“The art of knowing, is knowing what to ignore” With Blockchain Leader, Shidan Gouran

Just do the right thing. I know what you might be thinking there, that’s very ambiguous and seems easier said than done. Simply “being right” is highly subjective, but what I really mean is do the right thing that applies to your goal. When you do what feels right, then you end up doing the right thing. It’s all about trusting your gut instinct.

I had the pleasure to interview Shidan Gouran. Shidan mined his first Bitcoin in 2010 and has been a pioneer in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology ever since, exploring its endless potential applications beyond cryptocurrency. His past experience includes founding Nuovotel, one of the largest and first wholesale VoIP service providers and other groundbreaking technology platforms and communications systems. He shares his expertise as an advisor and consultant to other fintech startups.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you share with us the story of how you decided to pursue this career path?

As an entrepreneur, I have always been fascinated by technology, communication, strategy and product development. After studying Pure Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Western Ontario, I founded Nuovotel Corp, one of the first and largest wholesale VoIP service providers of its time, Jazinga Inc., developers of an award winning, unified communications system and Home Jinni Inc., developers of the first Android based Smart TV platform. I am now CEO and President of Global Blockchain Technologies, the largest listed private equity firm in the Blockchain space. I also serve as an advisor to a number of financial, technology and blockchain startups.

What are the most interesting projects you’re working on?

We have created the Laser Network, the equivalent of a “Swift” for cryptocurrencies, to facilitate financial exchanges across borders, continents and oceans, and partnered with some of the largest firms in the world, to help provide security and simplicity to their businesses. We’re even mining cryptocurrency, a significant endeavor in itself. I’m also very excited about our project in the gaming space with other major companies.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am sincerely grateful for the many mentors who have offered guidance over the years. It has made all the difference. I can’t name just one person because it has been my support systems of friends and colleagues throughout the years.

What are the 5 things that most excite you about blockchain and crypto and why?

Blockchain is the potential solution to a host of security problems in finance, voting, cloud data storage and even shipping because it can make accounting and governance of such systems, automated. For example, our Stratus Cloud Storage System, an “Airbnb” for storage space, allows companies with extra storage space to rent it out without threatening privacy or security. The Laser Blockchain System allows almost instant data transference between two systems, while segregating and protecting it through encryption. Blockchain’s reach and potential power to secure and organize transactions and records is as endless as the imagination. Cryptocurrency’s potential to disrupt transactions is already being realized and harnessing that power in a responsible way is exciting.

What are the 5 things that worry you about crypto?

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are still in their early stages and there are still a few glitches that need to be ironed out. The anonymity cryptocurrency offers can be comforting to some, for example those who want to protect the privacy of medical records, but it can be dangerous and terrifying to law enforcement authorities trying to trace stolen funds and the criminals who took them.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I’m trying to shed light into the seemingly dark realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain, which I hope I’m really making a difference in. In just the past fews years, cryto has expanded exponentially, as has blockchain. I’m hoping to unmask blockchain as technology that can be used for global good.

What 3 things would you advise to someone who wanted to emulate your career? Can you share an example for each idea?

First, I would say find out what fascinates you the most and follow it. My passion for technology and blockchain’s role in the world of finance led me to where I am today. I am always trying to review, revise and improve the project I’m working on. I’m not done, yet.

Second, work hard and do your homework. It’s no use just realizing what you’re fascinated by, you have to work for it. I’m constantly finding new ways to improve my strategies and learning new things daily. It can certainly be exhausting at times, but that’s what makes the work rewarding at the end of the day.

Finally, just do the right thing. I know what you might be thinking there, that’s very ambiguous and seems easier said than done. Simply “being right” is highly subjective, but what I really mean is do the right thing that applies to your goal. When you do what feels right, then you end up doing the right thing. It’s all about trusting your gut instinct.

Can you share your favorite ‘Life Lesson Quote” with us?

“The art of knowing, is knowing what to ignore”

Where can readers follow you on social media?

Readers can find out the latest on Global Blockchain at Globalblockchain.io, or you can follow us on Twitter @GlobalBloc.