(un)Trustables

Revolutionizing Workforce Credentials with Blockchain

Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of the (un)Trustables, host Darrell O'Donnell has an in-depth conversation with Dror Gurevich, the visionary Founder and CEO of Velocity Network Foundation. They discuss the groundbreaking work of Velocity Network in transforming the global labour market through blockchain technology. This episode explores the challenges of verifying workforce credentials and the innovative solutions provided by Velocity Network.

Episode Notes

Guest: 

Dror Gurevich is the Founder and CEO of Velocity Network Foundation, bringing over 25 years of experience in workforce technology. As a leader and entrepreneur, Dror has been at the forefront of several successful companies in the sector, demonstrating a profound understanding of the industry’s evolution. His current role at Velocity Network Foundation highlights his commitment to innovating workforce tech, specifically utilizing blockchain technology to transform how career credentials are managed globally. Recognized as a thought leader, Dror is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his insights on the Future of Work and innovations in workforce technology.

In this episode of the (un)Trustables podcast, host Darrell O'Donnell engages in a comprehensive conversation with Dror Gurevich, CEO of Velocity Network Foundation. The discussion covers various aspects of the Velocity Network, its impact on the global labour market, and the innovative use of blockchain technology in workforce credential verification.

Key Topics:

• Introduction and Background of Velocity Network (Early in the episode): The podcast begins with an introduction to Velocity Network Foundation, explaining its mission and the role of blockchain technology in transforming workforce credential verification.
• Global Inclusivity and Open Source Protocol (Approximately at 01:03:50): Gurevich discusses the creation of a globally inclusive, open-source public protocol owned by no single entity. This protocol is crucial for building applications that enable the trusted exchange of individuals' proofs​​.
• Venture Capital Funding and Public Infrastructure (Approximately at 31:49): The conversation touches upon the role of venture capital in funding the research and development of the Velocity Network. Gurevich explains how this funding facilitated the creation of a public infrastructure that serves as a social good and the necessity of having a private operator on top of this infrastructure​​.
• Disruption in the Job Market and the Role of Velocity Network (Approximately at 01:00:53): Gurevich highlights the challenges posed by the changing nature of employment and the increasing number of international migrants disrupting job markets. He emphasizes the need for a globally inclusive infrastructure to mitigate these megatrends and the potentially dire future if these trends are not addressed​​.
• Tokenization and Fiat On-Ramps (Discussion throughout the episode): The use of tokens in the Velocity Network and the challenges of integrating them into traditional financial systems are discussed. Gurevich addresses the concerns of companies unfamiliar with token usage and the need for fiat on and off-ramps to facilitate transactions​​.
• The Role of Notary Issuers (Discussed in the latter part of the episode): The podcast covers the significance of notary issuers in the Velocity Network, who are responsible for auditing and issuing credentials. This segment sheds light on the costs and value of participating in this process​​.

Throughout the episode, O'Donnell and Gurevich delve into the technicalities, challenges, and future prospects of the Velocity Network. They discuss the network's potential to revolutionize how credentials are verified and shared globally, making it a crucial tool for addressing current and future challenges in the labour market. The episode is rich with insights into the intersection of blockchain technology and workforce development.

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Additional Resources: 

• Velocity Network Foundation
• World Employment Confederation
• American Council on Education
• Schellman: IT Compliance Attestation Services
• The Wallet Report
• Read Write Own - Chris Dixon
• Dror Gurevich LinkedIn