Lani Dizon of RYO Coin On The 5 Things You Need To Understand In Order To Successfully Invest In Cryptocurrency
Lack of Understanding and Research: Many dive into investing not understanding how the industry works. To avoid this, thoroughly research the technology, projects, and market trends before making any investment.
Over the past few years, the Cryptocurrency industry has been making headlines nearly every week. Many people have gotten very wealthy investing or leading the cryptocurrency industry. At the same time, many people have lost a lot investing in the industry. In addition, more people have been scrutinizing the ecological impact of crypto mining, as well as its potential facilitation of illegal activity. What is being done and what can be done to address these concerns?
In this interview series called “5 Things You Need To Understand In Order To Successfully Invest In Cryptocurrency” we are talking to leaders in the cryptocurrency industry, as well as successful investors, who share insights from their experience about how to successfully invest in Cryptocurrency.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lani Dizon, CEO and Founder of RYO Coin.
Lani Dizon is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of achievements in empowering people globally in entrepreneurship, health, wealth, and personal development. Starting her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, she built her first distribution network of 120,000 people by 20 and launched her first global enterprise by 25. With co-founded companies in health and beauty care, life enhancement, personal development, and women’s empowerment, she has significantly contributed to global business development, branding, and marketing. Recently, Dizon has made strides in the cryptocurrency and blockchain arena, co-founding Zenza Capital and the RYO Project, pioneering a Layer-One Blockchain from Japan aimed at simplifying cryptocurrency adoption.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a little about your backstory and how you grew up?
I was born in Maryland — the only girl out of 4 children. We were navy brats — my father was a Senior Chief in the Navy, and my mother a housewife. My Dad was out to sea frequently, so my mother had to be both parents at the same time. With strict Asian values, I especially had many responsibilities. My father was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and passed away at the age of 43 when I was only 12 years old. That made a profound impact on my life. This put our family in a completely different dynamic that we all weren’t prepared for and placed me on a path to growing up very quickly. I had to be independent, so I landed my first job at 16 years old and took night school classes to receive various medical certifications even before I graduated from high school. While going to university, I also had to contribute to supporting the household. My goal was to be a medical doctor, but destiny had a different plan for me.
Is there a particular book, film, or podcast that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The movie “Braveheart.” I remember after the movie finished, my friend and I just sat in our chairs, speechless. The movie stirred up my emotions on so many levels. At its core, it conveyed the importance of fighting for freedom, justice, and the preservation of one’s cultural identity. It emphasized the power of individual courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Additionally, the movie highlights the significance of unity and loyalty among allies and the personal sacrifices necessary in the pursuit of freedom. Overall, the film inspires viewers to stand up against oppression and tyranny and to cherish the values of liberty and self-determination.
Is there a particular story that inspired you to pursue your particular career path? We’d love to hear it.
My Father passed away of cancer when I was only 12 years old, which had a profound impact on my life. I looked to the medical field, went into a nursing program, and took medical courses to become a Medical Doctor. However, I later found that my path to helping people through better health wasn’t through medicine, but instead, through pure and natural wellness formulas that I developed with scientists and formulators with the passion of transforming people’s lives — from heath, personal development, and life enhancement — around the world. Although health, wellness, and personal development are still my passions, I learned about Bitcoin in 2011 and knew cryptocurrency and Web3, which is the “internet of value” built around blockchain technology, would create so many new opportunities in the world, and with my desire to make an even greater impact on people’s lives that led me to the path I’m on today.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started as an entrepreneur at the end of 1993, I was told to pass out 3000 product flyers each day, and that would yield me 1% interest. I did it consistently for months without any results. One day, at 10 pm, I had about 200 more fliers to go, so I went to a grocery store and started putting the fliers on every car in the parking lot. Someone called the police. I had one police car following me as I walked away from one of the cars. Then, a second police car arrived, and a third and a fourth police car, and eventually, five police cars, were standing by watching me. I thought they must have been there for someone else, but the first police car pulled up, and the officer asked what I was doing. I said, “Passing out fliers.” He said, “We were called by someone claiming that you’re looking into cars, possibly a thief.” I laughed and (although worried) confidently replied, “No, I’m just passing out fliers — in fact, follow me,” and I walked to my car, with all the police cars slowly following from behind. I told them I had more fliers in my trunk, so they watched as I opened it up and pulled out my last stack of fliers, then handed them all samples of the energy drink that I was promoting at the time. I encouraged them to try the samples that night because they work the night shift. They were all shocked by my passion and enthusiasm for the product, which took focus off me being a thief. I got a call the next morning from one of the police officers wanting more product because he felt more energy that night. That was followed by the other officers, who wanted more samples as well and who referred others from paramedics, firemen, hospital staff, and even doctors. So, what I learned from that situation is that although I “worried” that I made a big mistake by passing out fliers late at night, my belief, enthusiasm, and persistence paid off, and that led to a huge customer base from that one incident.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Initially, at the age of 16, I was in search of guidance and was told to consult with my high school counselor. After a short 10-minute meeting with her for the first time, I was told, “You should just attend a junior college and intend to do something small, because you’ll never amount to anything anyway.” I used that as personal motivation to strive harder, and it eventually led me to meet a person who was encouraging and willing to mentor me. This person, Anthony Diaz, eventually became my business partner, and we have developed various companies together for over 30 years. I was just one person that he believed in, but what made the difference in my success was that I learned to believe in myself and took action towards self-responsibility, self-motivation, and eventually becoming self-functional. Through that experience, I vowed to dedicate my life to providing guidance, entrepreneurial opportunities, and motivation to others, as I was blessed to have discovered.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
I have been working on a groundbreaking project that has been in development for several years with a Web3 payment solution that is launching from Japan, called RYO. Unlike other blockchain or crypto projects, this one takes a very simple, user-friendly approach that allows anyone to participate in the rapidly growing Web3 space safely and confidently for global mass adoption.
Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. The cryptocurrency industry seems extremely dynamic right now. What are the 3 things in particular that most excite you about the industry? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- Decentralization: Cryptocurrencies enable peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries, fostering a decentralized financial ecosystem. This minimizes reliance on traditional institutions and enhances trust in transactions.
- Blockchain Innovation: The underlying blockchain technology allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant transactions. This innovation extends beyond currency, enabling smart contracts, decentralized applications, and various use cases across industries.
- Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies can provide financial services to people without access to traditional banking. This inclusivity has the potential to empower individuals in regions with limited financial infrastructure, fostering economic participation on a global scale.
What are the 3 things that concern you about the industry? Can you explain? What can be done to address those concerns?
- Complexity: Currently, the cryptocurrency landscape is extremely difficult to understand and navigate for the average person. This nascent industry was created by developers for developers with language and user-interfaces that reflect that. It is not ready for prime-time. However, when companies simplify the process like Hotmail did for email, the masses will adopt. It’s just a matter of time.
- Unclear Regulations: The lack of clear and consistent regulations can lead to uncertainty and potential misuse. Establishing comprehensive and adaptable regulatory frameworks globally can provide clarity, protect investors, and foster responsible innovation.
- Hacking Risks: The susceptibility of cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets to hacking poses a significant concern. Continued efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures, implement best practices, and educate users on security protocols are essential to mitigate these risks.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about cryptocurrency? Can you explain what you mean?
- There are many myths that surround cryptocurrency. Although many use it for Illegal activities or to avoid regulatory oversight due to the degree of privacy they provide, that is just a small fraction of the potential that this revolutionary technology offers. Others use it as a way to get-rich-quick without understanding the risks.
- One of the most important aspects of cryptocurrencies is the intrinsic value they possess that is derived from the underlying blockchain technology, scarcity (e.g., limited supply in Bitcoin), and their utility in decentralized applications.
- Also, blockchain is not only used for cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology has applications beyond cryptocurrencies. It is used in various industries for secure and transparent record-keeping, supply chain management, smart contracts, and so much more.
How do you think cryptocurrency has the potential to help society in the future?
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology will have a monumental impact on society on so many levels, from Reducing Remittance Costs, Transparent and Tamper-Proof Transactions, Smart Contracts, Asset Tokenization and so much more.
- At the very heart is the Decentralization that empowers individuals by reducing reliance on centralized authorities and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Cryptocurrencies can provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked populations, offering a means of accessing and managing funds without traditional banking infrastructure. Ultimately giving the individual the power over his finances.
Recently, more people have been scrutinizing the ecological impact of crypto mining. From your perspective, can you explain to our readers why the cryptocurrency industry is creating an environmental challenge?
The energy-consuming process of mining certain cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin poses an environmental challenge. This involves solving complex mathematical problems, that often require powerful hardware and a significant amount of energy to complete. This has raised concerns about carbon emissions and the environmental impact, especially when mining operations rely on fossil fuels.
From your perspective what can be done to address or correct these concerns?
Many projects are now exploring more sustainable practices and alternative consensus mechanisms that don’t require the energy-intensive mining to process transactions.
Recently, more people have been scrutinizing cryptocurrency’s impact on illegal activity. From your perspective, can you explain to our readers why cryptocurrency, more than fiat currency, is seen as an attractive choice for criminals?
Criminals gravitate toward cryptocurrencies due to their pseudonymous nature and decentralized structure allowing transactions to process with a degree of privacy while bypassing a central authority, like a bank. This makes it extremely challenging for authorities to trace and identify individuals involved.
From your perspective what can be done to address or correct these concerns?
Creating regulatory frameworks and transparency of transactions, as Japan is doing, will help mitigate these concerns. Also, designing blockchains to be “private” but “not anonymous” will ease the mind of regulators who resist current blockchains due to their pseudonymous nature.
Ok, fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview. What are “The 5 Things You Need To Understand In Order To Successfully Invest In Cryptocurrency?” (Please share a story or example for each.)
a. Understanding The Market: It is critical to understand the basics of blockchain technology, how the market operates, and the impact of external events on cryptocurrencies before investing.
B. Project Research: Thoroughly research the cryptocurrencies you’re interested in. Understand their unique features, and the problems they aim to solve. Examine the team behind the project, the technology, and the overall roadmap. Stay informed about market trends, news, and regulatory developments that may impact your investments.
c. Risk Management: Cryptocurrency investments can be volatile. Market fluctuations are common, and being prepared for them is crucial. Develop a clear risk management strategy, diversify your portfolio, and only invest what you can afford to lose.
D. Security Awareness: Safeguard your investments by using secure wallets, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed about potential security threats. Understand the importance of private keys and keep them secure in a cold storage.
e. Long-Term Perspective: Cryptocurrency markets can be speculative, and short-term price movements can be unpredictable. Consider adopting a long-term investment approach, focusing on the fundamentals of the projects you invest in rather than short-term market fluctuations.
What are the most common mistakes you have seen people make when they enter the industry? What can be done to avoid that?
a. Lack of Understanding and Research: Many dive into investing not understanding how the industry works. To avoid this, thoroughly research the technology, projects, and market trends before making any investment.
b. Emotional Trading: Emotional decision-making, driven by fear, hype or greed, often leads to poor outcomes. Making informed decisions based on research and understanding will enhance the chances of success and reduce potential risks. Most importantly, stay the course, regardless of short-term market fluctuations.
c. Poor Risk Management: One of the number one causes to failure is investing more than you can afford to lose. Diversifying your portfolio with investments you can afford to lose is a good strategy towards effective risk management.
d. Neglecting Security: Failing to have the best security strategy for your cryptocurrency can lead to significant loss of your holdings. Fortify your holdings by using reputable wallets, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your private keys secure by utilizing cold storage.
Do you have a particular type of cryptocurrency that you are excited about? We’d love to hear why.
RYO Coin out of Japan, of which I am a co-founder.
I am a passionate believer in the crypto and blockchain space, but there are barriers to mass adoption, such as lack of usability, complicated wallets, and confusing technology for the average person. Therefore, over the past several years, we have passionately been focused on building a scalable, user-friendly ecosystem around RYO Coin for simplicity, usability, and creating solutions to existing challenges in the space to achieve mass adoption and acceptance.
Our RYO ecosystem comprises an easy-to-navigate digital wallet, the first-of-its-kind crypto-friendly eCommerce Global Platform, and the first Crypto ATM Network in Japan. This is powered by RYO, a blockchain-powered payment system that unites consumers and merchants to participate in the new crypto economy with trust and confidence as a legitimate and safe method of payment and store of value that is also regulator-friendly.
This project will soon launch from Japan to the world.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would encourage a “COMPASSION FORWARD” movement that is focused on giving people hope, inspiration, and encouragement for one another. If each person just committed to encouraging or spreading kindness and hope to two other people, the compounding results would have a huge impact on society. We are so divided as a country, so encouraging people to connect with others’ experiences, struggles, and perspectives will foster kindness, and understanding that would ultimately lead to positive change in the world that is so needed today.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
Richard Branson. Aside from being a highly successful entrepreneur, he is also known for his innovative approach to business. I respect his relaxed nature to explore unconventional methods while making a positive impact in the world. His charismatic personality and diverse experiences would make a meeting with him both educational and enjoyable.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
Lani Dizon of RYO Coin On The 5 Things You Need To Understand In Order To Successfully Invest In… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.