Every new technology promises to guide humanity on the path to a better future. However, when Blockchain came, people asked more than what the technology was about and how it would revolutionize the future. They always asked the most crucial questions and tried to find the best answer.
In his book, ‘Why Blockchain,’ an International Blockchain Expert & Professional Consultant and a pioneering influencer in the Blockchain and Web3 domain, Harman Puri, provides the simplest yet the profoundest answer of all: For the future ‘Where Privacy and Transparency Coexist.’
In a world often driven by financial success and prestige, Harman took a leap of faith that would alter the trajectory of his career and life. His story is not just one of personal transformation but also a reflection of the broader potential of emerging technologies like Blockchain. Here’s a deeper look into Harman’s journey, the pivotal moments that shaped him, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Overcoming Early Challenges: A Self-Made Journey
Harman’s path to success was not without its challenges. With limited mentorship available, he relied heavily on online resources—blogs, videos, and tutorials—to guide his learning. This self-directed approach laid the foundation for his expertise, but the journey was fraught with scepticism from others who doubted the longevity of blockchain technology. “Many people warned me against dedicating my career to blockchain because they feared it would die,” he recalls.
This lack of support only fueled his determination to prove the naysayers wrong. It also instilled in him the importance of resilience, a trait that would serve him well as he navigated the complexities of the industry.
Harman’s drive into the Blockchain space began in 2018, a time when the world was starting to recognize the limitations of centralized data management. Like many young professionals in IT, he saw the vast value and power of data. He realized the undeniable potential for innovation in how data was stored and managed, knowing it was a field that would shape the future.
For many, the allure of a high-paying job is hard to resist. However, for Harman, a defining moment came when he chose to walk away from a comfortable salary to pursue an internship at a blockchain company for significantly less money. “I wanted to learn,” he explains simply, but the decision was anything but easy. It required immense courage to step away from financial security and delve into an industry that was still largely misunderstood.
This bold move not only marked the beginning of his career in Blockchain but also highlighted his commitment to personal growth. By prioritizing learning over immediate financial gain, Harman positioned himself at the forefront of an emerging industry, one that promised to revolutionize various sectors.
What truly drove Harman to dive into Blockchain was its potential as an alternative to traditional data storage methods. His initial encounter with Blockchain came through an internship, where he learned about Hyperledger and Corda as a developer. The permissioned Blockchain space especially captivated him, as it emphasized institutional governance. This experience helped him see that Blockchain extended beyond decentralization and transparency; it held the capacity to address real-world challenges related to scalability, finality, and throughput.
Harman’s background in a tier-3 area fueled his desire to break boundaries and explore uncharted territories. “I was always on the lookout for emerging industries,” he recalls. Upon discovering Blockchain and its vast potential applications, he knew he had found his niche. This sense of belonging to a cutting-edge industry not only validated his choice but also motivated him to immerse himself fully.
His curiosity and determination have allowed him to carve out a unique space for himself in the blockchain sector, a testament to his forward-thinking mindset and willingness to embrace change.
At the start of his journey, Harman recognized that competing with established giants like Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, and Infosys was unrealistic. These major players dominated the market, making it fiercely competitive even among themselves. However, he also observed numerous MSMEs in the Blockchain space struggling to find clients, attract the right talent, and scale their operations effectively.
In response, Harman focused on building a strong personal brand around the trending narrative of Blockchain expertise. Positioning himself as an authority in the field, he launched a personal website, authored a book, led faculty development training, conducted free lectures nationwide, organized events, and participated in panels—all centred on Blockchain. Reflecting on this approach, Harman shared, “Building a personal brand gave me the authority and authenticity to establish my presence, bringing me closer to my goal of becoming an international name in Blockchain.”
Additionally, he understood that Blockchain thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge, so he actively engaged with developers, students, and industry leaders. By organizing hackathons, educational programs, and events across India, he empowered the next generation of Blockchain professionals, fostering an ecosystem that supports his growth while contributing to the broader community. Harman attributes his success to a balance between innovation and collaboration, noting that consistently pushing boundaries while meeting people’s needs has been the foundation of his growth.
Reflecting on his journey, Harman shared, “Blockchain wasn’t just a buzzword for me, but a groundbreaking technology capable of solving complex problems.” With this thirst for knowledge and a deep understanding of Blockchain’s significance, he set out on a path that he has passionately pursued ever since.
Harman emphasizes that staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving Blockchain landscape demands continuous learning, experimentation, and strategic foresight. His team diligently tracks emerging trends in the space, from advancements in scalability and privacy solutions to regulatory developments. This approach, he notes, enables them to anticipate market shifts and adjust strategies accordingly.
He also highlights the importance of community, acknowledging that connections often serve as primary sources of industry insights. “Sometimes, the latest updates reach me through a simple WhatsApp message from a friend,” Harman says. His team’s active involvement in the Blockchain community through events, hackathons, and partnerships keeps them closely connected with industry happenings. In the Blockchain world, he firmly believes, “Your network truly is your net worth.”
Learning from Failures: The Importance of Partnerships
One of the more challenging aspects of Harman’s journey has been finding the right business partners. “It’s harder than finding a life partner,” he jokes, but there’s a serious lesson embedded in his words. He emphasizes the need to take time when entering business relationships, highlighting that even close friendships can become strained when money is involved.
This experience has taught him to diversify his partnerships and not to put all his eggs in one basket. It’s a lesson rooted in the harsh realities of business, yet it has shaped his approach to collaboration moving forward.
Furthermore, these failures helped him hone his leadership. Harman envisions that lean organizations will become the standard for future business models. He foresees a shift where, rather than a single brand overseeing multiple companies (like Tata), tomorrow’s landscape will see a consortium of companies operating independently. “My leadership style is straightforward—hire people who share this vision and are skilled enough to manage collaborations effectively,” he notes.
Harman’s approach emphasizes identifying his own gaps and securing at least three external partners in those areas. He believes relying on one or two partners is insufficient, especially in areas that demand specialized expertise, such as PR, where he collaborates with three different companies.
In team building, Harman values transparency and open communication, believing that a hierarchy-free flow of ideas fosters true innovation. This collaborative style, he explains, builds a sense of belonging and purpose, which he considers central to strong team dynamics.
The essence of Blockchain lies in seamless digital transformation and enhancing the end-user experience. According to Harman, clear, constant communication is a simple answer to both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This does not mean sending an update to the client every two hours or following up with the vendors every five minutes, he says, adding that clear, constant communication is established by effectively sharing expectations, outcomes, and quality.
The same thing applies to products being developed. Any end user wants the product to understand their expectations, give them the desired outcome and maintain the quality they need.
“The result is a blend of precision in execution and a genuine commitment to delivering real value to our clients,” he insists.
Key Lessons Learned: Respect Every Client
Throughout his career, Harman has learned that every client, regardless of their budget, deserves respect and attention. A seemingly small project—a $50 blog—turned into his first significant consulting opportunity. “That client opened the door for larger gigs down the line,” he reflects. This early lesson underscored the value of treating every relationship with care, a principle that continues to guide his interactions today.
A New Definition of Success
Initially, Harman viewed success through a traditional lens—financial gain. However, as he progressed in his career, his perspective shifted. “Success for me changed from money to reputation,” he notes. Today, he defines success by his network. “If I walk into a conference and everyone knows me, that’s success for me,” he explains, underscoring the importance of relationships over mere numbers.
A testament to his success, Harman shares one of his and his team’s landmark projects. It was establishing industry-academia collaborations to build a bigger ecosystem for Blockchain in different regions. “We helped several layer-1 Blockchains in partnering with top private and public universities to do programs, hackathons, and develop courses in Blockchain,” he reveals.
In the realm of Blockchain, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. As per Harman, they are constantly exploring and integrating the latest technological advancements to improve our Blockchain offerings. From implementing advanced cryptographic techniques to utilizing AI-driven analytics, they leverage cutting-edge tools to enhance security, scalability, and performance. They have recently started exploring quantum-safe cryptography to prepare themselves for the future, he informs.
He adds that the workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. “We believe that empowering our team with opportunities to learn and grow is essential. We conduct regular workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs to help employees stay updated with the latest in Blockchain and related technologies.”
The culture emphasizes ownership and responsibility, and Harman and his leadership encourage team members to take on challenges that push them to expand their capabilities. For instance, their developers have taken sessions to improve their public speaking, their marketing people write technical blogs to help them develop technical understanding, and their interns are always exposed to their most premium connections to build confidence. “We celebrate both big and small wins, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.”
Legacy: Empowering Future Generations
Harman aims for his company to be a transformative force in India’s Blockchain ecosystem, particularly in promoting Blockchain adoption among Fortune 500 companies. He is committed to helping businesses unlock Blockchain’s potential for transparency, efficiency, and security. To achieve this, Harman plans to expand the company’s educational initiatives, establish more centres of excellence, and work alongside government bodies to build a Blockchain-ready workforce.
“In the long term, we see our company as a global leader in Blockchain innovation, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world applications,” he shares. By upholding principles of innovation, collaboration, and ethical responsibility, Harman envisions making a significant impact on India’s journey toward becoming a Blockchain powerhouse.
As Harman looks to the future, he hopes to leave a legacy rooted in empowerment. “I want to be remembered for helping others enter the blockchain space,” he states with conviction. His efforts to mentor aspiring blockchain professionals and assist them in launching their own companies reflect his commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Through his work and advocacy, Harman Puri is shaping his career and paving the way for countless others to find success in an exciting, rapidly evolving industry.
Harman Puri’s journey from a high-paying job to becoming a blockchain thought leader is a powerful reminder of the importance of following one’s passion. His story illustrates that true success is not merely defined by financial achievements but by the impact one makes and the connections one cultivates.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of Blockchain and its applications, Harman stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to embrace change, seek knowledge, and build a future where innovation thrives.
Building a Personal Brand: Expanding Influence
Today, Harman is channelling his efforts into developing his personal brand as a blockchain consultant. By helping traditional companies adopt blockchain solutions, he aims to drive change on a larger scale than ever before. “This move aligns with my career goals and allows me to make a meaningful impact,” he says.
Through this work, he continues to bridge the gap between traditional business practices and innovative blockchain applications, advocating for a future where the technology is integrated seamlessly into everyday operations.
Staying Motivated: A Dream for Tomorrow
Facing challenges is an inevitable part of any career, but Harman has developed a unique strategy to maintain his motivation. “I always think about how my life will be in a few years,” he explains. By focusing on the bigger picture, he finds perspective in setbacks, reminding himself that success is often a long game.
His mindset echoes the famous adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
A Significant Achievement: Authoring “Why Blockchain”
Among his many accomplishments, publishing the book ‘Why Blockchain’ stands out as Harman’s proudest moment. This achievement is particularly meaningful to him because it arose from a desire to address a significant gap in accessible resources on blockchain technology. “I always wanted to do something about it,” he shares, driven by the emotional connection to providing valuable insights for those looking to understand this complex field.
The book serves as a resource for newcomers and reflects Harman’s commitment to democratizing knowledge and making Blockchain accessible to a broader audience.
