Blockchain: The Key to Accelerating Technological Workflows E22
As a digital public record used for recording transactions or tracking assets, blockchain technology is poised to rapidly reshape a range of industries in the years to come. Blockchain eliminates middlemen and increases trust by providing a more accurate and transparent ledger for goods moving through the global supply chain. With support from the legislature and research entities like the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC), Arizona is on the cusp of becoming a blockchain leader.
The January 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s TechCast podcast featured blockchain experts including U.S. Representative David Schweikert, Scott Carlson, Head of Blockchain & Digital Asset Security at Kudelski Security; and Dragan Boscovic, Research Professor at Arizona State University. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, Council President and CEO, and Bianca Buliga, Council Director of Marketing & Communications, to break down the positive benefits of leveraging blockchain technology to improve business workflows for a wide range of critical industries.
Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of blockchain leaders explained what blockchain technologies are and the valuable purpose they can serve for technology companies. Rep. Schweikert insisted that rather than attempting to define the abstract notion of blockchain, it’s imperative to convey the potential benefits that blockchain technologies can bring to the table for high-level company executives and business owners. During his six terms in U.S. Congress, Rep. Schweikert has spearheaded several bills to provide legislative and statutory backbone to blockchain advancement.
As per the Constitution, the U.S. House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws. The House is one of Congress’s two chambers (the other is the U.S. Senate), and part of the federal government’s legislative branch. The number of voting representatives in the House is fixed by law at no more than 435, proportionally representing the population of the 50 states.
David Schweikert is serving his sixth term in the United States Congress. He holds a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, having previously served on the Financial Services Committee. He also sits on the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, serving as the Senior House Republican Member, Co-Chairs the Valley Fever Task force with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, is the Republican Co-Chair of the Blockchain Caucus, Co-Chair of the Tunisia Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Tele Health Caucus.
Among his legislative accomplishments, David was instrumental in authoring and passing H.R. 1. the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reformed an outdated tax code resulting in incredible economic growth, millions of jobs being created, 50-year record low unemployment, and increased revenues. David also played a key role in advancing the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) as a Member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and USMCA Whip Team, working across the aisle to garner support. This 21st Century trade deal supports over 228,000 jobs, improves Arizona’s cross-border trade relationships, and updates our intellectual property laws.
During the 115th and 116th Congress, David helped advance several healthcare proposals designed to give patients the choice, affordability, and quality they deserve. His work as co-chair of the Telehealth Caucus proved pivotal in passing flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also an advocate of H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, legislation compromised of bipartisan solutions designed to lower out of pocked spending, encourage innovation, improve transparency, and foster competition. David continues to advocate for permanently removing barriers to telehealth, developing a Federal Invisible Risk Sharing Program, and providing patients with the most affordable care.
David has always been a leader in the financial services space, previously serving on the House Financial Services Committee. During the 117th Congress, David re-introduced The Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act, legislation he wrote to expand the definition of an “accredited investor” allowing for a larger number of individual investors to enter the market place and be considered for growth opportunities. In August 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to modernize the definition of an accredited investor, incorporating many of the change’s from David’s legislation.
A national leader on tribal policy, David draws on a unique background working with Arizona’s tribal communities on important priorities.
As a strong advocate for efficiencies in the 21st Century economy, David collaborates with entrepreneurs and innovators in Arizona and around the world on ways to increase trade and drive economic growth. David has long championed technological innovations as the solution to the problems of over-burdensome government regulations.
David holds a seat on the Tax and Health Policy Subcommittees on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he is able to use his expertise in tax and health policy to lend his voice towards pressing issues such as meaningful tax reform and crashing the price of health care.
David Schweikert has always been committed to public service and he has an impressive record as an effective reformer and problem solver.
By the age of 30 years old, David was serving as the Majority Whip in the Arizona state legislature. There, he Chaired the Indian Affairs Committee and rolled up his sleeves working on the state budget, healthcare system, and passed landmark tax reform and second amendment legislation.
Over the years, Arizona’s governors have appointed David to numerous posts. He served as Chair of the state’s tax court and helped negotiate Arizona federal compact with tribal communities.
After being out of public life for 14 years building a successful Arizona business, David was called to serve as Treasurer of Maricopa County. One of the largest counties in the country, David has been heralded for his pragmatic decision making leading up to the fiscal crisis. Maricopa County increased revenue at a time when municipalities all around the country were going deep into the red.
Whether serving in elected office, or running a successful Arizona-based family real estate business with his wife Joyce, David Schweikert has been an integral voice in shaping Arizona’s healthy and growing economy.
As a Member of Congress, David works to remove government barriers to innovation and free enterprise. He is a budget hawk and is continuously fighting for solutions to curb federal spending and reduce American debt.
David and his wife Joyce enjoy backpacking. They host overnight hikes down the Grand Canyon, and are constantly spending time outdoors with their daughter.
Connect with David on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Kudelski Security is the premier advisor and cybersecurity innovator for today’s most security-conscious organizations. Their long-term approach to client partnerships enables the company to continuously evaluate customers’ security posture to recommend solutions that reduce business risk, maintain compliance and increase overall security effectiveness.
With clients that include Fortune 500 enterprises and government organizations in Europe and across the United States, Kudelski Security addresses the most complex environments through an unparalleled set of solution capabilities including consulting, technology, managed security services and custom innovation. For more information, visit www.kudelskisecurity.com.
Scott Carlson leads a team of global architects to prepare and deliver strategies, products, innovative architectures, and global solutions supporting digital media.
Additionally, he heads up the blockchain business within the company, growing the blockchain security capabilities and developing the offering. Before joining Kudelski,
Scott worked in leadership roles at Beyond Trust, PayPal, and Charles Schwab, including serving as CISO at blockchain startup Sweetbridge.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Arizona State University (ASU or Arizona State) is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S.
One of three universities governed by the Arizona Board of Regents, ASU is a member of the Universities Research Association and classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”. ASU has nearly 150,000 students attending classes, with more than 38,000 students attending online, and 90,000 undergraduates and more nearly 20,000 postgraduates across its five campuses and four regional learning centers throughout Arizona.
ASU offers 350 degree options from its 17 colleges and more than 170 cross-discipline centers and institutes for undergraduates students, as well as more than 400 graduate degree and certificate programs. The Arizona State Sun Devils compete in 26 varsity-level sports in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference and is home to over 1,100 registered student organizations.
Dragan Boscovic is a research professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) at Arizona State University and Research Director of AZ Blockchain Applied Research Center, and Distinguished Visiting Scholar Honoured Alumni, mediaX, at Stanford University. Additionally, he is CEO and Founder of technology VizLore Group, headquartered in Arizona, and focused on delivering innovative solutions related to IoT, Data Analytics, Blockchain distributed computing, and digital asset management.
He holds a Ph.D. in Numerical Electromagnetic Modeling from the University of Bath, United Kingdom (1991). He has 25 years of high tech experience acquired in an international setup (UK, France, China, USA) and is uniquely positioned to help data-driven technical advances within today’s global data-intensive technology arena.
He is a lateral thinker with broad exposure to a wide range of scientific methods and business practices. He has a proven track record in conceiving strategies and managing the development, investment, and innovation efforts related to advanced data analysis services, ML/AI applications, and mobile and IoT solutions and platforms.
About AZ TechCast
AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.
Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.
Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.
Bianca also worked as Senior Marketing Manager at SEED SPOT, a social impact incubator that educates, accelerates, and invests in impact-driven entrepreneurs creating market-based solutions to social problems. In January of 2020, Bianca was selected as an awardee of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange Program and traveled to the African island of Mauritius to run entrepreneurship programming for 15 impact-driven ecopreneurs on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Bianca has also completed comprehensive consulting projects for IBM, ESAN Business School, and the Peruvian government, and interned at the Arizona House of Representatives and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.
Bianca earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2017. She is an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler always planning her next trip.
Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
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