About Me
Often in this space we don't really get an opportunity to learn about the people we are interacting with. Sometimes because people don't want to be doxxed and other times because there’s little to no information about them. The reason I want to provide the information below, is to hopefully allow you to have a better understanding of who I am as a person. As-well-as, why I feel my unique life experiences have brought me to this point. I'm a firm believer in being transparent and communicating honestly and clearly. My hope is that after reading this you come away having a better understanding of who I truly am.
I've always had this feeling that I was supposed to do something meaningful with my life. By meaningful, I mean doing something that made me feel that I was completing my purpose in life. I truly believe we all have a purpose and when we find that purpose, we are completely fulfilled. I've spent my life searching for that "thing" that I felt I was meant to do. This search has taken me down
many roads throughout my life. However, after many years of searching, learning, and growing. I have finally found what I feel is my purpose. That place that feels like I'm finally where I'm supposed to be and doing what I’m supposed to do. Creating and building in Web3.
I absolutely fell in love with this space the moment I got into it a few years ago. It was from a combination of many factors from being a new frontier that I could make my mark on, to meeting amazing new people who I never would have if not for this space. Once I jumped in, I knew there was no going back. I started working with an executive coach to develop a transition plan, started to develop relationships with people who I respected in this space and tried to learn as much as I could. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out my place in this space. Would I fall back on previous skills and knowledge or would I try to forge a new path. Truth be told, it was scary at times. Making this complete career shift at this point in my life was not an easy decision. However, the more I thought on it, the more I realized I had to take my shot. I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by without trying.
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Background
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I was born and raised in the U.S. I was one of those kids that wanted to try everything. Which thankfully my parents supported. Growing up I was extremely active in sports, video games, drawing and music. Which I carried throughout high school and beyond in some cases. Up until this day, I have always had a love and passion for video games, collectables, art and technology. For me, Web3 is a culmination of these 4 things and is why I am so passionate about this space. After high school I went to college, but I was struggling with what I wanted to do. After a couple years in college, the terror attack on September 11th, happened. I felt it was my duty to standup and fight for my country. Within a few months I was sworn in and on my way to basic training for infantry and airborne jump school. Those years were not easy, but I learned a lot about myself and my character. Little did I know at the time. That this decision would build a foundation for me that would help carry me throughout my life.
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After the military I got into mortgage banking. It was great for a while, until the housing collapse in 2008. After my company went out of business and I was hired by a large investment company to be a financial advisor. I started studying for the multiple exams I needed for the position. However, it dawned on me one day... who was going to invest money in the stock market under these market conditions? So, I decided to go back to school to finish up my bachelor's degree. Thankfully, due to the GI Bill I was able to go to school full time and support myself. About 2 years later I received by bachelor’s degree in psychology. It was my intent to continue my education, however, I knew I needed to get a job.
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I was fortunate to be quickly hired by a large national Fortune 500 bank. Over the next almost 12 years I worked for this organization continually learning, developing, and refining my skills. I was able to continue my education to receive both my masters and PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I also had the opportunity to expand my expertise to include business advising, project management, data analytics, business strategy and performance to name a few. I’ve had a very fruitful career in banking. Which has provided me with so many amazing opportunities in life. Which I will be forever grateful. However, I knew it was time to take a leap and transition fully into Web3.
I constantly look for new and exciting opportunities within Web3 that will allow me to grow and utilize my acquired expertise. I have been very fortunate to meet so many amazing people I would never had had the opportunity to meet outside of this space. Which has helped to open doors for me on furthering my journey. I am so very grateful for the help and assistance that has been given to me and feel it is my duty to pay that forward. I am extremely excited about the endless possibilities that Web3 not only offers myself, but all of us. I truly believe the possibilities are endless. Whether you decide to join us in this project or not. I wish you nothing but happiness and success in this space.
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Dr. Ryan "Kanetix" Oakes