Pınar Öncü is the cofounder and CEO of AtlasOffice, an entrepreneur, and lifelong curious explorer. With a background in urban design and expertise in information systems, programming, and developing tools and 2D and 3D simulations; Öncü focuses on XR development—“extended reality,” or technology that blends physical and virtual worlds and experiences. Her company AtlasOffice, a 3D immersive business social platform, allows teams to gather virtually in private office spaces.
Öncü; who in her free time also researches cosmology, neuroscience, and how people perceive and interpret the reality and space around them; joined the “Women Investing in Space For Humanity” panel at Amplifying Her Voice: In Moms We Trust to discuss her personal journey to becoming involved in space exploration, the necessity of fulfilling human needs beyond mere survival, and her vision for a Mars simulation in achieving this goal. She also shared some thoughts with us about the still-untapped potential of women’s abilities, her work as an entrepreneur and investor in a field still dominated by men, the central role curiosity plays in her life, the unique difficulties and opportunities facing mothers today, and more.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
Although women empowerment has an increasing growth rate, there are still millions of women who are capable of achieving great success, discovering new lands, and extending the limits of humanity.
I want to share about my Mars journey through technology, how technology can contribute to the space industry and my experiences as a woman tech entrepreneur and investor.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
The endless curiosity of discovering the myths of our universe and human capabilities are my main drivers.
Who is your role model, and why?
Sir Richard Branson; because of his endless passion, curiosity, excitement and execution.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I’m:
– The CEO and co-founder of AtlasOffice; a 3D immersive business-social platform for the future of work.
– Co-founder of GarageAtlas; a new visual experiences company, focused in XR.
– Member of WomenTech Network, which supports women’s empowerment in technology all around the world.
– Founder of Zoe Island, aiming to develop living spaces at impossible environments.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Lack of time due to care responsibilities, lack of social interaction with the community, and the world failing to find their power and tap into their potential.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
Violence, racism, oppression and inequality are very dependent on social dynamics of communities. Educated communities are the key to develop respect not only for women but also for all living things. Being a woman, a mother in the middle of these issues is extremely hard to bear. Yet, with more educated women in the society, it gives her a huge power to raise fully aware children and to lead to fully aware new generations.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
In terms of access to information, crisis solutions, and support; being in the age of information and technology is a great opportunity. On the other hand, the increasing time demands of dense urban lives of today is definitely one of the biggest challenges of motherhood. Human beings are assumed to be premature until they’re 25 years old. Within this period, the bond between mothers and children is essential. I hope the future world will offer more mother-friendly career opportunities for the good of their new generations and the future of world.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
You can, and you will for sure, achieve. But you don’t have to do it alone. Collaborating or asking for help when you need will make you stronger, not weaker.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Never forget the excited soul of your child-self. Discover what you are passionate about, and run for it. And never forget There’s always an alternative way that leads you to your destination. Try every way out.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
My mother. She quit working in finance sector to raise me and my brother. She raised me always mentioning “Stand on your own feet darling. You’re a woman. And there’s nothing stronger than a woman who does so.” I’m in gratitude for her endless support, even when it was difficult. She has always been a brave mother.
I follow her steps to encourage the women around me. They can. They very well can and they don’t know it. I encourage them when they fear, when they get lost in darkness, when they can’t see their path, or when they have no idea about what they are capable of achieving.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
Time that you spare for yourself never steals from your rest of the time. Devote a “me-time” to yourself. It refreshes you and recovers that time by making you more productive, more focused.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
The business world is still very men-dominant. It’s a warzone. Don’t quit. Each of us are naturally strong enough to learn how to exist in a warzone and win battles but not quit the sentimental, female selves.
Find the vulnerable spots of this warzone—and shine.
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We’re inspired by Pınar Öncü’s passion, leadership, encouragement, expertise, and boundless curiosity. Check out the full conversation from “Women Investing in Space For Humanity,” and don’t forget to sign up for our latest summit, Amplifying Her Voice: Stronger Together.
