Justin Trollip the former CEO of Pangolin Exchange and the CEO of Ortege, has quite a remarkable story. From challenging times in South Africa to navigating through difficult circumstances in Dublin, and now residing in Australia, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Justin, and his approach to life reminds me of Bernard Moitessier. His expertise includes smart contract architecture, decentralized applications, and pioneering DeFi protocols.
Excited to learn more about his journey and professional background, I asked for an interview with Justin, and he graciously shared his insights in response to my questions. Let’s dive into the interview!
Could you share the trajectory of your journey leading you from prominent tech corporations to the realm of Web3?
My journey into Web3 was fueled by an early interest in Bitcoin and the surrounding cypherpunk culture. I found myself in enterprise environments, entrenched in implementing resource planning systems for large corporations. The culture was stagnant, riddled with redundant meetings, and devoid of innovation, often leading to delayed and over-budget projects. After successfully establishing and selling a business in the Microsoft ecosystem, I recognized my entrepreneurial edge over larger, inefficient competitors. My foray into building an ERP system revealed market limitations, which pivoted my focus towards the burgeoning potential of cryptocurrency. My involvement in a DAO quickly transitioned into leadership, marking the start of my Web3 venture.
Reflecting on your experience with Pangolin DAO, could you delineate the distinctions between working in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and conventional corporate structures?
While DAOs offer refreshing alternatives to traditional corporate models, it’s essential to blend the best of both worlds. The challenge with DAOs lies in the anonymous nature of crypto, which complicates contract enforcement and credibility. The decentralized, asynchronous work in DAOs demands adaptation but heralds a future where flexibility leads to increased productivity, albeit at the potential cost of work-life balance.
As a CEO, how do you shape your perspective through life experiences? Do you consider intellectual depth crucial for paving new paths in business?
Intellectual depth is subjective. Resilience and the ability to learn from failures are what I deem essential. My diverse life experiences, from confronting violence in South Africa to enduring economic hardships in Dublin, have fortified my resilience. Inspiration drawn from unconventional heroes like Ken Kesey, Nelson Mandela, and Bernard Moitessier fuels my innovative approach and tenacity in business.
“My approach was to prioritize the team’s unity and financial security.”
Leading Pangolin without external funding and VCs, you navigated the market turmoil and released a paper elucidating Pangolin’s financial situation in Bitcoin fall. Can you shed light on your approach to risk management during this challenging period?
During Bitcoin’s 2022 downturn, my approach was to prioritize the team’s unity and financial security. A business is akin to a family, and acting decisively in the face of looming problems was crucial. I learned the importance of maintaining personal well-being to effectively steer through turbulent times.
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2016. In your view, can decentralization contribute to reducing global inequalities? Do you believe that blockchain technology has the potential to foster a more sustainable world?
Blockchain holds the potential to address global inequalities, but technological advancements alone cannot cultivate empathy or altruism. Real change hinges on societal values and the heroes we choose to emulate.
“My trust in the ethical governance of AI is minimal.”
The question of AI potentially dominating the world is a topic of widespread concern. What is your perspective on this matter? Do you trust in the ethical governance of AI?
My trust in the ethical governance of AI is minimal. The localized development of AI, with inherent cultural biases, is a concern. Global collaboration is necessary to align AI development with the broader ethical responsibilities of our species.
Your latest venture, Ortege, is an intriguing project. Could you share the narrative behind its inception?
Ortege was conceived from a desire to merge my background in crypto with big data expertise. An epiphany in New York, after extensive learning and conversation, led to the realization of this venture, blending my experiences into a data-focused project.
With your team operating fully remotely, including yourself, do you perceive remote work as the future of work, or is it a transient working style? How do you and your team effectively organize and coordinate in this remote setting?
Remote work is the way forward, offering a better quality of life and access to a global talent pool. Effective remote coordination within Ortege hinges on utilizing the right tools, fostering a culture of written communication, and building a trustworthy team.
