Taking blockchain into the mainstream, Claire Fitzpatrick, Director of Operations for ConsenSys,

Claire Fitzpatrick is the Director of Operations for ConsenSys, Ireland’s largest blockchain studio. A serial entrepreneur, Claire has founded and invested in a number of companies and has held senior positions with many of the World’s leading multinationals. As head of operations, Claire is responsible for overseeing the day to day management and scaling of the technical delivery centre for EMEA out of ConsenSys’ Dublin hub. She will be speaking at the Fintech Symposium, March 7th in Dublin.

FinTech Symposium at Law Society of Ireland, Thursday 7 March

1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

I am the head of scaling operations for ConsenSys Ireland. ConsenSys is now the largest blockchain employer in the country. As part of this role I work with our global leadership team to scale and deliver enterprise grade software solutions which are built on ConsenSys’ Ethereum blockchain. A major part of this role is identifying developer talent to join our team here in Dublin.

The #blockchain ecosystem is growing in #Ireland #Ethereum #STEM #Enterprise #startup #investor #infrastructure #education pic.twitter.com/00os2HmvRM

— ConsenSysIreland (@ConsenSysIre) February 15, 2019

How was the last year, what worked well, what didn’t move as quickly as you would have liked?

This past year has been really exciting with lots of positive change.  For me personally I left what can be described as a safe and secure job to become involved in a truly entrepreneurial venture, building the future web, web 3.0.  I am excited to create value for enterprises by building blockchain solutions over the coming years, this is just the beginning.

The adoption of new technologies is slow.  Blockchain is no exception. It was the same in the telco industry in the late 90’s but once the tipping point is reached the floodgates will open.  At Consensys we have been encouraged by the interest from Irish firms including the legal profession who can see the potential and want to explore use cases to solve their or their clients particular set of circumstances.

We have recruited a stellar diverse team (12 nationalities) to drive the development of the technology at our EMEA technical delivery hub in Dublin. However, as we reflect and plan for the future we see a shortage of relevant training and education opportunities focused on the area of coding and broader software development skills.  I believe it’s a major area that we as a country need focus on. Ireland needs to ensure our primary, secondary and tertiary education is structured to develop these core skills to ensure our competitiveness into the future.

???ConsenSys Supporting Global Blockchain Group – INATBA (supported by the European Commission)???@ethereumJoseph explaining more https://t.co/0BFfwinClH
Purpose: ?? awareness and adoption of blockchain & DLTs globally

?? [email protected] to get involved

— ConsenSysIreland (@ConsenSysIre) February 25, 2019

What are your plans for the future?

ConsenSys is committed to growing our presence here in Dublin and scaling our offering in this market and beyond. As part of our commitment to the community, we are going to help drive awareness of career opportunities in the technology space for all.  So many see it as a pure technical skill set. The truth is we have designers, business graduates, accountants, lawyers and marketing specialists (even a qualified physiotherapist) working to create Web 3.0.

Referring to my point above re education, ConsenSys plans to be part of that public/private dialogue with policy makers and support grass roots level education initiatives which will drive access to technology and the learning opportunities that go with it as we believe it is a key enabler for Ireland’s future success.

What will you be talking about at this event?

Discuss clear future opportunities and outcomes which can be enabled by blockchain technologies in the legal and Fintech space.
Discuss regulatory issues which new technologies create for industries in the financial services sector and other sectors.

What inspired you to attend it?

I have in my career seen the importance of collaboration across all particapants involved to  maximise and fast track development and adoption new technologies These particapants include regulators, government bodies, professionals, developers, the list goes on. Through dialogue, education and collaboration improvements will happen.  This is one such event where I see all three happening.

My invite came through Fexco a company I have always admired. Fexco have been able to develop an impressive eco-system in Kerry, they have challenged the norm and have provided high-skilled career opportunities in a relatively rural part of Ireland. Fexco offers professionals a totally different proposition, it took bravery to build this up.

Which influencers and websites do you follow to keep up to date with the latest developments?

In Ireland, Irishtechnews of course.

Plus follow @101blockchains great source of useful information about blockchain ecosystem from beginners to experts, their infographics and webinars are excellent.

For the broader innovation agenda I find Cb Insight content another great resource.

How can people find out more about what you are working on?

I would encourage you all to follow ConsenSys on social media – we have a heap of useful content and resources where you can learn more about what we are doing.

Thank you to our #silicondocks neighbours @themarkerhotel for dropping in today to @ConsenSysIre & for providing chocolate afternoon treats. It's good to be neighbourly. #techdublin #silicondocks @irelandresource pic.twitter.com/GuJHFckil6

— Claire Fitzpatrick (@clairesmillie) February 25, 2019

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