In this season, we're shining a spotlight on the trailblazers in the tech industry, both established veterans and emerging talents, who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. I'm your host, Ceci Fischer-Benitez, and together, we'll explore their successes, understand the challenges they've faced, and dive into the unique experiences that have guided their tech careers. 

In this week’s episodes of the Chicago Techies Podcast we welcome President and CTO of the Quantum Corridor, Ryan Lafler, who takes us through a gripping journey from an Arizona kid enamored with tech to shaping the quantum communication frontier. Ryan shares his early passion for technology shaped by his father's Air Force background and his own unconventional path to success, focusing on practical engineering certifications.

 In the heart of our conversation, Ryan paints a vivid picture of the Midwest's potential to become a tech powerhouse. We traverse the transformative impact of the Quantum Corridor Network and the implications for secure communication technologies. Ryan highlights how effective leadership involves combining creative thinking about the future with careful attention to detail. He wraps up with a rallying call for the untapped technological prospects of the Midwest, advocating for digital equity and workforce development. For those intrigued by the tech world's vibrant opportunities, Ryan's story reaffirms that chasing one's passion is more than a cliché—it's a blueprint for success and satisfaction in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Connect with Ryan:

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlafler/ 

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Connect with Ceci:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfischerbenitez