55. Unlocking the Power of Web3 and Blockchain to Redefine Digital Coordination for Businesses, with Michael O’Rourke

With a degree in international studies and training in software development, Michael O’Rourke possesses a unique blend of skills and knowledge that has shaped his understanding of technology and its potential impact on the world. Michael is Co-Founder and CEO of Pocket Network, a Web3 middleware protocol that provides a decentralized infrastructure for blockchain node interaction.

Join Michael and Jim as they discuss Michael’s initial foray into Bitcoin that led to a unicorn Web3 company. You’ll gain insight on the importance of a tempered mindset, finding internal harmony between public service and entrepreneurism, and navigating leadership shifts to get to the next stage.

3 Key Takeaways

• Purposeful Hiring: When a business starts to do well and we see significant growth, it’s easy to get excited and hire rapidly. Take your time and be strategic and intentional with new hires.. Remember: hiring faster doesn’t mean you scale faster!
• Don’t Sleep on Web3: Bitcoin (beginning of Web3) became mainstream in the last decade and was only created in 2009 before rising above a trillion dollar market cap. With people losing faith in our current institutions, there is an opportunity for founders to build up new institutions in the decentralized world of Web3.
• It’s Lonely at the Top: You know what’s tough? Building a high-growth business. What’s even tougher? Letting go of the leadership team that helped get you to where you’re at, knowing (on both sides) that they’re not going to be the team to get you to the next level.

Resources
Pocket Network Website
Michael’s Twitter

About
Michael is Co-Founder and CEO of Pocket Network, a blockchain data ecosystem for Web3 applications. Prior to building Pocket Network, he owned and operated a blockchain development agency, and was on the ground level of Tampa Bay’s largest Bitcoin/Crypto meetup and consultancy, Blockspaces, with a focus on teaching developers Solidity. Michael first got into bitcoin in 2013, and his interests quickly grew much deeper. In 2016, writing smart contracts and making discoveries in API services for Ethereum gave Michael a unique perspective on what is required to provide a vertically and horizontally scalable infrastructure service in a decentralized manner.

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