Tom Taylor ‘84

Where you've been in your career and where you are going ...

After Virginia Tech, I worked for General Motors over 10 years as an engineer and plant supervisor. I received two master's degrees from MIT while on a GM Fellowship. My wife and I pulled out a map of the U.S. and chose to move to Seattle, where I took a job as plant manager for the small but fun ski company, K2. In 2000, I thought this internet thing might just take off and wrangled my way into Amazon as a director of fulfillment, running several of the warehouses. If GM was too big, and K2 too small, then Amazon proved to be just right at the time. It was a fascinating journey to be part of the "work hard, have fun, make history" ethos of Amazon over the next 22 years. I had roles in operations, seller services, payment processing, and finally running Alexa. It was thrilling to work with other smart and curious people to help consumers, small and medium businesses, and enterprises. At the end of last year, I chose to retire and am currently mulling how to take my experience and strengths into the third quarter of life.

The work project/initiative you're most excited about ...

I have found work experiences fulfilling when I am both contributing 2/3 and learning 1/3. My last role at Amazon leading the Artificial Intelligence Alexa team was the most exciting, with all the combined new challenges of machine learning/AI, hardware, software, global scale, cloud computing, and even cultural sensitivities. Post Amazon, I would like to make a dent in some of the big long-term problems like global warming. I don't expect to solve it, but I like the idea of being part of the snowflake that starts the avalanche.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline ...

Applying technology to make lives better — often in disruptive ways.

Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition ...

For most of my time at Virginia Tech, I was on the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. It was fun to learn new skills and be part of a highly dedicated group of students that were willing to pull all-night shifts to serve the community in addition to their school workload. I was elected president of the squad my junior year, to my dismay, but I considered that time as my best example of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student ...

College can be hard — mentally, emotionally, and physically (all nighters!), but also fun and uplifting and builds a little grit. See this time as the beginning of the great ride of your adult life. Cherish this time with your friends, appreciate your good fortune, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

A key habit, practice, or skill that's worth the effort ...

An important concept I learned during my time with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad was you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of the patient. I heard this stated another way when I had a chance to ask a senior military leader what the secret to his career success was and he said stay healthy. He didn't mean do push-ups and run every day, although that helps. He taught me that life will be full of opportunities, and you have to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit to take advantage of them. Staying healthy includes nurturing positive relationships, finding joy in the world, and following your curiosity. I invest in my health every day so that I can help others.

Best advice I've gotten...

My experience in school taught me that if I did the work then the rewards in grades and graduation would come. The best advice I got out in the real world was raise your hand if you want something. Just doing the job and hoping the boss notices you is not enough. And as a boss, it's really helpful to know what people want as not everyone wants the same thing. It could mean raising your hand for an interesting assignment, or to take the job no one else wants, or move locations. In my own experience, I didn't always get what I raised my hand for, but as I look back at the important shifts in my life, raising my hand and a bit of good timing were always part of it.

A cause I'm most passionate about ...

I believe advances in technology are ultimately for the good even if disruptive in the short term. While the headlines sometimes paint a darker picture, the world is a better place in terms of nutrition, education, inclusiveness, and peace than at any other time in history. I am passionate in understanding all types of advancing technologies — AI, biology, finance, materials, etc. — and how they might help make the world an even better place.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry ...

The biggest misconception about my industry is that quantum computing is only for the distant future or that it’s exclusively theoretical. While it’s true that quantum computing is complex and still evolving, practical applications are already emerging, and industries are beginning to see real value. Another misconception is that it’s only for physicists or computer scientists. In reality, we need a diverse range of expertise — engineering, software development, even sales and business strategy — to bring quantum solutions to market and make them accessible to the world. Another misconception that people have is that quantum computing will be able to replace classical computing. This isn't the case. In the future, classical computers and quantum computers will work together in so many industries. The analogy I like: Classical computers are like cars. They're great at navigating roads. Quantum computers are like boats. They can't drive on roads very well, but they can explore a whole new terrain like lakes and oceans. Quantum computers can be used to solve problems that would take classical computers too much time. These problems include complex optimization problems like what you see in portfolio optimization or supply chain management, simulations in physics and chemistry, drug discovery, and training AI/machine learning.

This excites me most about the future of my industry ...

What excites me most about the future of my industry is the potential for quantum computing to solve problems we once thought were impossible. As advancements accelerate, we’re on the brink of breakthroughs that could transform areas like healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity. It’s thrilling to think about how quantum technology can drive innovation and create real-world impact.

I'm most proud of ...

1) My family. My husband and I have a 3-year-old daughter and I feel so lucky to see life through her eyes. 2) Learning to harness my gifts to make an impact in an industry that I'm passionate about. 3) Recognizing my failures and learning from those experiences.

The most formative experience I've had ...

It's difficult to choose one for this. 1) The most formative experience I've had was founding Quantal Security. It was a journey that forced me to step beyond my comfort zone, sharpen my instincts, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I had to learn how to navigate the complexities of the quantum industry while building a team, securing funding, and managing setbacks. It taught me resilience, humility, and the art of persistence in the face of constant challenges. I discovered the importance of surrounding myself with people who shared my vision, and I realized that setbacks were just stepping stones. The experience shaped not only my professional skills but also my worldview, reinforcing that growth often comes from the most demanding paths. 2) My earliest formative experience was navigating attention issues in elementary school. My imagination loved to wander, and focusing on schoolwork was a real challenge. Every day, my mom patiently worked with me, teaching me learning strategies and often reteaching what I’d covered in class. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, determination, and a set of life techniques that continue to serve me well. Learning to harness my focus and direct my energy where it mattered shaped my work ethic and helped me understand the power of persistence and self-discipline.

A person who has inspired me ...

1) I met my husband Jamie in quantum physics at Virginia Tech which he was taking for fun. He is the smartest person I've ever known and he inspires me to always be self reflective and challenge myself. 2) My dad came from a poor family in a remote part of the country and he pursued a career that had taken him to amazing places. He has inspired me to always have an optimistic attitude and work hard to achieve the things you want in life.

Last book I read ...

"Atomic Habits."

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...

"Lose Yourself"
- Eminem

Top of my bucket list ...

Give a Ted Talk

If I had a superpower, it would be ...

Teleportation

My favorite quote...

"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."
– George Addair

Favorite way to end the day ...

Playing a video game with my husband or laughing together about something ridiculous we read or saw that day.

Favorite podcast ...

"How I Built This with Guy Raz"