We recently connected with Gordon Mcarthur and have shared our conversation below.
Gordon , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from my firsthand experience with the transformative power of technology and human creativity. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed incredible advancements that have opened up new possibilities we could barely imagine just a few years ago.
Working with LiDAR technology, I’ve seen how we can preserve and recreate our physical world in digital spaces, making cultural heritage accessible to people worldwide. In the blockchain realm, I’ve observed the development of systems that could revolutionize trust and transactions in the digital age.
But more than the technology itself, my optimism comes from the people I encounter – the innovators, the dreamers, and even the skeptics who push us to consider all angles. I’ve seen diverse communities come together in virtual spaces, breaking down geographical and social barriers.
Challenges exist, certainly, but I believe in our collective ability to address them creatively and ethically. Every obstacle we face in the digital realm is an opportunity to build a better, more inclusive future.
My background in music has also taught me the power of harmony – of bringing different elements together to create something beautiful. I see our digital future in much the same way – a harmony of technology, creativity, and human spirit.
So, in essence, my optimism comes from seeing the incredible potential in both our technological advancements and in ourselves as we navigate this new digital frontier.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At the core of my work is the mission to bridge the physical and digital worlds, creating immersive experiences that preserve our cultural heritage and push the boundaries of human interaction.
My LiDAR company specializes in creating high-fidelity digital twins of real-world environments. What’s truly exciting about this is how we’re essentially building a digital time capsule of our world. Imagine being able to walk through an exact replica of the Parthenon in its prime, or exploring endangered natural wonders from your living room. We’re not just preserving these places; we’re democratizing access to them.
Parallel to this, I co-own a blockchain company where we’re developing solutions for digital identity and ownership in the metaverse. The potential here is immense – we’re laying the groundwork for secure, portable digital identities that could revolutionize how we interact online.
What makes my approach unique is the intersection of these cutting-edge technologies with my background in music production and staging. This blend allows me to think about digital experiences not just in terms of data and algorithms, but as multisensory, emotionally resonant encounters.
As for what’s new, we’re currently working on an exciting project that combines our LiDAR scans with blockchain-verified ownership to create ‘digital twins’ of famous music venues. Imagine owning a piece of your favorite concert hall in the metaverse, or performing in a virtual replica of CBGB. We’re aiming to launch this in the next few months, so stay tuned!
Ultimately, what I want people to know about my work is that it’s all driven by a passion for exploration – whether that’s riding my motorcycle through new terrains or charting the unexplored territories of the digital frontier. I believe we’re on the cusp of a new era of human experience, and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping it.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were:
1. Interdisciplinary thinking: The ability to connect ideas across different fields has been crucial. My background in computer science, anthropology, music, and technology has allowed me to approach problems from multiple angles and create innovative solutions.
2. Adaptability: The tech world moves fast, and being able to pivot quickly, learn new skills, and embrace change has been essential. This adaptability has helped me stay relevant and seize new opportunities as they arise.
3. Vision and persistence: Having a clear vision of what’s possible, even when others can’t see it yet, and the persistence to pursue that vision despite obstacles, has been key to turning ideas into reality.
For those early in their journey, here’s my advice on developing these qualities:
1. Cultivate diverse interests: Don’t limit yourself to one field. Explore widely, take courses outside your main area of study, and seek out experiences that broaden your perspective. The intersections between different disciplines often lead to the most innovative ideas.
2. Embrace continuous learning: Make learning a habit. Stay curious, follow emerging trends, and be willing to dive into new technologies or concepts. Remember, the goal isn’t to know everything, but to be comfortable with constantly evolving your knowledge.
3. Practice resilience: Set ambitious goals and pursue them relentlessly. Learn to see setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision, but also seek out constructive criticism to refine your ideas.
4. Gain hands-on experience: Theory is important, but practical experience is invaluable. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives, or intern at startups. This hands-on work will not only build your skills but also help you discover what truly excites you.
5. Network and collaborate: Build relationships with people in various fields. Attend conferences, join online communities, and seek out mentors. Collaborating with others can provide new perspectives and opportunities you might not have discovered on your own.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique. These qualities and skills have been crucial for me, but the most important thing is to stay true to your passions and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The digital frontier is vast, and there’s room for many different paths to success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I’m always open to collaboration. In fact, I believe that some of the most innovative and impactful work happens when diverse minds come together. The type of people I’m particularly interested in collaborating with include:
1. Visionary technologists: I’m keen to connect with forward-thinking individuals who are pushing the boundaries in areas like AR/VR, AI, and quantum computing. I’m particularly interested in how these technologies can intersect with our work in LiDAR and blockchain.
2. Digital artists and designers: As we build more immersive digital environments, I’m looking to collaborate with creative minds who can help shape the aesthetics and user experience of these virtual worlds.
3. Anthropologists and sociologists: Understanding human behavior and social dynamics is crucial as we develop digital spaces. I’d love to work with experts who can provide insights into how people might interact in and adapt to these new environments.
4. Ethical tech advocates: As we navigate the complexities of digital identity and data ownership, I’m seeking collaborators who are passionate about ensuring our technological advancements are ethical and inclusive.
5. Musicians and sound designers: Given my background in metal music and the importance of audio in creating immersive experiences, I’m always excited to collaborate with innovative sound artists.
6. Environmental scientists: I’m interested in exploring how our digital twin technology could be used for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
7. Blockchain developers: As we continue to explore the potential of decentralized technologies, I’m keen to collaborate with experts who can help push our blockchain initiatives forward.
8. Educators and learning designers: I see huge potential in using metaverse technologies for education, and would love to work with people who can help shape this future.
The ideal collaborator, regardless of their specific field, would be someone who shares my enthusiasm for pushing boundaries, isn’t afraid to challenge conventional thinking, and has a strong ethical compass. I believe in the power of diverse perspectives, so I’m always excited to work with people who bring different experiences and viewpoints to the table.
If anyone reading this feels their work aligns with these areas and they’re interested in collaboration, I’d encourage them to reach out. The future we’re building is vast, and there’s room for many minds to shape it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birdseyevr.com
- Instagram: @birdseyevr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/birdseyevr
- Soundcloud: Gus mcarthur
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