Podcast
The Proof Of Work Podcast
Hosted by Shiv Mehta · EN
Proof Of Work with Shiv Mehta is a podcast where curiosity sparks innovation. Host Shiv Mehta, an investor, author, consultant and business professor who loves finding the extraordinary in the everyday, invites you into dialogues with fascinating minds across diverse fields. From tech innovators to finance experts, artists to scientists, we explore their stories, breakthroughs, and impact. This podcast is your gateway to a world of insights and a beacon for enlightenment seekers. Join us as we navigate the ocean of ideas, one conversation at a time. Let's celebrate human potential together!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Nitin Gaur: Blockchain and The Future of Finance | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 19
Nov 3, 202301:43:23Tap to summarizeI recently had Nitin Gaur on The Proof Of Work Podcast, whose wisdom I deeply respect as a senior technology pioneer. Nitin boasts educational and leadership credentials in America coupled with cultural fluency earned abroad. He leverages this unique global perspective to enlighten students on blockchain's potential for evolving traditional systems. Our invigorating discussion ventured from philosophical questions of identity to complex concepts like zero-knowledge proofs. We explored the excitement of crossing borders, the grace in adapting to new environments, and technology's power to transform tradition while retaining humanity. Timestamps (00:00) Intro(02:05) Why we teach at Master's Union(03:56) Motivation behind registering more than 170 patents(09:54) Views on the current innovation culture of IBM and it's challenges(14:14) Thoughts on IBM Watson losing the AI battle to Startups(19:29) Convergence of AI & Blockchain in Financial Services(23:45) Convergence of AI, Blockchain & IOT in Urban Planning(31:37) Thoughts on Real World Tokenization for emerging economies(42:56) Convergence of Open Permissionless Blockchains & Enterprise Blockchains(47:08) Blockchain projects Nitin is most excited about(51:09) Thoughts on the ASX Blockchain Settlement System Debacle(54:23) Nitin's Aha Moment on the potential of blockchain technology(58:50) Thoughts on crypto being banned as a method for payment(1:03:08) Nitin's list of frustrating moments being a participant in crypto for 10 years(1:08:09) Nitin's journey to America being a teenager from India(1:12:35) Views on reverse culture shock coming back to India after staying overseas for decades(1:18:57) Thoughts on Blockchain education(1:28:23) Suggestion to high school students in India (1:33:33) Rapid Fire Questions #blockchain #technology #ibm #leadership #fintech #proofofwork #podcast
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Leadership Lessons From Clyde Fernandez Of ServiceNow | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 18
Oct 23, 202301:50:22Tap to summarizeWhat shapes a leader? A leader's journey is never easy, but my dear friend Clyde Fernandez makes it look effortless. We connected over our shared Indian roots, but his wisdom transcends culture, from India to England to Australia. With humor and heart, he transformed adversity into opportunity at every turn. Now, in his third decade of being a Global Tech Leader, he inspires others to find the hero within. Our conversation explores the meaning of courage, character, and calling across cultures. The only constant is change, but values are timeless. Listen as we unpack life, laughter, and leadership on The Proof Of Work Podcast. Timestamps (00:00) Intro (03:22) Clyde Fernandez Origin Story (21:56) Shared experiences of Australian Culture (33:16) Wild Stories of Global Tech Sales of the Nineties (57:59) Power of allowing leaders to be be themselves at the workplace (1:01:46) Clyde Fernandez 3 C's of Leadership (1:23:07) The Deming Continuous Improvement Loop (1:25:02) Clyde's idea of the best working week (1:32:10) One thing that Clyde would like to change in the business world (1:43:08) Tribute to Clyde (1:44:24) Tribute by Clyde to people in his life (1:45:16) Rapid Fire Questions (1:47:00) Coming on the podcast again
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Nathan Hagarty Member For Leppington Parliament of NSW | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 17
Oct 13, 202301:47:06Tap to summarizeNathan Hagarty is a friend I've known for over a decade. We worked together during the early days of my corporate career, sharing beers and banter into the late hours. Since then, Nathan answered the call to public service. He made the uncommon leap from corporate life to politics. Today, he serves as a Member of Parliament in New South Wales. We reflect on Nathan's leadership evolution in a wide-ranging conversation on The Proof Of Work Podcast. He shares his unique insights from serving a diverse electorate in Western Sydney. The years have only deepened my respect for Nathan. His dedication to lifting up his community is admirable as he reminds us that we all have the power to create change with resilience and compassion. I'm honored to reconnect with an old friend who walks the talk. I hope you'll tune in to hear his story. Too often, we reduce politicians to simplistic symbols. But in this conversation, you'll witness an authentic political leader revealing a nuanced, earnest human behind the persona. Nathan's journey reminds us that true leadership emerges from our shared humanity. (00:00) Intro (03:10) Nathan's leadership in assisting Australians overseas during COVID (05:32) Nathan's leadership evolution from private sector to public sector to politics (12:26) Uniqueness and Evolution of Western Sydney Region (21:03) Feeling during inaugaral speech being MP of New South Wales (23:38) Nathan's view on representing and being the leader and voice for the Western Sydney region (30:33) Leading and navigating through dark times during COVID (43:18) Making psychology mandatory education for students (48:11) Key insights about large scale governance in Australia (57:23) Key Policy Areas that New South Wales need to focus on (1:08:18) Nathan's vision for Leppington (1:18:39) Advice to young australians (1:23:39) Rapid Fire Questions
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MBA Graduate Showcase: Abhishek Kateliya of Master's Union Cohort 2023 | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 16
Oct 7, 202301:10:38Tap to summarize👨🏫 I love having deep, far-ranging conversations with people of all ages and backgrounds, and the recent Proof Of Work Podcast episode with Abhishek was no exception. As the class topper for my crypto entrepreneurship class at Master's Union, I knew he would bring thoughtful perspectives on complex topics. 💻 Throughout our discussion, I was struck by Abhishek's intellectual honesty, nuance, and willingness to engage with hard truths. We explored issues like corporate governance challenges in India, problems with the crypto industry, and the promise of emerging tech like brain-computer interfaces. 🔬 He critiqued problems frankly while retaining optimism and pragmatism. Abhishek embodies the open, curiosity-driven mindset required for compounding small improvements daily. Yet he balances this with the wisdom to discern hype from substance - a rare trait today. 🔎 I immensely enjoyed exploring the landscape of science, technology, and human values with Abhishek. 🌎 Abhishek represents the best of the emerging generation of high-agency individuals globally, taking responsibility to move humanity forward. 🎓 This episode is a must-listen, especially for all current and prospective business school students. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction and Entry into Master's Union(13:07) Inspiration to do entrepreneurship(21:16) Concept of Money & Bitcoin(26:34) Motivation to learn and excel crypto entrepreneurship(31:02) Views on Web3 Industry(40:24) Should crypto and web3 be taught in business schools (44:52) What is NextStem and what does it do?(51:35) Advice to prospective MBA Students(57:44) What problem does Abhishek want to solve(1:02:07) Rapid Fire Questions(1:04:18) Abhishek's vision for India
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Pierre Samaties, Partner & Global Head Of Digital Assets, Web3 & Metaverse at Roland Berger On AI, Blockchain, Bitcoin And Philosophy | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 15
Sep 29, 202301:00:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Proof Of Work podcast, my astute guest Pierre Samaties, Partner & Global Head of Digital Assets, Web3 & Metaverse at Roland Berger, joins me for a fascinating exploration into crypto, the interplay between Blockchain and AI, the philosophy of technology, and much more. On the podcast, Pierre discussed how crypto provides the trust layer needed for responsible AI development, the importance of the Internet Of Things (IoT) and Blockchain working together, and why combining AI and crypto can democratize wealth management. We also riffed on philosophy, the decline of original thinking since the Industrial Revolution, and whether we're living in a simulation. Pierre's polymath intellect illuminates a dazzling array of complex, multifaceted topics at the intersection of technology, business, philosophy, and the human condition. This is absolutely an episode to savor if you want exposure to a superbly thoughtful discussion making sense of our rapidly changing world. Timestamp (00:00) Intro (02:17) Pierre's journey into blockchain technology (07:49) Why crypto is crucial to optimize artificial intelligence (10:13) Importance of the convergence of AI, Blockchain and IOT (14:37) Real Life Practical Use Cases of Frontier Technology (22:08) Emergent Crypto Landscape In Middle East (27:27) Venture Capital & Startup Innovation Ecosystem in Middle East (35:13) Opening up of Saudi Arabian economy (39:02) Take on Generation Alpha (42:09) Role of psychology in development of future knowledge professionals (46:48) Bitcoin Standard vs Fiat Standard (51:42) Advice to younger self (53:20) Rapid Fire Questions Disclaimer: Strictly Educational Purposes Only. No financial & legal advice is provided within the discussion.
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Danny Pantuso: Lessons from Decasonic Web3 Rising Star VC | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 14
Sep 21, 202301:13:41Tap to summarizeI recently enjoyed having my friend Danny Pantuso on The Proof Of Work podcast. As a venture investor at Decasonic, a Chicago-based VC firm, Danny brought valuable insights into venture capital, web3, and where he sees the most opportunity today. I was fascinated to hear about Danny's interdisciplinary background in management science and engineering from Stanford, which informs his balanced approach to blending art and science and his adventures in founding and selling a successful startup in Iceland after spurning a safe product management role at Microsoft in Silicon Valley. We explored provocative ideas around venture capital herd mentality, the limitations of the Fat Protocol thesis, and the exploding creator economy. Danny offered thoughtful insights on maintaining clarity in turbulent times, emphasizing rationality and traction over hockey stick projections and how Chicago's ecosystem differs from Silicon Valley. I particularly appreciated his emphasis on first principles and rationality in decision-making. Danny offered practical advice for founders, emphasizing traction and de-risking. His emphasis on shipping and getting things done renewed my optimism about the future of web3 venture capital in our rapidly changing world. (00:00) Intro (01:51) Life studying Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University (05:20) Journey from Stanford University to being a VC at Decasonic (10:29) State of Web3 VC in 2023 (17:42) Most excited among Web3 Gaming, AR/VR and AI (25:38) How frontier technologies will transform human behavior (31:38) Is Hollywood worried with the power of Generative A.I. (35:24) Mental models guiding rational evaluation of startups (46:44) What makes Decasonic unique (48:15) Views on Fat Protocol Thesis (51:37) Thoughts on appchains (53:50) Decasonic's investment process (58:29) Power of creators in gaming space (1:02:59) Chicago vs Silicon Valley VC Ecosystem (1:05:23) Rapid Fire Questions 👉 Follow Decasonic on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@decasonic7738👉 Follow Decasonic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decasonic/👉 Follow Decasonic on X: https://twitter.com/decasonic👉 Follow Decasonic on Mirror: https://mirror.xyz/decasonic.eth👉 Follow Decasonic on Telegram: https://t.me/decasonic👉 Follow Danny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpantuso/👉 Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Youtube Video Podcast: https://yt.openinapp.co/1klyf👉 Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Apple Audio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/proof-of-work-with-shiv-mehta/id1694867776👉 Order my book on History and Evolution of Money on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Protocols-Money-Primer-History-Evolution/dp/0648927059👉 Follow Shiv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/
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Future University Education with Dr Raul V. Rodriguez of Woxsen University | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 13
Sep 14, 202301:00:45Tap to summarizeDr. Raul recently came on the Proof Of Work podcast for a thought-provoking discussion exploring topics like technology's impact on society, the essence of being human, innovations in education, geopolitics, and the cyclical nature of civilizations. His perspectives as an academic leader in India spanning technology, business, philosophy, and the human experience offered much food for thought. Some highlights of our wide-ranging conversation included the culture shock Dr. Raul experienced when he first came to India as a student and his observations about differences in speed and ambition between the Indian and Spanish working environments. We explored debates like whether corporations genuinely care about ethics versus profits and if social responsibility is just marketing. Dr. Raul outlined an inspiring vision for universities to develop critical thinkers and change-makers rather than focusing narrowly on jobs and placements. Our dialogue touched on technology's impact on human psychology and critical thinking in this distracted age, the inevitability of death and finding meaning and purpose beyond status and wealth, and the origins of universities being knowledge creation and dissemination rather than job training. I'm grateful Dr. Raul took the time to share his insights on The Proof Of Work Podcast. His perspectives across business, technology, geopolitics, philosophy, and the unfolding of the human condition left me reflecting on many great unsolved mysteries. (00:00) Intro (02:18) Dr. Raul visit to India (05:26) World-Class Woxsen University Campus (06:46) Challenges being a European doing undergrad in India (07:59) Dr. Raul's initial interests in research (10:13) Differences between Indian & European Culture (15:26) Teachers that inspired Dr. Raul (18:50) Dr. Raul's take on teaching ethics (25:27) Innovations Dr. Raul is excited that may change university education (33:14) How would physical university campuses evolve in the Metaverse era (34:29) Evolution of Indian University Landscape (36:30) Edtech vs University Education in India (43:40) Innovative thinkers in University Education Dr. Raul is following (50:10) What is Dr. Raul learning more currently (57:10) Rapid Fire Questions 👉 Follow Woxsen University on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WoxsenUniversity 👉 Follow Woxsen University on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/woxsen-university/ 👉 Follow Woxsen University on X: https://twitter.com/Woxsen 👉 Follow Woxsen University on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woxsen 👉 Follow Woxsen University on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woxsen_university/ 👉 Follow Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raulvillamarinrodriguez/ 👉 Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Spotify Video Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VhBM2pnJ2O9fpSDGQruO6 👉 Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Apple Audio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/proof-of-work-with-shiv-mehta/id1694867776 👉 Order my book on History and Evolution of Money on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Protocols-Money-Primer-History-Evolution/dp/0648927059 👉 Follow Shiv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/
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Blockchain Regulation & Policymaking with Chloe White | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 12
Sep 6, 202301:04:36Tap to summarizeJoin me for an engaging discussion with my brilliant friend Chloe White on Episode 12 of The Proof Of Work Podcast. As one of the most respected voices in crypto policy and regulation globally, Chloe and I dive deep into striking the right balance in crypto policy, avoiding regulatory extremes, and educating industry and government on collaborative policymaking. Chloe brings rare expertise from implementing foundational blockchain strategies for the Australian government to advising global regulators today. This conversation offers an inside look at the future of blockchain regulation from one of the most balanced expert perspectives worldwide. (00:00) Intro (02:21) Current Status (03:23) Chloe The Pro-Bono Advisor (04:54) Chloe's entry to Blockchain policy (10:43) How to get right balance between regulation and innovation in crypto (15:35) Chloe's move to Dubai (18:36) Chloe's assessment of crypto regulators around the world (27:10) Motivation to do community work for Australian Blockchain community (31:22) Mental Model when approaching policymaking (39:16) Use cases of blockchain beyond DeFi (42:25) Chloe's views on emergence of Generative AI (45:04) Future of Crypto (51:46) Rapid Fire Questions 👉Chloe's International Consulting Arm: https://riskmastery.xyz/ 👉Follow Chloe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChloeWhiteAus 👉Follow Chloe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/policyeconomist/👉Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Youtube Video Podcast: https://yt.openinapp.co/1klyf👉Subscribe to Proof Of Work's Apple Audio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/proof-of-work-with-shiv-mehta/id1694867776👉Order my book on History and Evolution of Money on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Protocols-Money-Primer-History-Evolution/dp/0648927059👉Follow Shiv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/
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Crypto.com's Global Expansion, Regulations And Leadership Lessons with Karl Mohan | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 11
Aug 29, 202300:57:18Tap to summarizeI've known Karl Mohan, GM of APAC and MENA at Crypto.com, for many years, and I am fortunate to call him a very good friend. In this episode, he provides an insider's look into Crypto.com's meteoric growth. Karl provides rare insights into Crypto.com's engineering culture and their deep focus on building secure products people can trust. We explore thoughtful perspectives on how crypto can cooperate with regulators, the path to mainstream adoption, and Karl's vision for how decentralized money and finance may one day transform society. I had an illuminating discussion with him, exploring his leadership wisdom and lessons on managing people with diverse cultures. I was so inspired learning about Karl's path. It's a discussion that will light that entrepreneurial spark inside you, too. The future belongs to the bold. Karl Mohan shows the way. (00:00) Intro (01:31) How Did Karl get into Crypto (04:04) Karl's foray into Entrepreneurial Thinking (06:45) Importance of Self-Awareness (08:42) Karl's Person Entrepreneurial Hero Satya Nadella (09:50) What led from National Australia Bank to Crypto.com (12:43) Karl's leadership in Crypto.com & AFL Sponsorship deal (15:28) Growth of Crypto.com since 2021 (17:49) Crypto.com response during FTX Collapse (19:01) How should wider Crypto Industry engage with regulators (23:00) How to engage with regulators who don't know how to regulate crypto (28:14) Lessons on managing people with diverse cultural backgrounds (33:29) Conceptualizing Tranformation of Finance, Money and Society by Crypto (43:48) Crypto.com's Focus (44:13) Advice to students and budding entrepreneurs on how to take first step in crypto industry (51:06) What most excites Karl about crypto and crypto.com's future (53:45) Rapid Fire segment
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The Past, Present and Future of AI with Professor Vasant Dhar of NYU Stern School of Business | Proof Of Work With Shiv Mehta Episode 10
Aug 22, 202301:20:07Tap to summarize📜 In this episode, I'm thrilled to have the brilliant Professor Vasant Dhar from NYU Stern School of Business on The Proof Of Work Podcast for a thought-provoking conversation to explore some of today's most pressing questions at the intersection of technology, business, and society. 💼 Professor Dhar has had an extraordinary career spanning hedge funds, academia, and entrepreneurship bringing 44 years of experience in AI, Quantitative Finance, and Academia to bear on these nuanced issues. 🌀 We took a deep dive into the exciting journey from the pioneering early days of AI in the 1970s and 1980s to the extraordinary recent advances in natural language processing and powerful large language models like ChatGPT. Some questions we covered: 👉 Where is AI headed next, and what are the implications for business and society as these technologies become further democratized? 👉 How can universities keep curriculums relevant amidst rapid technological change? 👉 Is AI a net positive for humanity, or does it pose existential risks? 👉 How should we evaluate controversial innovations like Bitcoin and blockchain? 💸 We also discuss the real drivers of value in the modern economy, the merits and downsides of fiat currency systems, whether government debt matters and more. 💡 This is a must-listen episode for an illuminating discussion that will expand your mental models on technology, progress, and the future! 👉 Professor Dhar's recent paper on The Paradigm Shifts in Artificial Intelligence - https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2308/2308.02558.pdf 👉 Subscribe to Professor Dhar's Brave New World Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3wYn80EA9kDLip9OnVbVuL
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