Empathy is the most important leadership skill, according to a recent EY survey. But what does it mean to be an empathetic leader, and why is it crucial for business growth and success?

Empathy refers to a leader's ability to understand, share and respond to the feelings, thoughts and circumstances of those they lead. It involves recognising and validating the emotions and perspectives of others while also considering their needs, motivations and challenges.

Empathy requires being open and vulnerable to the emotions of others, which some people may see as a weakness, especially in a leader. However, vulnerability is a necessary component of forming deep connections and fostering trust in relationships, and it takes courage to be open and authentic with others. Empathetic leaders are effective communicators and active listeners which allows them to build strong connections with their team members.

You can lead with empathy and preserve competitive advantage at the same time. Establishing mutual empathy between leaders and employees leads to increased efficiency, productivity, creativity, job satisfaction, even retention and company revenue.

Why empathetic leadership is needed NOW

Businesses today are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty at fast pace, requiring organisational agility and strategic change to keep up. But organisational change can be messy. What many leaders often fail to take into account is the emotional impact change has on their teams, and the emotional response it requires from leaders.

While standing still is seldom an option, moving too fast or being in a constant state of change is unlikely to result in success unless leaders engage their teams effectively from the beginning.

Let's look at that in the context of strategy planning and execution.

It is common for leaders to design the strategy behind closed doors while the implementation falls on frontline staff who may not be fully invested or even aware of the broader strategy. This disconnect between strategy planning and execution creates a misalignment between leaders and their teams. Lack of alignment often results in low engagement, poor accountability, and conflict.

Leaders often approach strategy as a cerebral activity revolving around data analysis and tasks but it has an emotional component and that is frequently overlooked. Strategy usually means change and change is often met with resistance. This resistance, whether conscious or subconscious, is a natural reaction to the uncertainties and fears that change introduces.

Here are three tips for leaders to bring more empathy into their strategy execution with teams, in order to create the momentum they need for change and business success:

Acknowledge Human Emotions and Empathy

When communicating change, it's crucial to remember that we're human beings first and employees second.

While a rational process is necessary to establish the basis for change, it's essential to recognise that change profoundly affects individuals' emotions and fears. 73% of employees affected by change reported moderate to high-stress levels during and after the change.

The unknown or unfamiliar can be intimidating, leading to resistance and apprehension. In this context, empathy from leaders plays a vital role in helping people navigate the change process. Communicating change requires understanding and respecting what people may lose during the transition, both personally and professionally.

Empathise to Connect

For leaders, the spotlight should be on the "why" behind the strategy. This isn't just about business objectives but about translating vision and objectives into something an employee can relate to and invest in. People care less about a change than why it's happening and how it will affect them.

This requires viewing empathy as a professional skill - a trait that allows leaders to gauge and respond to the emotional needs of their people. Focus on human-oriented communication to ease their worries an...

The Quantum Electronic Devices (QED) Group at Tyndall National Institute, based at UCC, is working on the discovery and engineering of emerging materials and devices that will enable disruptive information processing to support the development of quantum computers.

The QED Group has partnered with UK academics from the University of Warwick, University College London and University of Cambridge to solve one of the main challenges for scalability in architectures using germanium hole-spins on silicon as qubits. In the GeQuantumBus project, the consortium will overcome limitations by using coupler quantum dots to control qubit-qubit interaction.

A quantum computer could operate algorithms that can solve problems which are unsolvable for a classical computer in a feasible time. Target applications of quantum computing include a large family of optimisation problems, which could be used in designing targeted drugs more efficiently for personalised medicine or improving logistics to protect natural resources and managing financial and personal risk. However, current qubit systems, while demonstrating the feasibility of quantum information processing, lack an apparent route to scalability.

Speaking about the project, Dr Giorgos Fagas, Head of the Quantum Electronic Devices Group at Tyndall, said:

"GeQuantumBus offers the ideal challenge to elaborate our significant research programme on new material platforms for qubit realisation. Our QED group will contribute with our expertise on processing and nanomaterials along with condensed matter theory and structural characterisation. The project allows us to collaborate with top-class leading experts to address a most challenging issue for semiconductor spin qubits."

The project funding of 2.6m is from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and is supported by a global MNC and a UK SME, and five other international collaborators.

See more stories here.

Kärcher's new study reveals the findings of a new research study* which delves into Irish householders' attitudes towards condensation and dampness in the home and highlights the potential health risks, safety concerns, and the potentially costly implications associated with these issues.

New Irish survey about health risks from condensation

More than two-thirds of Irish households (68%) express concern about health issues and potential safety risks related to dampness and condensation in their homes, with nearly one in five (19%) reporting extreme concern. The research reveals that this widespread unease has significant implications for the cost of living, with increased heating costs (51%) and windowsill damage (33%) emerging as major worries for cost conscious consumers.

As condensation becomes prevalent, especially during the winter months, it is an issue that most Irish households face. Beyond the inconvenience of condensation, it can also pose serious health issues with damp and mould in the home, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, headaches and fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment while reducing the financial impact on householders.

Lee Hulsman, Head of Retail at Kärcher Ireland, comments on the research: "We recognise the importance of understanding the challenges that Irish households face with condensation and dampness. The results of this study have revealed valuable insights into the concerns of our customers. At Kärcher, we believe in providing the right tools to tackle these issues effectively and effortlessly.

Dave Moore, broadcaster, DIY enthusiast and Kärcher fan, shared his experience: "I've always been passionate about maintaining a healthy home, and condensation can be a real issue. Kärcher's Window Vac has transformed the way I tackle this problem, effortlessly removing condensation and ensuring a safer and more comfortable living environment."

The study highlights Kärcher's Window Vac as a versatile tool which offers a comprehensive solution for managing condensation and enhancing home safety and cleanliness. The study shows that 43% of respondents acknowledged a Window Vacs effectiveness in removing condensation from windows. Additionally, 41% and 34% of participants indicated they use or would use a Window Vac for cleaning shower doors and vacuuming dust and debris from surfaces, respectively.

This November, Kärcher is pleased to announce exclusive Black Friday promotions with a 20% discount on all Window Vac's on www.karcher.ie, making it the perfect time to invest in a Window Vac. Additionally, with Christmas just around the corner, a Kärcher Window Vac makes an ideal and thoughtful gift choice for the cleaning enthusiast.

Choose Kärcher and visit your local electrical & DIY retailer now. Visit www.karcher.ie to find the right Window Vac for you.

See more breaking stories here.

From planets to penicillin and artificial intelligence to vaping, short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been celebrated at the 11th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards at the University of Galway.

The event took place on Sunday, November 12, as part of Science Week 2023 and the 26th Galway Science and Technology Festival.

More than 400 short science films were entered into the competition created by 2,600 young science enthusiasts in 131 schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland.

Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges, including science communicator and engineer Dr Niamh Shaw; RTÉJr TV presenter and scientist Mark 'The Science Guy' Langtry; and the 2023 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Liam Carew and Shane O'Connor.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners

1st Prize Primary School - Twenty-two talented fourth-class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co. Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the 1,000 first prize for their video 'Creatha Talún' explaining earthquakes and visualising volcanoes.

Runners-up Primary School - Fourth class students from Lissivigeen National School, Killarney, Co. Kerry brought us on a trip around the solar system in 'The Science Video', while students from Abbey Primary School from Boyle, Co. Roscommon finished third with a history of penicillin in 'The Messy Mistake that Changed the World'.

1st Prize Post-Primary - Gabriel McCrystal, Shaun Irimpan and Frankie Zak, transition year students from Coláiste Na Mí, Navan, Co. Meath, dramatised the effects of vaping in young people in 'This is Bob' and claimed the 1,000 first prize.

Runners-up Post-Primary - Mahveen Farooq and Olivia Penfold from Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny, answered the question 'Is There a Connection Between Handedness and Dominant Eyes?', while James Molloy from Belvedere College, Dublin, was awarded third place, for his project 'Using AI to Diagnose X-Rays'.

1st Prize Youth Organisation - Young filmmaker and musician Arden Oakes, from Grow Music, Dundalk, Co. Louth, won the 1,000 youth group prize for his video 'How the Ear Works'.

Runners-up Youth Organisation - Bruff Scout Group, Limerick, came second for 'The Science of Scouting Burns and how to treat them', while third place went to Arranmore Island Foróige Club, Co. Donegal, who coded a 'Dancing Robot'.

Special Category Awards

Bandonbridge National School, Bandon, Co. Cork

Junior Scientists Award

Scoil Phádraig, Westport, Co. Mayo

Best Acting Award

Sooey National School, Sooey, Co. Sligo

Best Costumes Award

Bullaun National School, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Teamwork Award

King's Hospital School, Dublin 20

Science and Me Award

Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, Limerick

Animation Award

Alexandra College, Dublin 6

Best Science Song

Loreto College, Dublin 2

Being Green Award

Erris Foróige Youth Service, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

Comedy Award

Foróige Eastside Youth Service, Galway

Science in Real Life Award

All of the winning videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ReelLifeScience.

Addressing the finalists at the event via video message, competition judge Dr Niamh Shaw said: "I have every faith that we have a very healthy future ahead of us because we have a country full of really great science explainers. Never lose that passion that you have to share how you understand science and how you see the world."

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.

Since being launched in 2013 by a team of scientists from the University of Galway College of Science and Engineering, this challenge has been met by over 26,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 750 schools and youth groups.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Founding Director Dr Enda O'Connell said: "Congratulations to all the winners, but also to every yo...

By Alison Grieve and Jenni Miller, co-authors of 'Leading Edge: Strategies for Developing and Sustaining High-Performing Teams'

In the pursuit of organisational success, teams play a pivotal role in achieving goals and pushing boundaries. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of a team are directly linked to the leadership guiding it. Collaborative leaders unleash team performance as they create an environment that fosters clarity, accountability, adaptability, trust, and resilience.

This article will delve into the five essential elements that collaborative leaders leverage to improve team performance: Reason, Results, Routines, Relationships, and Resilience.

Reason: Clarify the Team's Purpose

Collaborative leaders understand that for a team to function at its best, it must have a clear sense of purpose, or team "Reason". They create a shared understanding of why the team exists in the first place and how it aligns with the broader organisational mission. A well-defined purpose serves as a guiding star for the team, instilling a sense of direction and motivation.

When team members understand the reason behind their work, they are more likely to feel invested and committed. They can see the larger impact of their efforts, which, in turn, increases their dedication to achieving shared goals. Collaborative leaders articulate the "why" behind the team's existence and make it an integral part of the team culture.

For example, if a team is responsible for developing a new product or service, a collaborative leader would ensure that every team member understands how this product or service contributes to the company's growth, customer satisfaction, or a broader societal benefit.

Results: Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Alongside a well-defined purpose, collaborative leaders emphasise the importance of setting clear and inspiring goals and objectives. They ensure that the team knows precisely what they are accountable for delivering, as well as the strategy to achieve those goals. These goals should be simple, memorable, and inspiring, driving the entire team towards a common vision. If the team's Reason is the "why", the Results are the team's what".

Collaborative leaders recognise that clear objectives serve as a roadmap, helping team members understand the destination and the steps needed to reach it. When team members are aware of what is expected of them, they are more likely to perform at their best and work together to get things done.

To illustrate, if a team's objective is to increase customer satisfaction by 20% within the next year, a collaborative leader would work with the team to break down this goal into actionable steps.

Routines: Optimise Team Processes

Collaborative leaders continuously review the routines within the team to ensure they are suitable for the evolving context in which the team operates. They constantly have one eye on how the team meets, communicates, and makes decisions, optimising these processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

By periodically revisiting and refining routines, leaders help the team adapt to changing circumstances and stay nimble. This flexibility enables the team to respond to challenges and opportunities more effectively, promoting better overall performance.

For example, in a dynamic tech startup, a collaborative leader may re-evaluate the team's meeting schedule, shifting from weekly to daily stand-up meetings to enhance communication and collaboration and then reassess as needed.

Relationships: Cultivate a Culture of Trust and Collaboration

Collaborative leaders understand that relationships are just as vital as the tasks themselves. Strong relationships within the team are a cornerstone of success. Leaders work on building psychological safety, trust, and constructive conflict management to ensure that team members can work together harmoniously.

Psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear...

There are only a few days left for ambitious female entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses to apply for Going for Growth, the award-winning business development scheme for female entrepreneurs. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 17th.

Going for Growth, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, helps ambitious female entrepreneurs to realise their growth ambitions and thereby build stronger companies, create new jobs and increase their revenues.

Up to 60 places will be available on the 16th cycle of the programme. Applications are sought from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focused on growth. The six-month initiative will begin in January 2024, and there is no charge for those selected to participate.

Interested female entrepreneurs are encouraged to register on the goingforgrowth.com website, and a link to the application form will be sent to them.

More than 900 businesswomen have taken part in Going for Growth since its first cycle in 2008.

The programme brings together female entrepreneurs for monthly peer-to-peer roundtable discussions facilitated by Lead Entrepreneurs who are successful businesswomen. The participation of Lead Entrepreneurs is completely voluntary and is done in the spirit of wishing to share their business experience and insights with others.

This year's voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs include Anne Cusack, formerly Critical Healthcare; Chupi Sweetman-Durney, Chupi; Jeananne O'Brien, Artizan Food Co.; Leonora O'Brien, formerly Pharmapod; Louise Phelan, Phelan Energy Group; Marissa Carter, Carter Beauty; Monica Flood, formerly Olas IT; Oonagh O'Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy Group and Tara Beattie, Prepsheets.com.

Some of the past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Andrea Doolan of Atlantia Clinical Trials, and Derval O'Rourke of Derval.ie, Kate Scott of HoloToyz, Louella Morton of TestReach, and Vanessa Creavenof Spotlight Oral Care.

Ideally, businesses applying for the programme should be well established. In exceptional cases, businesses at an earlier stage of their development will be considered if they have at least some revenue or have raised significant equity investment if it is felt that the business is highly innovative, plans to have export customers, and the entrepreneur has significant growth ambitions. If accepted, these participants are included in the 'Starting Strong' element of the programme.

Feedback for the 15th cycle of Going for Growth was extremely positive, with 96% of participants saying their involvement brought about practical change within their business and 97% saying they to others.

The Going for Growth programme was designed and developed by Paula Fitzsimons of Fitzsimons Consulting.

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, said:

"Increasing support for ambitious female entrepreneurship is a key national priority and Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Going for Growth. I believe our close partnership with Going for Growth provides excellent support to our incredible women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving global ambition.

Partner at KPMG, Olivia Lynch, said:

"Our recent Enterprise Barometer research showed resilience and measured confidence in the future amongst Irish businesses and entrepreneurs. At KPMG, we champion domestic entrepreneurship, and our commitment to diversity drives us to continue our partnership with Going for Growth. This exceptional programme empowers ambitious women to elevate their businesses.

With the guidance of the Lead Entrepreneurs, this initiative offers a transformative journey, connecting participants with valuable insights and a supportive community. KPMG's experts look forward to facilitating various workshops and sharing their extensive knowledge in tax, funding, employment and more."

A participant in the 15th cycle of Going for Growth, Gráinne Mullins, Founder of Grá Chocolates, speaking of her experience, said:

"Going for Growth was such an incr...

STEM South West is back for its fifth year, promising to be the biggest and best one yet - this time taking over Cork City Hall on Wednesday, November 22nd, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Event organisers are calling on secondary students, their parents and teachers to join them for an exciting afternoon journey within the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Ireland offers an incredible range of opportunities to students who choose to study STEM subjects. These subjects not only serve as the bedrock for so many careers but can also be the ticket for students and young graduates to explore the world, discover, learn and find new ways and means to make a positive impact on themselves and on the lives of others.

Every step towards positive change matters as our global society faces critical issues around health, climate change, housing, energy and the very future of how we live and work. Investing in those who will hold the future in their hands, inspiring and equipping them to learn, lead and innovate is the right thing to do.

To maintain Ireland's position as a leading global hub for tech, pharma, medtech, engineering and bioscience industries, STEM South West seeks to inspire at least 20% of the 916,000 children and young learners in Irish schools to consider a career in STEM. In support of that effort, it is joining forces with industry and education partners on this live showcase event. Free for all, they will be welcomed from all corners of the country to get a glimpse into the exciting possibilities and opportunities that await them in any STEM field they choose.

Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, speaking at the event launch, commented, "I commend the leadership and long-term view being taken to encourage the STEM champions of tomorrow by STEM South West and its industry and education partners. Our Irish economy is thriving through the direct contribution of a skilled STEM workforce, which is integral to our diverse industry sectors.

Visitors will get to explore exhibits from some of the biggest employers in the country, including Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Gilead Sciences, Plas Engineering, MTU, UCC, Analog, Horner, PepsiCo, Astellas, and many more. The impact of previous events has been noteworthy, with 9 out of 10 students expressing an increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM after attending the event (held virtually in recent years).

During the event launch, Marguerite O'Sullivan, Chair of STEM South West, said, "The work that STEM South West is doing is necessary to ensure that our current STEM industry base is secure, that companies continue to locate in Ireland, that our start-ups and SMEs are given the opportunity to thrive, and that the students of today are given the skills to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow.

The enthusiastic participation of industry experts and organisations underscores the significance of this event in fostering the ongoing growth and prosperity of STEM industries in the region.

Teachers and Guidance Counsellors will have a dedicated section at the event where they can learn first-hand about the career options now available in the STEM sector in this region.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stem-south-west-expo-2023-tickets-722788127747

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, has announced a $127M expansion of its Research and Development facility in Cork City. The investment is expected to create more than 150 highly skilled engineering roles over the next four years.

This project, which is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, seeks to create and develop core new knowledge for a broad range of industries, significantly advance skills capability in its subsidiary, QT Technologies Ireland, and advance the skillset of QT Technologies Ireland's R&D team. This expansion of facilities will see hardware and software research teams co-locate in the Cork facility.

Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Simon Coveney TD said: "QT Technologies Ireland's expansion at Penrose Dock is fantastic news for Cork. Up to 150 specialized jobs will be created over the next four years, and I understand recruitment is already underway for many of these engineering posts. These roles which will provide excellent opportunities for our talent pool to join a world-renowned tech company such as QT Technologies Ireland.

At the heart of this project is digital transformation, bringing QT Technologies Ireland's R&D, hardware and software teams together in Cork, and allowing for innovative and exciting new work to be undertaken. This announcement further highlights Ireland's position as a global hub for the world's leading tech companies, and I would like to thank Qualcomm Technologies for its continued investment in Ireland. I wish all the team every success with this new expansion."

Qualcomm Technologies provides critical advanced semiconductor technology to mobile communications and other industry sectors. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, where QT Technologies Ireland already employs hundreds of people.

"We are excited about this investment in QT Technologies Ireland, where we continue ground-breaking engineering work." Said Ajay Bawale, SVP, Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "This project will introduce new highly specialized skills into Ireland, and QT Technologies Ireland is currently recruiting engineers across several areas."

"We are very proud that this project means the highly skilled teams in Cork will be addressing market challenges by enabling industries such as manufacturing, automotive, hyperscale computing, gaming, medical and education." Said Paul Kelleher, VP of Engineering, QT Technologies Ireland Limited. "Enabling Digital Transformation at every level.

"Since 2013, the QT Technologies Ireland facility in Cork City has grown from strength to strength. This globally recognised company, in its sector, is now creating and developing critical leading-edge tech in a regional location," said the CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan.

"This latest investment increases the strategic functions managed by the leadership team at the Cork facility, significantly enhancing the South West of Ireland's established tech cluster. I wish QT Technologies Ireland continued success and assure them of IDA Ireland's continued partnership."

To explore opportunities to join the team in Cork, visit this link.

Mavarick has been announced as the overall winner of the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition, walking away with a cash prize of 100,000 to invest in their business. The Limerick company has developed a platform that generates real-time information to help manufacturers make better decisions to achieve additional capacity, reduce machine downtime and increase profitability.

Seedcorn is the largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland, with an overall cash prize fund of 300,000. Designed to help start-ups and early-stage businesses get investor-ready, the competition provides participating companies with the opportunity to improve their investment pitches, get expert feedback on their business plans and gain exposure to venture capitalists, business angels and some of the island's leading industry experts and entrepreneurs.

The competition's Sustainability / Low Carbon Award and its 20,000 prize was also awarded to Mavarick as recognition of the best investment proposal from a company operating in the low carbon / green sector.

Dr Paul Byrnes, Mavarick, Chief Executive and Co-Founder, said, ''We are absolutely delighted to be announced as Overall Winner of InterTradeIreland's Seedcorn 2023, Best New Start, and Sustainability / Low Carbon Award. The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition is a fantastic all-island initiative, and it is great that they are recognising companies for their work on sustainability and carbon reduction innovation.

The competition has been an invaluable experience, and we have learned a lot about the investment process that will really help us in the next stages of our business plans. Mavarick is a company founded by second-generation manufacturers, and we look forward to continuing to help manufacturers balance sustainability and productivity.''

Galenband has also been announced as the Best New Start / Best Early Stage Category Winner, pocketing a cash prize of 50,000 at the awards ceremony. The Ballina company is developing a diagnostic heart telemetry system worn on the left arm, replacing invasive and expensive surgically implanted heart monitors that are presently the only options for long-term monitoring. Galenband will allow the application of treatment much earlier than has been conventionally possible, reducing stroke rates.

Oisín McGrath, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Galenband said: "Winning the Best Early Stage company at the InterTradeIreland All-Island final is a testament to the work our team has done to place the company in an investor-ready position.

TiLT Roleplay walked away with the 10,000 Special award, which is presented each year to the best venture stemming from a university spinout or a recognised support programme. Based in Trinity College Dublin, TiLT has developed innovative digital roleplay training that improves and measures diversity and inclusion (D&I) performance within organisations. It hopes to expand globally in the next 12 months.

Congratulating the winners, Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive at InterTradeIreland, said: "The diverse range of companies participating in this year's InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition has been a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem on the island of Ireland. Year-on-year, the competition attracts start-up and early-stage companies that are at the cutting edge of their industry, and this year has been no exception.

Across both the 'Best New Start' and 'Best Early Stage' categories, it has been fascinating to once again see new companies participating from a range of business sectors, but also emerging companies who are leading the way in areas such as sustainability, digitalisation and inclusion in the workplace.

This year's overall winner, Mavarick, epitomises the very best of what companies across the island of Ireland have to offer and we are proud to support them at this early and important stage of their development. On behalf of all of us at InterTradeIreland, I wish al...

Sean Lee is the senior advisor at the Crypto Council for Innovation, which is a global alliance of crypto industry leaders advocating for responsible and healthy regulations in the digital asset industry.

Sean has conducted business in over 20+ countries and two continents across his career and networked with extraordinary professionals across many industries. As a technology enthusiast, his career started in Internet 1.0 during the mid '90s, spanning across eCommerce, cloud computing, and digitalization with IBM, EMC, Pivotal, and Dell before moving into blockchain and crypto in the last few years. Through it all, he has witnessed how technology combined with innovative business models can transform industries and, ultimately, global economies as well.

In this episode, Sean and I dive into:

How the current events in crypto point to an even greater opportunity for education, advocacy, and policy to accelerate the adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology.

How the Crypto Council for Innovation approaches policy frameworks to align the digital asset industry with regulators and vice-versa

How far the crypto industry and regulators have come with centralized finance (CeFi) already

An example of policy building through the lens of decentralized finance (DeFi) with a focus on placing the regulatory lens on appropriate layers of the DeFi stack.

How we approach the paraphrasing of the various definitions of web3 into terms that are accessible to non-crypto natives

A big change that Sean and I would both like to see in how most web3 founders think about fundraising.

LINKS:

Follow Sean Lee on LinkedIn and X/(Twitter)

Learn more about the Crypto Council for Innovation and their DeFi regulatory policy white paper

Watch Sean Lee's weekly 'This Week in Crypto: Sean's Take on Asia' videos on YouTube

Episode title inspired by Global Access by Young Thug (feat, Nate Ruess)

Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Check out our MoneyNeverSleeps website and email us at [email protected]

Follow us on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend | MoneyNeverSleeps

Follow us on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend | MoneyNeverSleeps