GIG Downtown: Getting into Blockchain

Getting into Blockchain

Location: WeWork at The Jones Building, 708 Main Street 10th floor, Houston, Texas 77002

Proceed to the 10th floor upon entering the building

Blockchain appears poised to disrupt the learning and development landscape. From an L&D perspective, organizations can utilize Blockchain as a way to document learning inside and outside the workplace while reshaping incentive programs. Tokens can incentivize employers to offer more and better training while rewarding employees for engaging in learning activities and reaching higher levels of competency.

In general, Blockchain functions as a distributed ledger that allows transactions to be available to the public and verifiably accurate but not controlled by any one entity. Augment Blockchain with a smart contract, which automates transactional processes with minimal involvement from a middleman, and the power curve of who controls information begins to migrate toward a more equitable landscape. This technology stands to disrupt traditional processes in L&D and a number of other important industries.

Learning Objectives:

"Getting into Blockchain," presented by Fred Stawitz, will discuss:

• How Blockchain works
• What makes it particularly unusual compared to traditional modes of electronic storage
• How it can benefit training and development efforts

Participants attending this session will:

• Learn how information is stored and retrieved from Blockchain
• Identify the characteristics of Blockchain that make it so disruptive
• Envision ways to utilize Blockchain in a learning and development environment

Speaker: Fred Stawitz, President of Storymakers, Inc.

Fred Stawitz helps businesses create effective solutions by shaping a culture that engages employees in safe, productive, and sustainably profitable operations. He created and managed technical training programs for US Space Shuttle Program, Shell/Bechtel energy venture, and large pipeline operations that maximize safety and productivity while ensuring regulatory compliance. International speaker on human factors in the workplace and disruptive, emergent digital technologies. Featured on CNN Headline News, a PBS special, and quoted in a Special Congressional Quarterly Report. Recipient of several prestigious awards including the Leadership 500 LEAD Award. Author of several highly praised and award-winning books. Successful publisher guiding writers through the process of creating marketable books with global distribution.