, running simulations, and developing algorithms require significant resources. But the good news is, your company doesn’t need to buy its own quantum computer or hire a team of PhDs from MIT.

For example, Quantum as a Service (QaaS) models make quantum accessible for initial research and trials without massive upfront investment. Quantum can be rented, just like cloud computing services, which allows businesses to explore quantum solutions on a pay-per-use basis. With this approach, quantum’s impact can be tested on small-scale, high-value problems that could save the company money in the long run.

For example, experts project that one day quantum computing’s ability to handle complex optimizations and data analysis will lead to massive efficiency gains in logistics, pharmaceuticals and even financial modeling. These small investments now may well pay off later when competitors who are quantum-ready start seeing cost and efficiency advantages.

“But It’s Too Hard to Understand!”

Quantum technology is notoriously complex, and your boss isn’t wrong to feel apprehensive. However, you don’t need a deep technical background to grasp the business benefits of quantum. Begin with simple analogies. Think of classical computers as an old calculator—fast and reliable but ultimately limited in solving certain problems, like modeling the exact movements of molecules. Quantum computers, by contrast, work with quantum bits (qubits), which allow them to perform many calculations very quickly. They excel in areas where traditional computers struggle: solving optimization problems, simulating materials, and cracking complex encryption codes.

Your boss should also know that scientists and engineers are working on integrating quantum computing into current classical computing equipment, so it’s not about replacing what we currently know… it’s expanding what we know into new realms of computing.

You can also ease your boss into the conversation by framing it as an investment in the future. Just as businesses had to learn to adapt to the internet and cloud computing, quantum is possibly the next wave of technological disruption.

And it’s better to be ahead of that wave than left behind.

“It’ll Never Actually Happen, Right?”

This is perhaps one of the most common objections—and also the most dangerous. If your boss dismisses quantum as something that will “never actually happen,” they’re ignoring the rapid pace of development and the real-world applications being explored today. Quantum isn’t just theory anymore; we’re already seeing quantum experiments in finance, healthcare and energy. Quantum computers have simulated molecules for drug development, optimized algorithms for portfolio management, and tackled logistical challenges in transportation.

Many experts agree that while a universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer may still be a decade away, practical quantum applications are already within reach. Whether it’s quantum encryption for securing communications or using quantum algorithms to streamline business operations, quantum is not a “never” technology—it’s more of a “when” technology.

Your boss might appreciate knowing that big names like Volkswagen and JP Morgan Chase are early adopters, exploring quantum’s capabilities in electric vehicle routing and financial optimization, respectively. Quantum is already affecting industries, and the longer businesses wait to engage, the more they risk falling behind.

You should also mention that entire quantum communities — or ecosystems — and other agents of acceleration are coming together to help companies, research institutions, universities and policy makers learn more about quantum computing and other quantum technologies to seize their transformative future. They know that quantum is tough to understand and communicate compellingly. They also know that the ecosystem is vast and complicated — that teams need help connecting with each other. They exist to help make those connections and provide the baby steps necessary to begin the journey.

Just a few examples: Mountain West, Chicago Quantum Exchange, South Carolina Quantum Association, QLLIANSE, Massachusetts Quantum Computing Ecosystem, Quantum Delta NL, Quantum BC and many, many more…

“Cybersecurity? Why Should We Care?”

One thing your boss might have heard about quantum is its potential to upend cybersecurity. In science communication research, these types of threat appeals are tricky and can lead to unhelpful behaviors, such as denialism and even active opposition.

So, while quantum’s threat to cybersecurity is true, it’s only part of the story and one that you shouldn’t exclusively rely on to convince your boss about the importance of quantum technology. Quantum computing could eventually crack today’s encryption, and businesses must start thinking about quantum-safe cryptography. But quantum also holds immense potential for strengthening cybersecurity systems, too.

Quantum key distribution (QKD), for example, is a method that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to create virtually unhackable communications. Financial institutions and government agencies are already experimenting with QKD, and as quantum matures, it could become the backbone of secure digital communications. (Just a note. While QKD is a well-known quantum-safe communication method, alternatives such as Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Digital Signatures and Quantum Secret Sharing, among others, offer different approaches to securing and sharing data in the quantum era.)

Beyond security, quantum could also transform sectors like healthcare (by accelerating drug discovery) and transportation (by improving route optimization for logistics companies). Bringing these examples up can help steer the conversation away from doom-and-gloom predictions about cybersecurity and toward exciting new opportunities.

Putting It All Together

So, how do you talk to your boss about quantum without losing their attention? First, break it down simply—focus on the tangible benefits and real-world applications. Let them know that quantum isn’t some far-flung fantasy but an emerging technology with the power to reshape industries.

Address common objections head-on, from cost concerns to perceived complexity. Quantum isn’t something your business needs to dive into right this second with an army of quantum engineers. It’s something they need to understand and be prepared for, so when the quantum revolution truly kicks off, they’ll be ready to ride the wave, not scramble to catch up.

Finally, remind them: quantum may sound intimidating, but so did the internet once upon a time. And just like the digital revolution, the quantum era is coming—faster than many expect.