We continue to learn from women leaders in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Lisa Brincat is an accountant, consultant, and mentor and an organizer at the Futurist Collective, a business focused on helping people build future skills by learning from a network of experts and mentors and bringing together investors in ways that help them access greater opportunities. Brincat talks about mentoring, teaching, the importance of creating and seizing opportunities, and the importance of learning in the new and growing space of blockchain. While in the past, women have often trailed their male colleagues in delving into the applications of new technology, Brincat sees this as one of the biggest areas to realize success in this space. She stresses the importance of learning the uses of the blockchain—then recognizing opportunities and possibilities to reach out, work together, and put the blockchain and our networks to use for everyone.
Futurist Collective is holding an ICO accelerator this year March 1 to 4 in Bali, where attendees will learn from highly qualified mentors and advisers. Learn more about the event here, and read on for Brincat's insights about entering and thriving in blockchain and the crypto world.
How did you first become involved with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
My business partner and I run an investor education group and are syndicate leads of the Futurist Collective. The Futurist Collective is for strategic thinkers—executives, consultants, and business people who see the future trends and want to take action. You are either being disrupted or doing the disrupting. Our investor group gives us guidance on where to “Go Seek” opportunities, which is how I become involved in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
What is your background, and what do you do now in the crypto world?
I am a chartered accountant, management consultant, and business mentor. I started my career in a Big 4 accounting practice. I love to have fun, learn, teach, and see change happen. I am currently running education programs that highlight and teach future skills and bring investment opportunities to our group for syndication. Our next event is an ICO accelerator from March 1 to 4 in Bali.
What do you see as some of the most promising aspects of this space—in terms of new developments and opportunities, things to watch for, and potential for women to enter and thrive in the crypto world?
The understated area, I believe, is in aligning incentives and behaviors. Understanding where the applications are is still relatively new for the female entrepreneur community.
The number women in cryptocurrency is still quite small, and it lies at the intersection of finance and technology—two areas in which women are still underrepresented. How can women enter and thrive in this industry?
Women need to not be intimidated by the tech language associated with blockchain businesses. Focusing on where value can be created is the key takeaway.
Asking questions such as:
In my current industry are there intermediaries? And is this the most efficient way of delivering the product or service? If the answer is "Yes" and then "No," here is likely a blockchain application.
In my current industry, would we solve a big problem that adds a lot of value if we had a common incentive that was easily administered? If yes, there is likely a blockchain application.
If I provided capital or equipment to a group who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access that, would they be able to provide an economic benefit?
In my current industry, is information collected but not optimised to create more value? Blockchain application.
I am also relatively new to the space. However, business fundamentals still remain the same: Does my product or service provide value to my customers? Can I reach more customers? Am I making it easy to do business with me? Is there a pathway for multiple transactions with me? Will there be a return for my efforts and those that invest in me?
Do women face the same challenges in cryptocurrency and blockchain that they often have in these and similar industries in the past; such as different expectations personally and professional than men experience, a confidence gap, and a lack of representation or role models in the field?
There is certainly a confidence gap and a language gap. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that help you “translate” back into your own language. If in doubt – take action.
What else would you like women to know about this growing field? How can women best make their mark in this industry?
Women are particularly well placed to cast off any hype and link the technology to where value can be created in the world—and then be resourceful and take action.
Lisa Brincat invites anyone interested in the ICO Accelerator program to get in touch at info@tippingpointconsultant.com.au, and to check out details and sign up for the event at www.futuristcollective.com/futurist-ico-accelerator.