In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Maja Vujinovic, CEO & Co-Founder of FG Nexus. Maja shares her remarkable journey from being a refugee in childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur.  She discusses the financial struggles she observed early in life, which led her to the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. 

Maja also recounts her experience of getting kicked out of boardrooms for discussing the use of airline engine electricity from GE to mine Bitcoin. She discusses the creation of FG Nexus, a company built to be cycler-resistant, and how it's not just a momentum play. 

Additionally, Maja gives a prediction on the price of Ethereum by the end of the year and explains her philosophy of being grateful even for the challenges she faces. 

Tune in for an insightful discussion on overcoming adversity, the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, and the future of blockchain technology.

Maja Vujinovic

X (Twitter): https://x.com/maja0G

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majavujinovic/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Kyle Samani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital and Chairman of the Board of Forward Industries, for an insightful discussion about the Solana blockchain and Multicoin Capital's role in the blockchain space.

Samani delves into the unique features that distinguish Solana from other blockchains, such as its high throughput and low transaction costs, and explains its rapid growth and adoption within the blockchain community. The conversation also covers broader topics, including Samani's investment strategies, the future potential of decentralised finance (DeFi), and the transformative impact of blockchain technology on the global financial ecosystem. 

Samani shares his perspectives on the challenges facing the blockchain industry and the innovations that could drive its future growth. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the innovative world of Solana, the dynamics of blockchain technology, and the impact of Multicoin Capital on the future of finance and technology.

Kyle Samani

X (Twitter): https://x.com/KyleSamani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesamani/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed speaks with Kevin de Patoul, Co-founder and CEO of Keyrock. Kevin shares how he built Keyrock from its beginnings in 2017 into a global force in digital asset market making, operating across thousands of markets and exchanges.

The conversation covers the evolution of digital assets, the challenges of bridging traditional and crypto finance, and the importance of building trust and credibility in a rapidly changing industry. Kevin also reflects on the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, the value of discipline and humility, and his vision for the future of tokenisation and digital finance.

Tune in for insights on digital assets, scaling a fintech company, and what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Kevin de Patoul

X (Twitter): https://x.com/kevindepatoul

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-de-patoul/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of the Searching for Mana podcast, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Sandy Kaul, EVP Head of Innovation at Franklin Templeton.

They discuss the groundbreaking potential of digital assets and blockchain technology in transforming the financial industry. Sandy shares her journey from a journalist to a thought leader in fintech, highlighting pivotal moments and the innovative directions Franklin Templeton is taking. They delve into the intricacies of tokenised money market funds, stablecoins, and the evolving landscape of financial regulation. 

Beyond her role at Franklin Templeton, Sandy is the co-chair of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission's Digital Asset Subcommittee and serves on the World Economic Forum Digital Assets Advisory Board. 

Tune in to explore Sandy's visionary insights and the future trajectory of digital finance.

Sandy Kaul

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-kaul/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, Dan & Sachin are joined by Steffen Vollert, Co-Founder and CEO of Volt.io — one of the leading players driving real-time payments across borders through open banking infrastructure.

From the early days of Volt’s seed raise to the complexity of global expansion — including their launch in Australia — Steffen shares what it takes to build a high-growth payments business without compromising on culture, product, or people.

He unpacks why talent retention and cultural alignment are key differentiators at scale, and how “extreme ownership” has shaped Volt’s internal DNA.

The conversation also dives into:

 – The future of Web3 in payments

 – How digital assets could accelerate infrastructure

 – Why Europe lags behind the U.S. in fintech innovation

 – And yes… even a few thoughts on tractors, habits, and consistency

Steffen’s calm, pragmatic approach is matched by a sharp clarity around product and growth — a CEO who codes, thinks, and scales with intention.

A must-listen for anyone building in payments, fintech, or digital infrastructure.
 

Steffen Vollert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vollerts/

Daniel O'Riordan

X (Twitter): https://x.com/Dan_ORiordan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-o-riordan-0636257b/

Sachin Doshi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-doshi-1b87094/

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Official website: https://mana-group.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Stani Kulechov, the founder and CEO of Avara, to delve into the transformative impact of decentralised finance. 

Stani discusses the origins and growth of Aave, the significance of blockchain technology, and the innovative solutions his team is developing in the DeFi space. The conversation includes insights into Aave's pioneering lending and borrowing protocols, while also touching on the broader implications of tokenised real-world assets (RWAs), and the importance of security and scalability in blockchain networks. Stani shares his vision for a future where DeFi can provide equal financial opportunities to all, emphasising the importance of resilience and creativity.

Tune in to gain insightful perspectives on financial democratisation, the role of Ethereum, and the seamless integration of blockchain in mainstream finance.

Stani Kulechov

X (Twitter): https://x.com/StaniKulechov

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stani-kulechov-361284132/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

Stay updated with Searching For Mana

Official website: https://mana-group.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of the Kanoo Group, for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of tradition and innovation in business.

Kanoo shares insights into his family's business legacy, the importance of professional management, and the role education plays in ethical leadership. The episode also tackles broader themes such as the socio-economic impacts of AI and the importance of community and respect in business. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the principles, challenges, and future trends in business and technology.

Mishal Kanoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishal-kanoo-14099111b/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed speaks with Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, to delve into the expansive possibilities of blockchain technology and Cardano's unique position in the ecosystem. 

Discussing Cardano's resilience, decentralised governance, and long-term vision, Gregaard sheds light on how the Foundation's non-profit ethos drives innovation and social impact. The conversation touches on the challenges and successes faced by Cardano, its academic foundation, and the potential for blockchain to redefine global governance and economic identity. 

Gregaard also shares his personal leadership philosophy and vision for a future where blockchain empowers communities globally.

Don't miss this insightful episode to understand the intricate balance between technology, ethics, and the future of decentralised networks.

Cardano Foundation website: https://www.cardanofoundation.org/

Frederik Gregaard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregaard/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, Lloyd Wahed meets with Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, to unpack her journey from an early fascination with Bitcoin to leading one of blockchain’s most groundbreaking ecosystems. With her expertise spanning traditional finance and digital assets, Lily provides a rare, balanced view of where blockchain is heading and how Solana is advancing the technology’s global impact.

Discover Solana's evolution from a fledgling network to a blockchain powerhouse, overcoming hurdles like the FTX crash while cultivating a vibrant community and ecosystem with over $5 billion in TVL.

Lily’s perspectives on self-custody, economic sovereignty, and user-first blockchain products are a must for anyone following the evolution of digital assets.

Don't miss this episode for a glimpse into crypto’s future, the challenges and promise of blockchain, and the unique strength of the Solana community.

Solana website: https://solana.com/

Lily Liu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calilyliu/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana Fintech, co-hosts Dan and Sachin engage in a compelling conversation with Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix, a pioneering company providing AI-driven SaaS solutions for the financial and insurance sectors. 

Since its founding in 2001, Earnix has led innovation with dynamic tools that transform insurer operations, from risk evaluation to real-time pricing.

The discussion explores strategies that have positioned Earnix as a key player in this evolving industry, covering global market expansion and complex regulatory environments.

Robin shares insights on how Earnix’s technology enables insurers to launch products faster, make smarter pricing decisions, and stay competitive. He also addresses the challenges of global scaling and navigating diverse regulations.

Tune in to discover the strategies positioning companies like Earnix at the forefront of industry advancements.

Earnix website: https://earnix.com/

Robin Gilthorpe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingilthorpe/

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In this compelling episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jeremy Allaire, the visionary Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle.

Together, they explore the transformative journey of Circle and its flagship digital currency, USDC. Delving deep into the origins, challenges, and subsequent rise of Circle, the conversation sheds light on how stablecoins like USDC are pioneering the future of digital finance, providing a seamless bridge between cutting-edge blockchain technology and traditional financial systems.

From navigating the turbulent waters of ‘crypto winters’ to scaling operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode highlights the resilience and foresight required to integrate blockchain technology with established financial systems, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the future of digital currencies.

Circle's website: https://www.circle.com/en/

Jeremy Allaire's profile on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyallaire/

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