Fintech, beyond capitalism and cryptocurrencies.
It was thrilling to see Bitcoin go to over US$2,000 last week. It’s not just about the monetary value of these new currencies though. It’s how the base technology (the blockchain) is providing a new platform from which to do business, to conduct transactions, to share personal information, and much more in a way that’s decentralised – i.e. not biased or influenced or potentially corrupted by those in power locally, by government, large organisations, and powerful individuals. It’s providing the opportunity to reimagine processes or systems that aren’t working as well as they could in the world.
If you’ve not yet heard or read much about the future possibilities of money and tech in the global economy, here are introductory links ~
The role of cryptocurrencies presented at last week’s Ethereal Summit. I highly recommend watching this full video. The first 4 minutes highlight where banking is headed, how online currencies could become the backbone to improve many systems in the world, and how they’re also not a ‘golden chalice’. At 10:30 there’s mention of how through the blockchain you can pay for your coffee at a cafe and also directly tip the coffee farmer a very small amount without fees on either side. There are incredible supply chain opportunities as the supporting tech comes to be and great opportunities in developing countries too.
Why Bitcoin matters (NYTimes)
What is Blockchain
A beginner’s guide to Ethereum
Ethereum is the Forefront of Digital Currency
Thanks to Ross Hill & his Coinbase friends for these links.
Remote / Flexible work.
Looking for a remote job with flexible hours? Here’s a list of sites and joblists to check:
Any other suggestions? Email me and I’ll keep the list going and distributed here.
Local events.
Get into learning! Check out your local meetup events on topics you’re interested in.
If you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Singapore, Auckland and Perth Laneway Learning is fun.
Micropartnerships.
One of the great learnings I have from creating the Do Lectures here in Australia was the great gains from creating fast partnerships with brands / companies who increase the value provided to customers. This would play out by one of us having a sudden idea of a brand that could offer something to people attending then we’d get in touch via phone or email or through mutual contacts and really quickly we’d have products or experiences people could enjoy.
With this knowledge and as I see companies becoming more globally competitive, it’s powerful and increasingly necessary to have a proactive curiosity around what customers value and could gain from, an openness to get in touch with anyone who can help provide it and being aware of how to quickly build trust.
Who could you partner with fast to increase the worth to your customers?
How can you quickly create trust?
Digital Leadership.
How is your digital leadership learning coming along? Check in to this article to choose what you wish to learn or book a session with me to chart your course, to gain answers to current questions and more. Let’s see you flying high in your work and life opportunities.
Favourite reads & listens:
- I loved hearing about Pixar’s term “plussing” – How Pixar Transformed their Criticizers into Creators: The Magic of “Plussing”. It can be applied to both work and life. [leadership, innovation, teams, feedback, collaboration]
- The innovative Flow Hive presented by surfers Dave Rastovich and Lauren Hill. [inspiring, innovation, honey]
- This is a fascinating documentary (thanks Nick and Marty). [innovation, determination, mind-bending, art]
- Quick introduction to the future via humanitarian futurist Gerd Leonhard. It’s great to keep a balance by following people such as Gerd who uplift as well as show potential risks. [future, digital]
Great online presence:
- Fascinating to recently meet Thomas King (thanks Jac) and hear his exciting intentions for the future of food in Australia. He has a clean, clear LinkedIn profile.
- The extended list is here and here.
Have a fantastic week!
~ Sam
P.S. It was a treat to recently be in Tassie (Tasmania). Enjoy the photos here.
