Lisa Gibbons, GBA Deputy Lead Ireland Speaks Blockchain and European Partnerships Ahead of Big Event

We caught up with the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) Deputy Lead Ireland, Lisa Gibbons ahead of the upcoming panel discussion on all things Blockchain and Digital Identities.

1 Minute Pitch for What You Are Doing Now?

Gibbons: “I founded CraftedReach.com in 2019 and work with niche businesses in Fintech and ecommerce to drive growth. I was recently appointed Head of European Partnerships for Spendabit.co, a product search engine for Bitcoin owners. I also have a passion for foraging wild plants and founded Orchardsnearme.com to bring people back to nature”.

How Was the Last Year, What Worked Well, What Didn’t Move as Quickly as You Would Have Liked /  How Have You Adapted to the Current Corona Times?

Gibbons: “2021 has been a year of new beginnings. I had a massive disruption when Covid-19 struck as I was heavily reliant on the travel industry for business. It was a stressful period but it taught me a valuable lesson, to not be over reliant on any one industry. I have since diversified to ecommerce, Fintech and startups”.

What are Your Plans for the Future?

Gibbons: “I have just taken on the role of partner manager with Spendabit.co so I am learning about crypto very fast and as Deputy Lead for the Government Blockchain Association here in Ireland so I am looking forward to deep diving into all things blockchain related. Travel is and always will be a passion for me so I plan to grow my Orchardsnearme platform, promoting the wild plants and fruits of Europe”.

What Will You be Talking About at This Event? / What Inspired You to Attend it?

Gibbons: “I am hosting the event and many more with Jillian Godsill. Interesting hosts, interesting speakers. I think identity management is an important topic to discuss, especially with everyone’s data floating around and available for data capture by major corporations”.

Which Influencers and Websites Do You Follow to Keep Up to Date With the Latest Developments?

Gibbons: “This is an interesting question because it often changes but there are a few that I keep an eye on. I am fascinated by NFT’s at the moment so I follow Kevin Bosch who is straddling the edges of art with his amazing creations and Dan Reecer of the Polkadot community for interesting updates about blockchain tech. In terms of Irish Tech, I think Fidelma McGuirk is making amazing strides with Payslip. I also worked under Fidelma in the past. She is a great leader. I have to follow the Stripe brothers being from Limerick and they certainly have very interesting things to say about the future of tech”.

“For websites I read hackernoon, the Atlantic, listen to the New York Times Daily podcast and Blindboy on the odd day”.

You can read more stories about the GBA event and other big Tech topics here.