We recently connected with Daniel Easterly and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

They say opportunities are made, not given—and I’ve lived that truth more than once. My journey into tech wasn’t conventional, and neither was my path to making a lasting impact on Detroit’s future. From walking into Intuit and landing a job on the spot to convincing city leaders to adopt blockchain technology, my story is proof that audacity and preparation can change everything.

It started when I decided I wanted to work in tech. I didn’t have an interview lined up at Intuit, but I knew I belonged there. Armed with nothing but confidence and my vision, I walked into their headquarters, approached the front desk, and told them I was there for an interview.

They believed me. Minutes later, I was sitting across from a hiring manager, pitching myself. I told them how I had taught myself the skills they were looking for and how I saw technology as more than just a career—it was a tool for empowerment. I backed it up with everything I had learned, blending my passion with practical knowledge.

By the end of that impromptu meeting, the manager looked at me and said, “You’re hired.”

That experience taught me something valuable: if you believe in yourself and your vision, the world will often catch up. Years later, I carried that same boldness into a completely different room—this time, a mayor’s meeting in Detroit.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency had the potential to revolutionize the city, but no one was talking about it. I had the vision. I had the solutions. What I didn’t have was an invitation. So, I made one.

I walked into city hall on the day of the mayor’s meeting, blending into the room full of suits, ties, and decision-makers. When the moment was right, I introduced myself and told the mayor’s team that I had a proposal that could transform Detroit.

The room went silent. All eyes were on me.

I launched into my pitch. I explained how blockchain could bring transparency to government processes, streamline inefficiencies, and attract investors. I showed how cryptocurrency could empower Detroiters to take control of their assets and build generational wealth. I painted a picture of Detroit as a global leader in tech—a city not just surviving but thriving.

When I finished, there was a pause. Then the mayor leaned forward and said, “This is exactly what we need. Let’s make it happen.”

That day became the turning point. Detroit began its journey to adopt cryptocurrency and blockchain, creating opportunities for its citizens to build wealth and embrace the future of technology.

Both moments—at Intuit and in Detroit—reinforced a lesson I carry with me to this day: sometimes, you have to walk in, take the risk, and claim your seat at the table. That’s what inspired me to write A New Nation Inside of a Nation. It’s not just about the risks I’ve taken; it’s about the potential we all have to create change when we step into our power and dare to rewrite the narrative.

Daniel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We are Daniel and Zachary Easterly, the driving forces behind two groundbreaking initiatives: the “40 Acres” app and WeCannBe. Together, these projects are transforming how communities access opportunities, build wealth, and engage with blockchain technology.

The 40 Acres App is a revolutionary platform designed to empower individuals by tokenizing assets, creating opportunities for ownership, and fostering economic inclusion. Our goal is to dismantle systemic barriers by offering communities the tools to manage and grow their wealth through blockchain technology. This app doesn’t just focus on financial transactions—it redefines trust, transparency, and equitable access in a digital world. It’s a movement to help individuals reclaim ownership in a modern economy while driving meaningful change at a citywide level.

WeCannBe complements this mission by focusing on education and workforce development, providing underserved communities with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a blockchain-enabled future. WeCannBe offers resources, training, and partnerships to equip individuals for careers in cutting-edge industries like 3D printing, smart contracts, and blockchain development. By blending technology with education, we’re creating a pipeline of talent ready to shape the future.

Together, 40 Acres and WeCannBe address critical problems: economic exclusion, lack of access to education, and inefficiencies in city infrastructure. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—empowering communities not just through technology but also through knowledge, collaboration, and opportunity.

We are proud of the ecosystem we are building—one where education meets action, and individuals are equipped to create lasting impact. Through these projects, we aim to position cities like Detroit as global leaders in blockchain innovation while creating equitable and sustainable solutions for all.

For potential clients, partners, and supporters, we want you to know that both 40 Acres and WeCannBe are grounded in a mission of empowerment, innovation, and integrity. Together, we’re creating a future where ownership, education, and opportunity are accessible to everyone.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Zachary: One of the most defining moments of our journey was during the early stages of building the 40 Acres App. We faced countless challenges—from securing funding to navigating the technical complexities of developing a blockchain-based platform. One particular setback was when we hit a roadblock with integrating a key feature we felt was crucial for the app’s success. The solution required more resources and expertise than we had at the time.

Instead of giving up or scaling back our vision, we doubled down on our efforts. We reached out to mentors, learned new skills, and spent long nights refining our approach. There were moments of doubt, but our belief in the app’s potential kept us going. That period taught us the value of persistence, adaptability, and teamwork. Today, the 40 Acres App stands as a testament to our resilience and commitment to creating tools that empower communities.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Daniel: Zachary, Aaron, and I are united by a shared vision of empowering communities through technology, but each of us brings a unique perspective to the table. Zachary and I share the bond of brothers, having grown up brainstorming ways to solve real-world problems and create lasting change. When Aaron joined us, it was like the final piece of the puzzle falling into place.

We connected with Aaron through a professional network, and his reputation as a Forbes-listed CTO with a proven track record in tech innovation immediately stood out. Aaron’s expertise in blockchain infrastructure and his visionary approach to leveraging technology for social impact aligned perfectly with our mission for the 40 Acres App. His ability to turn ambitious ideas into scalable solutions added depth to our team dynamic. Together, we’ve created a powerhouse partnership that balances technical brilliance, creative vision, and strategic execution.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.WECANNBE.COM
• Instagram: Wecannbe/ 40 Acres App
• Linkedin: WecannBE/40 Acres App

Image Credits

I have the rights : DanielEasterly