Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you share with us the story of how you decided to pursue this career path? What lessons can others learn from your story?
Well, starting as an IT professional — focused on security specifically — the industry has brought me to this new phase in the industry — a cross-section of distributed computing, data, and transparency. Pretty wild times to be honest!
Can you tell me about the most interesting projects you are working on now?
We’ve been deep in the classification and governance of data for enterprises for quite some time, customers take us in interesting directions. Lately, clients have been asking for advanced capabilities — not just securing data in the cloud, but also on advanced storage mechanisms like Blockchain. We’ve been doing quite a bit of work with Ripple — even to the point where they added us to the UNL yesterday. We are pretty pumped. It’s a great validation for the team and our strategy.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Many people to be sure. And many I probably won’t probably recognize. All I know, is many helped me along the way — I hope to return the favor back in spades if I can. It is not a specific goal — but it is something I try to do.
What are the 5 things that most excite you about blockchain and crypto? Why
Identity and Blockchain — repudiation, validation, and trust enablement — huge.
Enablement of different ‘anchors’ of value than fiat or physical goods
Selective freedom of information — when it should and can be distributed and shared
Personal control of information — GDPR is a good start — but it needs to be much more personal. I see a day when a person can variably share their information — ad hoc and long-term — based on their own control mechanisms.
Simplification and distribution of noncommon assets — it will be interesting to see what comes up in the coming years
What are the 5 things worry you about blockchain and crypto? Why?
Too much, too fast.. Business (and everything else) — take time to adapt and adjust.
A concentration of too much — everything.
The ‘long tail’ of data — something today might be ok on the blockchain — what about in the future?
Waves and troughs — adoption and embracing of new ideas don’t have to be hard
The long-term strength of crypto — at one time we felt SSL v1.0 was ‘enough’ — how do we ensure ‘permanent’ data can stand the test of time for protection.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?
I don’t know how much better I have brought to the world, to be honest — but I feel I do try my best to help others, share knowledge when I may add value, and contribute if I can.
Also, read – Understand blockchain bridges for crypto benefits
What 3 things would you advise someone who wanted to emulate your career? Can you share an example for each idea?
If you want easy and comfortable — don’t follow my path
2. Context is important — your colleague, your customer, your partner — try and ‘sit in their chair’ to understand their perspective
3. Be a voracious and variable reader — I have learned the best lessons for leadership or tech from completely unrelated industries.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
“It takes a community”. This phrase is key to much of what I do. I try and express my appreciation for others that are involved in what I do — regardless of the situation. I have held many roles, jobs, and functions in my personal and professional life — I like to think I have some semblance of appreciation for others with that background. At least — I hope I do!
You are a person of great influence. If you could start 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.
Sorry, (see I said Sorry!) — I’m not sure I’m a person of ‘influence’ or can start a movement. I do hope that our ideas can trigger some changes in the areas we are focused on. Certainly, everyone here is ‘all in’ on these efforts — I work every day to enable their goals as I can.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Twitter: @data443risk
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!