I am surrounded by change, in fact my very career in tech entrepreneurship bets on change.  But sometimes we don’t fully understand the impact of our actions and our innovations.  And in tech, we have been accused (rightfully so) of not understanding how the rest of the world lives.  The tech bubble isn’t just economic, its also a bubble of perspective.  Case in point, this hit me hard when Trump was elected because I couldn’t fathom anyone believing he would make a good president.

Since then, I’ve made a commitment to expanding my own awareness and getting out of the tech bubble.  I am in a unique position where getting this exposure doesn’t have to be hard, and  I just need to pick my head up to look around.  If successful, maybe, just maybe I can help “sides” better understand each others perspectives.

That’s why I’m pleased to share that I’ve joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Economic Advisory Council.  Our role on the EAC is to help inform the Federal Reserve Bank’s leadership about regional trends, concerns, and opportunities.  Helping the Fed understand the sentiment and trends of tech – I can do that – especially given I’m standing amidst the maelström that is crypto-currency, investing, startups, and entrepreneurship.

However the thing I’m most excited about is learning how the Fed thinks and works, and hearing from my peers in the non-tech ecosystems.  How does hospitality feel about the current state of affairs?  Construction?  Transportation?  Agriculture?  What are the trends affecting those industries that I might not be aware of because I’m submerged in tech?  What does the government really think of our economy today?  How do the checks and balances put in place really work?

I’m on a perspective quest, and joining the Kansas City Fed’s EAC is just one step of many in expanding my awareness.

If you’re in the Denver area and would like to have your opinion represented at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, shoot me an email with your thoughts and I’ll ensure they get represented.