The importance of a vision and how to attract and retain female talent with Alexandra Hussenot, CEO of Immersionn

What’s been the biggest challenge creating a company in an industry that largely doesn’t exist yet?

At the beginning, the biggest challenge was being confident to tell that world about the potential of where this space was going without being a big name in the industry.

How do you go about creating your business strategy? How far ahead do you plan?

I have a strategy for up to two years, but beyond that it becomes a little enigmatic. I have a vision up to 2030 – past 2025 we will shift towards 5G, it’s very much dependent on the technology. We can estimate when technology is going to be ready, but cannot move forward until it is actually there.

You’re CEO of Immersion, UK Lead of Women in Immersive Technologies Europe and Co-Chair of UK5G – what tactics do you use to manage your time effectively?

I’m divorced, so every other week I have the capacity to organize my time and my team. That’s where I usually plan my working days or business travel. It would never work if I had to do a 9-5! I’m an early riser, so when the children are not here I work from 5am to 9am and those four hours allow me to be really focused as the rest of the world is asleep – it’s very satisfying.

What more do you think businesses can do to support women in your industry?

I think flexible working hours are important but they need to be given to men as well, so there is not the expectation that women are in charge of looking after children. There needs to be an understanding that most people have children at some point in their lives.

Do you have any advice to tech businesses struggling to attract and retain female talent?

Women are entering the space more, but they won’t yet be experienced enough at this stage, compared to the profile we are looking for – but I think in ten years’ time it will be easier to attract female talent.

You need to proactively look for talent – there are organizations like Women in Immersive Tech that are helping to bring talent and businesses together so that is a good place to scout for new talent.