Sean Michael Brehm is an accomplished technologist and strategic leader whose career spans over two and a half decades in the high-tech industry. His expertise in big data, analytics, and AI has propelled him to significant roles, including his current positions as Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of CrowdPoint Technologies, and Chairman of the Board at Node Nexus Network. Sean’s journey from an Airborne Ranger Infantryman to a tech innovator is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and ethical leadership. At CrowdPoint, he spearheads initiatives that merge blockchain technology with cybersecurity, enhancing capabilities across various sectors.
Under Sean’s leadership, CrowdPoint Technologies has become a pioneer in developing decentralized solutions that prioritize user security and data privacy. His work at Node Nexus Network focuses on deploying a global decentralized cloud infrastructure that supports advanced AI language models, promoting data custodianship and efficiency. Sean’s approach to technology is deeply influenced by his spiritual beliefs, particularly his cherished word from Isaiah, “Hineni” (Here I am), which reflects his readiness to serve and lead with integrity. His vision for the future includes harnessing technology to address societal challenges, improve global accessibility to technology, and foster a more equitable digital landscape. Sean’s contributions to the tech industry are driven by a philosophy that combines innovation with a moral compass, striving to ensure that technological advancements benefit all sectors of society.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins with early morning reflection, setting a spiritual and focused tone. I conduct a morning check-in with my teams furthest east around the globe, typically in the pacific rim to align on objectives and foster a sense of teamwork, knowing they will wake while the rest of us our sleeping. The bulk of my day is dedicated to strategic planning and hands-on engagement with our projects, ensuring core innovations are moving in alignment to the vision. I leverage my EA Cindy to segment my day effectively, balancing project work with stakeholder interactions and industry research. Lastly, I make sure to reserve time for beating the punching bag, personal growth and family, as maintaining balance is crucial for sustained productivity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
To bring ideas to life, our team follows an ideation concept based on things we have solved and this environment creates functional innovation within the team. We brainstorm and validate ideas through rapid development scrums that include rigorous testing and feedback loops, ensuring they align with our strategic goals and ethical standards. My leadership teams then prioritize collaboration, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to refine and enhance the concept. We use agile methodologies to prototype quickly, allowing us to test and iterate based on real-world feedback. Finally, I ensure that every project aligns with our broader mission and values, integrating new ideas seamlessly into our existing frameworks and systems.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that truly excites me is the intersection of commercial markets returning to the original buttonwood agreement by organizing transactions into the 11 Industry Sectors using the MSCI Global Industrial Categorization Standard. This takes us well beyond just finance, such as healthcare, supply chain management, and cybersecurity. Quantum technology offers unprecedented transparency, security, and efficiency, which can revolutionize how data is managed and transactions are conducted. The potential for Distributed Quantum Ledger Technology goes well beyond blockchain to empower individuals with control over their own data while enhancing privacy is particularly compelling. It aligns perfectly with our mission to democratize technology and make it more accessible and beneficial for all. This trend not only drives innovation but also fosters a more equitable and secure digital future.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is my personal notepad, I always carried a notepad when I was a 2nd Lieutenant and that practice of daily prioritization has stayed with me. Each morning, I take time to review and prioritize my tasks based on their impact and urgency. This helps me focus on what truly matters, ensuring that I am not just busy, but effective. It also allows me to delegate tasks appropriately and ensure that the team is aligned and moving forward cohesively. This disciplined approach keeps me on track and ensures that we are always progressing towards our strategic goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say, “Faster isn’t better.” It’s important to move at a deliberate pace because you have time to visualize potential setbacks and apply some critical thinking and brainstorming opportunities that pave the way for greater innovation. I would also advise being patient and persistent, as true impact takes time to build and requires consistent effort. Additionally, I’d emphasize the importance of building strong relationships and networking, as connections can often open doors that hard skills alone cannot. Lastly, always stay true to your values, as they will guide you reliably through your choices and challenges.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that in the near future, technology will enable a form of governance that is entirely decentralized and not led by traditional political structures, but rather managed through distributed ledger technologies like our Vogon Distributed and Decentralized Quantum Ledger Database technology. This concept is still emerging but it will leapfrog beyond current blockchain technologies to provide greater transparency, reduce corruption, and allow for more direct participation and decision-making by citizens. While many see this as impractical or too radical, I see it as an inevitable evolution in how societies will organize and govern themselves, leveraging technology to enhance democratic processes and accountability. This vision challenges conventional political and administrative systems, aiming to shift power back to individuals in a more direct and engaged manner: People Powered Internet.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One practice I repeatedly do and recommend to everyone is continuous learning and self-improvement. In a rapidly evolving world, especially in technology, staying informed and adaptable is crucial. I am a voracious reader,, whether it’s the latest industry research, books on leadership, or articles on emerging technologies. This habit not only keeps me informed but also inspires innovation and creative thinking. I strongly recommend making lifelong learning a daily commitment, as it not only enhances your skills but also broadens your perspective and prepares you for future challenges.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back and engage in a brief period of meditation or prayer. This practice helps me to reset mentally and spiritually, providing clarity and peace amidst chaos. I also find it helpful to go for a short walk, preferably outdoors, to clear my mind and refocus. Additionally, I revisit my priorities by looking at my task list and re-evaluating what needs immediate attention versus what can be scheduled for later. This process of grounding myself and organizing my tasks allows me to approach my responsibilities with renewed focus and efficiency.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me grow my business and advance in my career is strategic networking. Building strong, genuine relationships within and outside the industry has opened numerous doors and provided critical opportunities. By actively engaging with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, I’ve gained invaluable insights, advice, and support that have guided my decisions and strategies. Networking has also allowed me to collaborate on projects, gain new clients, and attract talented individuals to our team. This approach has not only expanded our business reach but has also fostered a supportive community that contributes to our collective success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One notable failure in my career was an early venture into a technology startup that didn’t succeed as planned. The product we developed was technologically advanced, but we misjudged the market readiness and customer demand, leading to poor adoption and financial losses. Overcoming this involved making the tough decision to pivot and redirect our resources towards more viable projects. From this experience, I learned the critical importance of market validation and customer feedback before going full scale. It taught me to be more agile and responsive to market signals and to always validate assumptions with real-world data, ensuring that our innovations meet actual needs and have a clear value proposition.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m willing to share involves leveraging a distributed quantum ledger database to create family collective intelligence blockchain technology to create a decentralized platform for freelance talent across various industries. This platform would not only facilitate secure and transparent transactions between freelancers and clients but also incorporate a reputation system based on immutable feedback and work history records. Additionally, it could use smart contracts to manage agreements and ensure that all parties fulfill their commitments before payments are released. This system would reduce the need for intermediaries, lower transaction costs, and provide a more reliable and efficient way for freelancers to connect with potential clients globally. Such a platform could revolutionize the gig economy by providing greater security, transparency, and fairness for all users.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly enhances my productivity is Trello. It’s a versatile project management tool that allows me to organize tasks, track progress, and manage projects across different teams. I use Trello to create boards for various projects, where tasks are broken down into manageable cards that can be assigned to team members with deadlines and detailed instructions. This visual organization helps keep everything transparent and ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and timelines. Additionally, Trello’s integration with other tools like Slack and Google Drive facilitates seamless communication and document sharing, making it easier to maintain productivity and collaboration across the team.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a subscription to a comprehensive online course on artificial intelligence and machine learning. This investment was both personal and professional, as it aligns with my passion for continuous learning and directly impacts my work in technology. The course provided deep insights into the latest advancements in AI, practical applications, and ethical considerations, enhancing my understanding and enabling me to apply this knowledge in developing more innovative solutions at work. It also sparked new ideas for leveraging AI in our projects, particularly in improving our blockchain and cybersecurity offerings. This expenditure has proven invaluable by broadening my expertise and contributing to our company’s strategic goals.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This book has been instrumental in shaping my approach to business and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of agile development, rapid prototyping, and validated learning, principles that I have applied throughout my career to minimize risks and adapt quickly to changing market demands. The concept of building a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterating based on user feedback has allowed me to launch projects more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that we are always moving forward in a way that meets real user needs.
As for podcasts, I frequently listen to “How I Built This” hosted by Guy Raz. This podcast provides insights into the journeys of entrepreneurs and innovators, which is incredibly inspiring and offers valuable lessons on perseverance, creativity, and strategy. Each episode is a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of building something from the ground up, reinforcing my commitment to innovation and ethical business practices.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching the series “Silicon Valley,” which is a comedic take on the tech startup culture in Silicon Valley. What I appreciate about this series is its ability to blend humor with realistic challenges faced by startups, such as securing funding, scaling a product, navigating competition, and dealing with internal team dynamics. It provides a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of the highs and lows in the tech industry. The show resonates with me because it mirrors many of the experiences I’ve encountered in my own career, and it serves as a humorous reflection on the absurdities and breakthroughs that are part of innovating and pushing boundaries in technology. Watching it not only entertains but also offers a moment of relaxation and a chance to reflect on the journey of entrepreneurship with a smile.
Key learnings
Embracing Continuous Learning: The importance of staying informed and adaptable through continuous learning is crucial, especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology. This practice not only enhances skills but also broadens perspectives and prepares individuals for future challenges.
Strategic Networking and Relationship Building: Building genuine relationships within and outside the industry can open numerous doors, providing critical opportunities and insights that guide strategic decisions and foster collective success.
Leveraging Technology for Ethical Governance: The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize sectors beyond finance, including creating transparent and efficient systems for governance, highlights the importance of integrating technology with ethical standards to address real-world challenges.
The Value of Agile Methodologies: Implementing agile methodologies in project management and product development can significantly enhance the ability to adapt to market feedback and iterate on products, ensuring that innovations meet actual user needs and market demands.
These key learnings underscore the significance of adaptability, ethical innovation, and community in driving forward in the tech industry and beyond.