The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping ARVR in 2024

Imagination knows no bounds in the realm of Virtual Reality.

Victors Trailblazing AR & VR he landscape of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is being shaped by influential leaders who are driving innovation, pushing T boundaries, and shaping the future of these transformative technologies. These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, spanning tech giants, startups, research institutions, and academia. They are visionaries who understand the potential of AR and VR to revolutionize industries, enhance human experiences, and reshape the way we interact with the world. Ed?or's Ed?or's Ed?or's Their contributions extend beyond mere technological advancements; they are also champions of collaboration, driving partnerships, and ecosystem development to accelerate the adoption of AR and VR on a global scale. Through their leadership, they inspire creativity, foster talent, and cultivate a culture of innovation that fuels progress and propels the industry forward. Note Note Note From groundbreaking hardware advancements to pioneering software solutions, these leaders are at the forefront of development, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Their influence extends beyond their respective organizations, shaping industry trends, setting standards, and charting the course for the future of AR and VR. Through the latest edition of The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping AR/VR in 2024, we recognize the contributions of these influential leaders who continue to drive the industry forward, shaping a future where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds blur, and immersive experiences become an integral part of our everyday lives.

Ibrahim Jilani 08 A Tech Luminary Shaping Consumer Technology CXO C O V E R S T O R Y The Digital Leader’s 20 Changing Skillset for All Industries Profiles Ken Hubbell 22 Redefining Educa?on Through Technology-Driven Solu?ons Teppo Rantanen 26 Pioneering Tampere’s Journey to the Ethically Safe Metaverse Articles Unlocking the Potential 16 How Augmented Reality is Revolu?onizing Industries The Future of Work 30 How Augmented and Virtual Reality are Shaping Remote Collabora?on

Featured Person Company Name Brief Executive Partner Chair & NED at Neumann Executive Alicja Jaworska certificated in Coaching and Mentoring at Cambridge Partner Neumann Executive Management and Leadership School/ member of the Executive Search www.neumannexecutive.com Association for Coaching and Healthcare & Ethics & Interim Manage Pooja M Bansal Committee VRARA. Editor-in-Chief Anton Ebert Anton has passion for digitalizing education, developing Siemens Healthineers VR services, communicating to lots of interesting people Senior Key Expert www.siemens-healthineers.com CONTENT and a "slight" adiction to technology. XR technologies FOLLOW US ON Barry Prewitt Barry is an experienced Project/Process Manager with a Stryker Design Services demonstrated history of managing software development www.stryker.com projects. Process Manager WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Drew works for Gulfstream Aerospace in the Business DESIGN Drew Holbrook Technology organization’s Extended Realities (XR) Gulfstream Aerospace Manager - Extended group. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from N.C. www.gulfstream.com State University and currently in 16th year with Realities (XR) Gulfstream Aerospace. CONTACT US ON Erica is a strategist and design leader with a drive for creative NASA - National productivity. 25 years experience in hands-on contribution, Aeronautics and Erika Flowers 10 years of strategic experience leadership in organizations Space Administration Erika Flowers SALES across the entire innovation, product, and service capability www.nasa.gov maturity spectrum. Haydar is CDO of Karsan Automotive, producing for the Haydar Vural world's leading automotive companies, including its own Karsan Automotive Chief Digital Officer brand, in its state-of-the-art facilities in the commercial www.karsan.com (CDO) vehicle segment. Ibrahim is a Global team builder and business leader. He Ibrahim Jilani TECHNICAL UL Solutions specializes in developing new services/products, opening Global Director of new customer segments, increasing customer loyalty, www.ul.com/solutions Consumer technology growing top line revenue and profitability. Ken Hubbell With over 20 years of experience in the EdTech industry, Soffos Inc. Ken is a pragmatic futurist who designs for tomorrow and Chief Executive SME-SMO www.soffos.ai builds for today. Officer Roman is the founder of XPANCEO, a multidisciplinary team of almost 50 world - class scientists, engineers, and XPANCEO Roman Axelrod accomplished executive leaders ready to disrupt the www.xpanceo.com Founder conventional reign of silicon era technologies and propel humanity towards the next generation of computing. sales@ciolook.com Teppo, from TMT focused partner specializing in Tampereen Digitilization and Internet of Things, especially from the point Teppo Rantanen kaupunki - City of Tampere May, 2024 of view of Value Creation and New Ecosystems into public Executive Director www.tampere.fi sector implementing Smart cities and digitilization activities.

Cover Story Ibrahim Jilani A Tech Luminary Shaping Consumer Technology With a rich history spanning 130 years, UL Solu?ons has developed a robust process for risk management, priori?zing employee safety and the “ development of innova?ve services.”

eet the esteemed Global Director of Consumer Technology at UL Solutions, Ibrahim believes that innova?on is the catalyst M Ibrahim Jilani. He has an impressive career spanning over 18 years with the company. As the for significant transforma?on, as it industry leader for Consumer Technology, Ibrahim meets and redefines consumer needs, leads UL Solutions endeavors in pioneering new technology and innovation across a diverse spectrum crea?ng opportuni?es “ of manufacturers. for mass adop?on. Upon joining UL Solutions in 2005 as Ibrahim's expertise includes a wide range of sectors, a project engineer in appliances, Ibrahim including AR/VR/MR equipment, Audio/Video, embarked on a career journey that led him to support Batteries, Consumer Electronics, Robotics, Data the latest innovations in industrial, commercial, and Centers, and more. Ibrahim's leadership extends consumer electronics. His role has involved ensuring beyond mere management; he plays a pivotal role in as they introduce their latest innovative products to that these innovations reach the market in safe and shaping UL Solutions mission to address global market. Ibrahim emphasizes the company's reliable ways, mirroring his childhood experiences industry challenges through product evaluation, commitment to ensuring safety, security, and aiding his father with product launches. testing, and certification. sustainability in consumer technology by collaborating with manufacturers before product launches. UL Addressing Industry Needs Post-Service Delivery Ibrahim is a recognized leader in his field. He Solutions, alongside its parent standard development represents UL Solutions in various industry trade company, UL Standards & Engagement, evaluates the Ibrahim underlines the importance of customer groups and serves as a key liaison for manufacturers, need for new standards and certification programs to satisfaction, ease of doing business, and loyalty at UL regulators, and retailers worldwide. His dedication to safeguard public safety. Solutions. The company is dedicated to providing an excellence has earned him the prestigious Mark of exceptional customer experience by treating both new Excellence—a UL Solutions program that recognizes One significant example of this proactive approach is in and existing customers with respect, ensuring employees who exceed expectations—award on five the field of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), expeditious service delivery, and maintaining timely occasions, a testament to his unwavering and mixed reality (MR) equipment, collectively known and relevant communication. commitment to driving positive change and as XR Equipment. Market research data and customer mitigating risks in product safety and regulatory requests indicated a shift towards mainstream Post-service delivery, UL Solutions remains available to compliance. commercial and enterprise use of XR equipment in address industry needs, fostering ongoing growth and recent years. This raised concerns about potential advancement in consumer and commercial technology With a master's degree in computer engineering health and safety effects on users and the safety of markets. from the University of Illinois and certification as a various components and system design of XR Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Ibrahim brings a wealth of equipment. Key performance indicators, including customer knowledge and expertise to his role at UL Solutions. surveys, delivery times, and effective communication, His contributions have not only elevated the Recognizing the need for safety standards, UL are closely monitored to gauge customer satisfaction company's standing in the industry but have also Standards & Engagement and UL Solutions announced and identify areas for improvement. made a lasting impact on global safety standards and plans to develop a safety standard at the end of 2019. technological innovation. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, research firms, UL Solutions continuously enhances its software and and hospitals, were invited to contribute to the websites to facilitate easier customer engagement, and Early Exposure to Engineering development process. A technical committee engineers and technicians undergo training to become comprising over 30 organizations worked on the safety proficient in customer service. By prioritizing initiatives Engineering has been a significant part of Ibrahim's standard from 2020 onwards. In April 2023, the first aimed at increasing customer loyalty and enhancing the life since childhood, influenced by his mechanical edition of UL 8400, the world's first accredited overall consumer experience, UL Solutions remains engineer father, who holds several patents in various consensus Standard for AR, VR, and MR Equipment, committed to meeting and exceeding customer products, including home lighting. Ibrahim was was published. expectations. actively involved in learning about his father's innovations, participating in construction reviews A significant milestone occurred in January 2024 when Commitment to Safety, Security, and Sustainability and testing of designs. This early exposure fueled his the United States Occupational Safety & Health desire to study computer engineering and be part of Administration (OSHA) added UL 8400 to the As a third-party entity, UL Solutions supports integrity consumer technology advancements. workplace safety standards list. This underscores the and impartiality in assisting manufacturers worldwide

team members whose primary language is not English, A Legacy of Safety industry trends. ensuring comprehension and buy-in. Ÿ Engagement in trade associations: Involvement in With a rich history spanning 130 years, UL Solutions manufacturing, retail, safety, and technology- Ibrahim highlights the significance of being mindful of has developed a robust process for risk management, related trade associations to stay connected with cultural differences regarding holidays, workplace prioritizing employee safety and the development of industry peers and gather insights. norms, and the time of year. Understanding these innovative services. As a third-party entity, UL Ÿ Reading market research reports: Absorbing factors contributes to more effective communication Solutions plays a crucial role in reducing the risk information from numerous market research and fosters a harmonious work environment across associated with its customers' products, thereby reports and studies to understand market trends regions and cultures. facilitating the launch of safe new products into the and industry preferences. market. Emphasis on Continuous Improvement This comprehensive approach ensures that UL As an example, in the case of XR equipment, UL Solutions remains abreast of the latest developments in As one of UL Solutions' first certified Lean Six Sigma Solutions aims to minimize the risk associated with consumer technology. In cases where emerging Black Belts since 2010, Ibrahim spearheaded prolonged use. By leveraging accredited safety technologies present new challenges, such as artificial companywide initiatives from 2008 to 2011, focusing standards like UL 8400 and collaborating with CIOs intelligence, UL Solutions engages with industry on improving response times to customers through and technology executives who prioritize safety stakeholders to formulate hypotheses about safety effective project management. This involved certification, UL Solutions helps ensure that innovative requirements and validate these hypotheses through consistently tracking key deliverables, communications, products enter the market safely and at scale. This feedback and collaboration. This information informs and promoting best practices across the global approach aligns with the company's commitment to strategic planning and decision-making processes, engineering workforce. Continuous improvement was promoting safety and mitigating risks associated with enabling UL Solutions to offer services that address emphasized to ensure optimal project delivery emerging technologies. market needs effectively and competitively. Ultimately, efficiency and customer satisfaction. the goal is to provide safety, security, and sustainability Ensuring Effective Execution services that align with market demands and contribute Transitioning to business leadership roles from 2012 to the advancement of consumer technology. onwards, Ibrahim concentrated on enhancing processes Ibrahim mentions the importance of regular and measuring results within innovation initiatives. communication and check-ins with various leaders The Crucial Role of Third-Party Evaluation and Acknowledging the importance of allowing innovation and internal stakeholders to align on long-range Certification to develop, he emphasized monitoring market research planning at UL Solutions. The company data, aligning it with technology trends, and utilizing employs rigorous and robust ongoing Ibrahim believes that innovation is the catalyst for available data to anticipate future safety, security, and significant transformation, as it meets and redefines importance for CIOs and IT executives to ensure XR sustainability risks proactively. These efforts were consumer needs, creating opportunities for mass equipment provided to employees is certified to UL aimed at maintaining UL Solutions' commitment to adoption. As a third-party entity, UL Solutions aligns its 8400 to meet OSHA requirements, that can help to excellence and staying ahead in the ever-evolving innovation with market and regulatory demands. When mitigate workplace risks and protect employees, UL landscape of consumer technology. new technologies require trust or face safety concerns, Solutions is the first OSHA-approved National the role of third-party evaluation, testing, and Recognized Testing Laboratory for UL 8400 Safety Listening to Customers for Product Roadmaps certification becomes crucial. Certification and can assist manufacturers in achieving this certification. As a tech leader, Ibrahim shares the importance of Ibrahim underscores that innovation should never To facilitate this continuous learning and staying informed about compromise safety, security, or sustainability. UL Welcoming Feedback and Diverse Ideas emerging trends and technologies at UL Solutions. This effec?vely, Ibrahim Solutions prioritizes transparency, demonstrating that involves a multifaceted approach, including: “ customer innovations are safe, secure, and sustainable. underscores the When building and leading global teams to ensure Ÿ Listening to customers: Gathering insights from To foster innovation, UL Solutions cultivates a culture cohesion, collaboration, and effective communication customers about their product roadmaps and future of growth among its teams, seeking individuals who are importance of across different regions and cultures, Ibrahim technology launches. naturally curious, creative, and continuous learners. emphasizes several key strategies. At UL Solutions, Ÿ Attending trade events and industry symposiums: This environment encourages exploration and respec?ng all where the work has a global impact, collaboration with Participating in events to stay updated on industry discovery of new technologies, with the aim of professionals worldwide is essential. To facilitate this cultures, welcoming developments and network with professionals. enhancing transparency and trust in products, effectively, Ibrahim underscores the importance of Ÿ Involvement in standards and industry groups: software, and systems. Ultimately, this approach allows feedback, and being respecting all cultures, welcoming feedback, and being Participating in working groups for various UL Solutions to support innovation while ensuring open to diverse ideas. Clear articulation and reiteration standards and industry publications to stay consumer safety and confidence. open to diverse ideas. of messages are crucial, especially when working with informed about regulatory requirements and

Subscribe Subscribe At UL Solu?ons, where the work has a T To odda ay y T To odda ay y global impact, or property damage.“ we strive to reduce risk that could CHOOSE OUR SUBSCRIPTION cause loss of life, injury, 1 Yea« 6 M·h¯ 12 I¯¯¼e¯ 6 I¯¯¼e¯ $250 $130 public speaking skills and overcoming personal doubts. Ibrahim suggests aspiring leaders to find their voice and contribute to addressing industry challenges by 3 M·h¯ 1 M·h leveraging their expertise. Ibrahim emphasizes the and annual review processes to stay on task, pursue need to balance technical leadership with business long-term strategic goals, and deliver on yearly budgets 3 I¯¯¼e¯ 1 I¯¯¼e acumen, ensuring alignment with company and effectively. industry needs. By serving as a bridge builder between $70 $25 technological innovation and market demands, aspiring Regular presentations, to educate the market, end- leaders can contribute to the advancement and safety, users and staff, internally and externally, are conducted security, and sustainability of the world's products, by Ibrahim to share his vision for the future of software, and systems. consumer technology. Feedback from both the organization and external partners is actively sought to Stay in the known. ensure that UL Solutions remains on the right track. This collaborative approach helps in maintaining S¼b¯c«lbe · CIOLOOK alignment and guiding the company in the direction that best serves its goals and objectives. Get CIOLOOK Magazine in print, and Guidance from an Expert digital on www.ciolook.com In offering advice to aspiring leaders, Ibrahim says it is important to maintain mental agility and continuous learning. He encourages aspiring leaders to actively engage in executing projects and commitments while consistently expanding their knowledge base. Ibrahim suggests focusing on technical subjects and becoming an expert in one or two areas, alongside developing

Unlocking the Potential HowAugmented Reality isRevolutionizing Industries n the not-so-distant past, the concept of interacting with virtual objects superimposed onto our real-world I environment seemed like something out of a science fiction novel. However, with the advent of augmented reality (AR), this futuristic vision has become a tangible reality, poised to revolutionize various industries in profound ways. From enhancing customer experiences to streamlining complex industrial processes, AR is unlocking a world of potential across multiple sectors. Augmented Reality Defined Before delving into its revolutionary impact, let's first understand what augmented reality entails. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely digital environment, AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing our perception of reality. This augmentation is typically experienced through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or specialized AR glasses, which blend virtual elements seamlessly with the user's physical surroundings. Transforming Retail and E-Commerce One of the most noticeable areas where AR is making waves is in retail and e-commerce. Traditionally, consumers relied on static images or descriptions when making purchasing decisions online. However, AR is changing the game by allowing shoppers to visualize products in their own space before buying. From trying on virtual clothes to previewing furniture placements in their homes, AR is enhancing the online shopping experience, reducing returns, and increasing customer satisfaction. 16 17 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

Revolutionizing Education and Training entertainment. Theme parks are incorporating AR- enhanced attractions, blurring the lines between In the realm of education and training, AR is fantasy and reality. Moreover, live events and concerts revolutionizing the way we learn and acquire new skills. are leveraging AR to deliver captivating visual By overlaying educational content onto real-world spectacles, creating unforgettable experiences for objects or environments, AR brings learning to life in a attendees. highly engaging manner. Students can dissect virtual anatomy models, explore historical sites from their Fostering Remote Collaboration classrooms, or conduct virtual science experiments—all within the comfort of their learning environment. In an increasingly interconnected world, AR is fostering Similarly, in fields such as healthcare and aviation, AR is remote collaboration like never before. Whether it's facilitating hands-on training simulations, allowing virtual meetings or collaborative design sessions, AR professionals to hone their skills in a safe and platforms enable geographically dispersed teams to controlled setting. work together seamlessly. By sharing a common augmented environment, team members can visualize Enhancing Field Service and Maintenance concepts, annotate objects, and brainstorm ideas in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This not For industries reliant on field service and maintenance, only enhances productivity but also promotes AR is proving to be a game-changer. By providing inclusivity and diversity within teams. technicians with AR-enabled smart glasses or mobile devices, companies can deliver real-time assistance and Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead guidance, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. Technicians can access relevant While the potential of AR is vast, it's not without its information, such as schematics or repair instructions, challenges. Technical limitations, privacy concerns, and overlaid onto their field of view, enabling them to adoption barriers pose significant hurdles that need to perform tasks with greater accuracy and speed. This be addressed. However, as technology continues to not only saves time and resources but also minimizes evolve and become more accessible, the benefits of AR the risk of errors, ultimately leading to higher customer will likely outweigh these challenges. satisfaction. Looking ahead, the future of augmented reality appears Optimizing Manufacturing and Design promising. As advancements in hardware, software, and connectivity continue to accelerate, AR will In the realm of manufacturing and design, AR is become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, streamlining processes and driving innovation. reshaping the way we work, learn, and interact with the Designers and engineers can use AR to visualize world around us. By unlocking its full potential, prototypes and make real-time adjustments, speeding augmented reality is poised to revolutionize industries up the product development cycle. By overlaying digital across the globe, ushering in a new era of innovation models onto physical objects, manufacturers can assess and possibilities. design feasibility, detect potential flaws, and optimize production workflows. Furthermore, AR-powered assembly instructions assist workers in complex manufacturing tasks, reducing errors and ensuring "Virtual reality is the rst step in consistency across production lines. a grand adventure into the Reviving the Entertainment Industry landscape of the imagination." Entertainment is another sector witnessing a renaissance thanks to AR technology. From immersive AR gaming experiences to interactive museum exhibits, - Frank Biocca AR is breathing new life into traditional forms of 18 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

CXO The Digital Leader’s Changing Skillset for All Industries e are now in an era of end-to-end The scale, history, and reputation of any party in the digitalization globally in all industries. ecosystem must be discarded, and negotiation must be W Whenever we deep-dive into an industry to done based on potential outcomes. find new ways to gain competitive advantage, digital If we continue the list of ecosystem-related skills, being leaders and their contributions become vital for success. So, this era has set a new role for digital a brand ambassador is another one. Finding the right leaders, which is pioneering technology for talent is extremely competitive, and hiring a few recruiter companies will not guarantee that. Whenever corporations in all aspects. a talent is contacted for cooperation, most of the time, Finding the right technology solution and adding it to the key question is with whom they would be working. your technology stack is no longer sufficient. It is not easy to fulfil this role unless you focus on your skillset Digital leaders must invest in advance to be well-known and add some new ones. If a brief list of new skills is in the ecosystem and visible to prospective employees. Their understanding of the technology and vision for prepared, one on the list would be the negotiation with the ecosystem. the future are some key facts to impress the candidates. The universities, student clubs and academies need it to business stakeholders, and even drops some from more care, and the digital leaders must spend time to If the definition of the digital ecosystem was asked by About the the business agenda, professionals 30 years ago, the most common answers have connections with them. Offering the highest would be technology providers, system integrators, salary or being the biggest in your industry will not Author Lifetime learning also puts another burden on digital provide the same level of brand awareness when it is universities, and research centers. These answers are leader’s shoulders, teaching it to the rest. The efficiency compared with pre-established word of mouth based still essential, but new ones, like start-ups and talented Haydar Vural is the Chief Digital Officer of Karsan and profit coming from digital technologies force individuals, emerged quickly. The new entrants have on communication. Automo?ve. He has built digital strategy and companies to learn new ones quickly and adopt them different rules of games and establishing a mutual implemented technology in different industries before their competitors. The individuals are very The lifetime learner is a common subject when the benefit with them needs understanding their rules. The willing to learn and try them by themselves. Letting for over 20 years. He observed how successful previous list strongly understands the corporate world profiles of most executives are read. To fulfill it, too employees understand and implement them and its expectations. The new ones do not want to be much time and energy is needed, and it is a must for a digital strategy shaped corporate with business unharmonized and unaligned with a corporate strategy bound by the tight rules of the corporate business new leadership style. The rapid change of technologies outcomes and believes that this is the key to may not be a helpful solution. Consider this with an environment. and emerging new ones made the digital world too sustainable profitability. orchestra playing a classical music piece. complicated. Just to give an example, generative AI was Freedom and self-decision-making are at the top of not on most of our agenda three years ago. Now, there Each instrument is like a technology and when they are their priority list. This is different from the well- are companies which totally implement their core played at the right time and with the right skill, the organized previous cooperation, and it is open to strategies or business operations with the support of of solutions, partners, training, and investments gives perfect music piece may be performed. It takes years to varying discussions. Digital leaders must learn how to generative AI. you the maximum benefit. Just to give an example, if the master an instrument, but people have a few years or negotiate with start-ups and talented individuals in the number of data and data transformation tools available sometimes months to use technology in the digital corporate world. This is like balancing a scale. A leader without the knowledge of underlying in the market are compared with ten years ago, the world. Choosing them, building the strategy and technology will avoid from its full benefit to companies. current list contains 3-4 times more options. If the AI implementing the technical skill development Providing freedom to the ecosystem must be balanced The overrated technologies sometimes lead decision- solution providers list is compared in the same way, it is processes are key items in digital leader agendas. with corporate risk mitigation and innovation. This is makers to invest massive amounts, and technology 20-30 times. The digital leaders must build the not so easy if big companies are still seen as more teams are the only ones that may prevent it. Technology mechanisms to listen to them, understand their Finally, the last item on our list will be the AI-master is not easy to follow for non-technical decision-makers, powerful in this game. Innovation coming from a start- differences than competitors, be able to initiate digital leader. AI is the top answer to questions when it up or individual may generate unprecedented revenues and the illusion coming from the buzzwords may make investment to start-up and develop sector specific is asked in different industries about what will change in a short while, and start-ups and individuals are aware them confused easily. The right mix of technology and products together. If digital leaders do not spend time the industry in the upcoming years. The options investment cannot be achieved unless a digital leader of this power. on learning AI fundamentals and applications, they will available in the market are enormous, and the right mix comprehensively understands the technology, explains lose their competitive advantage. 20 21 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

Redefining Education Through Technology-Driven Solutions he Educational Technology (EdTech) domain What initially sparked your interest in the field of thrives on innovation. This constant push for EdTech, and how did you first become involved in the T advancements leads to the development of industry? transformative tools that reshape learning experiences. Personalized learning platforms cater to individual With a background in industrial design from NC State Ken Hubbell needs while interactive simulations and digital University, I quickly found my niche in EdTech, moving CEO resources make complex concepts more engaging. from animation and production design to creating Soffos Inc. EdTech pioneers use technology to empower students, engaging explainer videos for EPA site cleanups. fostering collaboration and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed at the same pace as the world My journey took me from visualizing textile mechanical around them. processes and building interactive training programs to developing cutting-edge 3D web tools with Virtus Ken Hubbell is a visionary leader with over two Corporation, partnering with giants like Intel and decades of experience at the forefront of EdTech Adobe. I've built simulators for Caterpillar and the FAA, innovation. With a keen eye for the future and a collaborated with NASA, and presently lead a team pragmatic approach to design, Ken is a quintessential leveraging Generative AI to revolutionize EdTech, futurist who navigates the complexities of tomorrow enhancing educator efficiency and program while building solutions for today. As the CEO of Soffos effectiveness. Inc.—a pioneering generative AI/ML company, Ken If you want to spearheads the development of low-code solutions that As the CEO, what excites you most about leading a revolutionize knowledge management, learning, company at the forefront of generative AI and make an impact assessment, course content creation, and performance machine learning? in the EdTech support systems. As the CEO of Soffos Inc., I work with some of the space, take time Ken's passion lies in crafting engaging and innovative brightest and most innovative product designers, products that harness the power of cutting-edge business developers, and programmers on the planet. to understand technologies like AR/VR/XR, AI, prompt engineering, We are taking revolutionary technology and applying it and serious games and simulations. His track record in a way that will transform the lives of teachers, K-12 and adult speaks volumes, having collaborated with global giants students, instructional designers, employees, and learning such as Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, the United organizations in ways that are just now starting to Nations, NASA, and the FAA, to deliver award-winning come to life. I have been speaking on talent disruption principles. projects that redefine learning, performance, and and the new workforce for over a decade. Last year I impact. released my book, ‘There is AI in Team: The Future of Human, Augmented Human, and Non-human Outside his role as a CEO, Ken is a mentor, coach, Collaboration’ on Amazon. Now I get to see this all writer, and international speaker, dedicated to sharing emerge, and my team is making it possible. his knowledge and giving back to the eLearning community. His journey exemplifies leadership in How do you define success in the context of EdTech and a commitment to driving meaningful developing advanced tools and applications for change and pushing the boundaries of what's possible knowledge management and learning? in education. My definition of success for EdTech is when it becomes Join in on a narrative of revolutionizing the future of invisible to the user. It will be so integrated into the education with cutting-edge EdTech innovations! workflow and educational process that the employee or 22 23 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

student doesn’t see it as a separate piece, but rather a now reached many of the goals I set years ago. We have situation, not how you are going to create the solution. The most important quality is cultivating an smooth transition from one type of learning to another. achieved automated content production. We are in the I also measure the success of these tools and Metaverse. Augmented reality is a cost-effective environment where your team knows what they can applications by their ease of use, reduction of time to training solution. And, access to learning is almost expect from you and what you expect of them. And you ensure everyone is respected for the qualities they create new content and minimization of cost to ensure universal, at least in regards to technology. access for all. bring to the team. My ultimate dream is to have an AI-enhanced system of How do you prioritize staying abreast of emerging Ultimately, it comes down to how effective is the continuous feedback and seamless performance solution. support, and on the job training continuously trends and developments in technology and augmenting my capabilities and enabling me to be the education? Ÿ Did it reduce the time to competency? best I can be and helping others reach their full Ÿ Did it improve the capability of the employee or potential. With so many emerging technologies and trends in team? EdTech, it is easy to become overwhelmed. I manage my load in two ways. First, I use aggregators like Gartner Ÿ Did it increase the confidence of the individual? How do you approach mentorship and coaching within Ÿ And did all this result in better employee and your organization and the wider eLearning and Edutopia along with LinkedIn to pull research and customer experiences, and improve the financial community? data from a broad spectrum of sources. position of the organization? At Soffos Inc. my team is always learning—it’s a part of Second, I use the Soffos platform to summarize larger These are the goals we have for our platform. being in a leading-edge company. More than that articles and research papers into a manageable pile. I also apply content filters to focus and sort these piles though, we are a small company and wear many hats. As What are some of the key challenges you've faced in a leader, it is my job to ensure every one of my and then capture smaller pieces into One Note for integrating cutting-edge technologies like AR/VR/XR employees has the tools and training to perform at their future reference. best. This often means just listening to what is and AI into educational solutions, and how have you happening in their lives, understanding when we are addressed them? What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs stretching our boundaries (technically as well as looking to make an impact in the EdTech space? Over the years, I have faced my share of challenges in physically; sometimes I must coach them to sleep), and EdTech: supplying the tools they need to be successful. I also My philosophy is to design for tomorrow and build for ask, ‘What do you want to be?’ Most importantly, I have a today. If you want to make an impact in the EdTech Ÿ While developing a customer empathy virtual virtual open-door policy for them to provide me with space, take time to understand K-12 and adult learning reality training program for Wells Fargo, the world feedback so I can be a better leader for the company. principles. Experiment and determine what truly experienced the COVID-19 epidemic. The training affects behavioral change and builds skills. was well-received by the employees. However, HR In your opinion, what are the most crucial qualities for Find an area of technology you have a passion for - forced us to halt deployment due to the sanitary a leader in the field of EdTech to possess? software development, hardware design, or content restrictions on the headset devices. creation - and immerse yourself in it. Discover how it Ÿ Changing well-entrenched educational and training The field of EdTech is constantly changing, sometimes can improve the learning experience for industry techniques forced us to discover we for the good and sometimes not so good. As a leader in students/employees and course developers including others, staying at the forefront is definitely a race. needed to talk less about technology and more this field, it is easy to fall prey to ‘shiny object syndrome’ teachers and instructional designers. Finally, dream big Fortunately, our focus is on creating a maintainable about its impact. In the case of Soffos, our platform as relates to other people’s technologies as well as your and act on your dreams. and useful platform for EdTech and, in this regard, we is a force multiplier for teachers, administrators, and own. The key is to recognize when you have the are well positioned. EdTech developers. Based on benchmarking syndrome. In most cases, this comes from lots of trial research we conducted with one of our partners this and error, heavy emphasis on the error. document chunking, and long-term session memory, year, the study showed a 40% reduction in time and but with the scale of OpenAI, Meta, Google, and cost to develop new courses. We let the data tell the Another vital quality is having a mind open to What motivates you to continue pushing the story of how instructional designers can meet the possibilities. The possibility there may be a better way. boundaries of innovation in EdTech, even after two demand for new courses with the time and budget The possibility it may not be a training issue (it might be decades in the industry? provided by their organizations. a process). The possibility EdTech is not the answer (a Ÿ The biggest and most invigorating challenge for the 2-page job aid might do the trick). After over two decades in the field of learning and Soffos team has been the relentless drive to keep up development, and more specifically EdTech, many have with and exceed the pace of the AI technology itself. An EdTech leader must learn how to communicate with asked me what drives me to keep pushing the We have been fortunate to lead in several areas non-EdTech leaders and employees. In many cases, they boundaries of innovation. My answer is simple, we have including retrieval augmented generation (RAG), just want to understand how you can improve their 24 25 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

Teppo Rantanen Pioneering Tampere’s Journey to the Ethically Safe Metaverse mart cities are reimagining urban life by works closely with major cities and corporations integrating technology for efficiency, worldwide to co-create and develop the blueprint for S sustainability and citizen well-being. Digital future cities. transformation fuels this growth, with data analytics, connected infrastructure and innovative solutions. Driving Urban Innovation Here, the expertise of a seasoned professional is invaluable. Leaders in this space champion a clear As Executive Director, Teppo heads pivotal vision, fostering collaboration between tech experts, responsibilities centered around shaping strategic urban planners and citizens to navigate the economic policy. His role extends to overseeing complexities of smart city development and digital comprehensive city-wide development programs, with transformation. a particular focus on initiatives like the Data-Driven City for Citizens. Furthermore, Teppo’s purview Teppo Rantanen is one such professional who brings a encompasses international operations, event management and advocacy efforts, all aimed at wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to the table. With a robust background spanning over three advancing the city’s interests on a global scale. decades in consulting, Teppo honed his expertise, notably during his tenure at Deloitte, where he served Vision for Future Cities as both the CEO of Finland and a pivotal member of the global Telecom Media Technology unit’s international Teppo’s journey as a consultant was marked by a leadership team. dedicated focus on commercializing cutting-edge technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), with His journey in consulting, particularly in the realms of cities being a key target demographic. This early Digitization and the Internet of Things (IoT), instilled in involvement with the smart city theme laid a solid him a deep understanding of value creation and the foundation for his current endeavors. Throughout his emergence of new ecosystems. Teppo’s proficiency in consulting career, international engagement was a navigating the intricacies of the TMT sector positioned facet but it turned into the cornerstone of his work him as a strategic partner for corporations seeking to soon. embrace the digital age. Fast forward to his role in city operations, Teppo’s team However, it was his innate curiosity about smart city has recognized the indispensable role of international themes that prompted Teppo to embark on a disruptive collaboration in smart city development. They actively journey back to his roots in Tampere, his hometown. In foster partnerships with cities, research institutions his current role as ExecutiveDirector at Tampereen and companies worldwide recognizing the value of kaupunki - City of Tampere, Teppo leverages his shared expertise and mutual learning. Indeed, extensive experience to spearhead initiatives aimed at internationality emerges as a central tenet in their implementing smart city solutions and driving approach, reflecting its significance for the future digitalization activities within the public sector. evolution of cities. Teppo now stands at the nexus of innovation, bridging Metaverse Manifest the gap between the private and public sectors to shape the future of urban living. His collaborative Since 2016, Teppo has been at the forefront of approach has garnered attention on a global scale, as he pioneering initiatives such as the Smart Tampere 26 27 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

program, followed by the Data-Driven City for Citizens The Data Economy However, this triumph recognizes Tampere’s enduring and virtual worlds, adding value to citizens’ everyday development program. Teppo shares, “Recent commitment to long-term cooperation and its lives, are undoubtedly among the opportunities. developments in this field have led us toward the concept of Under Teppo’s stewardship, the Smart Tampere extensive global networks, which continue to drive a metaverse city.” program undertook a groundbreaking turn towards innovation and excellence on the international stage Teppo acknowledges that despite the impressive array fostering a robust ecosystem-based approach. This under Teppo’s leadership. of technologies currently available, a significant hurdle Under his leadership, these programs have catalyzed a ambitious endeavor saw the active involvement of a lies in the absence of tailor-made solutions for the multitude of projects exemplified by the extensive diverse array of stakeholders including over 400 Imagining the Future metaverse world. Specifically, the dearth of affordable scope of Smart Tampere. These encompassed an companies, universities, research institutions, and user-friendly technology remains a notable impressive array of 150 distinct initiatives. Presently, government units, and non-governmental organizations. Teppo holds a forward-looking perspective on the challenge. He envisions a future where VR/XR glasses the Data-Driven City for Citizens program is structured transformative potential of extended reality (XR) seamlessly integrate into daily life, offering intuitive around five flagship initiatives, each meticulously Central to this initiative was the meticulous crafting of technologies within the context of the metaverse city. usability coupled with robust connectivity, ideally designed to embody the essence of a forward-thinking value propositions tailored to meet the distinct needs of Embracing the broader term ‘XR,’ Teppo highlights its facilitated by advancements like 6G. Addressing these and human-centric smart city: various ecosystem participants. This concerted effort pivotal role in shaping the future urban landscape, technological barriers holds the key to unlocking a facilitated collaboration and laid the groundwork for particularly in driving the experience economy forward. myriad of new use cases with profound implications for Ÿ A City of Business Growth mutually beneficial partnerships. urban environments. Ÿ An International and Inclusive City In line with this vision, Teppo champions XR Ÿ A City of Growth and Learning Currently, the focus has shifted towards grappling with development particularly focusing on its applications in Here, innovative solutions related to transportation Ÿ Safe Pedestrian City data economy issues with a keen emphasis on exploring enhancing the city-dwelling experience. From and mobility could revolutionize urban mobility Ÿ Sustainable City avenues for value creation through data both for the immersive XR experiences enriching cultural offerings systems while efficient data utilization powered by city and its businesses. As they focus on this domain, like museum exhibitions to the practical utility of XR these advanced technologies ensures safety and Within each flagship initiative lie multiple projects, Teppo and his team are poised to reveal new frontiers in applications in city modeling through digital twins, the security in data handling. By surmounting these collectively propelling the agenda of smart city smart city development driven by data-driven insights potential for XR to revolutionize everyday urban life is challenges and harnessing the potential of cutting-edge development and digitalization forward with a and innovative solutions. immense. technology, Teppo anticipates a paradigm shift in urban development, characterized by a wealth of new profound focus on the well-being and needs of the citizens. International Engagement Anticipating future trends, Teppo foresees a possibilities and transformative applications that pronounced emphasis on experiential elements, enhance the quality of life for city residents. International collaboration lies at the core of their mirroring the growing trend evident in sectors such as strategic approach. Tampere’s engagement on the global museum and exhibition activities. Moreover, he Towards a Seamless Integration stage is a deliberate and integral aspect of their predicts significant strides in healthcare through endeavors. One noteworthy example of this technological advancements facilitated by XR, In the future, the metaverse will emerge. The goal of all commitment is the establishment of the Nordic Smart alongside the added value it brings to urban this is to guide the city toward a metaverse world City network in 2017—a collaborative effort involving development and urban planning initiatives. where digital twins, XR, AI (especially Gen AI) and Tampere and 10 other Nordic cities. Furthermore, their connectivity intersect in a way that allows us to create footprint extends across Europe, with deep-seated To delve deeper into these themes and explore the a genuine connection between the real world and the partnerships forged with cities like Rotterdam and burgeoning possibilities of the metaverse, Teppo virtual world. At the center of it all remains the human Barcelona alongside fruitful collaborations with announces the ‘ Imagine the Metaverse ’ event scheduled being—the ethically safe metaverse city aims to help th counterparts in the United States. citizens find practical ways to operate using new to take place in Tampere next summer, on June 11 and th 12 . technology. Tampere boasts affiliations with industry giants such as Microsoft, Nokia and Cisco reflecting their prowess in Teppo states, “We have developed a 2040 vision of the This gathering will serve as a nexus for inquisitive cultivating strategic partnerships with global players. A minds hailing from diverse sectors, including industry, metaverse for the city of Tampere in collaboration with the London-based Metaverse Institute. We continue to refine crowning achievement in their international experience economy, smart city development, and the engagement was Tampere’s recognition at the business sphere. At this event, the future trajectories this vision into specific areas, seeking a path toward Barcelona Smart City World Expo Congress where they and emerging trends within the XR field will realizing the vision and creating a future human-centric clinched the enabling technologies category award. This city.” undoubtedly take center stage, paving the way for a accolade celebrated Tampere’s innovative utilization of bold new era of urban innovation. IoT platforms, setting a benchmark for cities worldwide. The ripple effect of this triumph has been palpable, Innovating Urban Futures sparking heightened collaboration and fostering dialogue with municipalities and enterprises alike. The metaverse city and how smart technologies will increasingly enable seamlessness between the physical 28 29 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

The Future of Work How Augmented and Virtual Reality are Shaping Remote Collaboration n the wake of the digital age, the landscape of work is undergoing a profound transformation. I The rise of remote work, accelerated by global events and advancements in technology, has revolutionized how teams collaborate and communicate. Among the myriad tools reshaping this landscape, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) stand out as transformative forces, offering immersive solutions to bridge the gap between physical distance and virtual connectivity. As organizations navigate the complexities of remote collaboration, AR and VR technologies are emerging as indispensable tools, heralding a new era of work defined by enhanced engagement, productivity, and connectivity. The Evolution of Remote Collaboration Remote collaboration is not a new concept, but its widespread adoption has surged in recent years, driven by factors such as technological advancements, changing work cultures, and the need for flexibility. Traditional communication tools like email, video conferencing, and project management platforms laid the foundation for remote work, enabling teams to connect across geographical boundaries. However, these tools often fall short of replicating the immersive, interactive experience of face-to-face interactions. Enter Augmented and Virtual Reality Augmented and virtual reality technologies offer a compelling solution to the limitations of conventional remote collaboration tools. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enriching our physical environment with virtual elements, while VR immerses users in entirely virtual environments, 30 31 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 | www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

creating a sense of presence and immersion. By onboarding sessions, or hands-on technical training, AR leveraging these technologies, remote teams can and VR technologies are revolutionizing the way transcend the constraints of distance and collaborate in organizations educate and empower their workforce. "AR and VR are just the beginning of ways that were previously unimaginable. Challenges and Opportunities a new era of digital transformation." Enhancing Engagement and Interaction While the potential of AR and VR in remote One of the key advantages of AR and VR in remote collaboration is undeniable, challenges remain. collaboration is their ability to enhance engagement Technical limitations, accessibility issues, and concerns and interaction. Traditional video conferencing about privacy and security are among the hurdles that platforms provide a visual and auditory connection, but organizations must address. Moreover, the upfront they often lack the immersive experience of face-to- costs of implementing AR and VR solutions can be face meetings. AR and VR, on the other hand, enable prohibitive for some businesses. However, as participants to interact with virtual objects and technology continues to evolve and become more environments in real time, fostering a sense of presence affordable, the barriers to adoption are expected to and engagement that transcends physical distance. diminish, unlocking new opportunities for remote collaboration. Facilitating Spatial Collaboration The Future of Work Spatial collaboration, the ability to interact with digital content in a shared virtual space, lies at the heart of AR As we look ahead, the future of work is increasingly and VR-based remote collaboration. In a virtual defined by remote collaboration augmented and meeting room or workspace, team members can enabled by AR and VR technologies. From virtual team manipulate virtual objects, annotate documents, and meetings and collaborative design sessions to brainstorm ideas collaboratively, regardless of their immersive training experiences and remote customer physical location. This spatial awareness fosters support, the possibilities are limitless. As organizations creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, leading to embrace these technologies and integrate them into more innovative outcomes and solutions. their workflows, they will not only enhance productivity and efficiency but also foster a more Breaking Down Communication Barriers connected, inclusive, and innovative work culture. Effective communication is essential for successful In conclusion, augmented and virtual reality are collaboration, especially in remote work environments reshaping the landscape of remote collaboration, where non-verbal cues can be easily overlooked. AR ushering in a new era of work defined by immersive and VR technologies address this challenge by experiences, enhanced engagement, and limitless providing more immersive communication channels. In possibilities. As organizations navigate the challenges VR environments, for example, participants can use and opportunities of this digital transformation, the gestures, body language, and spatial audio to convey true potential of AR and VR in remote collaboration is information and emotions, fostering more natural and yet to be fully realized, but the journey promises to be intuitive interactions. nothing short of transformative. Transforming Training and Onboarding Remote collaboration extends beyond meetings and project management—it also encompasses training, onboarding, and skill development. AR and VR offer immersive training simulations that replicate real- world scenarios, allowing employees to learn new skills and procedures in a safe and controlled environment. Whether it's virtual team-building exercises, interactive 32 www.ciolook.com | May 2024 |

The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping ARVR in 2024

The 10 Influential Leaders Shaping ARVR in 2024

Presentation Transcript

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