Cathy Hackl
Futurist, Speaker, Author
Cathy Hackl is a leading female futurist and business strategist specializing in the impact emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI, are having on communications and business. In 2019 and 2018, Linkedin recognized her as one of the Top Technology Voice on the platform globally, its highest honor. Hackl has worked in enterprise strategy, innovation, and marketing strategy and business evangelism with brands like UPS, HTC VIVE, Sony Pictures, Magic Leap, and Adobe.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
I’ve been working in the AR and VR space for 5 years and began my career as the CCO of a cinematic VR Studio. I’ve worked with HTC VIVE, Magic Leap and was selected as a 2017 Oculus Launchpad Fellow. I’ve been recognized in multiple media as one of the top women in the AR VR industry and most recently got shortlisted as Technology Evangelist of the Year by Women in IT Awards for the work I’ve done evangelizing and promoting AR and VR.
What topic areas are you most passionate about?
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Future tech trends, Strategic Foresight, Virtual Humans, Artificial Humans, The future of work, and brain-machine interfaces.
How would you describe your offline influence?
I do a lot of speaking and my topic has become a lot more relevant. Most of my speaking right now is virtual, due to the current pandemic situation. I do a lot of writing and recently became a Forbes CMO Network Contributor. I do consult as well and I’m a master network builder. I also just launched the Cathy Hackl Scholarship for Women to help more women succeed in the AR VR industry.
If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?
I definitely would love to start a branded podcast about the future, I also love doing webinars and Linkedin Live video interviews. Speaking opportunities and video opportunities are always welcome.
What’s your best source of information for getting ahead of a story?
I track a lot of trends and signals and try to read as much as I can about new findings and new products. I think networking and keeping an eye on the future has also served me well. LinkedIn has been a great tool for staying ahead of the trends. I also try to attend one or 2 events that are outside of my industry and comfort zone so I can meet people from different industries who are doing amazing things.
Which non-paid activities would you be keen to take part in if the opportunity raised your profile or delivered value to your audience?
- Provide a quote for content or news article
- Share / create a social post
- Speak at or attend an event
- Participate in online chat (e.g. Twitter chat, Crowdchat, Google Hangout)
- Create video content
What are your passions outside of work?
I absolutely love to travel…so that’s taken a backseat for obvious reasons. I’ve always loved to dance and it was a main past time of mine for a few years. I’m a life long learner and I’m spending time getting certified in program management and advancing my strategic foresight knowledge. I also love to explore new technology…I’m a sort of guinea pig for new tech. I love trying new gadgets and sharing that on LinkedIn.
What businesses/organisations are you affiliated to?
- Advisory Council for AWE (the world’s largest AR VR event)
- Executive Committee of the Interactive Media Peer Group of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
- Real-Time Academy Member of the Shorty Awards
- Advisor to XR Bootcamp
- Member of: Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, The Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour (AISB), Abundance 360, and the World Future Society
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
Email: cathy@cathyhackl.com