When Shift Happens Podcast

In this conversation, Sam Blackshear, Co-founder and CTO of Mysten Labs, shares insights into the Sui Network and the innovative Move programming language he created. He reveals flaws in current blockchain architectures and discusses how Move enhances smart contract safety. Sam emphasizes the importance of curiosity and creative problem-solving in tech. He also addresses crypto security challenges like self-custody measures and how programming memory safety can prevent breaches. His journey from academia to significant projects provides an inspiring perspective on innovation in cryptocurrency.

Evgeny Gaevoy, Founder and CEO of Wintermute, is a powerhouse in the crypto world, known for driving token launches and ensuring market liquidity. In this engaging discussion, he tackles the absurdity of market manipulation claims, shares his journey from 1990s Russia to building a billion-dollar empire, and reveals his dream of colonizing Mars. Evgeny also unpacks the ethics of market making, the challenges of secure crypto storage, and the importance of long-term strategies, all while blending humor and insight into the complex landscape of cryptocurrency.

Diogo Mónica, co-founder of Anchorage Digital, discusses his journey in establishing America's first federally chartered crypto bank, managing over $60 billion in digital assets. He shares his experience of recovering a lost $1.5 million Bitcoin wallet, which inspired him to address the urgent need for institutional crypto custody. The conversation touches on the importance of self-custody in crypto investing, the influence of personal growth on entrepreneurship, and the balance between family life and professional commitments in the fast-paced crypto sector.

Luca Netz, the visionary founder of Pudgy Penguins, discusses the tumultuous journey of navigating the crypto landscape. He shares insights on surviving significant market crashes while building a thriving NFT ecosystem. The conversation highlights an upcoming Ethereum cultural shift favoring builders and the launch of a new meme coin aimed at enhancing community engagement. Luca emphasizes the anticipated resurgence of NFTs tied to stablecoin adoption, showcasing the evolving strategies within the crypto space.

Dan Tapiero, a 25-year Wall Street veteran and founder of 10TFund, shares insights from his extensive trading career. He dives into why Bitcoin could reach $1 million in the next decade, pushing for institutional crypto adoption. The discussion also covers the importance of self-custody in crypto, personal anecdotes on balancing health and work, and the emotional challenges of investing in volatile markets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Plus, he contrasts traditional art with the NFT landscape, offering a fresh perspective on both worlds.

Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise, dives into why 2025 could be revolutionary for crypto, particularly Bitcoin. He discusses how financial institutions are becoming allies in Bitcoin's adoption. Hunter underscores the importance of endurance in the crypto world, explaining how Bitwise has thrived through challenges. He advocates for self-custody of assets and presents a compelling case for companies adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset. With optimism for shifting perceptions, he highlights the potential of digital assets to redefine financial strategies.

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.