Speaker Feature: Anne Connelly Harnessing Blockchain for Good

Anne Connelly is passionate about harnessing blockchain and decentralized technology to transform the lives of people in developing countries. Anne is Faculty Singularity University, teaching global leaders how exponential technologies can solve problems that impact over a billion people. She has been an active part of the global blockchain community since 2012, working with notable companies including Jaxx, Ledger Labs, and ixo and is currently the Vice Chair of the board of Blockchain Canada.

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One-on-One With Anne

What’s an accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am hoping my latest project will be the most impactful. I am working on a graphic novel that shares the impact of blockchain through the story of a young Kenyan who is experiencing fraud and corruption in her community. We will be providing the digital version for free with the goal of reaching over 1 million African youth. 

If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

When you’re young, you’re taught to persevere. This is an extremely important skill to have as an entrepreneur. Running a startup is a rollercoaster – if you can’t handle the lows, you won’t get to experience the highs. What’s not taught is how to recognize when you need to quit something. Learning to quit quickly is equally important as sticking it out. 

What is the last book you read?

I’ve recently discovered graphic novels as a form of storytelling. There are some incredible titles out there I’ve been reading that tell true stories people’s lives or of broader global events. I’d recommend ‘Persepolis’, ‘Maus’, and ‘Footnotes from Gaza’. 

What’s the best way for people to learn about bitcoin?

I always encourage people to learn by experience and go and buy $1 worth of bitcoin. By suggesting to spend only a single dollar,  people don’t need to worry about fluctuations or losing their money and it drastically lowers to barriers to becoming a part of the financial system of the future. Full details on how to buy bitcoin for newbies are here: https://medium.com/altcoin-magazine/how-do-i-buy-bitcoin-d0d16b23f641

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Interested in having Anne speak at your next event? Contact us today and we can help!  We think you may also be interested in learning about our speakers, Julie Legault and Rhea Mehta.