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!

IBM Blockchain Pulse

How the Ticketing Industry is Thriving in the Midst of a Global Pandemic with True Tickets Co-Founders

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!  

Translating Enterprise Blockchain Innovation Through Art

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!

The Trust Technology For Complex Supply Chain Management

Kicking off season 4 of the IBM Blockchain Pulse podcast, Matt Hooper is welcoming on his first guest, Harold Hughes!   A lot has changed since season 3 of IBM Blockchain Pulse. We are now in a time of tremendous uncertainty, moving into a future that will look vastly different than anything we’ve previously imagined. And in the midst of so much change, hope can sometimes feel scarce — which is why Matt Hooper is thrilled to present today’s conversation with Harold Hughes, founder and CEO of Bandwagon, an analytics and identity management company that uses blockchain to help event venues and entertainers create a more personalized fan experience while eliminating ticket fraud. Harold’s journey as a founder is awe-inspiring (and not just because it led him to the blockchain industry)! It’s inspiring because he has built a thriving business built on real customer need, iterating and evolving over the past 6 years, joining an accelerator only when he thought it could help him scale — and he’s done nearly all of this from his hometown in Greenville, South Carolina! Harold has been thoughtful with each step of his journey and it is one you won’t want to miss out on hearing all about.   With our future being shaped in part by leaders like Harold, how can one not be hopeful about the future?   Key Takeaways: [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode. [:27] About today’s episode with Harold Hughes. [2:27] Matt Hooper welcomes listeners to the first episode of season 4! [2:54] Matt welcomes Harold to the show. [3:14] Harold shares about what his current day-in-the-life looks like as a CEO working at home during a pandemic. [4:22] Harold shares his journey into the blockchain ecosystem and the origins of Bandwagon. [7:31] The research Harold conducted prior to launching his business in identifying his customer and derisking the idea, the business model, and himself. [9:15] Harold elaborates on how he began to build his team. [10:53] How Harold and his team came together to build the product for their envisioned customer. [12:37] As a first-time founder, where did Harold gain the confidence that he has in trusting in himself and in others that he brought aboard early on? [17:27] What is a fan analytics company to Harold? And how did he know that he had to expand beyond a fan analytics company early on in forming his business? [19:56] When they first started out, what data was available with regards to fan analytics and fan identities? How were they able to collect it? [22:24] Harold about raising external capital in 2016, a few years into running his business after going fulltime. [23:33] What was Harold’s introduction to blockchain? What swayed Harold and his team to integrate blockchain into their business model? [26:07] Were they always trying to solve the issue of fraudulent ticket sales with Bandwagon? Or did they only become aware of it when they moved to blockchain? [27:10] Last year, Bandwagon participated in an accelerator in NYC which brought them further into the IBM family. What was the purpose of that accelerator for a company at their stage? Would he recommend the accelerator experience to others? And how did it further cement them as a blockchain ticketing company/blockchain analytics company? [31:11] How many people are on the Bandwagon team presently? What is it like to lead this team as the CEO and founder? How is it different from how it existed pre-COVID? And how does Harold think it may be different post-COVID? [36:05] What is the future of the live fan experience? Harold shares his thoughts and predictions. [38:43] Matt thanks Harold for joining the podcast!   Sources Mentioned: Bandwagon The Columbia | IBM Blockchain LAUNCH Accelerator   Follow-up with Our Guest: Harold Hughes’ LinkedIn Harold Hughes’ Twitter @OneBandwagonFan   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!    

Elevating event ticketing and curating the fan experience

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!  

Key aspects to implementing a new technology strategy

Today’s episode of the ​IBM Blockchain Pulse ​podcast features a great conversation with Rick Torres, the CEO and President of National Student Clearinghouse.  This is a first for the podcast, as Matt Hooper has yet to have a leader in the field of education on the show! Rick has dedicated his life to solving problems in the space of education and his current work with the National Student Clearinghouse is no exception. The National Student Clearinghouse’s goal is to “help education go further” and the work they do goes from improving students’ career readiness to understanding student outcomes to much more.So what are some of the educational progresses already underway? And what will the ecosystem look like in a couple of years? This conversation with Ricks covers this along with credentialing, verification and of course blockchain! Don’t miss out. Key Takeaways:  [:00] An excerpt from today’s episode.[:36] About today’s episode with Rick Torres.[1:42] Matt welcomes Rick on to the podcast![2:15] Rick shares what he gets to do all day long as the CEO of the National Student Clearinghouse.[5:47] Rick provides some historical context on how the organization operated when it was founded back in 1993 and how it has evolved since then.[11:22] Matt shares how IBM is bringing resources together for you and your businesses during this pandemic.[12:40] Rick shares the goal of the National Student Clearinghouse and explains how they’re achieving it.[15:05] Rick explains how National Student Clearinghouse is making sure that students, workers, and learners are succeeding in their education.  [21:42] Rick highlights some of the missing elements for education programs to be successful.[23:04] How is blockchain helping to streamline the process of verifiable digital credentials? And what is some of the specific work the NSC is doing around blockchain?  [25:05] Rick shares some of the conditions that he found that needed to be true in order to have blockchain work regarding verifiable digital credentials. Rick also shares what he believes the overall promise of blockchain to be.[26:05] How blockchain can help aid collaboration between all the different players. [29:20] What the promise of blockchain requires.  [27:15] The four types of transitions learners go through and how blockchain can verify this lifelong learning.[28:28] Rick explains the importance of the standards around the skill definitions.  [29:20] If one of the ultimate goals of blockchain is to bridge the skills gap in education and reduce the guesswork that goes into confirming academic credentials records, where does Rick see this field evolving in two to five years?  [33:00] Rick speaks about what is being done at an education industry level and the NSC around a post-COVID-19 world and an uncertain economic future.[37:35] Rick shares what area the NSC is currently innovating.[39:23] Rick talks about the importance of impact regarding the work that the NSC is doing.  [40:19] Rick wraps up the podcast by speaking about NSC’s mission and blockchain as a whole.[44:42] Matt thanks Rick for joining the ​IBM Blockchain Pulse p​odcast!  Sources Mentioned:  National Student Clearinghouse  IBM.com/Blockchain/COVID19National Association of Manufacturers American Workforce Policy Advisory Board Strada Education Network  Follow-up with Our Guest:  Rick Torres’ LinkedIn  Looking for More Episodes?  Visit ​ibm.com/blockchain​ — and for news and updates, follow ​@IBMBlockchain​ on Twitter! 

Blockchain for education and workforce communities

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!  

Fostering better collaboration with blockchain

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!  

Helping Businesses Thrive in a Connected World

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!  

Using technology to empower startups and have a global impact

While your host, Matt Hooper, has only been passionate about all things decentralization for 5 years, his guest today, Dr. Sean Stein Smith, was an early champion of our blockchain future. Dr. Smith is a Professor at Lehman College, a member of Wall Street Blockchain Alliance’s Advisory Board, a member of Gilded Finance’s Advisory Board, an author at IBM Blockchain, and an award winner of the NJCPA ‘19 Ovation Award. He is a widely quoted expert at the intersection of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and accounting; has worked with dozens of print publications; and has appeared on numerous live TV broadcasts to discuss said topics.   In this episode, Matt and Dr. Smith have a blast talking all things regulation, the future of traditional accounting roles, and the ways in which blockchain can upend the crowdfunding industry! They also talk about how the implementation of blockchain in the field of sustainability accounting could open up new revenue streams, some of the current mainstream use cases of blockchain, and how blockchain intersects with GDPR.   Key Takeaways: [:25] About today’s episode. [1:55] Matt Hooper welcomes Dr. Sean Stein Smith to the podcast! [2:06] Dr. Sean Stein Smith speaks about his work and how he originally got introduced to blockchain. [3:34] What drew Dr. Smith to a leadership/teaching position in the space of blockchain and tech? [6:50] Dr. Smith defines General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). [8:00] How does blockchain intersect with GDPR? [8:54] Dr. Smith explains the importance of regulation and the need for regulators in the industry. [11:01] Last year on the IBM Blockchain Pulse Blog, Dr. Smith asked the question, ‘Do the core functionalities of blockchain technology create situations where many of the opportunities ultimately become constrained as regulators catch up?’ Have regulators responded to this question? And if so, how? [12:21] Dr. Smith highlights some of the mainstream use cases of blockchain. [12:48] What is sustainability accounting? And how can the implementation of blockchain in this field open up new revenue streams? [15:00] About Blockchain for Dummies! [15:43] Dr. Smith paints a positive picture of the automation of traditional accounting roles. [19:14] Dr. Smith explains some of the ways that blockchain could upend the crowdfunding industry. [22:52] What is the most convincing pitch or framing Dr. Smith hears for adopting and integrating blockchain solutions into a business? [25:15] Where to follow-up with Dr. Sean Stein Smith!   Sources Mentioned: IBM Blockchain Pulse Blog IBM.co/PodcastforDummies — Visit for a free download of Blockchain for Dummies!   Follow-up with Our Guest: Dr. Sean Stein Smith’s LinkedIn Dr. Sean Stein Smith’s Twitter   Looking for More Episodes? Visit ibm.com/blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Potential of blockchain in accounting and crowdfunding

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!

Transforming Space Tech with Emerging Technologies

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!

Shaping the future of NYC and innovative economic growth

How often does Matt Hooper get the chance to interview another podcast host?! Well — not ever — until now! Rachel Wolfson, host of The Crypto Chick is joining the podcast! And not only is Rachel a blockchain podcast host, but she’s also a public speaker and journalist who contributes to a multitude of publications. She has been writing about the tech industry for nearly 10 years and has been focusing specifically on blockchain and cryptocurrency for the past two. As a journalist, Rachel interviews some of the most influential people in the enterprise blockchain space and frequently travels the world for conferences![CTA Button][Learn how industries are revolutionizing business with IBM Blockchain] In this episode, Rachel shares her unique perspective on blockchain from the vantage point of a journalist. She highlights some of the top trends in the space right now, shares what you should know as an executive or blockchain developer when you’re looking to adopt a blockchain strategy — explaining why now is the time to get on blockchain! At the end of the episode, Rachel also talks about an upcoming book she is working on about one of her favorite topics in the space right now: enterprise blockchain!    Key takeaways   [:01] Matt introduces today’s show. [1:26] About today’s special guest! [1:47] Matt welcomes Rachel on to the show! [1:55] What does Rachel get to do all day long? [2:45] What was the moment that made Rachel want to jump into the blockchain space? [4:40] What originally drew Rachel into supply chain? What excites her about it? [8:45] As someone who has a very unique vantage point as a journalist - what does Rachel see as the current biggest and most exciting trends in the space right now? And are there any trends we may not have heard of yet? [12:57] How can we educate others on the difference between blockchain and crypto? And how can we ensure companies interested in blockchain that the time is now to act? [17:05] Has a lot of the confusion in the space revolve around a fear of volatility and instability? [18:29] About IBM’s Blockchain for Dummies online book! [19:12] If you’re a blockchain developer or an executive and you’re looking into the space, what should you know before you adopt a blockchain strategy? How can they begin to put together an adoption strategy for a business use case? What are some of the challenges with implementation? [24:55] What is Rachel’s mission with her podcast, The Crypto Chick? And what are some of her goals for the show? [27:42] Rachel speaks a bit about her upcoming book on the topic of enterprise blockchain; what inspired it, how far she is in writing it, and some of what she’s learned while researching for it! [31:57] Matt thanks Rachel for the work she’s done in the space and for joining the podcast! [32:48] Matt closes out today’s show!   Sources mentioned   The Crypto Chick with Rachel Wolfson Rachel Wolfson Articles on Bitcoin Magazine Rachel Wolfson Articles on Forbes IBM Food Trust Golden State Foods “UNICEF Launches Cryptocurrency Fund,” Press Release on UNICEF “UNICEF Launches Cryptocurrency Fund to Back Open Source Technology,” by Wolfie Zhao on Coindesk Blockchain for Dummies IBM Blockchain for Business   Follow-up with our guest   Rachel Wolfson’s Website Rachel Wolfson’s Twitter   Looking for More Episodes?   Visit IBM Blockchain — and for news and updates, follow @IBMBlockchain on Twitter!

Blockchain Journalist Talks Top Trends

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!

From The Dawn of the Internet to the Age of Blockchain

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!

Bringing Together The Best Talent In Cybersecurity With Vice President of NYC EDC, Wilson Lin

Host and blockchain-evangelist Matt Hooper engages with the planet’s most dynamic blockchain thought-leaders, explorers and innovators to discover the countless new ways blockchain is leaping from theory to reality: From entertainment to identity, from payments to secure supply-chain transparency. IBM Blockchain Pulse: The Podcast explores the now, the next, and the countless world-shaking applications just around the corner, all with wit, insight and - above all - passion.

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IBM Blockchain Pulse

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