WYFT or What’s Your Focus Today!

By WYFT-What’s Your Focus Today?Business

WYFT or What’s Your Focus Today! episodes

May 25, 2020With Chris Skinner, the "Enfant Terrible" of finance, on Digitization, Darwin, and Doing (Digital that is) - From Poland, with Love (and some Covid-19 wisdom)
Author, Speaker and Troublemaker.
(currently learning Polish ...)
Yup.
That's him.
In a nutshell:
(from his LI profile)
Chris does all sorts in banking and technology.

He writes a daily blog at thefinanser.com, and consults about the future.

When people want digital banking done, he brings in 11:FS.

When they want to know everything FinTech, he refers them to Innovate Finance.

When people want to meet, he tells them about the Financial Services Club (fsclub.net) and Nordic Finance Innovation (nordicfinanceinnovation.com).

Oh, and he speaks at lots of conferences and is a prolific author of 14 books.
In this episode, I talk with him about:
The 5 banks in the world that "get" digital banking

Being a bank provoker vs. bank basher

His 4 major phases of digital transformation

What's the deal with Darwin?

Doing Digital and The Cloud

His UK bank during Covid-19; Monty Python comes to mind ...

Why India and China are leading the way

Where the massive (payment) opportunity is in both US and EU

And where we will be in 10 years - becoming socially useful
Enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- https://bit.ly/Iwantmyccwnow
- http://bit.ly/IwantmyEVENnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyfunformulanow

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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
43 min
April 09, 2020Off The Charts discussion (on Bitcoin) with Off The Chain Capital's Brian Estes (CIO & Managing Member) - meet the "Warren Buffet" of crypto investing, and get with the program NOW!
===>>> HODLERS, Unite!! <===
How to get away from this with any other feeling, now that's a mystery to me.
After attending a presentation from Brian a few weeks ago, I had to get him on my show. And Woaw! - did he not disappoint. In typical deep value style, he lays out exactly where we come from, where we are, and where we're going with Bitcoin, and why (disclosure: it's going UP!). An asset manager in the crypto space, I would call their strategy more like "event driven value", but I'm splitting hairs. Bottom line: if you're a HODLer or looking to be(come) one, looking to add some active management (AKA alpha) in the mix, look no further and check out these boys.
In a nutshell:
Off the Chain Capital, LLC uses traditional Graham/Dodd analysis to capture value in blockchain assets

They use S-Curve analysis and extensive research to uncover opportunities in illiquid securities

Their strategy is focused on secondary alternatives in blockchain-based assets
In this episode, we talk about:
Concepts like value, conservative, Graham & Dodd, Buffet, etc.;

You make money when you buy, not when you sell;

Mt. Gox bankruptcy claims (aka cents on the dollar...);

Similarities with the DNS network / effect;

BTC halving (May 2020);

BTC price predictions: $100K by late '21 // $1M by late '25;

Don't time the market, it's time IN the market;

Opportunity cost of missing out of just a few best days (you have no idea...!);

Ideal allocation to BTC for a larger portfolio;
Enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- https://bit.ly/Iwantmyccwnow
- http://bit.ly/IwantmyEVENnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyfunformulanow

---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
37 min
March 09, 2020The Currency Cold War, Cash, and Cryptography, Hash Rates and Hegemony - my fascinating discussion with David Birch about his upcoming and visionary book on the subject Du Jour!
David Birch is without any doubt one of the most astute long term observers of the financial services and fintech space, and I'm extremely excited and honored to have been able to talk to him about his upcoming book (The Currency Cold War; Cash and Cryptography, Hash Rates and Hegemony, published in May 2020), and other related issues we care about here.
His bio is impressive:
He's an internationally-recognised thought leader in digital identity and digital money;

Named one of the global top 15 favourite sources of business information (Wired magazine);

Emerging Payments Industry Contributor of the Year (EPA);

One of the top ten most influential voices in banking (Financial Brand);

One of the top ten Twitter accounts followed by innovators, along with Bill Gates and Richard Branson (PR Daily);

Named one of the "Fintech Titans" (NextBank);

Ranked Europe’s most influential commentator on emerging payments (Total Payments magazine).
In this episode, we talk about:
His background in the space and how he has been at the origins of 2 digital money / currency plays way back;

How he came to be interested again in publishing this particular book now;

Why he think that "... this time may be different...";

How he defines digital currency, and the confusion about it;

What are the drivers of change that we are witnessing;

What does he mean when talking about a currency cold war;

And what's all this about the Red and Blue corner? (and me who thought is was about the Red and Blue pill ...)
Enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/IwantmyEVENnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyfunformulanow
---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
39 min
February 09, 2020My discussion with Dara Albright, recognized authority, thought provoker and frequent speaker on FinTech, crowdfinance, digital/crypto finance, next-gen IPOs & P2P and retail alternatives.
Dara's second appearance on this show is beyond timely, and most insightful.
Since 2011, Dara Albright has been helping set the direction of the crowdfinance industry through leading-edge industry articles and acclaimed conferences that introduce crowd-driven asset classes such as crowdfunding and p2p lending to the financial community.

She produced the very first crowdfunding conference in January 2012 which was headlined by key JOBS Act architects: Congressman Patrick McHenry and Dave Weild. That event birthed the crowdfinance movement and led to the founding of the industry’s trade and leadership organizations.

In 2013, she co-founded LendIt which went on to become the largest and most recognized global p2p & online lending conference organization.
In this episode, we talk about:
* How blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are bringing us into a new era of more access to new products for a larger segment of the population;

* The Token Taxonomy Act and its impact;

* The 2 most attractive pieces of crypto (a must read/understand/listen to part!);

* The one most important upcoming change in legislation re. retail investors;

* Investor base diversification;

* Asset tokenization;

* How advisors and VC's are adapting and adjusting to this new situation;

* The mango project?

* and so more more being covered here ...
Enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
(for more on Dara, check out:
- a recent appearance talking about digital securities and crypto;
- on crowdfunding at the national press club;
- her piece on the retail investor here;
- and her most recent op-ed on The Roaring Twenties here;
==============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/IwantmyEVENnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyfunformulanow

---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
48 min
February 03, 2020My discussion with Joel Comm, Futurist, Speaker, Author, Influencer, Podcaster, and all around a huge breath of fresh air!
Joel Comm ... what can I say? I don't know where to start ...
I've been following his work for more than a decade, read all his books, event went on private workshops with him and his team (in Colorado at the time) to learn a thing or two (or three) about this online world, and how to harness all its awesome power (for good, that is). So who is he?
A generational buddy, Joel Comm is an entrepreneur, NY Times bestselling author, and new media innovator. He's an expert on harnessing the power of social media and mobile applications to expand your brand’s reach and engage in active relationship marketing, He is a sought-after public speaker who leaves his audience inspired, entertained, and armed with strategic tools to create a new media campaign that will explode your business.
On Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and the Future of Digital Money
As co-host of the popular blockchain show, The Bad Crypto Podcast, Joel is uniquely qualified to make the topic of blockchain relevant and easy-to-understand for any audience. Whether you require a basic introduction to the topic or a more in-depth dive into the world of blockchain, Joel is the ideal keynote speaker or workshop trainer for your event.
On Video
As a pioneer of live video online, Joel has been streaming original content to the web since 2008. With the introduction of easy-to-use live streaming applications such as Facebook Live and Periscope, it is more important than ever for businesses and brands of all sizes to embrace live video. In this important keynote, Joel shares the latest technology and tips for how anyone can leverage the power of live video to expand their reach, engage with their customers and build their brand.
On Social Media
Joel has been involved in social media since the early days of MySpace. In this keynote, he demonstrates why a social media campaign can be an integral part of any business. From Facebook and YouTube to LinkedIn and Twitter, Joel cuts through how businesses CAN use social media and shows how businesses SHOULD use social media. His lively delivery, real-life case studies, and insights gained from experience will give the audience a deep understanding of the benefits of social media and practical strategies for developing a winning social media campaign.
Enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
==============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101
---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
41 min
January 29, 2020My discussion with Phil Rosen, CEO and Founder of EVEN Financial, the leading API for financial services monetization, shooting for gold!
In this episode, I have the real pleasure to speak (and very fast for that matter!) with Phil Rosen, CEO and Founder of the rapidly scaling EVEN Financial, the company with the leading API for financial services monetization, based in NYC.
EVEN helps connect your consumers to personalized products at the right time with the definitive search, comparison and recommendation engine for financial services. There is no other company out there doing something similar at scale, and with the kind of results and growth trajectory that is beyond impressive:
=> Even works with all parties — financial institutions, marketers, affiliates and consumers — to enhance the online finance ecosystem for everyone, creating the optimal end-user experience;
=> For Partners: Proven greater monetization, comprehensive turnkey FI access, managed compliance, backed by machine learning recommendation engine;
=> For Financial Institutions: Proven lower cost of acquisition, lower delinquencies, lower charge offs, access to vast high quality organic network to reach consumers
=> A team of 130+ and growing fast;
=> An A-list of VC and other investors backing the company: $50M total funding, with some of the biggest brand names, like Citi Ventures, MassMutual Ventures, LendingClub, American Express Ventures, Canaan Partners, F-Prime Capital, GreatPoint Ventures, and Goldman Sachs;
The bottom line, with EVEN Financial:
Financial Institutions Build Profitable Portfolios with proven lower acquisition costs, through access to the vast, high-quality, organic Even network – reaching millions of consumers with native integrations featuring programmatic purchasing, full compliance, machine learning, and data backed by over 40 million user profiles to support decisioning.

Channel Partners Increase Monetization with turn-key financial institution integrations across loans, savings, credit cards, and more – powered by Even’s best-in-class compliance, pricing options, controls, and machine learning optimization.

Consumers Enjoy the Optimal User Experience with the ability to search, compare, and get matched with the financial services they need instantly through Even’s industry-leading recommendation engine.
In my conversation with Phil, we address:
* How he started EVEN 5 years ago after leaving Orchard;
* How the business has evolved while product/market fit was being adjusted;
* If the company pivoted at some point and how/why;
* Experience as a CEO vs. pure CTO type of work;
* Hiring challenges and future growth plans;
* Quid crypto / blockchain?
* The end game, if there is one;
and many more insights to share.
So, enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
===============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101

---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
22 min
January 24, 2020My discussion with Thomas Spaas, leading international (Crypto) tax lawyer, focused on strategic, regulatory and compliance advice, in the fields of taxation and blockchain / cryptocurrency
I've enjoyed my conversation with Thomas Spaas in this episode of #WYFT. Death and taxes - the only 2 things in life that are certain. And while I'm not going to talk about the former - at least not here - crypto and taxes is one of those areas that is not being covered really at this time in the MSM. But oh boy - is it important and key to understand and thrive throughout and going forward. So sit up and listen.
So who is Thomas Spaas?
In 2016, Thomas Spaas founded the law firm CONSYSTA, offering strategic, regulatory and compliance advice, in the fields of taxation and blockchain/cryptocurrency technologies.

Thomas Spaas had been active in the legal field since 2005, first as a consultant for Belgian and European clients in Antwerp (BE) and Shanghai (CN) and subsequently as a lawyer at Tiberghien, at Laga (attorneys aligned with Deloitte) and at MVRV CVBA.

Working in the field of international and Belgian taxation, Thomas Spaas has built up a broad experience in analyzing and resolving international and Belgian tax issues and recommending tax strategies. He also assists clients that are confronted with tax controversies.

A second main area of expertise of Thomas Spaas is the law and regulations pertaining to cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Since 2013, Thomas Spaas has been assisting the Belgian, European and US bitcoin and blockchain-tech community, both in his capacity as a lawyer, and as a (co-)director of the Belgian Bitcoin Association ASBL.

He is also a Director and driving force behind the Belgian Bitcoin Association.
Why is this such an important issue?
- There are only 2 certainties in life, and taxes is one of them (death being the other ...)
- As the crypto industry grows and being global by definition, the issue of taxes is going to be key at all levels
- There are very few people in the tax world, that have the kind of global expertise that Thomas brings to the table, having been an early participant in the space on a global scale
- Thomas is based in Brussels, The power center of the European Union (call it the Washington, DC of the EU), and where all the lobbying is taking place and tax history and future is being decided - it's where all key European institutions are based, and yes, you want to be close to the sun (there's a reason why Jeff Bezos has been massively increasing his presence - personal and Amazon - in the DC area...)
So, enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
[Add. info: to connect with Thomas directly, go here)
=>>> If you're a HODLer and are looking for the next big thing, I invite you to check this out and reach out to me thereafter. <<<=
===============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycrypto101

---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
46 min
January 17, 2020My discussion with Bryce Paul, The man (with Aaron Malone) behind the #1 crypto podcast: Crypto101, with 5 stars and 500+ ratings!
In this episode, I talk with a very outspoken Bryce Paul, L'Enfant Terrible of the crypto space, of Crypto101Podcast fame, fellow podcaster therefore, but more importantly, a must-go-to resource with a finger on pretty much any pulse of interest out there.
=>> So who is Bryce Paul?
Bryce is an accomplished business development pro in the cryptocurrency space. He’s established blockchain partnerships with some of the world’s most prolific companies, across a wide variety of industries ranging from smart cities to online identity to artificial intelligence.

As a cryptocurrency expert, he has spoken about blockchain and crypto at numerous high-profile conferences both domestically and abroad, including COIN Agenda Puerto Rico, ETH San Francisco, and Blockland Cleveland. His crypto travels have taken him to Dubai, Japan, Korea, and other exotic locales.

When Bryce is not following the crypto markets or recording Crypto101, he likes playing guitar and chess. You can challenge him on chess.com under the username stratocaster4.

He is also the organizer of the #1 (free) virtual crypto conference www.crypto2020summit.com (upcoming later this month), with 50+ speakers on their business and outlook, and over 6K registered attendees.
=>> What you will learn in this episode:
All about his take on enterprise level blockchain and crypto developments

What does it mean: Higher prices beget higher prices ... ?

His one big prediction re. ETH

We touch upon names like: BTC,ETH,Tezos,Ocean Protocol, Atom, etc.

We talk trading and techniques

We rant! ...

Talk economics as well - yeah baby.

Crypto is money at the speed of life (didn't hear that one before)

Outlook for miners

Square - another big prediction
and so much more ...
So, enjoy this episode, share lavishly, and give me a great rating and/or review on any platform of your choice.
If you're a HODLer and are looking for the next big thing, I invite you to check this out and reach out to me thereafter.
Today is January 17, 2020, and BTC just broke $9,000 again! Fly, baby, fly!!
===============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmymillonow
---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
56 min
December 21, 2019My discussion with Steve Faktor, Futurist, Author of "Econovation", and Founder and CEO of IdeaFaktory => the 4 C's of Innovation methodology.
In this episode, be ready to be shaken ... not stirred!
I'm speaking with my good friend Steve Faktor, CEO of IdeaFaktory innovation incubator, author of Econovation, Forbes & HBR writer and ex-Fortune 100 Innovation Executive. In this podcast, we cover his current thinking on politics, education, technology, social media and ... Crypto & Blockchain!
So who is Steve Faktor?
Steve Faktor is an innovator, futurist and digital commerce expert. He is Managing Director of IdeaFaktory, which helps companies accelerate growth by partnering with top startups, developing new innovations, and restructuring for growth. As a senior executive at American Express, Citi and MasterCard, Steve has created several $100M+ businesses and deployed multiple enterprise innovation programs. He is author of Econovation, which critics describe as “a fascinating, erudite, bitingly funny, well researched, and…important book“ about capitalizing on the end of consumerism and rise of 'producerism'.

Steve is a top-ranked global keynote speaker, who has keynoted major events for CFO Magazine, New York University, Harvard, PDMA, Frost & Sullivan, Rocketspace, New Media Expo and numerous corporations. He also leads workshops, ideation and training sessions based on his proprietary 4C’s of Innovation(TM) methodology. Steve writes provocative articles on innovation and entrepreneurship for Forbes and Harvard Business Review and is one of 160 original Linkedin Influencers (along with luminaries like Richard Branson).
Steve graduated from the NYU Stern School of Business and lives in New York City. He actively supports Junior Achievement and several Thai restaurants in his neighborhood.

You can learn more about Steve and IdeaFaktory here: http://www.ideafaktory.com/about/

NOTABLE LAUNCHES:
American Express: Zync | LoyaltyEdge | X-Points | Private Sales (JV with Ventee Privee) | SimpleFX | Facebook travel app |
MasterCard: Commerce Coalition & Commerce Intelligence | SpendingPulse |

EXPERTISE:
Innovation | Strategic Planning | Business Development | Marketing | Business Model Design & Pricing | Stage-Gate(TM) NPD | Executive Facilitation | WhatIf!(TM) Ideation | Social Media | Process Change

INDUSTRIES:
Financial Services & Payments | Consumer Goods & Services | Technology & Electronics | Professional Services | Advertising | Retail | Internet
===============================================================
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmywerbachnow
---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
43 min
December 16, 2019My discussion with Kevin Werbach, author of "The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust", a reference work for the industry and required reading for any practitioner!!
I'm extremely excited to share my recent conversation with Kevin Werbach, a leading expert on the business, legal, and public policy implications of emerging technologies such as broadband, blockchain, and big data.
In this conversation, I focus on a number of topics he covers in his book: "The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust", a reference work for any practitioner in the space. In there, he covers a wide range of issues, divided into 3 chapters: 1) A Revolution In Nine Pages; 2) Ledgers Meet Law; and 3) Building The Decentralized Future. It's a critically important work, and I would recommend it highly to anyone who wants or needs to "dig deeper". So who is Kevin Werbach? Keep reading...
Werbach is Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and founder of Supernova Group, a technology consulting and events firm. A longtime thought leader in communications and internet policy, he served on the Obama Administration’s Presidential Transition Team, and later was an expert advisor on broadband issues at both the Federal Communications Commission and the US Department of Commerce. He is a pioneer in emerging fields such as gamification (applying digital game design principles to business), algorithmic accountability, and blockchain governance. With his current focus on the business and legal implications of distributed ledger technology, he heads the Cryptoregulation initiative of the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research, bringing together regulators, experts, and business leaders from around the world.

Werbach is the author of The Blockchain and the New Architecture of Trust (MIT Press, 2018), co-author of For the Win: How Game Thinking Can Revolutionize Your Business (Wharton School Press, 2012), and editor of After the Digital Tornado: Networks, Algorithms, Humanity (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2020). Nearly half a million students worldwide have registered for his top-rated Coursera Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), and he was named Wharton’s first-ever “Iron Prof” for his research.
A sought-after speaker and commentator, Werbach has appeared in print and broadcast media including CNN, PBS NewsHour, CNBC, NPR, ABC News, USA Today, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Financial Times, and The Economist. His writing has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Wired, IEEE Spectrum, Harvard Law Review, Cornell Law Review, Berkeley Technology Law Journal, Harvard Journal of Law and Technology, and Slate, among other publications, and he has testified before the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and FCC.
Other resources:
* https://mackinstitute.wharton.upenn.edu/2019/new-architecture-of-trust-kevin-werbach/
* https://youtu.be/F4VvoVu0wiw
Check out also my other conversations with key industry players:
- http://bit.ly/iwantmyngravenow
- http://bit.ly/iwantmycelsiusnow
- http://bit.ly/Iwantmypeponow

---
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WYFT/support
45 min

About WYFT or What’s Your Focus Today!

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I curate 3 things daily for you, at the intersection of fintech, startups and gaming & gamification. This podcast expands on that. Sign-up for more regular updates at yvandemunck.com. Support this…

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