Nailing It: Resetting The System For Women In Tech The Outside Context podcast

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In episode 12 of The Outside Context, Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager at a Big Tech firm, shares her unique journey from being a sixth-grade teacher to working in tech, through to discussing the implications of AI, disinformation, and the defence of democracy. She emphasises the rapid pace of AI development and its potential impact on jobs and society, while also addressing the challenges of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion explores the role of big tech in safeguarding democracy and the need for critical thinking and resilience in navigating the information landscape. Ultimately, Haviva expresses cautious optimism for the future, highlighting the importance of education and community engagement in fostering a more informed society. Key takeaways: Haviva's journey reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and communities. The pace of AI development is unprecedented and poses unique challenges. Disinformation threatens the core of Western civilization and trust in institutions. Democracies face structural disadvantages in combating disinformation compared to authoritarian regimes. Big tech firms have a role in safeguarding democracy but require careful regulation. Critical thinking is essential in navigating misinformation and disinformation. Education systems are struggling to keep up with technological advancements. There is hope for the future through the resilience of younger generations. Humans have the capacity to adapt and overcome challenges posed by technology. Building frameworks of trust around information is crucial for society. Connect with Us: Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital finance Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Power, Protocols & Post-Scarcity: Where Venture Capital Goes Next 38:02

5 weeks ago38:02

38:02

In episode 11 of The Outside Context, Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly, shares his journey from Wall Street to venture capital, discussing the evolving landscape of investment, particularly in the realms of blockchain and decentralised finance. He highlights the differences between traditional finance and the emerging tech-driven paradigms, emphasising the importance of networks and the changing role of VCs in a tighter funding environment. The discussion also shifts into geopolitical implications, the future of decentralisation, and the potential shifts in the global economic order, ultimately pondering the long-term future of venture capital in a rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways Rob Hadick transitioned from Wall Street to venture capital, focusing on tech's disruption of finance. The investment landscape is shifting towards AI, blockchain, and biotech as key areas for growth. Venture capital is seeing a hollowing out of the middle, with mega funds dominating the market. Decentralisation is becoming less of a priority for VCs, who are focusing on business viability. The future of VC may involve broader asset management strategies beyond traditional investments. Geopolitical tensions are influencing investment strategies and capital flows globally. The rise of digital currencies and stablecoins is reshaping the financial landscape. Investors are increasingly able to bootstrap companies without significant capital. The future economic order may see a consolidation of currencies and a shift in global power dynamics. Long-term, capital formation will remain essential, even in a post-scarcity world. Connect with Us: Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts Connect with Rob Hadick on X @HadickM Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital finance Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

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The Self, Sovereign: Reclaiming Control and the Future of Digital Identity 45:13

9 weeks ago45:13

45:13

In episode 10 of The Outside Context, Seema Khinda Johnson, Co-Founder and COO of Nuggets, shares her journey in the tech industry and discusses the critical importance of digital identity in today's world. She emphasises the need for self-sovereign identity, the business case for digital identity solutions, and the challenges of inclusivity in identity verification and why "data is the new oil". Seema also addresses the potential pitfalls in the digital identity space and the urgency of establishing a robust identity framework to combat the growing authenticity crisis exacerbated by AI. Key takeaways Digital identity is crucial for preventing data breaches. Self-sovereign identity gives individuals control over their data. Businesses need a compelling case to adopt digital identity solutions. The convenience of digital identity is essential for user adoption. Inclusivity in identity verification is a significant challenge. AI is changing the landscape of identity verification. Interoperability between identity standards is necessary. The technology for inclusive identity verification exists. Digital identity is critical infrastructure for the future. Connect with Us: Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts Connect with Seema Khinda Johnson on LinkedIn Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology and finance Join the Conversation: What excites or concerns you most about the future of digital identity and the importance of individual control over your data? Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment! Thanks for listening to Outside Context ! If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe! Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

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Nailing It: Resetting the System for Women in Tech 35:15

14 weeks ago35:15

35:15

In episode 9 of The Outside Context, Leah Winberg aka Winny, Founder of Chipped Social, shares her unique journey from a childhood passion for fashion to the tech world, culminating in the creation of Chipped, a revolutionary product that integrates NFC technology into fashion. The discussion explores the intersections of art, technology, and finance, emphasising the importance of diversity in tech and the role of women in shaping the future. Winny also addresses the challenges of sustainability in fashion and the potential for technology to influence society positively. The episode concludes with insights into the future of Chipped and the broader implications of technology in our lives. Key Takeaways Winny's journey from fashion to tech began at a young age. Chipped started as a personal project before gaining traction. The intersection of art, tech, and finance is crucial for innovation. Diversity in tech is essential for creating inclusive products. Women control a significant portion of consumer spending. Embracing femininity in tech can lead to better products. Privacy should be prioritized in technology development. Sustainability in fashion is a pressing concern. Technology can empower individuals and communities. The future of fashion may shift towards more sustainable practices. Sound Bites "I want to build these things myself." "We need to get the girlies on chain." "Women control 85% of consumer spending." "I want to be leading this conversation." Chapters 00:00 From Fashion to Tech: Winny's Journey 02:51 The Birth of Chipped: Innovation in Fashion Tech 06:02 Bridging Art, Tech, and Finance 09:07 Empowering Women in Tech: The Importance of Diversity 11:50 The Future of Technology and Its Impact on Society 17:05 Fashion's Role in a Sustainable Future 19:57 Final Thoughts and Future of Chipped Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

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Change, Capitalism & Cracks in the System: The Shift to Citizen Agency 34:42

18 weeks ago34:42

34:42

In episode 8 of The Outside Context, Carne Ross discusses his journey from being a British diplomat to advocating for self-governance and participatory democracy. He highlights the current challenges facing democracy, including economic inequality and the influence of wealth on political systems. Ross emphasises the importance of technology in enabling democratic participation while also warning of its potential for surveillance and control. He explores the future of governance, suggesting that change must come from the bottom up, and imagines alternative societal models that prioritise human connection and agency. Key Takeaways Carne Ross' transition from a belief in state governance to anarchism. The significant challenges facing democracy, including declining public confidence. How economic inequality contributes to the disenfranchisement of citizens. How real agency in democracy requires more than just voting every few years. Why change must come from grassroots movements and individual actions. Why technology can empower participatory democracy but also poses risks of surveillance. The challenge of wealth concentration leading to disproportionate political influence. How the current political system often only offers an illusion of choice. Historical examples show that self-governance is possible and has existed before. Why future societies may need to prioritise human connection over consumerism. Notable Quotes "Nothing about us without us." "Democracy is in great trouble." "People are denied economic agency." "Change comes from the bottom up." "Money is power." "Capitalism is a very clever system." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carne Ross and His Journey 02:29 The State of Democracy and Its Challenges 06:56 The Role of Technology in Democracy 10:55 The Influence of Wealth and Power 16:43 The Future of Governance and Political Change 21:34 Imagining Future Societies and Governance Models Connect with Us: Follow The Outside Context on Spotify Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology and finance Join the Conversation: What do you think the future of governance and consumerism will look like? Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment! Thanks for listening to Outside Context ! If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe! Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Code & Connectivity: Creating the Future Infrastructure for Smart Cities 41:18

22 weeks ago41:18

41:18

In episode 7 of The Outside Context, co-hosts Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay sit down with Richard Baker, a technologist and futurist with a background in telecommunications and financial services. Richard shares his journey from engineering to finance and discusses the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on society. Together, they explore smart cities, digital identity, the future of data ownership and the integration of a native money system into the internet. Key Takeaways Richard’s career journey from telecommunications to finance The rapid adoption of new technologies and the implications for society Smart cities: What they are and how they’re evolving The role of AI, sensors, and data networks in modern urban environments Challenges around data privacy, identity and trust in the digital age The potential of self-sovereign identity and Web3 technologies The intersection of digital sustainable finance and smart infrastructure The future of money and how the internet will integrate financial systems A look ahead: What Richard hopes to see in his lifetime (and beyond!) Notable Quotes: "We are already living in smart cities; the infrastructure is here, we just don’t always see it." "We have an unbelievable nexus moment happening with the convergence of AI, financial technology, and trust-based systems." "A truly embedded money system into the internet will change everything—it will create new economic models and job opportunities." "We need to think differently about data ownership; our identities should belong to us, not corporations." Connect with Us: Follow The Outside Context on Spotify Connect with Richard Baker on LinkedIn Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology and finance Join the Conversation: What excites or concerns you most about the future of smart cities and digital identity? Drop us a message on social media or leave a comment! Thanks for listening to Outside Context ! If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe! Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Houston, We Have a Moonshot: Perspectives on Private Spaceflight from the Astronaut Entrepreneur 45:55

25 weeks ago45:55

45:55

In episode 6 of The Outside Context, our co-hosts Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay sit down with Per Wimmer—global financier, entrepreneur, adventurer, and astronaut-in-training—to discuss the future of private space travel, space entrepreneurship and humanity’s long-term potential beyond Earth. Per shares his personal journey, from setting a world record by skydiving over Mount Everest to becoming one of the first private astronauts with Virgin Galactic. He discusses the economic impact of private space investment, technological innovations driven by space exploration and the role of space in inspiring future generations. Key Topics Covered: Per Wimmer’s journey as an adventurer, entrepreneur and astronaut-in-training The rise of private space travel and why it’s fueling the next era of innovation How space exploration impacts finance, biotech, and global communications The overview effect and how space can change our perspective on Earth The shift from government-led space programs to commercial space entrepreneurship How international collaboration in space can teach us lessons for diplomacy The challenges of making human life multi-planetary and why Mars may not be the answer What it takes to train as an astronaut – centrifuge training, zero-gravity flights, and G-force survival Per’s upcoming 2026 spaceflight with Virgin Galactic Memorable Quotes “Space is the ultimate adventure. But beyond the thrill, private space travel fuels innovation that will benefit all of humanity.” – Per Wimmer “Astronauts see the bigger picture—we need to protect Earth, because it is truly unique.” “One of the most important things space exploration does is inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.” “Governments used to lead space exploration for military advantage. Now, private investment is driving new opportunities that benefit everyone.” Connect with Us Follow Per Wimmer on Twitter/X and LinkedIn Stay updated with The Outside Context on Twitter/X Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share! Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Space Invaders: The Ethics of Multiplanetary Exploration & Expansion 42:03

28 weeks ago42:03

42:03

In episode 5 of The Outside Context, we welcome astrophysicist, space ethicist, and author Erika Nesvold to discuss the ethical questions surrounding space exploration and settlement. Inspired by her book Off Earth , this conversation delves into the challenges of governance, labour rights, environmental protection, and the role of private industry in space. Key Topics Discussed Erika’s Journey – From astrophysics to space ethics and video game development. Ethical Considerations in Space Settlement – Lessons from Earth’s colonial past and how they apply to space. Labour Rights & Exploitation Risks – How historical labour abuses in industries like mining could repeat in space. Private vs. Public Space Exploration – The shift from government-led initiatives to private-sector dominance. Space Governance & Regulation – The challenges of creating fair and sustainable policies for interplanetary civilisation. Environmental Ethics in Space – The importance of protecting space environments before irreversible damage occurs. Sci-Fi & Space Ethics – How works like The Expanse and Star Trek explore these topics. Notable Quotes “If we can’t solve ethical issues in low Earth orbit, that doesn’t bode well for environmental justice farther out in space.” – Erika Nesvold“History has shown us what happens when labor rights are ignored—space won’t be any different unless we plan for it.” Recommended Sci-Fi Reads from Erika Nesvold The Expanse – Explores space politics, labour rights, and resource conflicts. Parable of the Sower – A near-future look at climate change and the drive for space expansion. Further Reading & Resources Off Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space by Erika Nesvold The JustSpace Alliance (Erika’s nonprofit on space ethics) Previous podcast episode on Space Security & Geopolitics (Episode 2 of The Outside Context with Juliana Suess) Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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March of the Machines: AI, the Machine Economy, and the Future of Investing 43:06

30 weeks ago43:06

43:06

In episode 4 of The Outside Context, hosts Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay sit down with Lex Sokolin , co-founder of Generative Ventures, to explore the convergence of crypto, artificial intelligence, and financial technology . Lex shares his journey from early fintech ventures to leading DeFi initiatives at ConsenSys and launching a venture fund focused on the evolving machine economy. The conversation touches on the rise of AI agents, the future of Web3, financial engineering, and the broader societal impact of automation and tokenized economies . Lex provides a forward-looking perspective on how AI-driven finance is reshaping economic structures and why the next wave of digital transformation is already here. Key Topics Covered Lex Sokolin’s background in fintech, crypto, and AI investing; The vision behind Generative Ventures and why AI + crypto is the future; The evolution of DeFi and its intersection with artificial intelligence; The machine economy: AI agents, digital ownership, and on-chain finance; Reflections on the collapse of FTX and lessons learned for Web3; How regulation and policy might shape the next decade of fintech innovation; The ethical and societal implications of AI-driven financial markets; and A realistic look at whether we are heading toward a dystopia—or simply an unfamiliar new world. Resources & Mentions Generative Ventures – Lex Sokolin’s investment fund Books discussed: Accelerando (Charles Stross), The Technium (Kevin Kelly), Neuromancer (William Gibson) AI & Web3 projects: Peaq (Layer 1 for AI-powered DePIN networks), Moemate (entertainment AI agents) Connect with Us Follow Lex Sokolin on X and LinkedIn Stay updated with The Outside Context on X . Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify or your favorite podcast app Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share! Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

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AI Origins & Futures: The Good The Bad & The Robotic 46:15

32 weeks ago46:15

46:15

In episode 3 of The Outside Context, Jannah and Elise sit down with Daniel Hulme, CEO and Founder of Satalia. As an OG of AI, Daniel shares unpacks what we really mean by 'artificial intelligence', the origins of AI and how it has evolved over the years. Together with the co-hosts they explore the real risks and challenges that AI poses, as well as what the a positive AI future means for civilisation and humanity. They take a deep dive into the impacts of AI through the PESTLE framework ( Political , Economic, Social , Technological , Legal and Environmental ) while considering both the positive and negative consequences for each of these areas. What would your life look like in an automated future where everything is abundant? How do we as a civilisation grapple with a post truth world? Join Daniel & the co-hosts in episode 3 to find out how we can make AI work for the positive future of humanity - but also consider what the far far future might look like as the robots continue to rise. Link to Venemous Lumpsucker: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59593576-venomous-lumpsucker Link to a free Life in the UK test if you want to try your luck: https://lifeintheuktests.co.uk/life-in-the-uk-test/ Link to HUM: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195791689-hum Link to Stowaway to Mars: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1492247.Stowaway_to_Mars Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Beam Me Up, Securely: The Expanding Horizons of Space Policy & Security 46:48

38 weeks ago46:48

46:48

In episode 2 of The Outside Context, Jannah and Elise speak to Juliana Suess, an associate with the Strategic Threat Analysis and Nuclear Disorder team within the International Security Team at the German Institute for International Security Affairs. Jannah and Elise ask Juliana to explain more about her work on space security and what its implications are for society. They discuss where space sits in the geopolitical landscape, who are the main players vying for control of space and what are their various motivations. In the episode the also dive into the balance is being struck between military and civilian dependence on space and, as a society, how should we globally govern space and attempt to mitigate some of the risks taking place as the use of space for different purposes becomes more crowded and contested? Link to Cold Magic: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7114825-cold-magic Link to Century Rain: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22824019 Link to Types of Counterspace Weapons in Context: https://aerospace.csis.org/aerospace101/counterspace-weapons-101/ Link to Carrington Events: https://www.space.com/the-carrington-event Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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In the Orbit of Innovation: The Next Frontier of Digital Money 44:49

40 weeks ago44:49

44:49

In episode 1 of The Outside Context, Jannah and Elise sit down with Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy at Circle. Dante shares his journey into the digital assets world from Puerto Rico, to Richard Branson's Island, to the new shores of digital money. Together with the co-hosts they do a deep dive into the future of digital money and how its broader economic impacts may change civilisation as we know it. They cover how decentralised models might challenge the dominance of sovereign fiat currencies and central banks and the potential broader economic consequences of the ongoing transformation in how we view and use money. Dante also shares insights on the most important trends or innovations in digital assets that we should be paying attention to right now. Who will the winners and losers of this new digital money era be in the short term....as well as in the long term in this galaxy and the next? How are money and digital assets evolving in the broader context of space exploration and interplanetary economics? Get a bit geeky with Dante & the co-hosts in episode 1 to find out how digital money poses an outside context problem - but also many potential solutions for our financial services system and beyond. Link to the Bretton Woods Paper: https://www.brettonwoods.org/article/de-dollarization-or-re-dollarization-the-fate-of-the-dollar-in-the-internet-age Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you! Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution © 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.…

The Outside Context

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Trailer: The Outside Context 18:52

41 weeks ago18:52