Abstract
Most organizations currently view the arrival of a cryptanalytically relevant quantum computer as a distant technical concern, but Louise Davey argues that it is a present-day governance crisis requiring immediate board-level action. In this episode, she explores how technical practitioners can successfully carry this issue to the top of an organization by moving the conversation away from qubits and toward fiduciary duty and operational resilience. Louise highlights the unique timing offset inherent in the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat, which complicates traditional risk management because the decisions made today affect a security landscape that will manifest long after current leaders have moved on.
The discussion further examines the three primary breakages that quantum computing causes in standard risk models, specifically regarding ownership, remediation, and the foundational assumptions of digital trust. Louise points out that many organizations fail by treating the quantum transition as an IT project. She clarifies that while IT is an essential enabler for execution, the business must own the strategy and accountability to ensure multi-year programs receive the necessary budget and sustained focus. When the strategy lacks business-led ownership, it risks stalling during the long slog of defending the program through various political complexities.
The discussion concludes with actionable advice for boards to move from awareness to execution through expert advisory and rapid risk assessments. Louise explains the incredible power of an inquiring board to shift organizational priorities overnight. By asking the right questions and recording them in meeting minutes, boards can transform a slow-moving technical initiative into a high-priority mandate for organizational resilience.
What you’ll learn
- How to translate technical quantum risks into the language of business.
- Why the timing offset makes quantum risk different from traditional cyber threats.
- The three primary breakages in standard risk management caused by quantum computing.
- Why IT should be the executor rather than the owner of a transformation.
- The importance of a business-led steering committee for accountability.
- The first practical steps boards can take to begin the transition.
About Louise Davey
Louise Davey is the president of LDIQ and an expert in quantum readiness and post-quantum cryptography. She is the author of Quantum How, a guide for leadership in the quantum era, and brings a unique perspective as a former experimental nuclear physicist who transitioned into business leadership.