In Part 2 of this two-part Research Breakdown series, host Victoria Barber is again joined by SHI colleagues Brad Pollard, Field CTO, and Marc Yoder, Field CISO, to continue unpacking 2026 technology predictions from InformationWeek and InvestorPlace that we featured in the January 23rd edition of the Research Roundup LinkedIn newsletter.

While Part 1 focused on cutting through AI hype and infrastructure distractions, this episode turns to two issues that may matter even more: workforce re-skilling and the conspicuous absence of quantum computing from most trend reports. The conversation explores what organizations are actually recruiting for in 2026, why curiosity and adaptability may matter more than specific technical credentials, and how learning organizations build long-term resiliency.

Then the discussion shifts to what Marc calls “the Y2K of our era”: quantum computing. From “harvest now, decrypt later” risks to the potential breaking of today’s cryptographic foundations, the team examines why quantum is not a distant theoretical problem, but a present-day strategic concern that many organizations still are not addressing.

Discussed in this episode:

Why workforce re-skilling must be a formal pillar in 2026 strategy
Hiring for adaptability and learning ability versus static technical skills
The value of cross-disciplinary backgrounds in technology leadership
Mentorship and learning cultures as foundations of organizational resiliency
Why quantum computing is largely missing from 2026 trend conversations
What “Q-Day” means for encryption and cybersecurity
The real risk behind “harvest now, decrypt later” data strategies
Why quantum is a strategic risk even if you don’t understand the math
The critical executive question: Who owns the quantum plan inside your organization?