Silvia Mogas
Silvia Mogas is a visionary leader in the Web3 and Blockchain space, passionate about innovation and building memorable brands. With almost 20 years of experience in diverse industries, she is the CEO and Founder of Verify Trust and Blockchain Marketing Boutique. As a Web3 and marketing professor, international speaker, mentor, and judge in accelerator programs, she strives to empower and inspire others in the emerging technology landscape.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
During my early years, I was a dedicated and high-achieving student, always eager to explore new opportunities. As I reached adulthood, I followed my passions and pursued diverse paths, first studying to become a vet assistant and then embarking on an exciting career as an air hostess with Iberia Regional. However, I strongly believed in the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. To further my education, I made a significant career shift and delved into the marketing field. As an events’ organizer for a business center, I gained valuable experience in assisting corporations with their events while simultaneously pursuing a four-year marketing degree. For me, my goals have always been to be better today than yesterday, not to compare myself to anyone else, and to follow my growth path, becoming a better person in both personal and professional aspects.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
My career has been shaped by three significant AHA moments. The first one occurred in 2015 when I moved to the UK to pursue my Chartered Institute of Marketing diploma in London. The second AHA moment came in May 2019 when I decided to change my career industry and embarked on my Executive MBA journey while moving to Asia. However, the most profound AHA moment was in the summer of 2019 when I discovered blockchain. Since then, I have been immersed in the blockchain world, exploring its endless possibilities and opportunities. The blockchain technology opened up a new world for me, and I have been on an exciting journey down the rabbit hole ever since. This encounter led me to found Verify Trust and Blockchain Marketing Boutique, dedicating my work to driving the adoption of emerging technologies and revolutionizing the industry.
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!”
The inspiration for the Blockchain Marketing Boutique came from a rebranding of my old consultancy agency. I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized technologies, empowering companies to embrace innovation and be part of the future. The motivation to say “YES, go for it!” came from my belief in the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize industries and the desire to help businesses navigate this transformative landscape. We assist companies with technology strategy and marketing, enabling them to leverage emerging technologies effectively. Verify Trust, on the other hand, stemmed from one of my core principles: I don’t believe in selling lies. I noticed that many companies were deceiving customers with fake reviews, leading to significant issues in the market, and even an underground black market for dishonest reviews. Realizing this problem, I connected the dots between the issue and my expertise in web3 and blockchain technologies, leading to the creation of Verify Trust. I am immensely excited to make this concept a reality and onboard the first genuine customers and trustworthy brands, making a positive impact on the industry.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Starting my entrepreneurial journey indeed came with its set of challenges, and I have faced my fair share along the way. It all began with using my own savings to bootstrap both the Blockchain Marketing Boutique and Verify Trust. To tackle the challenge of getting new clients for the Blockchain Marketing Boutique, I adopted an approach of proactive networking and outreach. Building strong relationships, attending industry events, and leveraging personal connections have been valuable in expanding our client base. For Verify Trust, the priority has been to seek potential investors and present a compelling case for the business. We are actively exploring funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to turn our vision into reality. Additionally, seeking advice and guidance from mentors and industry peers has been crucial. Their insights and experiences have provided valuable direction and helped me make informed decisions. Overall, learning to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and keeping a positive mindset have been instrumental in navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Each obstacle has been a learning experience, leading to continuous improvement and making our ventures stronger in the long run.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I embraced the role of an entrepreneur in residency at Demium Startups while simultaneously pursuing my Executive MBA. Through virtual meetings and the MBA program, I found much-needed structure and support during the isolation period. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and continuous learning. Amidst the challenges, I discovered new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work environments and further globalized the business landscape. It was a period of progress and learning as we adapted to the changes and harnessed the advantages of this new work paradigm. During this time, I also participated in a hackathon organized by the European Union with the team “Covexit.” Together, we created an e-commerce platform for small businesses, helping them to sell their products and services during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and innovator, I’ve had the privilege of achieving several significant milestones that have shaped my path and reinforced my commitment to driving positive change. Recently, I was honored to be recognized as a global trailblazer among the Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Tech, an acknowledgment that humbles me and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in the technology and blockchain sectors. Additionally, in 2019 my wedding marketing plan received the Highly Commended Award for Best Wedding Marketing Plan in the UK from The Hotel Marketing Association. This recognition highlighted the impact of my marketing strategies in the hospitality industry and further ignited my passion for driving success through innovative approaches. Moreover, I take immense pride in the fact that my final degree project was awarded with honors at the university. Furthermore, Verify Trust, the startup I founded, was acknowledged as a finalist in the Initiate Awards by CEIN. This validation of our business model and market fit fills me with excitement and determination to revolutionize the reviews industry and promote trust and transparency in businesses.
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?
To all the young budding women entrepreneurs, I encourage embracing our unique strengths and fearlessly bring your ideas and innovations to life. My vision for the world is to see more diversity and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial landscape, where women have equal opportunities and representation. I believe that by supporting each other, collaborating, and empowering one another, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Let’s break through the barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a world where gender does not limit our potential. Together, we can create a future where young women entrepreneurs are celebrated, respected, and given the resources and support they need to thrive. So, dream big, work hard, and make your mark on the world – because your ideas and contributions are invaluable, and the world needs your unique perspective and brilliance. Remember, you have the power to shape the future and make a difference!
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important thing I’ve learned in my personal life and professional journey is the value of lifelong learning. Embracing continuous growth and improvement has allowed me to adapt to new challenges, stay curious, and expand my horizons. My personal motto in life is to “Do good, be good,” which aligns with my belief in making a positive impact on others and the world. I find inspiration in Steve Jobs’ quote, “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,” reminding me to stay curious and never settle. Additionally, Heraclitus’ wisdom, “The only constant in life is change,” encourages me to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth.
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?
Women’s leadership today is a powerful force driving positive change and progress in workplaces across the globe. It’s inspiring to see women standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, breaking through barriers, and carving out their space at the top of the pyramid. However, while significant progress has been made, there are still challenges to address. The cracks in the glass ceilings show that there is more work to be done to achieve true gender equality in leadership roles. Women continue to face hurdles in accessing equal opportunities for growth and advancement, and the gender pay gap remains an issue in many industries. To achieve true progress, we need to work together to break down unconscious gender biases and challenge traditional stereotypes. Men play a significant role in promoting inclusivity and supporting women’s leadership. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, we can create a workplace culture that values and embraces the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
‘The Pursuit of Happiness‘: ‘Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You have a dream, you have to protect it. People can’t do something themselves; they want to tell you they can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.‘ Believe in the power within you to conquer any challenge and turn your dreams into reality. Embrace every obstacle as a stepping stone to success, and refuse to be constrained by others’ doubts. Build a network of support and seek wisdom from mentors who lift you higher. Fearlessly take risks, knowing that your unique perspectives and ideas hold immeasurable value in shaping the world. Stay true to your vision.