Crypto Altruism Podcast Episode 64 - Celo Foundation - Regenerative Finance and using web3 to achieve prosperity for all
For Ep. 64, we welcome Xochitl Cazador, Head of Ecosystem Growth at the Celo Foundation. For those who don’t know much about Celo, it is a proof-of-stake layer-1 protocol that, to date, has had over 150M transactions, and has an amazing ecosystem built around the vision of “Prosperity for All”. In this episode we chat about the Regenerative Finance, or ReFi movement, how blockchain can help alleviate poverty and build prosperity for all, and the future of web3 and the Celo ecosystem.
About Xochitl
Prior to her role as Head of Ecosystem Growth with Celo Foundation, Xochitl spent 15 years driving growth at Cisco, where she managed a US$1 billion investment portfolio and led the expansion into 26 emerging markets resulting in 30% year-over-year growth. She previously served in leadership positions in the Americas, Europe, and Asia where she held roles in product and portfolio management. Xochitl is the granddaughter of Mexican migrant farmworkers and one of the first in her family to graduate from college. She understands firsthand how access to basic financial tools can change lives. Xochitl holds a master’s degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming Xochitl.
Three Key Takeaways
This will be essential in ensuring we build a web3 ecosystem that is truly inclusive for all.
There is an amazing opportunity, through regenerative finance and natural capital-backed currencies, to use web3 to build a more sustainable world.
Web3 can help shift power from corporations and centralized bodies to individuals, giving users greater ownership over their lives. This will be key in building a more financially inclusive world.
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Episode Time Stamps
02:05 - What was your “Ah hah” moment that got you interested in cryptocurrency and/or web3?
04:05 - Tell me about Celo, and the overarching mission behind it.
07:00 - I understand that Celo Foundation is guided by the vision of “Prosperity for All”. Tell me more about this, and how Celo aims to achieve this?
10:00 – Can you please share some examples of projects that are part of the “DeFi for the people” initiative that are helping you achieve the vision of prosperity for all?
17:10 - I have recently been reading up on the Celo Climate Collective and am fascinated by its mission and the ReFi movement more broadly. Can you share with listeners a little bit about the Celo Climate Collective, and what it hopes to accomplish?
20:45 – Can you give an introduction to natural capital-backed currency?
25:40 – On the Celo Foundation website, it mentions “We believe blockchain technology is one of the most exciting innovations in recent history and as a team we look to push the boundaries of what is possible with it today. More importantly, we are driven by purpose – to solve real-world problems such as lack of access to sound currency, or friction for cash-transfer programs aimed to alleviate poverty.” – We are clearly still in the early stages of blockchain reaching it’s potential – where do you see it 10 years from now?
28:05 – What makes Celo a good blockchain to build on for impact-focused projects?
30:30 - I understand that partnerships are important to the Celo Foundation, and that you have developed the Alliance for Prosperity with partnerships from prominent organizations such as the World Food Program. Tell me more about the alliance.
33:50 - What’s the best way for listeners to learn more about Celo?
34:45 - To wrap things up, if you could name one thing that excites you most about the social impact potential of web3, what would it be and why?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific projects or cryptocurrencies in this podcast, please don’t take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on any potential investment opportunities. Please note that the Principle of Crypto Altruism is a holder of the CELO token. Full disclaimer available HERE.
