The Takeoff - September 2022
Turning a page to the most exciting chapter thus far!!!
Welcome to my September recap! I call it The Takeoff as I started so many new things this month that will change my life — let’s dive right into it. I am a 16 year old from Toronto exploring the applications of Blockchain and AI technologies on everyday tasks. From logistics to communication, I want to disrupt it all and attack our world’s biggest issues, one small step at a time!
September was a busy month. Starting out in The Knowledge Society (TKS), attending a tech conference, and exploring different technologies with the power the change the world are amongst some of this month’s biggest feats. Scroll down to hear more.
Joining The Knowledge Society (TKS)
September 10th was a BIG day for me, and hundreds of other kids around the world for it was our first day at TKS. This program essentially empowers teens like myself with the community, mentors, and resources to truly make an impact in the world, despite still being a “kid”. Building projects with emerging technologies, exposure to real world problems (without a solution), and getting real industry experience are amongst some of the most exciting parts of the program.
My first four TKS sessions this month were action packed and my favorite aspect of the program is the zero-BS mindset the directors have. If you deliver a presentation where you don’t look like a keynote speaker, you will be called out and roasted. If you write a crappy article that provides little value, your feedback will reflect exactly that. There is no sugarcoating so growth is inevitable.
Elevate Festival
This experience is one to remember. After being in TKS for less than two weeks, I had already gotten my first opportunity to meet legit innovators in the industry. By meeting entrepreneurs, engineers, and VC Investors I got to speak with some of the smartest people I’ve ever interacted with and learn a ton. Here are my four main takeaways from the experience:
Transactional relationships are useless - real business is done with real relationships
No trust = no business
If you couldn’t sit with someone on a 12 hour plane ride, you will not do business with them
You need to talk about personal life to establish a connection
People are way more reachable than I thought
Just approach people – the more you think, the less you do
Bring lots of energy and don’t take yourself too seriously
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Do less, and do it better
Many Investors said this is the biggest issue with companies - and it applies to people too
Startups trying to overcompensate by reciting their 5 different branches in 5 markets were much less successful than startups in one sub-sector with a great service
Do your research!
My biggest mistake on the first day was coming in with barely any technical knowledge, expecting myself to be interesting – learn as much as possible about your project/focus before engaging with others
Also research the people you are going to talk to – it’s so much easier to have a meaningful conversation with people when you know a bit about them
Through casual networking at the Elevate Festival, I also got the opportunity to be featured on the Seekers Of The Eternal podcast. Check it out here
Blockchain
After a month of exploring topics in Transportation, AI, VR/AR, and Quantum Computing, I have found a devout interest for Blockchain and its applications. For now, I am less interested in the Crypto aspect of the technology and more interested in how it can affect traditional industries like Logistics, Compliance, Communication, and File Storage. For many of these applications, a deep understanding of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) is important. ZKPs allow a specific statement to be verified without actually knowing what that statement entails (for privacy reasons). In this way, there is transparency of what is on the Blockchain, but no details about the contents in specific blocks.
What else I got up to this month
5AM Workouts
I’ve NEVER been a morning person. If that is the case, how do I wake up at 5AM everyday to get to the gym? With school’s return, I returned to my weekday morning workouts. This schedule shift has changed my life and I encourage every one to TRY it (although it is certainly not for everyone). I’ve seen so much growth in my self discipline and productivity and will write a more detailed article on my experience after staying consistent for 6 months.
Continuing my technical education
Through Scrimba’s Python Course, CS50x, and the AP Computer Science curriculum, I am continuing to polish my technical skills. Meeting so many technical experts at the Elevate Festival has inspired me to prioritize cultivating my programming skills to open the doors to the problems I can solve. I also am going to start teaching myself Solidity development this month so I can attack problems via the Blockchain.
What’s been in my ears this month?
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Lex Fridman podcast and this month, my favorite podcast was Lex’s chat with Boris Sofman, the Sr. Director of Engineering at Waymo. While I may not be focusing in Autonomous Vehicles, this podcast is super insightful in the future of autonomous trucking — my favorite application of autonomous vehicles.
What does October have in store?
This month I will truly start to dive deep into Blockchain and its real-world applications. As I explore the subject, I will teach myself how to program using Solidity to built cool projects and write articles about my findings along the way. Stay tuned for some cool articles coming this month!
Through my experience working with an NGO in Tanzania this summer, I was interviewed by the National Post for my fundraising efforts for this organization. More to come on this as the Article is released in October.
October also has three more TKS sessions about Blockchain, achieving Success, and Human Longevity. I am stoked for these sessions and will be sure to document my experience in next month’s newsletter as I go through them.
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