John O’Connor is an experienced technology leader with deep experience in the blockchain space, most prominently as the first hire for the Cardano Foundation. After graduating from Oxford he spent five years in business development and product roles in the advertising technology space before moving into blockchain to help launch Cardano. His roles included Head of Strategy and Ecosystem where he helped propel Cardano to a top ten cryptocurrency. He subsequently moved to Input Output, the engineering company that developed Cardano as the Director of African Operations. In this role he secured a contract with Ethiopian government to build and deploy a blockchain digital identity solution to five million students across the national education system. He is currently working as the CEO of RealFi, a spinout from Input Output. RealFi is a new platform that enables investors to discover and support the growth of underbanked businesses across the global south.
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Asia Center
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Center for Financial Markets
Conducts research and constructs programs designed to facilitate smooth and efficient operation of financial markets
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Center for the Future of Aging
Advances healthy longevity and financial security for all through high-impact policies, research, convenings, and multisector partnerships.
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Center for Public Health
Develops research, programs, and initiatives designed to envision and activate sustainable solutions leading to better health for individuals and communities worldwide.
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Center for Regional Economics and California Center
Analyzes the dynamics that drive job creation and promote industry expansion
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Center for Strategic Philanthropy
Empowers philanthropists to effectively address some of the world's most urgent problems
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FasterCures
Clears roadblocks that prevent medical breakthroughs from reaching patients sooner
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Financial Innovations Labs
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Global Market Development
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Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Anyone with a dream should have the opportunity to make it come true—through determination and an economic system that works for all
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Research Department
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