Laura Shin is an American journalist, author, and podcaster who specializes in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. She is the editor-in-chief of Forbes in the section on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain. In 2014, she wrote ‘The Millennial Schedule: Careers and Money Secrets to succeed in today’s world. She was the first mainstream journalist to cover the cryptocurrency field full-time.
Her reporting and ability to simplify complex topics have made her one of the most respected figures in the industry. Through her work, Shin has provided clarity, accountability, and education on a subject that is often buried in jargon and controversy. She has previously served as Forbes’ first mainstream reporter of crypto assets.
Early Life And Career
Laura Shin graduated with a Master’s in Arts from the Columbian School of Journalism in 2008. Laura Shin began her career as a traditional journalist, working for reputable companies like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Forbes. But her fascination with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology led her to shift her focus to this niche during the mid-2010s. She understood the potential of blockchain and wanted to help others better understand its implications. Shin went on to become one of the first mainstream journalists to cover blockchain exclusively, during a time when crypto was still seen as fringe technology.
In 2018, Shin gave a TEDx talk in San Francisco, where she talked about how crypto could make more people become their own bosses. She was awarded the Blockchain Award for Most Insightful Journalist. Laura appears in programs worldwide at conferences, panels, and online webcasts. She mostly deals with crypto assets, digital currencies, Bitcoin, Ethereum, ICOs, blockchain, and related topics.
Laura Shin is best known as the host of Unchained, one of the most popular podcasts about cryptocurrency and blockchain. It was launched in 2016 and includes interviews with top people in the industry. The podcast covers a wide range of topics and breaks down complex blockchain concepts for a general audience. Shin’s ability to ask tough questions and address controversial topics has made her a respected figure in the blockchain industry.
One of Laura Shin’s most notable contributions to the blockchain space is her book, “The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze.” Published in 2022, the book discusses the history of Ethereum, its founders, and the scandals that appeared during its early days. It received wide appreciation for its well-researched narrative.
Another important contribution is her commitment to educating the public about cryptocurrency’s benefits and risks. Shin has been a vocal advocate for ethical practices and transparency.
Final Thoughts:
Currently, Laura Shin is the host of the podcasts Unchained: Big Ideas From the Worlds of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, and Unconfirmed: Insights and Analysis From the Top Minds in Crypto. According to Laura Shin, the total value of crypto assets today is just a little below $2 trillion. Shin played a major role in uncovering the identity of the person behind the famous DAO hack of 2016, where there was a loss of millions of dollars in Ethereum. Her work has also helped in educating the public about crypto and blockchain, bridging the gap between experts and the general public.
