What has been your business/work highlight of 2024 so far?

One of the key areas where XR can help is in hard skills training for younger workers. Industries like manufacturing, construction, and petrochemical are experiencing huge skills gaps. This is due to ageing employees and the perceived type of work not being appealing to millennials, who are now the largest generation in the workforce. Because they are digital natives, you can use technologies like XR to attract and retain this key talent.

Who is your business hero and why?

Alan Mullally, who was the CEO of Ford Motor Company from 2006 to 2014. His leadership style really brought out the best in people.

What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

Customers not having investment (money, people, or other resources) or ‘skin in the game’ in the early stages of a proof of concept. We tend to use complimentary services to attract people, but often they don’t stay engaged because it’s perceived that theres no loss if they don’t. Those that have investment early on are more likely to see it through.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read and why?

It’s an old one, but The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. There’s hardly a week that goes by that I’m not quoting one of those habits.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role in 2024?

Getting broader adoption of XR. The rise of AI, the downfall of the Metaverse, and the economical conditions have caused organisations to re-prioritise efforts away from XR.

What technology will have the greatest impact on your business this year and why?