Moving Forward Without a Map: Do The Thing Podcast

In my recent interview with Stacey Lauren on her Do The Thing podcast, I spoke about something I’ve learned the hard way: stepping into the unknown.

Stacey's mission is clear —she pushes people to face their fears, take action, and create opportunities, not wait for them. It’s a mindset I resonate with deeply, and it’s one that took me from dreaming of "being in the band" to meeting Steve Jobs and working on the NeXT computer to create that first App Store among other things. That fateful decision to pursue what was unclear; shaped my life and my career.

Today, we entrepreneurs still freeze at the thought of uncertainty. Entrepreneurs are not risk takers by nature. But real progress happens when we take that risk. The tech world constantly changes—new challenges around security and identity arise. Only those willing to face the unknown push the world forward because the status quo is not working. We must do what must be done.

"The Best Way To Predict The Future Is To Invent It"

The quote, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it," was said by Alan Kay, also a computer scientist who was known for pioneering work in object-oriented programming, while working at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). The quote reflects a belief in proactive innovation as a means to shape the future of technology.

I began my career in digital rights management, that first App Store. The App Store is really anti-fraud software. That’s why I created TruAnon, an identity tool driven by the need to secure online spaces, to secure our own reputation and those of others all without risk of privacy violation.

It’s the future of digital trust.

Stacey’s podcast stands for this exact mindset —do what needs to be done, even if it isn’t popular, take the leap, and create something that changes the game.

When it comes to securing our future world online, identity is it. Reputation equals value because it directly impacts how others perceive and trust you or your brand.

A strong reputation can open doors, create opportunities, and enhance credibility, making it a valuable asset. Conversely, a damaged reputation can lead to lost trust, diminished opportunities, and financial loss.

In a digital world where trust is currency, safeguarding your reputation is essential, as it is the foundation of your value —personally and professionally.

When reputation is preserved, so is value.

In my recent chat with Stacey Lauren on her Do The Thing podcast, we hit on the real power of action. The choice and how it must be balanced with the legitimate fear of risk and the potential to make things worse.

We can't control how others collect data, but we can protect our identity by keeping it separate from our accounts. This way, we retain the right to revoke access, ensuring our identity isn’t sold when services change hands.

Stop Waiting And Start Creating

Stacey’s whole mission is to get people to stop waiting and start creating.

Her formula is clear: identify your goal, break it into steps, build the right relationships, and push through the hard parts. She and I spoke of about how that applies to my personal journey—from meeting Steve Jobs in 1990 to working on projects like TruAnon today.

So many people get stuck because they want certainty; myself included. But innovation, change and a better future happens when you act despite fear.

Stacey knows this, and her podcast is all about pushing listeners to take those first steps. Whether you’re looking to improve your career, relationships, or just your mindset, Do The Thing gives you a roadmap.

TruAnon came from seeing how online trust is broken and deciding to act.

It’s about securing identity without compromising privacy.

That same courage to leap into the unknown is what Stacey talks about in every episode. If you’re ready to stop waiting, check out the full interview here.