In January 2018 Michelle Simmons was named 2018 Australian of the Year for her entrepreneurial work in the field of Quantum Computing. Michelle everso gracefully accepts her award whilst delivering a powerful message to encourage more females to pursue a career in science and technology.
Women are underestimated… Women think differently and that diversity which is invaluable to technological and research development” said Professor Simmons.
First steps to developing a quantum computer
In 2013 Michelle and her team developed the first transistor created from the world’s thinnest wire, made from a single atom. This achievement meant Michelle Simmons was one step closer to developing a quantum computer.
In simple terms, the computers we use today require data to be encoded into binary digits (bits) where the result is one of two definitive states (0, or 1). Quantum computing is based on transistors, which use quantum bits that result in superpositions of states, meaning they can store a lot more information other than just 0 or 1.
The benefit of this technology is hyper speed processing capability. A query or “problem” that today would take thousands of years to compute, could be processed in a matter of minutes. This would revolutionise computers and technology as we know it, including things like weather forecasting, self-driving vehicles, drug design and artificial intelligence.
Pretty cool huh.
Michelle Simmons, an inspirational female leader
Michelle has developed a level of intelligence and specialisation in her field that is unimaginable to most people. However that is not what attracts me most to this inspirational female leader, it’s her methodology to life.
For example, Michelle says:
[Don’t] be defined by other people’s expectations of who you are, or what you might be”.
Like many people, I have been guilty of living my life to others expectations of what I should be doing, always trying to people please. I still catch myself doing it, but with the books, personal development and resources I have acquired in recent years, I am now in a better position to channel my energy into living my purpose, and not others. (Click here to read more about letting go of expectations)
I also loved this quote:
“Seeing women in leadership roles and competing internationally is important [for girls to see]. It gives them the sense that anything is possible.”
Anything IS possible, pursue what YOU love, set the bar high and take on the hardest challenges.
“Rewards come from hard work, the biggest rewards come from the hardest challenges”.
Watch Michelle Simmon’s acceptance speech
