Somi Arian
Somi Arian is a Tech-Philosopher, Author, Filmmaker, and Entrepreneur, Founder of Smart Cookie Media, a digital marketing agency for thought leadership, and Founder and Managing Director of InPeak.xyz a platform that is building the “LinkedIn/Masterclass” of Web3 that focuses on providing practical knowledge on a wide range of topics including all things web3, NFTs, and the metaverse through live mentoring sessions, on demand training, and exclusive networking opportunities.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before the venture/ corporate journey?
I was born in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war. I taught myself to speak English by reading which led me to work in the diplomatic circle in the UN and European embassies when I was 19, and in 2005 I moved to the UK to go to university.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
When I first learned about blockchain technology back in 2017, I knew it would disrupt the Internet as we knew it and the companies managing it.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I am the founder and CEO of Inpeak, a platform that is building the “LinkedIn/Masterclass” of Web3 that focuses on providing practical knowledge on a wide range of topics including all things web3, NFTs, and the metaverse through live mentoring sessions, on demand training, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I was the lead singer of a death metal band going through university. I founded my own digital marketing company, Smart Cookie Media.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would love to see women in the top tiers of business and technology, and taking an active part in the conversations that will shape our future.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
I believe we are on the right path, but there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve equality in a way that all genders can compliment each other and work together. For me, the development of Web3 and its decentralisation of the Internet as we know it, are key for us to really get to a place of equality.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
The world is undergoing a digital transformation. My advice to young women leaders and everyone else is to never stop learning. Education is a lifelong process, and as technology advances at a breakneck speed, we need to constantly stay on top of our skills so that we remain relevant to the workforce and society.