Last month, The Quantum Insider detailed an interview with SandboxAQ’s CEO Jack Hidary, a company that stands as an example of innovation in quantum computing and AI, one that fosters a culture that nurtures personal and professional growth. Luca Ferrara, a General Manager at SandboxAQ, exemplifies this ethos, having embarked on a remarkable journey that took him from a 20% project at Google to becoming an integral part of the AQ revolution.
Reflecting on his path this month, Ferrara had this to share: “I’m really happy that I followed that curiosity because I was able to go from meeting and understanding the SandboxAQ team to really becoming part of it.” His unwavering pursuit of knowledge and exploration is a driving force behind his success.
At SandboxAQ, continuous learning is deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA.
“Continuous professional development is just kind of in the air. You’ll often hear people talking about what they’re working on on their learning plan,” said Ferrara. This commitment to growth extends beyond technical domains, with team members pursuing diverse interests like flying, martial arts, and even playing guitar in subway stations.
Ferrara’s advice to those interested in the AQ revolution is to embrace curiosity and follow their passions.
“You’d be surprised at how far your curiosity and what you know can get you and how far you’ll go just based off of that,” he remarked. Whether it’s drug discovery, quantum sensing, or security, Ferrara encourages individuals to explore applications that resonate with them, as these areas hold immense potential for impact.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the AQ field, Ferrara stressed the diverse roles available, stating: “Not everybody needs to be a scientist, not everybody needs to be an engineer. There are plenty of them and are great, I work with them. But a lot of the impact I’ve been able to have actually has not been from that.”
At SandboxAQ, personal growth and development are not mere buzzwords; they are deeply ingrained values that shape the company’s culture.
“I think that a lot of us, if we were to reflect on a particular role in our career that we didn’t love, we might describe it as something like being a dead-end, or somewhere where I wasn’t growing anymore,” he said.
By fostering an environment that actively encourages learning, exploration, and personal growth, SandboxAQ is paving the way for a future where the convergence of AI and quantum computing unlocks transformative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Ferrara’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that embracing curiosity and seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable destinations.
Featured image: Credit: SandboxAQ
