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4 Easy Steps to Enter an Oculus Challenge

With the latest update of Olly Power Play you can now compete with your friends online with Oculus Challenges. This offers a great way to expand your gameplay and challenge your friends to specific levels top see who will come out on the top of our leaderboards!

Continue reading to find out how you can enter an Oculus Challenge for Olly Power Play.

1) Open the Scoreboards that comes with your Oculus Quest 2. This app is where you can access all our leaderboards and where you will enter, create, and keep track of challenges.

2) Click on the challenges tab to bring up the current and closed challenges for Olly Power Play.

3) Choose a challenge! Look at all the available challenges from your friends, the Oculus community, or even from Olly.

4) Press play and start scoring points to stay ahead of the competition.

Remember you can replay challenges as often as you like before times up. So, keep throwing and have fun!

Join our Discord server to find out more tips and tricks!

Stay up to date on all things Olly Power Play by following us on social media.

Waysun Inc. Upgrades its Olly Power Play VR Experience

Waysun Inc. has now taken its target-based VR adventure game to the next level with a major update.

ORLANDO, FL – September 2022 – Waysun Inc. is delighted to introduce a major update its target-based VR adventure game, Olly Power Play, that features the curious and lovable Olly the ox. Get ready for Olly to cheer you on as you venture through over 150 levels with new engaging targets and blockers. 

Players looking for more of a challenge have access to a variety of new rock and metal blockers that have been added to gameplay. They can also experience the new Blitz Mode, which features a throwing Fruit Frenzy to test speed and accuracy where the lowest score wins. This Olly Power Play update allows users to enjoy a better multiplayer gaming experiences with friends and family through an enhanced Party Mode. Furthermore, challenges can be extended through online leaderboards with Oculus Challenges. Advanced players can show off even more by earning the brand-new Champion Star Ranking and can track their performance with Player Performance Stats.

Waysun Inc. cannot wait for Oculus Quest 2 users to grab their headsets and enjoy Olly’s significant game update. Experience Olly Power Play with immersive visual, audio, and haptic effects added to every throw that accentuate the evolving innovation of gaming in the VR industry.

This project has been a great experience to watch the team bring Olly to life and make an immersive game that allows players of all ages to compete against each other with a deceptively simple action like throwing fruit. With this release of the game, the team has worked incredibly hard and improved on every aspect of the game with more levels, more Olly, and more things that we will let the players find for themselves. I can’t wait for players to take it for a spin and, as Olly would say, Let’s Play!” — Evan Graham, Development Director at Waysun Inc.

Discover more new features, additional levels, upgraded gameplay, and expanded leaderboards with Olly Power Play – Available now in the AppLab

VR Accessories to add to your wish list

VR Accessories That enhance Your Gaming Experience

Meta Quest 2 is no stranger to the gaming industry, as virtual reality games are on the rise. Quest 2 brings forth a new, more affordable, VR option to the table while allowing players to buy, play, and share all from the headset. 

Whether it’s your first time picking up a Meta Quest 2, or the hundredth, the device will always give gamers an immersive virtual reality experience as they explore the metaverse.

Looking to upgrade that experience? When purchasing this device, it comes with all of the necessary attachments, however, there are a number of accessories and add-ons for the Meta Quest 2 available on the market.

We hope you have your carts ready! Here are our recommendations for accessories that will take your journey through the VR world to the next level: 

1- Head Strap

This is surely one of the best accessories for your headset, as it provides maximum comfort when using your device. There are various different head straps to choose from, with some even including their own battery packs for optimized battery life.

Head straps also come in different styles, so gamers are able to choose one that complements their preferences best. The Elite Strap has the classic “ski mask” look and feel to it. While head straps such as the Bobo VR M2, are designed to be more “halo-like”, allowing the weight to be distributed and moved away from your forehead.

These accessories are not only suited for maximum comfort, but stability for your device as well. The head straps are able to keep your Meta Quest 2 in place as you play, providing you with a better gaming experience overall.

2. Carrying Case

Keeping your device in good condition is a must for optimized usage when entering the metaverse. We realize it can be difficult to find a place to store your Meta Quest 2, but we may have the perfect solution: a carrying case.

This lightweight Meta Quest 2 carrying case  provides protection for your device due to the padded interior and sturdy design. The case not only fits your headset, but also has room for an elite strap with or without a battery pack, two touch controllers, charging cables, and a power adapter.

Players will be able to keep all of their attachments and add-ons in one secure place, and prevent damage or loss to any of the items. 

3. Controller Attachments

Ready to upgrade your VR gaming session? Controller attachments for the Meta Quest 2 are here to take your games to the next level!

Whether you enjoy playing FPS games, such as Onward, or sports games such as Eleven Table Tennis or Rocket Fury, there is surely a controller attachment out there that will fit your needs best.

These attachments are designed with maximum comfort level, range of adjustability, and ease of control, making it easier to beat any challenges that may come your way while gaming.

In Conclusion

The recent innovation of the VR industry has taken over the gaming industry by storm and we couldn’t be more excited for it. After learning about all of the new awesome and enhancing accessories for your Meta Quest 2, we can only imagine that you’re ready to get browsing and adding to your carts!

Waysun's entry into the world of VR Gaming

Waysun’s Entry Into the World of VR Gaming

Waysun's entry into the world of VR Gaming

Waysun Inc. Breaks into the World of VR with Olly Power Play

Due to an increase of consumer attention and fascination in VR gaming, Waysun Inc. has decided to weave its way into the ever-evolving industry with Olly Power Play: an innovative, target-based challenge for the Oculus.

Since the inception of the company in 2016, Waysun Inc. has established itself as a full-service media and games publisher for owned and licensed content distributed across mobile, PC, and TV platforms in the U.S. and global markets. They specialize in providing critical and effective services for developers in the industry to successfully launch and further capitalize on their games and other products.

Over the past few years, the growing interest in the VR community has created a high demand for games on devices such as the Oculus Quest 2.

Waysun’s Software Engineer Lead, David Schiff states, “VR is a very interesting platform that enables a host of different game design options that other platforms are simply unable to support. VR is becoming increasingly more popular, and until recently, it has been a very limited platform due to high headset costs. With Oculus Quest 2, VR has become much more accessible, so there is a much larger VR player base than there ever was.”

Waysun Inc. values innovation and excellence, therefore, it is no surprise that the company decided to venture out into the world of virtual reality with the release of Olly Power Play.

In this target-based experience, players will be introduced to the lovable Olly the ox and set off on a new adventure on his beautiful island.Olly the Ox - Olly Power Play

Regarding the game’s main character, Schiff also expresses that “Olly is what sets this game apart from others. He’s cute and adds a lot of personality to the game. He’s fun to interact with and makes every play through of the game feel like a unique experience”.

Within the stages of game development, every game starts out with a vision and inspiration for creation. Development Director, Evan Graham advises that the inspiration behind Olly Power Play was to “create a game that focuses on simple game mechanics, with cute characters, that is easy for anyone to play and compete.”

See what players are saying about Olly Power Play!

The innovative aspects of Olly Power Play surely enhance VR’s escalating potential in the gaming industry. This virtual reality experience highlights fun and exciting gameplay, along with immersive sounds and audio effects. Players will be able to compete with their family and friends over 50 dynamic levels to hit targets with various fruits, earn bonuses, and set a new high score alongside their new pal, Olly. With these simple, yet exciting game mechanics paired with a range of levels, Olly Power Play is easy for people of all ages to experience and is available in the app lab now.

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©Waysun Inc. All right reserved. Waysun, Waysun Inc., Waysun.com and the Waysun Inc logo are trademarks of Waysun, Inc. In the US, China, and/or other countries.

©Waysun Inc. All right reserved. Waysun, Waysun Inc., Waysun.com and the Waysun Inc logo are trademarks of Waysun, Inc. In the US, China, and/or other countries.

5 Virtual Reality Facts

5 Virtual Reality Facts you Need to Know

The world of virtual reality can be summed up into two simple words: ever-evolving. Due to recent innovation and technological advances, virtual and augmented reality has taken over and is here to stay for the long haul. Learn about 5 Virtual Reality Facts You Need to Know. 

The growing popularity of VR poses a question: “How much do I actually know about virtual reality?”

Fear not, we are here to get you up to speed! Grab your reading glasses and prepare to be enlightened. 

Here are five facts about virtual reality that will make you an industry expert in no time:

1. The first VR headset was created by Morton Heilig in the 1960’s and was originally named the ‘Telesphere Mask’ 

In 1962, American cinematographer Morton Heiling invented the ‘Telesphere Mask’. Otherwise known as the Sensorama. This device would come to be known as one of the first and earliest known examples of multi-sensory, immersive VR technology. Fact via ioi.London. 

As the Sensorama was quite advanced for its time, as it gave the player an experience of motorcycling throughout the streets of Brooklyn. Players were also given a satisfying VR experience. Due to feeling wind in their face, vibrations from the motorcycle seat, and an engaging 3D view of Brooklyn. (Are your minds blown yet? Ours surely are!)

2. VR was marketed around 5.1 million in 2017 and is expected to be worth around 20.9 million in 2025. 

This dramatic stat from Tech Jury shows this jump in revenue is likely caused by the constant technological advancements in the industry. Factors such as higher internet speeds, access to hardware, and an increase in willing consumers contribute to such innovation as well. Due to these figures, we can predict that the market for virtual and augmented reality will continue to skyrocket at a steady pace year after year. These are the statistics we love to see! Here at Waysun, we are excited to be a part of the VR market with our Meta Quest 2 game: Olly Power Play. 

3. The number of VR users in the U.S. has increased from 22.5 million in 2017 to 50.2 million in 2020

The always upgrading industry attracts more and more users every year. According to zippia.com, the VR market is projected to reach 65.9 million users by 2023. (That’s a lot of headsets!)

With this in mind, 99Firms also reported that 35% of these individuals that use VR are between 24 to 35 years old. We’re thrilled to see the industry continue to escalate, as more individuals become familiar with the world of virtual reality.

4. 91% of business organizations are already using or are planning to use VR.

Business organizations from all sectors have adapted VR technology in their workplace. Whether it is for training purposes, or just some office fun, virtual reality has surely weaved its way into the professional world.

Here’s another fun fact for you from Strivr.com:  VR training reduces the risk in the workplace by 43%. This accounts for safer work environments and happier employees. With this in mind, we have to ask: are you willing to incorporate virtual reality technology in your office?

5. VR technology can benefit mental health purposes.

Were you aware that VR has also made its way into healthcare? Forbes.com reported that virtual reality technology can be used to treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The user who undergoes such therapy is presented with “real-life” virtual experiences that help them with mental health concerns or ease chronic disorders.

Furthermore, virtual reality has also provided benefits to the learning process. As the technology has been known to improve and even speed up learning abilities in general! (At this point, is there anything VR can’t do?)

 

Due to these facts, it is evident that virtual reality is no stranger to technology. Its success will only continue to multiply and spread across different sectors. Now that you’re a VR expert, we can bet you’re ready to pick up a headset and explore all of the benefits it has to offer!

 

 

 

 

Waysun Inc. Breaks into the World of VR with Olly Power Play

With the growing interest in VR games, Waysun Inc. launches its first game on Oculus featuring a target-based contest designed to challenge players and their friends.

ORLANDO, FL – April 27, 2022 – Waysun Inc. is thrilled to announce the release of Olly Power Play, a new option for VR gamers to add to their growing libraries. Show off your pitching skills in this target-based experience alongside the adorable ox named Olly! Enjoy over 50 dynamic levels and compete against friends to see if you can snatch the highest score on the leaderboard. Available in the app lab now.

 

The increasing demand for new VR content is the perfect opportunity for Waysun to introduce the world to their loveable character Olly and his beautifully designed world. This new experience is set on an inviting island where players can compete to clear out targets, earn bonuses, and set their high scores alongside Olly. Featuring exciting gameplay and immersive sights and sounds, Olly Power Play highlights VR’s potential in the gaming industry.

“We see VR as an opportunity to enhance the player experience in a positive way, and at Waysun our mission is to do just that.” – Ryan DiSanto, Chief Operations Officer for Waysun Inc.

 

About Waysun Inc.

Waysun Inc. is a full-service media and games publisher for owned and licensed content distributed across, mobile, PC, and TV platforms in the U.S. and global markets. Waysun Inc. values innovation, excellence, integrity, teamwork, diversity, and a global presence. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in providing critical services for developers to successfully launch and capitalize on their products, and has worked with brands such as Tencent, Boss Bunny Games, and Lammtara. For more information, visit waysuninc.com or follow @waysuninc on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Waysun Inc. Makes Key Leadership Appointments

May 5th, 2021

The entertainment and video game company expands its team with the recent hires of Chief Technology , Strategy and Creative Officers.

Orlando, FL – May 5, 2021 – Waysun Inc., a full-service entertainment and video game company for owned and licensed content globally distributed across mobile, digital, and console platforms, is expanding its team with four key leadership appointments. All executives are based out of Waysun’s headquarters in Orlando, Florida and report to Aly Yip, CEO of Waysun Inc.

“We are thrilled to have these experienced leaders join our team and help us drive Waysun’s global growth and success. Their combined experience in the entertainment, technology and media sector, as well as expertise in the game development, animation and fundraising, will contribute to Waysun’s expansion and leadership on the casual gaming segment, ” Yip says.

Ben Wronsky, Chief Technology Officer

Wronsky brings more than two decades of experience in technology development for the online, games, and entertainment industry. At Waysun, he leads the organization’s vision in technology, research, and development of the company’s games portfolio and platform.

As a 15-year veteran of Electronic Arts (EA), he held various leadership positions in graphics and technology development. Some of the key franchises Wronsky has contributed to include MADDEN NFL, FIFA, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, and Need fo Speed among others. He played an important role in transitioning several AAA games to new consoles and guiding the development of innovative technologies to enable immersive interactive storytelling.

Wronsky holds a bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics and Animation from California State University, Chico.

“The intersection of technology and gaming has redefined the industry in recent years. Technologies like augmented and virtual reality are now becoming mainstream and are changing the way consumers interact with content. I see this continuing to expand, along with transformational technologies such as artificial intelligence, not only in consumer experiences but also in mobile hardware, the cloud and backend systems, as developers leverage new capabilities for product innovation.” Wronksy says.

Bill West, Chief Strategy Officer

West is a seasoned executive in the entertainment and gaming industry and a leader in content publishing and creation. At Waysun, West is responsible fro globally executing the company’s operation and strategic plans. In this role, he has forged partnerships with companies including EA and The Walt Disney Company, among others, to license games and entertainment content.

In his tenure, West has consulted for major global brands, including SEGA, Warner Bros, Microsoft and AT&T, handling strategy and deployment for game distribution and expansion into new markets. He also held leadership positions at Redbox, Acclaim Entertainment, The Jim Henson Company, Codemasters and Climax Studios.

West has a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the Catholic University of America and a MBA in Entertainment and Finance from the University of Southern California.

“Casual gaming has reached a new level in the past year, with consumers using it to connect virtually with family and friends, I expect this trend to continue as audiences look for social and multiplayer experiences while they play their favorite games on mobile, digital, and console,” West says. “I am excited about what we have in store for Waysun as. drive forward our strategy of embedding entertainment and education in our gamin portfolio.”

Chris Maras, Chief Creative Officer

Maras brings more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry as a creative director and producer. At Waysun, he oversees the creative development and production of the company’s proprietary games with a focus on creating enriching experiences for. gamers.

Maras was a senior creative leader at entertainment giants including Universal, The Walt Disney Company, Electronic Arts, Sony, and Warner Bros. He has worked on feature films such as Aladdin, The lion King and The Iron Giant, as well as game franchises including madden, NBA Live, Medal of Honor, and Toy Story 3. Maras also helped develop experience for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

Maras has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film/Video from California Institute of Arts.

“In an increasingly competitive market, seamlessly bring real world elements together with new innovative technologies for everyone to enjoy is an essential component of success. Developers are no able to create unique worlds or utilize existing ones to build relationships with players like never before as they fully immersed in an experience,” Maras says.

Waysun Inc. Brings Casual Gaming to The World

May 4th, 2021

Waysun Inc., a full-service entertainment and video game company, creates its own casual games and partners with developers to launch products in the highly nuanced gaming market worldwide.

Fast Facts:

  • Business Model: Operating in a niche segment, Wayusn utilizes exclusive distribution pipelines into global casual gaming growth geographies, offering developers a marketplace for their content and helping them determine the best platforms for distribution, including PC, Mobile, and OTT.
  •  Industry Knowledge: Its team of experienced leaders brings expertise from the gaming and entertainment industries, with tenures at global companies including Electronic Arts (EA), Sony, and The Walt Disney Company, among others.
  • Distribution Partners: Some of the publishers that Waysun works with include EA, Petricore, KISS Publishing, SNK, and Chuanpu, among others. The company continues to forge partnerships with relevant industry players, providing an entry path for developers into a highly nuanced global market.
  • Game Portfolio: With 40 casual games already on the market, Waysun is working on a new creative offerings that will continue to drive the industry forward. The company’s portfolio of games emphasize simplicity, while being dynamic and challenging. This means anyone can play for the period that they desire in a friendly game environment,
  • Financials: Waysun has completed two successful rounds of funding, including a seeding round in 2018 and Series A round, completed in 2020, raising a total of $7.5 million.
  • Location: The company’s U.S. headquarters are based in Orlando, Florida with global presence in markets including China, the UK, and Canada, soon expanding into MENA and Southeast Asia.

Orlando, FL – May 4, 2021 – throughout the past decade, online gaming has surged, specifically the casual gaming segment where people have turned to for entertainment – and, most importantly, a way to stay connected to others virtually.

Waysun Inc. is an emerging global player in this category. As a full-service entertainment and video game company, Waysun aims to engage casual game developers and publishers to help them navigate the highly nuanced path to globalization. Waysun offers casual gamers experiences that are stimulating, positive, and dynamic – reminiscent of classic formats – while leveraging the latest technology and entertainment innovations. By making its games readily available across familiar platforms, from mobile to PC ad OTT, the company is putting gaming within everyone’s reach.

With a global focus, Waysun leverages its industry expertise and market knowledge to help experiences and up-and-coming developers penetrate gaming markets worldwide, including China, where the ecosystem is highly regulated. in this market, Waysun has partnerships that provide a pipeline to more than 300 million consumers.

“We identified a niche opportunity in the casual gaming segment and acted on it to build the company. While the industry is rapidly growing, to be successful and integrate global markets, developers need to know how to navigate different regulations, and that is where we come in. Waysun works with developers who are looking to expand into new markets and helps them create a seamless integration process through design, development, and submission,” Aly Yip, CEO fo Waysun Inc.

Beyond consulting for other players in the industry, Waysun develops its own casual games that combine fun and socially engaging components for all audiences. Whether consumers want to play for 15 minutes or an hour, Waysun’s gaming catalog offers an entertaining and enriching experience.

Slated for Holiday 2021, the merging entertainment and video game company will launch a mobile AR game where players can adopt and care for virtual pets, contributing to their health, growth, and development, all while being rewarded as pets achieve certain milestones. the endgame: players consume positive content in a healthier way, bringing out a kind and nurturing spirit.

Some of Waysun’s games already on the market that emulate this purpose with a lovable attitude and positive tone, include:

  • Badminton Stars: Like the real-life sport, it requires speed and quick reaction to get to the top of the leaderboard. In addition, players can play virtual matches and engage with other users.
  • Snoring Elephant Puzzle: With more than 300 million play worldwide, the game incorporates the basics of physics and puzzles with cute animals.
  • Trito’s Adventure: Players make a journey to greek mythology in a puzzle game to look for scattered fragments of a broken trident.

Creative and engaging content such as this, sets Waysun apart as a player looking to embed not only fun, but also personal growth on their games.

“As an experienced player in the entertainment industry, we know that content has an enormous impact on society. By creating games that are fun but also enriching social, and that promote physical movement, we are paving the way for a more purposeful and inclusive industry, one that brings out the kind and nurturing spirit within all of us it comes down to creating a movement as we develop gaming content,” Yip added.

Aly Yip: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming CEO

April 23, 2021

Aly Yip, CEO of Waysun Inc. gives advice on 5 things she wishes she knew before becoming CEO of a tech startup. With a lifelong passion for STEM and tech, Aly hopes to inspire and encourage others to be decisive, genuine, and confident in their abilities. Waysun Inc. is a full-service entertainment and video gaming company.

Read the full article below where Aly shares her insights and experiences as a woman in STEM.

This article originally appeared in Authority Magazine on April 23, 2021.

As a part of my series about “Lessons from Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aly Yip, CEP of Waysun Inc.

Aly Yip is the CEO of Waysun Inc., a full-service entertainment and gaming company that spans the global market. She immigrated to the United States with her parents at the age of 6 where she fell in love with STEM. Since then, Aly has accumulated more than 15 years of experience working in STEM, consistently leading efforts to forge strong US-China professional relations and changing the tech landscape for women.

After graduating from the University of Albany, NY, with a degree in Marketing and Communications, Aly worked for the Asian Council of North America, where she was able to further foster her negotiating and world-class business skills. Aly was honored by NYS Senate as a Top 10 Asian in 2008.

In 2015, Aly co-founded Core Holding Group (CHG), a consulting firm for major industry players. Then, just two years later in 2017, CHG and AHG co-founded Waysun Inc. This opportunity led Aly to the position of CEO at Waysun Inc., where she brings her love of technology and animals to work every day, proving your passions don’t have to be separate from your work.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you! I have had a strong interest in STEM my entire life. Whether it was assisting in professional lab work in high school or taking apart and tinkering with computers to figure out how they work, I loved all of it. When I was in college, my “aha” moment came in the form of a computer programming class. The joy from learning Visual C was unparalleled to any other course I had taken in the past; I knew this was something that I wanted to pursue. After formal schooling, I had amazing opportunities to act as an international liaison with various businesses around the world, widening my horizon on various cultural perspectives while honing my abilities to influence and negotiate. Soon thereafter I founded Waysun Inc., where I am able to bring all my experiences together in a unique mix of technology, gaming and global relationships.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began at your company?

This story is interesting to me because it is an unexpected challenge as the leader of a start-up organization: gauging office space needs is hard! We are thrilled that our company is growing so rapidly and dynamically that we have outgrown office space three times already — we are on to our fourth location as of this publication! Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable, valued, and like their needs are met promotes a positive atmosphere where people are happy to come to work. This sentiment, in turn, creates a culture that fosters productivity and efficiency. It’s important to me that my employees are having fun and enjoying their work — otherwise, what are we doing here?

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I mentioned before that I’ve had opportunities to share and experience different cultures all around the world, but one thing I’ve realized is that there’s always something new to learn. I was once having a banquet dinner with Chinese partners, and there were two sets of chopsticks: one black, one white. I wasn’t sure why, thinking that maybe people have preferences. When you’re the guest, you serve yourself first. What I didn’t realize was that the black pair was a serving set, and the white pair was for eating off your own plate. I used the white pair for both! After seeing others using theirs properly, I realized my mistake. While they politely didn’t point out my blunder, I was so incredibly embarrassed and vowed that any time I’m eating with partners, I will read up on their table etiquettes!

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

One thing that makes my company stand out is the incredibly distinguished experience each employee brings to Waysun Inc. We began our very early days in New York state, but shortly thereafter moved to Orlando, Florida, one of the entertainment capitals of the world. With that comes the privilege of picking from the best in the industry. Our employees boast backgrounds leading incredibly success AAA game franchises, working on Disney animation feature films, creating successful partnerships with top-tier entertainment companies like Sony and The Jim Henson Company, producing and financing major media endeavors for companies like Thomson Reuters… and those are just a few examples! I remember bringing all these talented people into a room together to discuss our next project and being completely amazed by the in-depth and personal perspectives on best practices, diverse creativity, and what truly makes a business endeavor successful.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Of course, we are! Slated for Holiday 2021, we will launch a mobile AR game where players can adopt and care for virtual pets, contributing to their health, growth, and development, all while being rewarded as the pets achieve certain milestones. Our goal is for players to consume positive content in a healthier way because we know that entertainment content has an enormous impact on society. By creating games that are not only fun, but also enriching, social, and physically engaging, we are paving the way for a more purposeful and inclusive industry, one that brings out the kind and nurturing spirit within all of us.

Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Are you currently satisfied with the status quo regarding women in STEM? What specific changes do you think are needed to change the status quo?

The status quo regarding women in STEM is far behind where it should be. While I’m happy that there is awareness for the need to address the disparities, I believe there must be more programs created for young girls who want to participate in STEM. We need to encourage knowledge, involvement, and passion in STEM from an early age in school and at play. Little girls should be allowed to play in the mud and dig up worms with the boys; females should feel comfortable participating in messy science experiments in after school clubs; and young women should be given the same types of research, tasks, and responsibilities in higher education. It should be just as accepted and normalized for a woman to be in STEM as it is for a man.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women in STEM or Tech that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts? What would you suggest to address this?

In my opinion, there are a variety of challenges faced by women in most industries, including STEM and tech, that are not typically faced by their male counterparts.

The first challenge relates to a long history of relationship bias. Simply put, the relationship bias can be seen when men in power often tend to hire other men. Whether it’s a deliberate attempt to re-connect their network, or instead an unconscious gender bias, it leaves women with a harder time getting their foot in the door. This trend is perpetuated by the fact that most leadership positions are held by men in tech and STEM. According to a recent ICT Solutions & Education publication, just 10% of executive tech positions are held by women.

To combat this, I think our investment in women becoming involved with STEM should be made years before they enter the workforce. That way, when it comes to networking and opportunities in the professional field, it will be just as natural to think a woman can step into, and excel in, these roles in the same way a man could.

Another challenge that is staggering for women is the pay gap. According to a 2021 PEW report, “the median earnings of women in STEM occupations ($66,200) are about 74% of men’s median earnings in STEM ($90,000).” Professionals should be paid based on skill and talents, not gender, and undoubtedly, women are equally as skilled and talented as men. It’s even wider when race and ethnicity are brought into play. The simple way to address this is to ensure women are paid the same as men if they rank similarly in experience, education, and performance. To me, this is a no-brainer.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a woman in STEM or Tech. Can you explain what you mean?

One of the “myths” I would like to dispel about being a woman in STEM or tech is the belief that we are less interested or less capable than men in these fields. The idea that women aren’t interested in STEM or tech has been a stereotype perpetuated by media and institutions for a long time, but recent studies have shown that this myth isn’t reality. According to a PEW research study, women accounted for more than half of degrees in STEM at the bachelor’s level, and 25% of math research doctorates were earned by women. While rates of women studying healthcare is the most prevalent, I think it’s imperative we continue to encourage women to pursue other STEM careers if they want to. With the proper push back on this myth, I believe the numbers of women in STEM will continue to rise.

I believe the myth that STEM should be gendered is discouraging to women interested in joining the field, even though they are capable. Women in tech and young girls interested in tech should have that interest fostered, and they should be celebrated and encouraged every step of the way. I want to dispel this myth because it is harmful to not only the individuals it singles out, but also the industry. By discouraging women from STEM, we are missing out on a plethora of new ideas, skill sets, and solutions. Not only are women interested in STEM, but they also often excel in these fields because of their innate abilities for problem-solving, leadership, and innovation.

What are your “5 Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Experience as a Woman in STEM or Tech” and why. (Please share a story or example for each.)

In my journey to CEO, I have learned so many lessons, and I don’t think the learning process really ever ends.

The first topic that came to light early in my career is that being a CEO of any business — including one in STEM or tech — requires adopting the skills of a salesperson. Along the way, I’ve had to sell my vision to investors, my strategy to the team and, of course, our product to consumers. Among all the responsibilities I’ve had, understanding how to position my ideas and plans to get others on board is paramount.

Second, I find that it’s important to be levelheaded when making decisions. It’s beneficial to be passionate and invested in your product and team but separating emotion from action is key; business should never be personal. Women are often assigned the stereotype of being “too emotional”, but to me, it’s all about intelligent decision-making. It’s been said before, and I agree, “Never reply when you’re angry, never make a promise when you’re happy, never make a decision when you’re sad.”

Third, I learned to get good at problem-solving. This is especially important in STEM and tech, as these sectors are largely based on finding solutions and innovating. Oftentimes, your team will be having fun in day-to-day tasks, but as a leader, it’s your job to find solutions that work. It’s not always glamorous but being a problem solver is rewarding in its own right.

My fourth tip is don’t get caught up in creating a perfect product but instead, focus on creating a strong foundation and successful business. Fostering a collaborative culture, being financially viable, and finding the right talent comes first. You can always perfect your product later. STEM and tech are all about testing, so focusing too much on one product or feature can be fatal. A good business will outlast any one feature.

Lastly, stop using big words! Delivering precise and clear directions to your team is crucial since they are the ones carrying out your vision — especially in STEM and tech, where so many complex theories, systems, and terms exist. It’s important to simplify depending on your audience. Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

What advice would you give to other women leaders to help their team to thrive?

My advice to women leaders to help their team to thrive is to set them up for success, act as a strong, confident, and decisive leader… and then trust your team to do their best!

It’s crucial to set your team up for success from Day 1 by providing them the appropriate training and resources. Create a culture that is welcoming and inclusive where all voices are heard and valued. At Waysun, no matter the role title, we take everyone’s ideas into account from game feature development to favorite kitchen snacks.

In times of difficulty or uncertainty, people look to a leader to be strong and prepared. They want a reassuring voice with a decisiveness to feel confident in taking action. If you believe something should be done in a certain way because it will be successful, stand firm. Work with conviction and integrity, be confident in your decisions, and do not let others sway you from your path. Women are not always taken at face value or can be easily overridden by other voices; don’t hesitate or be afraid to stand up for what’s right.

And finally, if you’ve set up the right team in the appropriate roles, working in the most effective manner possible, you’re going to see great results! Let your team do what they do best and trust that they will deliver. Don’t micromanage but do be there every step of the way to encourage, mentor, and celebrate.

What advice would you give to other women leaders about the best way to manage a large team?

The advice I would give to other women leaders about the best way to manage a large team is twofold: the first is to treat each person as an individual, and the second is to effectively manage and distribute talent and resources.

Whether you have a team of 5 or 100, each person comes to work with a different background or home life. We should be empathetic, caring, and human. Each employee also brings unique skills and talents that only they can provide. We should find those treasures, hone them, and ensure they are being utilized in the most effective and positive way possible, both for the benefit of the company and their personal growth. Divide, conquer, and distribute work appropriately. It is impossible to know everything about every single subject, so hire people who are trustworthy and knowledgeable that work with integrity. Creating a dependable team is the only way to ensure tasks are carried out successfully and no detail is missed.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My father was the biggest influence in my life, and I’ll be forever grateful to him for helping me become the person I am today.

Most of my principles are influenced by my dad. He taught me how to learn from my mistakes and use them as fuel to become better. No matter how disappointed he could have been with a misstep, he never belittled me or made me feel ashamed. Rather, he taught me that mistakes are often made because we have different perspectives in various situations.

I have never met someone to date with such an incredible ability to see all perspectives of a situation. He truly listened when people provided their opinions or thoughts and had this way of being able to truly understand them. His example has allowed me to make better decisions in work and life. He would tell me, “We do not see things the way they are, we see things the way we are.” (The Talmud)

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

As I mentioned earlier, entertainment content has an enormous impact on how we shape society. The upcoming generations are some of the most aware and purposeful that we’ve seen in history. They are very concerned with what they consume and what brands they stand behind. By being a founder and CEO of Waysun, I am in a position that allows me to drive both business and content goals. With that in mind, I want Waysun to be a company that not only makes incredibly entertaining, high-quality, and tech-forward content, but also one that wants to foster and encourage the natural human instinct of desiring happiness, hope, and goodness.

Aristotle said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” I have spent my life navigating different channels and overcoming challenges to become a woman leader in STEM. There is no point in having all this knowledge if society doesn’t benefit from it. I hope to take this knowledge and positive intention, apply it to our work and products, and hopefully spread influence beyond the phone screen and into the real world.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

To expand on my previous topic, if I could inspire a movement to bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, it would be one where industry content creators band together to be more purposeful with the work they produce, in a way that inspires others to find the good in the world and act on it. The last 18 months have been incredibly divisive and dark. It would be amazing if multiple brands decided to carefully curate content that is fun, meaningful, and has a purpose to find unity amongst division and light despite the dark. I want entertainment content to inspire its consumers to believe in one another and work together for a better world — whether that is through animal care, environmental awareness, humanitarian works, or any other endeavors that contribute to the betterment of this world and the generations to come.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I live by quotes. They’re a way to ground me and always help me in moments where I need a temperature check. They remind me to ask, “Am I following the philosophies I wish to imitate?” Amongst the others I’ve mentioned in this piece, one of my favorites is: “People will hate you, rate you, shake you, and break you. But how strong you stand is what makes you.” (LeBron James)

This quote has allowed me to stop worrying about the inevitable judgement of society, where people are quick to criticize or put blame on others. Regardless of critique or people trying to tear us down, we need to just be able to stand on our two feet and charge ahead with integrity, strength, and confidence. We are the only ones who are living our own lives, so we must hold ourselves accountable, and, likewise, be responsible for our own fulfillment and happiness through our efforts and heart.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂

I would be absolutely honored and beyond ecstatic to have a private meal with Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX. Her achievements in the space transportation industry are astonishing, and she is a complete force of nature. With her bold confidence and incredible intelligence, you know she is poised to take on any challenge. She’s proven that in her personal and professional history, whether being personally asked by Elon Musk to join his team early on or raising more than $1.4m for STEM education programs that have reached thousands of students nationwide. Gwynne’s every endeavor proves her to be an incredible role model for women in STEM, myself included.