An Interview with Steven Dickens

Steven Dickens

Key Topics:Infrastructure, Open Source, DeFi, Crypto and Blockchain

Location:New York

Bio:

Steven Dickens is VP of Business Development and Senior Analyst at Futurum Research. Operating at the crossroads of technology and disruption, Steven engages the world’s largest technology brands exploring new operating models, innovation, and competitive advantage. Experienced in Open Source, Mission Critical Infrastructure, Blockchain, and FinTech, Dickens makes the connections between C-Suite, end-users, and tech practitioners to drive maximum advantage from technology deployments. Steven is an alumnus of HPE and IBM where he led multi-hundred million dollar, global sales teams. Steven is also the former Chairperson, and now Board Advisor for the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation Project.

Steve has recently featured in Onalytica's Who's Who in Cloud report.

How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?

Passion for learning over a 25+ year career in big tech working for firms such as Broadcom, HPE, and IBM. Always willing to learn about the products I was involved with to a couple of layers beyond what was required, but also go more widely and understand not only my competitors but also other domains of technology adjacent to what I was focused on.

What sub-topics are you most passionate about?

Web3 and the disruption that technologies such as blockchain, Defi, and Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin will deliver to the market. We are still in the early stages of these technologies and I see them being foundational for how the world works in the next 20-years.

Who influences you within these topics?

I look to thought leaders such as:

Brian Armstrong – CEO Coinbase
Chamath Palihapitiya – CEO Social Capital
Daniel Newman – CEO Futurum

What challenges are brands facing in this space?

Brands are facing challenges from every angle right now. The disruption of supply chains, the impact of increasingly sophisticated consumers, and the need to innovate just to stay current, let alone differentiate. All of this while seismic shifts are taking part in the tech stack and how it is delivered. Cloud, Containerisation, Metaverse, the speed of disruptive technology coming to market is so rapid that organizations have to operate a such a pace to keep up that it can become exhausting.

What do you think the future holds in this space?

What brands are leading the way in this space?

I am excited by brands such as Strike and Block given they have visionary leaders and are willing to live at the cutting edge. Players like Coinbase and Gemini also excite me.

If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?

Podcasts, whitepapers, and primary research are all focuses for us. Also webinars, speaking opportunities, product innovation, and video interviews.

What are your passions outside of work?

Cycling and watching rugby. I am the president of my local cycling club and I am a huge Leicester Tigers rugby fan.

What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?

Email.

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