Kathryn Carlisle of the University of Arkansas: Democratizing Power via Blockchain

Kathryn is the Senior Managing Director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, and co-organizer of OzDAO.

Q: In an interview from a few years back, you mentioned virtual currency and blockchain as the “democratization of money.” Fast-forwarding to today, anything you’d add or change about that statement?

I would add that this movement is about more than money, it is the democratization of power. Blockchain-based technologies are enabling people to own their own digital assets, data, and identity. Everyone has seen the hype cycles in this space the past few years, but we (the nerds and programmers) must remember the core elements of the technology that enchanted us in the first place. It’s hard to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come because these developments are happening at lighting speed. Here are a few examples of recent milestones we can point to:

First, blockchain-enabled digital currencies that were started in 2017 and 2018 (like Celo) demonstrated that the technology can be used to build financial infrastructure for places in the world that lack strong monetary systems because of corruption, instability or currency volatility. Ecuador, among others, has adopted it as a legal tender in their nation and Ukraine has received over $100 million in crypto donations. According to Alex Bornyakov, Ukraine’s deputy minister at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, this was during a time when Russian banks were freezing Ukrainian accounts. Finally, we are seeing even more nuanced and interesting use-cases for empowering creative communities, like artists and gamers, who use NFTs and Tokens to build their own micro-economies. Decentralized payments and financial incentives are ushering in renaissance-like explosions in philosophy, literature, music, science and technology.

The University of Arkansas’ Blockchain Center of Excellence is the first of its kind in the United States — what has been the most enjoyable or fulfilling part of the process as you’ve embarked on this new class of education?

I’ve enjoyed building a decentralized community for all of the Web3 enthusiasts and entrepreneurs here in Northwest Arkansas. My husband, Jordan, and I launched OzDAO around the 1st of January this year. The vision of OzDAO is to be the open and decentralized autonomous organization for the Ozark region. It is a collective of founders, hackers, creatives, hustlers, strategists, investors, and thought leaders that believe in the power of decentralized technology. The University has been a great funnel for connecting talented individuals in the area who want to learn, build, and grow relationships locally.

But I have to say the most rewarding aspect of my work with the university has been witnessing “the student journey” come full circle. A blockchain student’s first semester in our courses may spark an initial interest in crypto, then lead to skill development and the student gaining confidence in their knowledge of the space. Eventually, we’ve seen our students become valuable members in our local decentralized community, work full time in the Web3 industry, or launch a project of their own. Feeling like you played a part or made a difference in someone’s life is the greatest reward.

What are some of the most common misconceptions you encounter surrounding blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, etc?

In general, working in emerging technology is constantly about correcting misconceptions. Over the past 3 years I have developed and instructed the Introduction to Cryptocurrency course for the Walton College of Business. This course focuses on developing critical thinking skills and understanding which sources are verifiable and trustworthy. There are a lot of free, educational resources out there already, and a lot of my work as a teacher is dispelling popular myths.

Most notably, there is a misconception that one must have technical skills to work in Web3. Smart Contract Engineers are important, but that role is just one of many that companies are desperate for right now. For example, one of the most sought after positions is that of Community Manager. These are leaders who can inspire action, manage communications, and understand the needs of developers in a project’s ecosystem. Similarly, creatives are an integral part of healthy Web 3.0 ecosystems.

What are the opportunities you see for Arkansas in the national/global dialogue re: blockchain and other emerging technologies?

This movement has not settled in any particular geographic area — it’s not exclusive to Silicon Valley, LA, or Lower Manhattan. Arkansas is a great option for Web3 talent looking to for a place to work remotely. We are centrally-located, reasonably affordable, and offer a wonderful quality of life. What might not be so obvious is our density of global expertise in Web3 research and education, the abundance of entrepreneurial support and programming, and a community that fosters real-world and online connections.

Northwest Arkansans, in particular, have access to world-class art. Right now, we are seeing investment in art that could rival both of the Coasts. Being in NWA comes with lower degrees of separation to resources (people, places, money) if you have a truly brilliant business idea. Finally, I believe we have a unique business culture. I see a genuine kindness and desire to succeed from leaders, investors, and advisors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are unified as a community — if one succeeds, we all succeed.

As a born and bred Arkansan, what’s a favorite local’s perspective that makes the state so appealing in your mind?

Outside of the job, my family enjoys the art scene, food, and outdoor trails. My husband and I were married at Crystal Bridges if that tells you anything, but the community overall is bursting with new and exciting art groups and spaces. I’m also guessing that NWA over-indexes for extraordinary restaurants per capita. Conifer is a new all-gluten free restaurant on the Bentonville square that we are currently obsessed with — try the beets and smoked cashew butter. Finally, I tend to walk the trails with my dog more than mountain bike on them. It’s a very pet-friendly place whether we are shopping, eating, or walking around town. It’s great that there is something outdoorsy for everyone here.

Any links, books, or resources you’d like to share?

Newer: The Network State by Balaji Srinivasan

Classic: Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulous

Website: Jameson Lopp — lopp.net

Thanks Kathryn!

Follow Kathryn on LinkedIn.

Full-on Arkansas is an interview series featuring Arkansas-based leaders interviewed by Cartwheel Startup Studio.