Technology

Blockchain: Resources To Get On Top Of This Technology

How to educate yourself on all things blockchain.

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Blockchain and cryptocurrencies have been buzzwords in the last two years, and I am certain that we will hear more about both of them for years to come. Because many professionals increasingly share this view, I am often asked to recommend resources to get up to speed about blockchain and cryptocurrencies. What follows is a compilation of resources in no particular order that I and many other professionals have found useful.

Read White Papers

Many professionals in blockchain recommend going back to the original source. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple white papers often come up as a sources of good information. After all, it is always good to know how it all began from the sources themselves.

Medium Articles

Blockchain is a fast-paced field that is in the beginning of its development. Changes, developments and projects happen quickly and they are often detailed in various Medium articles. While the quality of the information varies and therefore should be consumed carefully, Medium often has cutting-edge information about blockchain that may not be available anywhere else.

Podcasts

Similarly, podcasts may be a good source of current information about blockchain. Laura Shin’s Unchained and Unconfirmed tend to be highly recommended. a16z Podcast: Banking on the Blockchain is also often recommended as a good place to start. There are of course numerous others geared toward different audiences – technologists, lawyers, marketers and general business professionals.

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Universities

Because blockchain is an emerging innovative field, much of the development happens in universities and research institutions. For example, Blockchain at Berkeley and MIT Media Lab have a lot of good information about blockchain. Other universities have numerous initiatives as well. They often post original content online and host events with luminaries in the field. It may be a good idea to get in touch with universities and research facilities close to you.

Think Tanks, Non-Profits & NGOs

Because blockchain and cryptocurrencies have so much potential and may disrupt the world as we know it, many think tanks, non-profits, and NGOs are active in this area. They often produce good studies, reports and research. They also often organize top events. For example, Coin Center has a lot of highly informative, often policy-related information. World Economic Forum has also shared good information about blockchain and its potential. Their Blockchain Beyond the Hype report is especially enlightening and a good place to start your blockchain journey.

Books

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Increasingly, good books about blockchain are published as well. The Truth Machine: The Blockchain and the Future of Everything by Michael J. Casey et al and Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World by Don Tapscott et al are my two favorite books.

Meetups, Conferences & Events

Again, because a lot of the developments happen in real time, attending meetups, conferences and events often helps to stay on top of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. These range from massive events worldwide to local weekly meetups. They are often affiliated with universities, various blockchain companies (such as Ethereum), think tanks, non-profits and NGOs. And sometimes they are run by professional conference organizers. In any event, they may be a very good place to learn more and network.

These are some of the resources that I and many other professionals have found helpful to get up to speed about blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the last few years. I am certain that additional resources will emerge soon because the excitement about this field is growing rapidly. As you progress on your blockchain and cryptocurrencies journey, please share your favorite resources. I would love to hear from you!

Olga V. Mack is an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor at Berkeley Law, and entrepreneur. Olga founded the Women Serve on Boards movement that advocates for women to serve on corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies. Olga also co-founded SunLaw to prepare women in-house attorneys become general counsel and legal leaders and WISE to help women law firm partners become rainmakers. She embraces the current disruption to the legal profession. Olga loves this change and is dedicated to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and inclusive than before. You can email Olga at olga@olgamack.com or follow her on Twitter @olgavmack.

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