We ask the buidlers in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector for their thoughts on the industry… and throw in a few random zingers to keep them on their toes!
This week, our 6 Questions go to Sonali Giovino, head of communications at Defiyield, a cross-chain asset management protocol that empowers users to be a part of the DeFi ecosystem.
Sonali Giovino has been working in the crypto space since 2017 when she began holding weekly educational workshops, which lead to public speaking events on cryptocurrency and blockchain and her production of Vancouver’s first Blockchain Yacht Cruise Conference. She brings 20+ years of experience as a technical communicator to her position at Defiyield, previously holding roles in marketing, project management, business development and event coordination. She is passionate about growing the DeFi community and introducing others to asset management and has emerged as a recognizable female thought leader in the tech space as a result.
1 — What is the main hurdle to mass adoption of blockchain technology?
I think the main hurdle to mass adoption of blockchain technology is that there are still so many people who don’t understand what blockchain or DeFi is, how it works, and what benefits it can bring to our society. The more we can support the industry through education, the more widespread adoption can be. That’s one of the biggest reasons I got involved in the space and with Defiyield specifically as a main focus is consistently educating new and existing users. It is still early for blockchain, and I believe consistent, gradual growth over time will lead to a more rapid growth as people have a better understanding of the space. When the internet was first growing, only a few businesses and people were using it. Fast forward to the present and it’s rare to hear of someone who isn’t using the internet for work, play, everything. With each passing year, we are seeing new developments in the crypto and blockchain space, and now some governments are even building their own digital currencies. Despite hurdles, blockchain technology is the future.
2 — If you were investing in startup companies right now, what kind of blockchain-based business opportunity would catch your eye?
Projects that are able to integrate and offer a connected network of blockchain, protocol and investing opportunities consolidated into one place are definitely gaining a lot of attention. I would be drawn to projects that simplify the process for users. Some projects require users to bridge their networks and blockchains, but anything with one click or one move is the type of opportunity that would catch my eye. People want to invest in projects that can simplify action steps into one place. Easy, simple and less work so you can spend more energy on growing, learning and finding the best opportunities.
3 — What does decentralization mean to you, and why is it important?
Decentralization gives people more control, and it’s an important freedom to not have a single entity, like banks or governments, controlling your assets. If something goes wrong with the bank or an institution has a single point of failure, it could affect several other systems in the banking process. In decentralized systems, however, even if one node goes down or if there is a failure in the blockchain, there are several other nodes leaving the transaction safe and unaffected. Decentralization truly puts more control and power back into the people’s hands where it belongs.
4 — Which two superpowers would you most want to have, and how would you combine them for good… or evil?
If I could have any two superpowers, I would want to utilize teleportation and super-human strength. I would fly around the world and between the planets to explore the universe and all the mystical elements it has to offer. I’d be eager to learn from different civilizations, share knowledge, and maybe hang out with an alien or two.
5 — Close your eyes and think of a happy place. What do you see?
When I close my eyes and think of a happy place, I see palm trees, ocean views and sunrises and sunsets that start and end my days. I am with family and friends, all engaging in meaningful conversations and enjoying memorable nights of laughter and joy. In my happy place, a beautiful white dog is running around the garden, and I see myself thinking out loud about all the items on my bucket list I’m excited to knock off for that month and the next. I see myself unfolding into all the beautiful things this world and the relationships I carry with it have to offer me in every moment.
6 — What is the book that influenced you the most? Why?
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav has influenced me the most because it speaks to me about ways to understand consciousness, breaking through inner patterns, and the differences between the personality and the soul. I love how the book speaks to understanding emotions and thoughts, and how it explains that everything is energy, which if misaligned, causes us to manifest or create misalignments in our personal reality. This book showed me that we have the power to make change in our lives.
A wish for the young, ambitious blockchain community:
I wish the young, ambitious blockchain community nothing but success in learning, loving and growing within the space. The community has so much to offer and can be a place where anyone can feel confident in the control they have over their finances, assets, artwork, whatever blockchain-integrated area of life they enjoy.
The world of fintech is forever changing and innovating, and Sonali Giovino of Defiyield is at the forefront. This London-based financial solution provider is providing a better experience for fintech clients. We had the chance to sit down with Giovino and ask her some questions about her work and her vision for the future of finance.
Firstly, we asked Giovino how Defiyield is helping to revolutionize fintech. She told us that Defiyield has two primary goals: simplifying and increasing the speed of compliance procedures, and bringing innovative and reliable payments solutions to the industry. She shared her passion for making financial services accessible and safe for all.
The second question we asked Giovino was how Defiyield has integrated blockchain-based solutions into its operations. She explained that distributed ledger technology is at the core of all their operations and promises to offer clients a secure and streamlined experience. Giovino also told us that their seamless onboarding technology has made it easier for clients to register and transact using Defiyield.
Thirdly, we wanted to know what is the most significant challenge facing the fintech industry today? With her experience in the industry, Giovino stressed the need for compliant and secure practices that enable easy access and open up new opportunities for businesses. She also noted the importance of trust and transparency as key elements for long-term success in fintech.
Question four was about Defiyield’s plans for the future. Giovino demonstrated her enthusiasm for their strategy, which includes partnering with banks, building relationships with service providers, and leading the way with innovative technologies. She also talked about their ambition to become the go-to provider for fintech companies seeking reliable and secure solutions.
For our fifth question, we were curious to know how Giovino sees fintech evolving over the next few years. She believes that the industry will continue to grow, both in terms of volume and sophistication. She also noted the strong potential for fintech to help democratize access to financial services and make them more accessible to everyone.
Finally, we wanted to know what advice Giovino would give to those looking to enter or develop their careers in fintech. She stressed the importance of gaining a deep understanding of the industry and staying up-to-date on the latest advancements. She also recommended having a thoughtful approach to problem-solving and staying informed about industry regulations so that businesses can remain compliant with local laws.
Giovino’s enthusiasm for Defiyield and the fintech industry was infectious. With her knowledge, experience and vision for the future, it is easy to see why she and her team are leading the way in fintech innovation.
