Inside Quantum Hiring: Ethics, Mistakes, and the Talent Reality – with John Barnes

In this episode, Amir Rasool speaks with John Barnes, Founder of Entangled Positions and one of the earliest specialist recruiters to work in quantum.

John has been operating in the space since 2014—long before quantum hiring became commercial or mainstream. The conversation goes beyond job titles and buzzwords into what actually shapes successful quantum teams.

They discuss:

🧠 How early-stage quantum teams are really built
🚀 Common hiring mistakes that slow startups down
⚙️ Why perfection is the enemy of progress in technical hiring
🌍 Global quantum talent movement across the UK, Europe, and the US
⚖️ The role of ethics in recruitment within a small ecosystem
🎓 Whether a PhD is truly required for a serious career in quantum
🤝 Why collaboration between “competitors” often works better in quantum than in other industries

Guest: John Barnes
Founder, Entangled Positions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/entangled/
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entangled-positions/

Host: Amir Rasool
Founder, QAi Talent | Host, Beyond the Bit: Quantum Pathways
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirrasool/
Website: https://www.qaitalent.com