If You Still Don’t Understand Blockchain, You Need To Listen To This Conversation.

Have you ever wondered what the hell blockchain actually is and why it’s useful? If so, this episode is for you…In this episode of the Reclaiming Bossy podcast, I’m joined by Marieke De Ruyter De Wildt founder of Open food Chain, to break down how blockchain technology is transforming global food systems.With over 25 years of experience in agri-tech and having worked across more than 50 countries, Marieke is building the infrastructure for a more transparent, sustainable, and resilient food system using Web3 and blockchain.  We talk about what blockchain actually means (in simple terms), why traceability in food supply chains matters, and how technology can create trust between farmers, businesses, and consumers.This is a conversation about building in complex industries, navigating global systems, and what it really looks like to be a woman in tech, agriculture, and innovation.If you are interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, emerging tech, or building something impactful across industries and borders, this episode will completely shift how you think about both technology and the future of food.We also explore the challenges of scaling blockchain in real-world industries, working across cultures, and why the next generation of founders needs to understand both storytelling and systems.Timestamps00:00:00 - introduction00:01:32 - explaining blockchain and food traceability jargon00:03:22 - the reality of food safety and immutable data00:04:20 - supply chain transparency and new regulations00:05:11 - why not all data is good data00:06:32 - balancing data transparency with privacy00:08:15 - overcoming the intimidation of tech as a founder00:09:40 - finding tech communities and the power of meetups00:10:47 - leaving your bubble to hire the right people00:12:17 - the difference between a corporate job and entrepreneurship00:13:35 - busting the romanticized myth of startup culture00:15:05 - building confidence and finding mentors00:17:10 - timeboxing to balance founder life and personal life00:19:05 - making fun a core part of business culture00:19:40 - how living in 50 countries shifts your perspective00:21:22 - the future of tech, AI, and food regulations00:23:40 - the truth about fair trade and premium food certificates00:25:31 - simple diet advice for overwhelmed consumers00:26:03 - where to connect with marike online00:26:27 - reclaiming the word bossy and taking up space00:27:39 - homework for leaving your comfort zone00:28:44 - summary and final thoughtsFollow Marieke / Open Food Chainhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt/https://www.openfoodchain.comBUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREERBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠WORK WITH MECreator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sCollaborations + enquiries: [email protected]