Learnings made: John Calian from T-Labs

What is your role in the Blockchain universe, where is your expertise?

I lead the R&D labs of Deutsche Telekom (T-Labs), and one of our focus topics is blockchain. For one a year now our team has taken a deep dive into this technology, primarily focusing on the core software that makes up ledger networks, such as bitcoin, ethereum, IOTA and Sovrin. In addition, we are developing MVPs in relation to a few use cases for telco: wholesale roaming contracts and IoT device management and security.

What is the biggest misconception about Blockchain?

That blockchain networks all consume too much energy. This is true of cryptocurrency networks like Bitcoin, which rely on a proof of work consensus mechanism, but does not extend to the variety of ledger networks that we are exploring for use in enterprise software design.

Can you name 3 use cases where Blockchain technology creates value?

Digitizing contracts; securing telco networks; universal identity.

How do I know whether or not Blockchain technology could improve my business?

Ask yourself these questions about the software your business relies on:
Would the systems we currently use benefit from
1. the data being immutable?
2. The data being transparent to multiple parties?
3. The data sets being decentralized?
4. The data entered into a ledger via a consensus mechanism

If you can answer yes to two (2) or more, then maybe you need blockchain based systems for your business to evolve and modernise.

What would you recommend projects, who are planning to do an ICO?

Go for it, its a great way to raise money.

What are common mistakes Blockchain projects make?

The same mistakes any project can encounter: is the team functioning well? Is the team executing according the the vision? Is the software project meeting the needs of the customer(s) and their problems? Does the team have enough funding to reach the right milestones?

What was the biggest learning you made during the last year?

Hire people you instinctively feel right about, and don’t hire someone if they might help you progress a project, but don’t fit your instincts.

What’s the best advice you’ve recently received?

Think about finding peace, not happiness.

Which industries will be disrupted by Blockchain in the next 5 years?

Financial, supply chain, energy distribution.

Who is your favorite super or real life hero?

Real life: Anthony Bourdain, for he lived as honestly as he could.

🚀 Interested in Tokenized Securities? Check out our newest project: STOCheck.com