IBM Blockchain Pulse

The IBM Blockchain Pulse has had the privilege of hosting several returning guests this season but few have worked in industries as heavily impacted by COVID-19 as our guests today; Matt Zarracina and Ken Lesnik, the founders of True Tickets.   While the live events business has been upended during the pandemic, True Tickets mission has remained totally unchanged. Their work to push clients and customers further into the realm of digital ticketing has never been more relevant.   In their last episode together a year and a half ago, Matt and Ken shared how they transitioned from a B2C company to a B2B company. In this episode, in the midst of the COVID-era, they focus on how all the ways in which their own business has adapted and evolved — and, of course, how the larger blockchain business ecosystem has adapted and evolved as well. Don’t miss out on this thoughtful and illuminating conversation!   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [:44] About today’s episode with Matt Zarracina and Ken Lesnik. [2:08] Matt welcomes Matt and Ken to the podcast. [2:59] How True Tickets has adapted accordingly to live events taking a massive hit due to the global pandemic. They also share about the exact moment in the spring that they realized that they needed to think quickly and adapt. [7:09] What is a ‘test’ and what is a ‘sign’ when it comes to your business? How do Matt and Ken define the difference? [9:18] Ken elaborates on the role that blockchain is playing in helping to create more equitable and fair digital mobile ticketing. [12:34] The biggest change agent for the live ticketing industry during this COVID era that allowed the ‘middlemen’ to recognize True Tickets as a business solution in a different way. [14:18] Why wasn’t there earlier incentivization for making tickets digital? [15:44] How does True Tickets walk venue owners, managers, promoters, etc. through the concept of working with data and predictive digital analytics? [18:08] Would Matt and Ken see a part of True Tickets’ responsibility as playing a key role in translating digital possibility for analog ownership, analog venue management, etc. as we move into this new digital age? [19:45] Matt highlights the differences and similarities they’ve seen in the COVID era between the different territories and markets they’re operating in. [20:45] As they’re closing deals, do they find clients care particularly about the blockchain angle as it pertains to security, trust, and transparency? Or is it just a nice addition? And how does the blockchain story come about in the story of their business solution? [22:05] Matt speaks about the nature of True Tickets’ relationship with IBM Blockchain at present and what excites him most about it looking into 2021. [24:14] Matt speaks about the significance of what happened when Hamilton premiered on Disney+ this summer and what it means for the future of live performances. [27:20] Why haven’t there been many live performances in digital form? Is it only becoming more prevalent due to the pandemic? [29:03] Ken shares his thoughts on how live performances have transformed since the pandemic. [32:00] How they’re planning for the evolution of their business, what they think the ticketing space will look like in the two years, and how they think the relationship they’ve built with IBM Blockchain will impact their business going forward. [34:34] Matt thanks Mat and Ken for joining the podcast once again! [35:32] Matt closes out the podcast.   Sources Mentioned: True Tickets IBM Blockchain Pulse Ep. 6: “How Blockchain is Shaking Up the Current Inefficient Ticketing Industry, with True Tickets Co-Founders” Matt’s Medium post on Hamilton Bruce Springsteen's Letter to You    Follow-up with Our Guests: Matt Zarracina’s LinkedIn Ken Lesnik’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

The IBM Blockchain Pulse has had a lot of extraordinary guests featured on the podcast so far. They’ve featured leaders in government and business, space tech executives and designers, as well as startup founders and seasoned executives alike. But, an artist is yet to make an appearance!   In today’s episode, Matt is joined by a multidisciplinary artist, Erin Zhao, who leads the conversation to an area of Blockchain that IBM Blockchain Pulse has yet to delve into.   Joining the conversation, as well, is return guest, Nigel Gopie, Director of Artificial Intelligence Applications and Blockchain Marketing at IBM. In this episode, he helps to tell the story of IBM’s collaboration with Erin and how they’ve managed to rethink the art consumption experience in our COVID-19 era. They also speak about the importance of interconnectedness, transparency, and trust, in Erin’s art and blockchain tech itself.   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [1:01] About today’s episode with Erin Zhao and Nigel Gopie. [2:36] Matt welcomes Erin and Nigel to the podcast. [2:59] What Nigel loves about IBM’s innovative clients and how they’re similar to artists. [4:05] Erin speaks about her experience when she was first approached by IBM to collaborate on an artwork that was connected to the concept of blockchain. She shares what initially excited her about this opportunity and blockchain in general. [5:53] The name of the piece Erin created with IBM is “Interconnectedness.” Erin shares how the theme of interconnectedness has played a major role in her art in the past and why she is fascinated by the concept in relation to blockchain. [8:00] Nigel shares how he and Erin first came to connect on this project and what their earlier conversations about the project looked like. [10:05] Prior to this project, has Erin always been fascinated by this intersection between art and technology? [13:07] Nigel shares his thoughts on what the role of an artist is within the ecosystem of blockchain. [15:00] About IBM’s five-part webinar series: Blockparty. [15:45] Erin describes what her art looks like, the materials she uses, and how it feels for her when she releases her art into the world. [18:24] Nigel describes his favorite piece of Erin’s that drew him to her art. [19:40] Matt reflects on the power of art — especially in this COVID era. [21:06] On Erin’s art website, she writes that she is “...interested in bridging the tangible with the impalpable, in constructing space to encourage curiosity and to create tentative expressions from emotions that we experience but have difficulty putting into words.” She elaborates on what this means and how she creates the space within her art to encourage onlookers’ curiosity. Erin also takes listeners through her latest piece in collaboration with IBM, “Interconnectedness.” [25:25] Nigel shares what he loved about Erin’s description of “Interconnectedness,” and how “Interconnectedness” really illustrates the concept of blockchain accurately. [26:45] Erin elaborates on “Interconnectedness” and more of its fascinating background, layers, meaning, and how it connects to blockchain. [27:45] Where to find Erin Zhao’s beautiful art online and see the piece, “Interconnectedness.” [29:00] Matt gives his thanks to Erin and Nigel for joining this week’s edition of IBM Blockchain Pulse.   Sources Mentioned: IBM Blockchain Pulse Ep. 7: “How Blockchain is Making Your Food Safer and Smarter” with Nigel Gopie Erin Zhao’s Art Website Erin Zhao’s Instagram @ErinZhaoArt IBM.biz/IBMBlockparty — A five-part webinar series bringing the transformative power of blockchain to life through art!   Follow-up with Our Guests: Erin Zhao’s Website Erin Zhao’s Instagram Nigel Gopie’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

This episode of IBM Blockchain Pulse marks another first for Matt Hooper! He is welcoming back his first return guest, Maribel Lopez, the founder and Principal Analyst of Lopez Research!   Last time Maribel was on the show, she and Matt dove into blockchain and transformation and discussed whether or not blockchain hype had peaked. Today, they’re shifting gears and taking a look at how companies can get started with blockchain. They discuss how companies can move from pilot phase to production, work within or even help set governance standards, and general obstacles many organizations need to overcome as they implement a new technology strategy. Maribel also shares some examples of projects that have successfully moved from the pilot phase to production and what she believes to be the most challenging bits to the “BLT” (Business, Legal, Technical) aspects of blockchain!   There’s a lot of key takeaways and valuable insight in this episode with Maribel Lopez, so be sure to stay tuned!   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [:25] About today’s episode with Maribel Lopez! [1:41] Matt welcomes both listeners and Maribel back on to the podcast! [3:00] Before an organization can even get started with adopting a strategy around an emergent technology, what questions should they be asking themselves? [6:48] After a strategy is in place, how does an organization go about setting governance standards? [9:04] Maribel highlights some of the common stumbling blocks that teams generally face when trying to implement a new technology strategy. [11:55] Matt takes a break from the interview to share an important resource: IBM.com/Blockchain/COVID19. [13:13] Maribel continues speaking some common organizational struggles regarding implementing new technology. [14:00] Maribel shares some of her favorite examples of companies that have successfully moved from the pilot phase to production. [17:17] Maribel shares what she believes to be the most challenging bits to the “BLT” (Business, Legal, Technical) aspects of blockchain. [20:58] Matt thanks Maribel for joining the IBM Blockchain Pulse podcast once again!   Sources Mentioned: Lopez Research IBM Blockchain Pulse Ep.17: “Helping Businesses Thrive in a Connected World” IBM.com/Blockchain/COVID19 IBM Food Trust TradeLens IBM Blockchain Pulse Ep. 7: “How Blockchain is Making Your Food Safer and Smarter”   Follow-up with Our Guest: Maribel Lopez’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

Our latest guest is Chelsey Delaney, Global Design Lead for Blockchain Services at IBM, who brings a unique and personal view to the blockchain discussion. Namely, a design-centric view — it’s in her job title after all!   Coming away from this interview, our host Matt Hooper felt inspired anew about the practical implementations of blockchain technology and particularly about the key distinctions Chelsey has made in her own work. As systems are improved all built all together, what seems to be particularly important is the importance of collaboration in the ecosystem.   This was one of Matt’s absolute favorite episodes to record — and when you tune in, you’ll know exactly why. The unique perspective that Chelsey brings as a Global Design Lead is both inspiring and motivational.    [CTA Button][Learn how innovative companies and individuals use blockchain for social good]   Often, we focus the discussion around what blockchain is or what it does. In this episode, Chelsey directs the conversation around how blockchain can serve the needs of people and the systems that support them, which is a more human-focused way of discussing technology.    You can also learn more about Chelsey’s story and how blockchain is helping with humanitarian efforts by watching the film Bonds of Trust.    Key takeaways   [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [:24] About today’s episode with Chelsey Delaney. [2:05] Matt welcomes listeners and his guest to the podcast! [2:28] What does Chelsey Delaney get to do all day long in her career? [5:00] Chelsey shares her first introduction to blockchain. [6:05] What excited Chelsey most about blockchain technology when she first learned about it? [6:44] How did Chelsey think about the internet prior to learning about blockchain? How has it changed since? [9:25] How does Chelsey think emerging technology like blockchain can help when it comes to disaster relief? [12:18] As a designer, is knowing how to design for a world where anything is possible (where there will be an array of solutions we can shop for) one of the motivations in Chelsey’s own work? [14:32] Chelsey elaborates on her quote: “People need to talk less about what blockchain is and more about what it can do for people.”  [17:46] Does Chelsey think, because of who the early blockchain fans were, that it changed the kind of conversations we’re only having now, 10-12 years later? [19:26] What does Chelsey look forward to the most related to her work and blockchain technology in general? [22:25] Chelsey shares where she would like to spend her time in the blockchain space specifically over the next five years. [24:52] Matt thanks Chelsey for joining the podcast! [25:11] Matt closes out the podcast.   Sources mentioned   What is Blockchain? — Visit for a free download of Blockchain for Dummies! Bonds of Trust Documentary   Follow-up with our guest   Chelsey Delaney’s LinkedIn   Looking for more episodes?   Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

We live in a connected world. You know how many episodes of this show refer to a global supply chain and how blockchain can transform said supply chain? Well, that’s because that’s how goods and services travel globally. And any company looking to do business has to think globally, which doesn’t always come easily.   Enter Maribel Lopez, the founder and principal analyst at Lopez Research, whose job is to help the most ambitious of business leaders. This sort of work requires a collaborative spirit as well as a deep knowledge of the most significant innovations happening every corner of the globe — from AI to IoT to blockchain. Maribel gets to spend her days guiding leaders through these changes and Matt couldn’t be more excited to be interviewing her this episode! There are few people out there with as much insight into the adoption and implementation of breakthrough technologies on a global scale as Maribel, so don’t miss out on today’s episode!   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s guest, Maribel Lopez. [1:05] About today’s episode. [2:54] Matt welcomes Maribel to the podcast! [3:14] What does Maribel get to do all day as the founder and Principal Analyst at Lopez Research? [4:23] Was Maribel always technology-driven? What was her background before starting her firm? [5:24] Is Maribel working with startups looking to embrace emerging technology or is she working with fortune 500s? [6:28] With whom in the c-suite does she work with as she identifies the right business customer? Who Is Lopez Research’s ‘right’ customer? [8:02] What would Maribel say is the current appetite for emerging technologies amongst the largest corporations she works with? And has this appetite grown in recent years? [9:36] When Maribel is met with skepticism about adopting emerging technologies such as blockchain, where does the conversation start and where does it stop? Why are these people reluctant and how does she convert them? [11:43] Does Maribel think blockchain hype has peaked or are we currently in the hype cycle? [14:15] Maribel shares some of her current favorite use cases that excite her the most right now! [16:54] Maribel highlights one of the most important things blockchain solves for companies. [18:23] About Blockchain for Dummies! [19:05] Maribel provides some examples of exciting collaborations she has seen between technologies collaborating together (such as between a blockchain application an AI application, an IoT application, etc.) [23:14] Maribel shares what she’s seeing in the way of exciting blockchain-enabled products. [26:45] What blockchain makes possible for your business. [30:07] What tech trends, other than blockchain, should CIOs and CTOs be embracing as we enter the 2020s? [32:36] Matt Hooper thanks Maribel Lopez for joining the podcast!   Sources Mentioned: Lopez Research IBM.co/PodcastforDummies — Visit for a free download of Blockchain for Dummies!   Follow-up with Our Guest: Maribel Lopez’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

Have you ever met someone who truly loved their job so much that you found yourself grinning ear-to-ear as you listened to them explain how they spend their days? Well, Matt Hooper sure has! His guest today, Bill Stark, is the President of IBM Business Partner Cognition Foundry. The passion with which Bill describes his job in today’s episode will leave you inspired and thinking about the many opportunities emerging technologies are bringing about for startups and society. At Cognition Foundry, Bill and team help clients deliver innovation that matters to the world. They understand that early days can be frustrating for founders and that it’s easy to get stuck and not be able to get your idea off the ground. That’s why they help startups grow their idea, scale it up, and make it become sustainable and everlasting. It’s powerful and exciting work.   In this episode, Bill talks about the work that goes on at Cognition Foundry every day, how technology (and more specifically, blockchain technology) can help startups establish credibility and make a global impact, circular economy and much more!    “If we intentionally design systems with people in mind, and we look at the problems as opportunities, the technology can truly make the world a better place.” — Bill Stark Key takeaways   [:16] About today’s episode with special guest, Bill Stark! [1:44] Matt welcomes Bill to the podcast. [2:08] What does Bill get to do all day long as the President of Cognition Foundry? And how did he originally get started with it? [4:24] What is an impact startup? And what challenges do impact startups face? [8:23] How does an IT services provider use technology to help people meet said challenges? [11:33] Where to learn more about how IBM Blockchain is reshaping the status quo! [12:22] Bill gives some examples of enterprise technology and explains how it can benefit startups. [15:47] Does blockchain help a startup establish credibility? And if so, how? [21:01] Bill shares more about what they do with blockchain to help startups meet their challenges. [24:57] Bill defines what a ‘circular economy’ is and explains what is so exciting about it. [27:52] Bill shares the inspiring future of blockchain he sees. [30:25] Matt thanks Bill for joining the podcast! [30:59] Where to learn more about Cognition Foundry and get in contact with Bill.   Sources mentioned Cognition Foundry Plastic Bank IBM Blockchain Pulse Episode 4: Blockchain for Social Good United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Blockchain for Good — Learn more about how blockchain is helping humanitarian efforts! Newlight Technologies Ellen MacArthur Foundation   Follow-up with our guest Bill Stark’s LinkedIn   Looking for more episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

James Patchett on how the NYEDC is driving future innovation  Welcome back to the IBM Blockchain Pulse podcast! With the first episode back into the new year, our host Matt Hooper takes time to reflect on the progress made by the tech community in New York City where innovative technology is widely celebrated. It’s also where you’ll likely find a more thriving startup ecosystem than any other place in the country.   And speaking of New York, Matt couldn’t be happier to be joined by his guest, James Patchett — the President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation! NYCEDC is a not-for-profit organization that has been around for over 20 years, not as an agency, but affiliated with city government. The work James is doing with the EDC is inspiring and exciting. He is playing a major role in helping shape the future of the New York City.   In this episode, Matt and James discuss what NYCEDC is and how they think about job creation in New York and how the startup ecosystem in NYC works, some of the keys to a successful corporate-startup relationship and the current state of the startup ecosystem in the city. They also talk about some of the metrics for success when it comes to a healthy economic ecosystem, some of the ways that the NYC tech community is becoming more inclusive, and much more.    Key takeaways   [:01] Matt welcomes listeners back to the first episode of the new year and introduces today’s episode and special guest! [2:58] Matt welcomes James to the podcast. [3:04] How does being a Red Socks jive with being a New Yorker? [5:00] What the NYCEDC is and how they think about job creation in New York. [6:23] How does the startup ecosystem in NYC work with the heritage businesses that have long made the city what it is? And given the high number of heritage businesses in NYC, what are some of the most successful corporate-startup collaborations that James has seen during his time as CEO? And what are some of the keys to a successful corporate-startup relationship? [9:36] James speaks about the relationship between NYCEDC and the NYC Media Lab and how it helps foster the relationships between the heritage companies and the new companies in NYC. [10:33] James speaks about their reaction to the recession and the action that they took. [12:13] James speaks about the current state of the startup ecosystem in New York. [13:10] James highlights some of the metrics for success when it comes to a healthy economic ecosystem. [14:08] What is the blockchain ecosystem looking like right now in New York? And what is exciting James the most about it? [15:46] What are some of the mature industries in the ecosystem? [18:03] How does a city become a platform for innovation? [19:47] James speaks about some of the ways that the NYC tech community is becoming more inclusive. [23:21] Where to get a free download of Blockchain for Dummies! [24:03] What is the NYCEDC doing in support of the creation of responsible AI? [26:05] Are identity applications an area where they’re looking to the blockchain ecosystem for solutions? [27:53] James walks listeners through what it would look like if you were are a blockchain startup looking to utilize the blockchain lab space that the NYCEDC has built. [29:30] James gives a peek into what his busy and exciting days look like as the President and CEO of NYCEDC! [32:40] James shares why he thinks a city as a platform for innovation is appealing. He also gives his predictions on what he thinks New York will look like 10 years out as a platform for innovation. [34:22] How to get involved with the NYCEDC! [34:44] Matt thanks James for joining the podcast.   Sources mentioned   New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) NYC Media Lab Spotify acquires blockchain startup Mediachain Union Square Tech Training Center Blockchain for Dummies — Free download! Cornell Tech   Follow-up with our guest   James Patchett   Looking for More Episodes?   Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

In the 50 years since the moon landing, human beings have yet to go beyond the moon. And, if you would’ve asked our host Matt Hooper a few weeks ago, he would’ve said with a heavy heart that we look poised to stay that way too.  But, luckily enough for him, he’s gotten the chance to speak with Naeem Altaf, IBM Distinguished Engineer and CTO for Space Tech! The incredible work Naeem is doing shows not only the possibility of commercial space travel — but the arrival of it. And the most exciting part of it all? Blockchain is poised to help with some of the most ambitious aspects of it all.   Tune in to hear all about how blockchain could help simplify the process of building and preparing the ways in which we will get to space, how soon we can expect commercialized space travel to happen, some of the recent exciting breakthroughs in the industry, and much more!   The stars are within our grasp — and blockchain will help us get there! Key takeaways [:55] Matt Hooper introduces this week’s topic and guest. [2:30] Mat welcomes Naeem to the podcast! [3:17] Naeem shares what he does in his role as IBM’s CTO for Space Tech Industry. [4:14] What is Space Tech? [5:10] What was Naeem’s introduction to blockchain? [6:15] Naeem recently wrote that we are in an entrepreneurial space age that will “change the course of human history” on the IBM Blockchain Pulse blog. What’s happened to enable such an age? And how soon can we expect commercialized space travel to happen? [9:25] Naeem shares his ideas on how we can ensure these ideas of space travel can become reality by lowering costs and increasing opportunities. [13:00] When should we be buying our tickets to the moon?! [13:21] Naeem provides some background on the recent huge announcement from NASA. [15:23] Naeem speaks about some of the important commercial breakthroughs over the past decade that have enabled cheaper satellite production. And have the costs come down across the board on all manner of space hardware? Or just satellites? [18:14] What does blockchain have to do with commercial space travel? [23:25] About Blockchain for Dummies! [24:05] Naeem explains the history between IBM and NASA. [27:08] Naeem explains what IBM is building now with the Cloud Constellation Corporation. [33:07] What will the Space Tech Hub look like that Naeem is planning on building? And who would he need to impress from IBM (and beyond) to continue receiving financing and support for this vision? [37:13] What is the timeline looking like for this Space Tech Hub project? [37:46] Matt thanks Naeem for joining the podcast!   Sources mentioned   Space tech: Transforming satellite launches with blockchain Blockchain for Dummies — Free download! Cloud Constellation Corporation   Follow-up with our guest   Naeem Altaf’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

The deeper our host Matt Hooper dives into blockchain on this show, the more he is surprised by remembrances of the internet’s past. When the idea of connecting billions of people felt new and exciting, when we were all eager to be participants in a constellation of data, and when we all felt we had more control over our digital lives. Today’s first guest is an innovator whose career helped place him front and center of both the first internet revolution and our newer blockchain era — Irving Wladawsky-Berger! Around the IBM offices he’s referred to as the “legendary IWB”. He worked at IBM for 37 years and then an additional three years as a consultant. During those 40 years, Irving was involved with IBM in a variety of activities, mostly involving developing technologies and bringing them to market. Irving and Matt discuss some of the killer apps of the mid-90s during the dawning of the internet, what Irving identifies as the blockchain killer app of today, and some key questions enterprises should be asking when looking to build on their blockchain advantage! In the second half of today’s show, Veena Pureswaran joins the podcast! Veena is a global research leader at the IBM Institute for Business Value. What is the IBV you might ask? The institute uses data-driven research and expert analysis to deliver insights to business leaders about emerging trends, opportunities and challenges. Together, Matt and Veena discuss the five principles of blockchain, how an enterprise can build its blockchain advantage, what she sees as the most appealing parts of blockchain, and what her role as a research leader means for her involvement with blockchain. Key takeaways [:01] Matt introduces today’s show.[1:01] About today’s first guest, Irving Wladawsky-Berger![1:52] Irving introduces himself and speaks about his career.[3:10] As a former IBM colleague, what were some of Irving’s favorite experiences with moving IBM into new technologies?[5:09] How did Irving gauge a new market opportunity during the dawning of the internet in the mid-90s.[6:19] What does Irving identify as the killer apps of the mid-90s?[12:01] What does Irving think might be the blockchain killer app of today?[21:01] About the IBM Garage and how it can help you begin your blockchain journey![22:01] What is Irving’s blockchain origin story? When was the first introduced to it?[25:50] Irving speaks about what he considers the killer app of blockchain: supply chain.[29:38] What should some of the key questions be when an enterprise is looking to build its blockchain advantage?[32:18] Where to read some of Irving’s articles and keep up with his thoughts on all things blockchain![33:22] Matt thanks Irving for joining the show![33:37] About today’s next guest: Veena Pureswaran![34:22] Matt welcomes Veena to the show and thanks her for joining the podcast![35:42] What does Veena’s role as a Research Leader mean for her involvement with blockchain? Veena also shares some information about her career background and reflects on the first time she heard about IBV![35:36] When, where, and how does blockchain become fascinating/a disruptive technology to Veena as she’s looking across the giant technology landscape as a strategist?[37:30] Would Veena say that one of the most appealing parts about blockchain is the collaboration aspect?[38:08] What are some of the hurdles and challenges toward achieving collaboration through blockchain?[39:20] What are the five principles of blockchain?[43:02] How can an enterprise build its blockchain advantage? And what does that mean?[45:55] Matt thanks Veena for joining the podcast![46:00] Veena shares a link to check out after listening to this week’s episode![46:40] Matt thanks both Veena and Irving for joining the podcast! Sources mentioned Tim Berners-LeeIBM GarageBlog.IrvingWB.comThe Five Principles of BlockchainSovrinStellarIBM Blockchain Pulse Episode 2IBM.co/BlockchainSeriesBuilding your blockchain advantage Follow-up with our guests Irving Wladawsky-Berger’s LinkedInVeena Pureswaran’s LinkedIn Looking for more episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Today on the podcast, your host, Matt Hooper, is joined by one of his favorite people in the New York City start-up ecosystem, Mr. Wilson Lin! Wilson Lin is the Vice President at NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) and is the Head of the initiative, Cyber NYC. In his role at EDC, Wilson is leading NYC initiatives to strengthen the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by partnering with leading VCs, entrepreneurs, major corporations, and academic institutions. They’ve invested $100 million into the initiative Wilson is spearheading — Cyber NYC — to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem and create thousands of jobs. Wilson and his team are truly making major strides in the area of cybersecurity and are working hard to bring together the best minds in NYC around cybersecurity!   Together in this episode, Matt and Wilson speak about EDC’s initiative (in particular, Cyber NYC), the exciting blockchain security applications Wilson is seeing being developed in NYC, how EDC is helping shape the next generation of cybersecurity employees, and what a successful ecosystem really looks like. Wilson also speaks about how many new companies he’s seeing that are being created in cybersecurity, where the people’s appetite for working in the cybersecurity industry is coming from, and his predictions for the growth of the cybersecurity industry three years from now.    Key Takeaways: [1:21] About today’s episode! [1:36] Wilson gives his full job title and describes what he gets to do all day. [1:46] Wilson speaks about the exciting career change he’s been through within the NYC Economic Development Corporation, what his current role is, and how it relates to the development of Cyber NYC and Hub Dot NYC. [3:18] When did the initiative, Cyber NYC, that Wilson is spearheading, come to be? And what is it about cybersecurity and NYC that felt ready for the development of the next generation of cybersecurity employees? [6:34] What is the Hub? How did it take shape? And what is the vision? [11:31] Playing devil’s advocate, Matt asks Wilson how many jobs can this industry (of cybersecurity) actually realistically grow? [13:05] Wilson highlights some of the exciting blockchain security applications that he’s seeing being developed in NYC. [14:34] Wilson lists some of the challenges inherent in public-private partnerships and in any big company-small company partnerships (or, David-and-Goliath partnerships as Matt Hooper likes to call them). [17:01] About the IBM Garage! [17:58] What does a successful ecosystem look like? [20:25] With cybersecurity always being in the news, has Wilson found this to be a helpful aid in recruitment? If not, where does he think the appetite for working in the industry comes from? [22:33] How can we start to anticipate collaborations between different EDC initiatives throughout the city? [24:12] Wilson explains what the role of the NYC EDC is in seeding the next generation of work. [28:32] Wilson speaks about another metric EDC is keeping an eye on: how many new companies are being created in cybersecurity. [29:09] Wilson speaks about what the start-up growth rate is looking like right now compared to three years ago and then gives his predictions on what he thinks it’s going to look like three years from now. [30:35] What does real success look like to Wilson (with regards to EDC’s initiatives)? [32:00] What are the ways in which Wilson sees success between the city and a company like IBM; a major player in the New York ecosystem? How can companies of a similar scale to IBM continue to get involved? [33:39] Matt thanks Wilson for joining the podcast! [33:48] Matt closes out the podcast!   Sources Mentioned: NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) Cyber NYC Fullstack Academy Columbia | Technology Ventures   Follow-up with Our Guest: Wilson Lin’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

In today’s episode, your host, Matt Hooper, is speaking with Alison McCauley! Alison is the founder and CEO of Unblocked Future as well as an author, speaker, and consultant. Her bestselling book, Unblocked: How Blockchains Will Change Your Business (and What to Do About It), answers the question: ‘Why do I need to get on board with this whole blockchain thing?’ and is helping non-technical executives all around the world to better understand how this technology will trigger change!   Growing up in a family of engineers, Alison ‘rebelled’ by becoming a social scientist. She was completely enraptured by what changes our behaviors as humans, what changes our minds — and overall: how our brains work. After she graduated, she became deeply fascinated by technology, our relationship with it, and how human behavior and emerging technologies interact. In the midst of studying this, she caught the ‘blockchain brain virus,’ and now works with organizations in adopting and leveraging new tech to drive forward a better digital future.   In this episode, Matt and Alison really dive in and take a look at how this promise of a decentralized future with blockchain is different than all previous promises, why it is a value generation system and not a value extraction system, and perhaps most notably: why and how organizations and companies need to adopt this technology! She also touches on all the work that she does in the space, how the research of her incredible book took shape, key insights from her book, and how listeners — of all different levels of familiarity with the space — can become more blockchain literate.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s fantastic guest, Alison McCauley! [3:16] Alison speaks about her form of rebellion: becoming a social scientist, and how she ended up becoming involved in technology. [5:20] When did Alison first catch the “blockchain brain virus?” [8:20] What were the pools of digital discontent that this engineer (who first introduced Alison to blockchain) was describing? What was the exact moment in which her skepticism in it begin to recede? [11:30] Alison has written that the backlash of the big tech companies “happening amidst a backdrop of global discontent.” How, in Alison’s estimation, did we arrive here? And what role have the big tech firms played in leading to this discontent? [15:37] How are blockchains disruptive? And what does this mean? [17:30] Alison elaborates on what John Henry Clippinger has said about blockchain and further explains the incredible benefits and value generation of blockchain for an organization. [23:21] About the IBM Garage and how it can help you begin your blockchain journey. [24:04] Where is the proof that the blockchain ecosystem needs more established players (like banks or governments) to get involved? Historically, hasn’t there been just as much success letting developers and entrepreneurs play in the ecosystem for a longer time first before more established players jump in? Or is it so different now with blockchain because of cultural circumstances or technological differences (that have to do with blockchain itself)? [28:22] How would the solution to this great backlash (AKA this discontent for tech), who’s driving force is decentralization, be different? How will decentralization ensure that there will not be any one blockchain firm that will overtake the internet in the same way that the four or five big tech firms over the last ten years have? [31:00] Alison further elaborates on a quote from her book about the security opportunities for blockchain adoption within organizations. [31:58] Alison speaks more on the topic protecting the democratization of blockchain and making it hard for any one firm to centralize control. [33:35] Alison elaborates on keeping blockchain decentralized, as well as her advocacy for blockchain literacy. [34:46] How can one learn about blockchain literacy? (Beyond reading Alison’s book, Unblocked, of course!) [36:56] Matt thanks Alison for joining the IBM Blockchain Pulse Podcast!   Sources Mentioned: Unblocked Future Unblocked: How Blockchains Will Change Your Business (and What to Do About It), by Alison McCauley Tim Berners-Lee John Henry Clippinger IBM Garage The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires, by Tim Wu Sheila Warren   Follow-up with Our Guest: Alison McCauley   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Blockchain and the importance of a toolset Karl Muth is a teacher, strategist, speaker and investor. He has spent his career advising, investing in, and starting new companies and wears many hats on both the professional and academic side. Professionally, Karl is the CEO of a blockchain startup called FRST.  FRST is an enterprise-grade blockchain and data analytics solution. Academically, Karl is a Professor across several disciplines at Northwestern University; Economics, Organizational Behavior, Public Fallacy, and Statistics. He also teaches a class on New Venture Strategies at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law.  [CTA Button][Bring new transparency, simplicity and efficiency to every financial transaction] This week on IBM Blockchain Pulse, your host Matt Hooper speaks with Karl about how his work academically has helped inform the way that he runs FRST; his introduction to blockchain and what originally drew him into the space; the ecosystem of cryptocurrency and the adoption of it; his thoughts and predictions on Facebook’s cryptocurrency, Libra; more about his company, FRST; and much, much more.  They also discuss a few of the ways in which blockchain has been introduced to the world of financial services. Everybody is quick to point out that efficiency is a major advantage of deploying blockchain, but what else can it do besides make things efficient? Tune in to find out!  Key takeaways [0:01] About today’s episode and featured guest, Karl Muth! [2:45] Karl introduces himself and speaks about what he does on a day-to-day basis! [3:33] What was Karl’s introduction to the blockchain and what drew him into the space? [7:51] In Karl’s TEDx Talk entitled, “Feeling Lucky? Your Next Search,” he argued that it’s easier to change human behavior by optimizing the efficiency of our tools than by expecting people to alter their behavior independently. At this time, he was learning about blockchain (the ultimate toolkit for bringing about a decentralized internet!) — how did this work its way into his talk? And vice-versa, how did his talk work its way into the ideas he got to build-out at FRST? And, since giving this talk (that is now four years old), where has Karl seen proof of this thesis in the general marketplace? [11:33] What does Karl say to those who argue (in the financial services industry) that the adoption of crypto is a behavior alteration? Does he believe that it’s an alteration of behavior or are they just further users of a ‘set of Legos?’ [16:47] By Karl’s own definition, what is the crypto desk on a trading floor? When did these begin to grow in popularity? And what does the adoption of the crypto desk mean for the professionalization of crypto trading? [20:41] Matt explains the IBM Garage and how it can help you begin your blockchain journey! [21:25] Karl and Matt get back to the conversation on the ecosystem of cryptocurrency and the adoption of it. [26:50] Though Karl wears many hats, when he wears his academic hat, what is he seeing on campus with regard to a blockchain appetite among students on campus? [30:18] Putting on his hat as the CEO of FRST, Karl explains what they do there, how big his team is, and how he is able to divide his time between FRST and his other work. [37:26] Who is the target customer of FRST? How do people use it? [43:25] Karl offers some of his thoughts and insides on Libra, Facebook’s upcoming cryptocurrency. He also answers two specific questions: How does Libra fit within Facebook? And how does Libra fit within financial services or financial technology disruption? [49:04] Matt gives thanks to Karl for joining the podcast!  Sources mentioned FRSTNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern Law: Northwestern Pritzker School of LawKarl Muth’s TEDx Talk at NorthwesternU: “Feeling Lucky? Your Next Search”IBM GarageEthereumGitHubLibra  Follow-up with our guest Karl Muth websiteKarl Muth's Twitter  Looking for more episodes?  Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Do you trust the food you eat? These days, more weight is being placed on conscious consumerism and people are beginning to really care about where they’re getting their food.   Blockchain, like so much technology, is generally agnostic. Its ultimate function is to make our lives easier, fuller, and richer. Food is also designed to make our lives easier, fuller, and richer — and trusting the food we eat is serious! People’s health is so often linked to the food they have access to, and when it’s not taken seriously, the results can be tragic. The global food supply chain needs to be made transparent and blockchain is the technology that can make this possible.    [CTA Button] [Explore food traceability with IBM Food Trust]   This week on IBM Blockchain Pulse, your host Matt Hooper’s guests are Dr. Nigel Gopie, the Head of Marketing for IBM Blockchain, and Alicia Noel, researcher of international food supply chain innovation, with a focus on blockchain applications, as well as the founder of Cultivati. Today, they’re going to be talking about issues that directly affect everyone listening! It’s about the food you eat — where it comes from, where it’s going, where it’s been — and of course, the many powerful ways blockchain is being used for food traceability and agriculture.    Tune in to learn about how blockchain is improving accountability and traceability when it comes to where we get our food from; how IBM Food Trust is creating a smarter, safer food supply; how blockchain is economically impacting the communities that are responsible for supplying the food that we eat, and some of the success stories of those who have embraced the quest for transparency in the food supply chain.   Financial fraud can be damaging but it can also be tracked down and corrected. Why shouldn’t the food we eat be held equally accountable?   Key Takeaways   [:01] About today’s episode and guests. [4:28] Matt Hooper welcomes on guests, Nigel Gopie and Alicia Noel. [5:00] Nigel and Alicia introduce themselves. [5:08] Alicia speaks about how she originally became interested in the supply chain of food. [10:50] Nigel shares how he became interested in this space (and in regard to his role at IBM). [12:54] How did Nigel and Alicia meet? [13:54] How are Nigel and Alicia meeting fellow Food Trust enthusiasts and those involved in food and agriculture blockchain online? [15:57] How do Nigel and Alicia get offline and travel the world to meet people in this space and see these different operations? [17:28] Is Nigel seeing people get excited about what blockchain can enable in the food and agriculture space? [18:24] Matt provides some context on IBM Food Trust and how it works. [19:18] Nigel continues his thought on what people get excited about what blockchain can enable. [21:57] Alicia explains how blockchain is helping to create accountability and traceability in terms of getting safe food. [25:43] Nigel shares how blockchain the solve the problem of people who are enslaved or being taken advantage of to make the things that we buy and eat beyond just shining a light on it. [27:41] Nigel and Alicia highlight some success stories that make that have embraced this quest for transparency and understand the global dilemma around food. [31:05] Nigel and Alicia explain how blockchain is economically impacting the communities that are responsible for growing/catching/making the food that we eat. [34:44] What does it mean to eat/drink/buy something that is ‘locally sourced?’ And how can you make informed choices as an average consumer to make sure your food is ethically sourced? [38:42] Nigel explains the role of IBM Food Trust in this whole process. [39:38] Alicia and Nigel highlight successful blockchain use cases where a sizeable waste reduction was achieved by changing up how a certain process was done. [41:36] What do Alicia and Nigel hope to see years from now with regard to how blockchain will help food and agriculture? [44:50] Matt thanks Alicia and Nigel for joining him this episode! [45:07] Where to find and connect with Alicia online. [45:50] Where to learn more about the work Nigel is doing and connecting with him online.   Sources mentioned   Cultivati
Portlandia Skit 2008 Chinese Melamine Milk Scandal 2013 Horse Meat Scandal in Europe Twitter @Cultivati Twitter @AventurerAlicia Twitter @Analyticsbytes   Follow-up with our guests   Nigel Gopie’s LinkedIn Alicia Noel’s LinkedIn   Looking for more episodes?   Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

This week, your host, Matt Hooper, is exploring the current inefficient ticketing industry and how blockchain is really shaking things up! He will be speaking with two of the people behind the hot, new, and exciting ticketing start-up: True Tickets. They’re an early-stage funded start-up providing digital customizable rights management for digital tickets to the ticketing issuer. Through blockchain, they are providing a scalable and secure digital ticketing experience while integrating with existing ticketing platforms and CRMs. They make buying, selling, and transferring entertainment tickets simple and safe!   Today, Matt while be speaking with Matt Zarracina, the co-founder and CEO of True Tickets; and Ken Lesnik, the Head of Business Development. They discuss how they first got True Tickets off the ground, where they got their first round of feedback, who their customers are and what their ultimate goal is, what it has been like to partner with IBM blockchain, and of course, how they are helping to replace the PDF, print-at-home ticket with an incredible blockchain-enabled solution for the ticketing market.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s episode and guest! [1:38] Guests Matt Zarracina and Ken Lesnik introduces themselves. [4:20] How did Matt and Ken originally meet? What led Ken to join the team? [6:18] What happened between the fall of 2017 and when Matt met Ken and was able to show him that he was revenue-generating an already baked platform business? [8:41] How did True Tickets get their first round of feedback? [11:20] Who are True Tickets customers? What is their ultimate goal? [12:45] What was the experience of the IBM partnership like back in the fall of 2017? Had they been considering other partners to work with? And does it close or open doors? [17:30] What does Matt mean when he says: “Blockchain is not plug-and-play; it’s almost always bespoke.”? [18:55] IBM may bring gravitas to the company, but how many folks are they dealing with day-to-day, now that they’re providing a B2B solution? How many of them care about the backend of things? [20:31] How True Tickets is helping to replace the PDF ticket with an incredibly secure solution. [24:45] Is perishable inventory something people are concerned about? For example, is True Tickets helping provide a solution for venue owners struggling with the “butts in seats” problem? [27:00] Is there a potential secondary business in all this data True Tickets is collecting? [32:35] What does it mean to be a start-up built with IBM blockchain? And what has it been like to build a small company in collaboration with one of the world’s largest technology and consulting companies? [39:05] Matt thanks Matt and Ken for joining him this episode!   Sources Mentioned: True Tickets B2B The Founder’s Handbook: Your Guide to Getting Started with Blockchain (IBM Blockchain)   Follow-up with Our Guests: Matt Zarracina’s LinkedIn Ken Lesnik’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!  

This week your host, Matt Hooper, is exploring some of the most innovative and exciting trends in supply chain that he’s come across! Joining him is an expert in the space — Daniel Wilson. Daniel is the Director of Strategy and Operations at Maersk for the TradeLens project — an open and neutral platform underpinned by blockchain technology and supported by major industry players! Through TradeLens, over 10 million events are processed every week. The platform promotes a more efficient, predictable and secure exchange of information through the power of blockchain.   In this episode, Matt and Daniel discuss Maersk and TradeLens in-depth. They talk about what shipping and innovation look like today, give their predictions about what the industry may look like 10+ years from now, how TradeLens came to fruition, and how blockchain records all the shipping data. Daniel also talks about his TradeLens roadmap, Maersk’s ecosystem strategy, and how he originally became interested in blockchain!   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s episode and guest! [2:48] Daniel Wilson introduces himself and gives some background at his role at Maersk. [3:56] What shipping and innovation look like today vs. what Daniel thinks it will look like 10-30 years from now. [7:15] What originally drew Daniel to the industry. [9:05] Was there an IBM/Maersk relationship prior to TradeLens? How was Maersk working with major technology companies before the birth of this new partnership? [11:30] What was going on from a shipping perspective when there was an increase in global trade long before anyone was doing anything digitally? [13:23] When and how the TradeLens deal came to fruition. [16:40] Daniel speaks about his personal introduction to blockchain. [17:20] Where to learn all about the basics of blockchain through “Blockchain for Dummies!” [18:08] Before TradeLens came to be, how did Daniel come to understand blockchain and see an application for it in the industry? [21:17] How is shipping data accounted for now? And what will blockchain do to record that data? [24:04] Daniel explains the layers of TradeLens. [28:07] Who’s endorsing the TradeLens project in Maersk? [31:24] What was the executive buy-in like for this new blockchain project? How did Daniel get everyone excited for TradeLens? [33:00] What is TradeLens going to be up to five years from now? [34:53] What is Maersk’s ecosystem strategy? And what does Daniel mean when he refers to an open ecosystem? [36:36] Is it part of the plan to turn Maersk into a technology company? [38:18] Daniel provides examples of the terms of the TradeLens partnership (visible, secure, and flexible). [42:00] Matt asks: what is the comfort level from a business standpoint with owning so little of a major part of your next decade’s strategy output? [45:45] Daniel speaks to the companies that are dubious or skeptical of blockchain adoption. [47:32] Matt thanks Daniel for joining him, and closes out this week’s episode!   Sources Mentioned: Maersk TradeLens IBM.Biz/PodcastLearnBlockchain   Follow-up with Our Guest: Daniel Wilson’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

This week on the IBM Blockchain Pulse, your host, Matt Hooper, explores a totally unique use case of blockchain. He’s joined by his guest, Shaun Frankson, co-founder and CTO of The Plastic Bank. Together with his co-founding partner and the CEO of The Plastic Bank, David Katz, they’re working on converting ocean plastic into forms of currency. They’re creating a reward system for people to earn and spend plastic bank digital tokens — and using blockchain to realize this vision. This is a real-life, totally innovative example of blockchain being used for social good.   What Shaun and his co-founder David have created is nothing short of remarkable. They’ve created a new system of value. And is that not what blockchain can be at its most exciting?   Tune in to learn about all the good that The Plastic Bank has been up to in the past several years, the origin of their company, their mission statement and current goals, how blockchain is utilized in their company, and more!   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s episode. [2:25] What is The Plastic Bank? And how did Shaun and David come up with the idea to start it back in 2013? [3:05] What is the root cause of ocean plastics? And when did they recognize the opportunity it provided and the possible value exchange? [5:39] Shaun further explains his early quote after co-founding The Plastic Bank: “The entire idea almost starts with a metaphor that if you walked into the kitchen and the sink was overflowing … and all you had was a bucket and a mop, what do you do first? You turn off the tap.” [8:23] Some of the first regions and communities they were first able to work with, and why. [10:41] Join the conversation! If you want to learn more about how leading innovators and humanitarians are using blockchain to create new models for change, advance collective knowledge, and solve what impacts us all, visit IBM.com/Blockchain/For-Good. [11:33] What were some of the first forms of exchange for ocean plastics when they first started up The Plastic Bank? [14:50] When was their eureka moment? [16:57] When did they realize that blockchain would help them realize their vision at-scale? [19:20] What is the specific nature of The Plastic Bank’s collaboration with IBM? [20:42] What “blockchain for social good” means to Shaun. [23:42] Matt notes some of the key takeaways from this week’s episode.   Sources Mentioned: The Plastic Bank The Ocean Cleanup IBM.com/Blockchain/For-Good   Follow-up with Our Guest: Shaun Frankson’s LinkedIn   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Today’s episode is an exciting one — it’s the first time since episode one that your host, Matt Hooper, is interviewing someone from IBM Blockchain. Kathryn Harrison is the Director of Global Product Management for IBM Blockchain Platform. She’s responsible for understanding what’s happening in blockchain all around the world, figuring out how IBM can build technology and products that help to solve different companies’ problems with blockchain, and then actually pulling together all the different parts of IBM to actually build that product and take it out to market. It’s a very exciting job!   [CTA Button][What is blockchain? Download the free eBook Blockchain for Dummies]   In this episode, Kathryn talks about her position as the Director of Global Product Management, her passion for blockchain, and the IBM Blockchain Platform. She also explains whether blockchain is a platform or a protocol, what exactly a platform is, if blockchain is a “fundamentally economic innovation” as she’s said in the past, as well as how she originally became interested in the technology in the first place and her career journey to-date.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s episode. [2:32] What does it mean to be the Director of Global Product Management? [4:12] About Kathryn’s original discovery and excitement about blockchain and how she came to build the IBM Blockchain Platform in 2017. [11:11] What is a platform? And is blockchain a platform or a protocol? [14:00] Why does Kathryn think that cryptocurrencies were the first wave of popularized applications built on this technology? And what does Kathryn think was the shift into enterprise adoption of non-crypto blockchain opportunities?[17:33] Kathryn explains the big differences between various networks that are considered ‘peer-to-peer.’ [20:54] What are the advantages of IBM’s approach to blockchain? [23:30] Kathryn has said that blockchain is a fundamentally economic innovation — so what does that mean? [26:33] As someone with a global view of IBM blockchain activity, what are some of the most exciting projects Kathryn has seen, and where are they? [29:05] What is Kathryn’s relationship at IBM Blockchain to blockchain startups? [30:38] When dealing with entrepreneurs and startups, is it a plus or a minus when they don’t have an industry background? Where does Kathryn see startups being really successful and how does IBM help them? [33:15] Does Kathryn consider herself an ‘entrepreneur’? [34:40] When will we know that blockchain has reached the mainstream? What will mainstream adoption look like? [35:36] Kathryn’s recommendation for listeners to check out after today’s show!   Sources Mentioned: IBM Blockchain Platform Kubernetes Docker LogDNA Satoshi Nakamoto’s White Paper on Bitcoin metaMe Lucidity Global Debt Registry Amino Payments   Follow-up with Our Guest: Kathryn Harrison on LinkedInKathryn Harrison on Twitter   Looking for More Episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Welcome to the second episode of IBM Blockchain Pulse — the podcast that explores different blockchain use cases with leaders in the space! In this week’s episode, your host, Matt Hooper, is joined by two leaders — Jesse Lund and Jed McCaleb — to discuss cross-border payments. Their conversation today is all about financial transactions — making them frictionless, seamless, and available for everyone. Jed McCaleb is the co-founder and CTO of Stellar.org — a platform that connects banks, payment systems, and people. Their goal is to make money move around the world the way information does, post-internet. Jesse Lund is the Head of Blockchain Solutions for Financial Services at IBM. Currently, he and his team are trying to commercialize all the good that Jed is doing with Stellar by helping bring commercial and cross-border payments to the world using the Stellar protocol. Today’s interview is incredibly illuminating. They discuss the origin of the collaboration between Stellar and IBM, what they’re currently working on together, their goals and plans for 2019 and beyond, their thoughts on public vs. private blockchain networks, and much, much more.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About today’s episode! [2:52] Jed and Jesse introduce themselves and explain what each of them does in the space. [4:08] Jed’s background and motivation to creating Stellar. [5:58] The commercialization that Jesse and his team are working on. [8:08] How Stellar is defining their protocol. [9:44] When will decentralized application layers (DApps) take off? [12:00] As someone who started a .org, did Jed think that one day he’d be facing this sort of customer base that is so commercially-focused on the opportunities for blockchain? [14:45] How did this collaboration between IBM and Stellar come about? [18:52] What was the white space that Jesse and Jed saw with regard to cross-border transactions that allowed it to be the first use case to test? [22:02] Jed’s experience working with IBM and how he has found the collaboration between the two. [24:13] Jesse’s theoretical pitch to entrepreneurs (like Stellar) to work with IBM. [26:50] Stellar’s role in economic advantages and incentivization for those who might otherwise be left out of the system as it stands made possible by the power of blockchain. [28:06] Check out IBM Blockchain World Wire to learn more about World Wire and what Jesse and Jed are talking about on today’s episode! [29:15] The web and its many applications have allowed for a handful of companies to become some of the most powerful ones out there when it comes to controlling people’s digital identities and the way information works. Some would argue that this means that the internet has not lived up to its original promise of being inclusive for everyone. As Jesse and Jed are building new platforms, tools, and applications, is the current situation of the web and the world something they think about and design for? [33:23] Jed explains what happened in Q4 2018 with the creation of Interstellar. [34:33] What excites Jed and Jesse in this collaboration, some of the great results they’ve seen this past year, and the latest news about JPMorgan Chase. [37:00] Is there a need for banks in the next few years? What will a bank look like in 10 years? [39:33] What does 2019 look like for the collaboration between Stellar and IBM — both technically and philosophically? [41:15] Jed gives his take on the public/private network shift with blockchain in the corporate space. [42:55] The exciting news IBM has planned for 2019: the launch of the World Wire network! [44:05] Matt thanks Jed and Jesse for joining him this podcast!   Sources Mentioned: Stellar IBM Blockchain World Wire Decentralized Application (DApp) Venmo Apple Pay Cash Interstellar JPMorgan Announces USD Stable Coin   Follow-up with Our Guests: Jesse Lund Jed McCaleb’s Profile on Stellar   Looking for More Episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Welcome to the first episode of IBM Blockchain Pulse with your host (and blockchain evangelist), Matt Hooper!   Blockchain is one of the pioneering innovations of our time — it may be the pioneering innovation of our time and too few people know about it. If you are one of those people — that’s okay! This podcast will be centralized around illustrating practical blockchain use cases guided by leaders across multiple industries. From financial services to trade, to tracing the safety of your next meal, to purchasing a ticket to your next concert — blockchain is transforming lives — and not soon. Now.   In this episode, host and blockchain evangelist Matthew Hooper is bringing you a use case near and dear to his heart: identity. How many times have credit cards been hacked where they need to be canceled immediately? How many times have emails and social media accounts been tampered with? As more and more people put their personal information online, it’s come to be expected that more and more bad actors are getting ahold of others’ online identities.   Matt’s first guest, Adam Gunther, joins him to explore this topic. Adam is the Executive Director of Blockchain Trusted Identity and Network Services at IBM. He sees this “new normal” of fragile online identities as an avoidable problem. Together, they discuss fraud prevention; verifiable forms of ID; and the next, most practical, use cases for blockchain this year. Matt’s second guest, Drummond Reed, is the Chief Trust Officer at Evernym and a champion of self-sovereign identity. They discuss digital identity, digital credentials (and how they differ from their physical counterpart), and the future of protecting your wallet and identity.   Key Takeaways: [2:30] About IBM Blockchain Pulse! [3:13] About today’s episode and featured guest. [4:15] Adam unpacks the phrase “blockchain identity.” [8:56] The most powerful wardens of identity as Adam sees them right now. [12:35] Adam defines a permissioned blockchain. [13:11] The beauty in self-sovereign identity. [16:35] The Cambridge Analytic scandal: a real-world example of identity theft. Adam’s thoughts on where we are two years later, online identity protection in general, what he’s currently doing to help, and how we can all — as blockchain enthusiasts — reshape the identity conversation. [24:16] Matt thanks Adam for joining him this episode! [25:30] Matt introduces today’s second guest: Drummond Reed. [25:49] Drummond explains what a trust framework is. [28:16] Drummond speaks about his introduction to digital identity. [29:22] Drummond speaks about the shift from web 2.0 identities to more web 3.0/self-sovereign identities. [31:57] The problem that blockchain solved for the identity space. [34:40] Drummond’s example of governance frameworks. [37:30] What does it mean to be Chief Trust Officer at Evernym? [38:53] How does an agent protect your wallet and identity? How will you use it practically? [41:17] The difference between digital credentials and physical credentials. [43:38] What is the IBM Blockchain relationship with Evernym right now? [46:57] Drummond’s predictions on what online identity will look like in 10 years. [49:57] Drummond describes the most exciting performance at any technology conference he’s ever seen and its relevancy to digital credentials and self-sovereign identities. [53:23] What Drummond recommends listeners follow up on! [55:22] Matt wraps up this week’s episodes, summarizing key points and giving a small preview of what’s to come in future episodes.   Sources Mentioned: Public vs. Permissioned Blockchains IBM Blockchain Trusted Identity Sovrin Foundation The Cambridge Analytica Scandal Blockchain Garage Evernym Imogen Heap Open Identity Exchange Internet Identity Workshop Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) IBM Think Conference CU Ledger Hyperledger Indy   Follow-up with Our Guests: Adam Gunther’s LinkedIn Drummond Reed’s Bio on Evernym   Looking for More Episodes? Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Is now the time to adopt blockchain technology for supply chain? In this episode, Matt Hooper welcomes back Rachel Wolfson of Cointelegraph to get her journalistic perspective on why supply chains can benefit from adopting blockchain.  Rachel has been writing about the tech industry for nearly 10 years and has been focusing specifically on blockchain and cryptocurrency for the past two. She is the host of the blockchain podcast, The Crypto Chick, a public speaker, and a journalist who contributes to a multitude of publications and interviews some of the most influential people in the enterprise blockchain space today.   In their conversation today, Matt and Rachel discuss why right now (during the pandemic) is as good of a time as any for enterprises to adopt blockchain. In fact, it may be the best time to! On IBM Blockchain Pulse, Matt often speaks with business leaders hungry to embrace this innovation that is blockchain; to implement the efficiencies blockchain brings to the supply chain. While we’re experiencing so much change around us due to the current pandemic, it is actually an ideal time to embrace just that much more; to seriously consider a more transparent business future, enabled by this podcast’s namesake technology.   Don’t miss out on Matt and Rachel’s conversation all about the future of blockchain and why widely adopting it now is the push we all need for a better future.   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [:57] About today’s episode with Rachel Wolfson. [2:35] Matt welcomes Rachel to the podcast. [3:52] Has COVID-19 expedited a digital future? [4:50] How has blockchain improved inefficiencies along the supply chain during the pandemic? [7:22] Is blockchain a solution for this current moment in time? Does Rachel predict that we will be seeing widespread adoption during this pandemic? [9:37] Rachel shares some use cases about how blockchain, combined with other technologies, can help improve the tourism and travel industry. [11:11] Does Rachel have any concerns that we may not be able to adopt the innovations that we want to adopt with blockchain? [13:31] What the U.S. is more hesitant on adopting blockchain than other parts of the world. [14:38] Rachel recently wrote an article on how blockchain can be used to track the blood supply chain. She shares what she learned as she was researching this article and explains what it means to “tokenize blood.” [17:27] About IBM.Biz/PulseNews. [18:27] Putting their post-COVID hats on, Matt and Rachel discuss what the future role of decentralized financial institutions (AKA ‘DeFi’) and their tens of thousands of employees might be. [21:12] Rachel speaks about where the current excitement is around with regards to building a more trust-based future. [25:11] Rachel speaks about the DeFi boom and how it resembles the 2017 ICO boom. [26:49] Discussing the future of blockchain and why Rachel believes it will continue to advance. [29:13] Matt thanks Rachel for joining the podcast!   Sources Mentioned: IBM Blockchain Pulse Ep. 12: “Blockchain Journalist Talks Top Trends” IBM.Biz/PulseNews — Subscribe to the monthly newsletter!   Follow-up with Our Guest: Rachel Wolfson’s Website Rachel Wolfson’s Twitter The Crypto Chick Podcast with Rachel Wolfson Rachel Wolfson Articles on Bitcoin Magazine Rachel Wolfson Articles on Forbes   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!