We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Skinner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Patrick, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from a unique fusion of my experiences as a Paratrooper Medic, Mass Casualty Coordinator, and now as a technical founder in the web3 space.
In the Army, and particularly during the tragedy in Haiti, I learned the profound importance of commitment, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of our mission, no matter how dire the circumstances. The urgency of the tasks at hand, the magnitude of the responsibility, and the lives that hung in the balance forced me to optimize every minute of my time and every ounce of effort.
Now, as a technical founder focused on combatting counterfeiting to disrupt human trafficking, I carry these same principles forward. The urgency has transformed but hasn’t diminished. The commitment to serve a greater purpose continues to fuel my work ethic. I’m not just writing code; I’m part of a fight against deeply entrenched global issues. The scale of the problem we’re addressing keeps me motivated and focused.
In essence, my work ethic is a product of a lifelong commitment to serving causes greater than myself, from saving lives on the battlefield to fighting human trafficking through technology. It’s about taking that disciplined, mission-focused mindset from my military career and applying it to this new, equally vital battlefield.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder of AGAMI, a cutting-edge company dedicated to combating counterfeiting by leveraging blockchain technology. But that’s not all I do – I’m also deeply involved with Developer DAO, a thriving community of Web3 developers where we learn, educate, and inspire each other to push the boundaries of web3 technology.
What I find truly special about my work is its convergence of technology, education, and social impact. At AGAMI, we’re not just building technology for technology’s sake. We’re striving to undercut the funding of human trafficking by tackling counterfeiting, a significant source of their revenue. This mission lends a deep sense of purpose and urgency to our work, making it incredibly fulfilling.
Meanwhile, at Developer DAO, I get to help cultivate the next generation of web3 developers. As a self-taught software engineer, I firmly believe in the power of community learning and peer-to-peer inspiration. Seeing developers grow, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the web3 space is incredibly exciting.
In terms of my brand, it is defined by a relentless pursuit of positive impact, whether it’s through building anti-counterfeiting technology or fostering an empowering community for developers. I am deeply committed to using technology as a tool to make businesses more effective, people’s lives better, and society more equitable.
As for what’s new, AGAMI is continuously developing and refining our solutions, so stay tuned for upcoming announcements about our latest innovations. Developer DAO, on the other hand, is constantly growing and expanding its offerings to educate and support aspiring and experienced developers alike.
In conclusion, I’m an entrepreneur, educator, and software engineer passionate about utilizing technology for social good, and I’m excited about the future of web3 and the transformative potential it holds.
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?
Resilience: This was an invaluable quality that I developed during my time as a Paratrooper Medic and Mass Casualty Coordinator. The ability to withstand high levels of stress, bounce back from setbacks, and keep pushing forward even in the face of extreme adversity is crucial in any endeavor. For those early in their journey, I would advise actively seeking challenging situations. Push your boundaries, face your fears, and understand that failure is a part of the learning process.
Continuous Learning: This skill has been at the core of my transition from military service to becoming a self-taught software engineer and a technical founder. In the rapidly evolving world of technology, a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. My advice is to be curious, explore new concepts, techniques, and technologies, and never stop learning. Join communities, take online courses, read widely, and most importantly, apply what you learn in real-world projects.
Empathy: Whether dealing with casualties in a disaster-stricken area or building products that solve real-world problems, empathy has guided my actions. It helps me understand the needs of those I’m serving or building for and motivates me to make a meaningful impact. For individuals starting their journey, I would recommend spending time to genuinely understand the problems you’re trying to solve, the people you’re serving, and how your work impacts them. Cultivating empathy will make you a better leader, team member, and problem-solver.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most influential person in my life, particularly in helping me overcome challenges and developing the essential skills and qualities I needed, was undoubtedly Thomas Omogi. Thomas was not just a close friend, but also a mentor, someone I had the privilege of working with across different continents including the US, Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America.
Thomas was an exceptional human being who embodied responsibility, work ethic, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He imbued in me these same qualities which have shaped my journey and helped me navigate both personal and professional challenges. He was a beacon of wisdom and insight, guiding me through the complexities of life and work with a compassionate, insightful hand.
The loss of Thomas in 2016 was a deeply difficult time for me. However, his teachings and principles continue to guide me. His life’s greatest lesson to me was the importance of paying forward the wisdom and guidance that I received from him. Today, I carry forward his legacy by doing my best to mentor and guide others, just as Thomas did for me.
In short, Thomas Omogi was instrumental in my development and his influence continues to shape who I am. His mentorship was a gift, and now my mission is to pass on that gift to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://patrickskinner.tech
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickskinner.tech/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/patrickaskinner
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSkinnerTech
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PSkinnerTech
