When Shift Happens Podcast

Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of Ripple Labs, shares insights on building trusted crypto solutions for banks, opting for collaboration over disruption. He discusses the importance of compliance and strategic decisions that helped transform Ripple into a $15 billion powerhouse. Larsen emphasizes why enterprise-focused crypto is more viable than consumer options, and reflects on the regulatory challenges often overlooked in the industry. His journey illustrates the balance of patience, governance, and innovation in navigating the evolving world of finance.

Cyrus Fazel, the founder and CEO of SwissBorg, aims to empower 1 million people through crypto investments. He shares his journey from losing everything in 2008 to rejecting a billion-dollar buyout. Cyrus argues that real estate often keeps people poor and emphasizes the unique opportunities crypto offers for financial freedom. He discusses the importance of self-custody for security, critiques traditional investment strategies, and highlights the transformational power of community in navigating the unpredictable crypto landscape.

Evan Cheng, Co-founder and CEO of Mysten Labs, previously led Facebook's Libra project before venturing into creating the Sui blockchain at 50. He discusses the failures of previous crypto efforts and the need for a decentralized approach in business. Evan shares insights into navigating the complexities of self-custody and the challenges of entrepreneurship at an older age. He also emphasizes trust among co-founders and the transformative potential of decentralized tech to revolutionize business models and customer interactions.

Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum and creator of Polkadot, candidly discusses why he believes cryptocurrency has faltered in its mission. He critiques Ethereum's Layer 2 approach and the proliferation of meme coins as distractions. Wood emphasizes the importance of self-custody and accountability in decentralized systems. He explores innovative governance models in blockchain and reflects on the need for fresh ideas to avert past mistakes. Lastly, he shares insights on balancing happiness with curiosity in both life and the crypto industry.

Sebastien, co-founder of Sophon, shares insights on creating a user-friendly crypto platform after a record $60 million community sale. He critiques the focus on speculative trading, advocating for broader consumer inclusivity. The discussion highlights innovative tools like the Kast card for easy stablecoin transactions. They also tackle self-custody importance, ADHD's impact on creativity, and strategies for engaging non-crypto users. Lastly, the conversation touches on successful fundraising techniques and navigating the stresses of entrepreneurship in the fast-evolving crypto world.

In this discussion, Anthony Pompliano, Founder and CEO of Pomp Investments and host of The Pomp Podcast, shares his strategic crypto approach. He reveals why he publicly favored Bitcoin while diversifying with Ethereum and others. Pomp discusses lessons from the BlockFi collapse, the significance of self-custody in crypto, and the balance between work and family life. He emphasizes problem-solving, the value of helping others succeed, and the need for integrity in navigating the volatile crypto landscape.

Steven Goldfeder, creator of Arbitrum and CEO of Off Chain Labs, shares his journey from academia to leading one of the top Layer 2 solutions for Ethereum. He discusses the necessity of Arbitrum in Ethereum's future and its challenges, particularly around user experience and interoperability. Steven highlights the importance of collaboration in overcoming setbacks and emphasizes that Ethereum might face collapse without key improvements by 2025. Join him as he dives into the dynamic landscape of blockchain innovation and the evolving role of self-custody in crypto.

Raoul Pal, CEO of Real Vision and a seasoned macro investor, unveils his practical guide to crypto wealth-building. He shares the importance of a solid Bitcoin strategy for beginners and explains his bold 70% investment in SUI. Delving into the overlooked value of NFTs, he discusses how AI is changing our perception of assets. Raoul also highlights the psychological aspects of crypto investing and emphasizes the need for a long-term perspective, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate the crypto landscape.

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana and CEO of Solana Labs, shares exciting insights into the crypto revolution. He discusses Solana's resilience through crises like the FTX collapse and his personal journey in tech, rooted in his immigrant experiences. The innovative launch of a dedicated mobile phone for crypto users sparks conversation about security and market disruption. Yakovenko also explores the rise of meme coins and Solana's remarkable recovery, emphasizing community and collaboration as pillars of success in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

In this lively discussion, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and former White House Communications Director, shares his remarkable journey from Bitcoin skeptic to embracing it, revealing that over 70% of his net worth is now in digital assets. He reflects on childhood financial anxieties that fueled his ambition and explains the 'paradox of wealth' that breeds isolation. Scaramucci also advocates for a strategic Bitcoin reserve and celebrates the idea of uplifting others' successes as a pathway to happiness.