Rob Viglione is a former officer in the U.S. Air Force, having served as an analyst, researcher, and project manager during his four-year tour. Rob is also the co-founder of the cryptocurrency ZenCash. And as far apart as the worlds of the Air Force and fintech might appear to be, you can draw a direct line from one to the other.
When on his tour, Rob’s experiences outside the U.S. revealed to him the importance of a financial infrastructure that would remain intact regardless of what differing opinions any given governing regime might hold. Here, in honor of Veteran’s Day, is a written interview I ran with him about his veteran background and how it impacted his creation of a currency aimed at opening up private, secure, and borderless transactions for those in need across the globe.
Could you sum up your company and goals?
ZenCash is a privacy-oriented cryptocurrency that is hyper-focused on usability. Our goal is to provide the world’s most secure blockchain (the technology that underpins bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies) so that everyone in the world has equal access to basic economic and communication infrastructure.
How has your experience as a veteran informed who you are as an entrepreneur?
The military toughens you up and makes you grow up fast; that’s why I joined. These are character traits that help no matter which industry or career path you choose, and I’d say they’re uniquely derived from the experience. You learn what’s important, see the big picture, and maybe most critically, learn to persevere beyond what you thought were your personal limits. I’ve heard it said that grit is the single biggest determinant of success. I agree with that, and I can’t think of a better way to gain it than by serving in the military.
Source/More: One Veteran’s Air Force Experience Led Him to Start His Own Cryptocurrency
