Empowering Through Blockchain: Lani Dizon’s Mission with the RYO Project

Lani Dizon’s passion for entrepreneurship began after losing her father when she was just 12 years old. In 2017, with more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience under her belt, Lani and Anthony Diaz began working on the RYO Project. In this interview, Lani shares how they’ve overcome challenges and setbacks and are set to start generating revenue.

How much revenue and profit does the business generate?

Our venture has been in the development phase for the past seven years, and as such, we are in the pre-revenue stage. We’re currently finalizing preparations for our first public listing on a major global exchange later this month, which marks the beginning of our anticipated revenue generation. This listing is just the first of many we plan to achieve as we scale our operations globally.

Tell us about yourself and your business.

My entrepreneurial journey began with a life-altering event — the loss of my father to cancer when I was 12 years old. This profound experience ignited a passion for healthcare, leading me initially toward a career in medicine through nursing programs and medical courses. However, it wasn’t long before I recognized my true calling was in a different kind of healing.

I pivoted towards natural wellness, where I worked with scientists and formulators to create wellness products that enhance lives globally. Over the past three decades, I have founded and grown companies focused on holistic wellness and personal development. These ventures are not only about providing superior health products but also offering opportunities for personal and entrepreneurial growth.

My mission has been to empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential, which has been validated by countless testimonials from those who have experienced significant improvements in their health and personal lives.

In 2011, my career took a transformative turn with the discovery of Bitcoin. Captivated by the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial independence and empowerment, I co-founded Zenza Capital and the RYO Project. These initiatives are dedicated to making cryptocurrency accessible, aiming to break down geographic and economic barriers and facilitate genuine social improvement.

Our projects strive to ensure that the benefits of blockchain technology reach all, advocating a future where technology serves humanity in the most holistic and inclusive way.

Anthony Diaz is my trusted business partner of over 30 years and the visionary founder of the RYO Project. Together, we’re committed to championing a future where individuals can thrive independently, empowered by the innovative integration of technology into their daily lives.

Our work continues to be a source of immense pride and motivation, as we see the tangible impact our efforts have on improving lives around the world.

How does your business make money?

The RYO project is a blockchain-based protocol featuring multiple revenue-generating verticals within its ecosystem.

The first is RYO COIN, a cryptocurrency that was designed to be used for day-to-day transactions. Its value increases as the market trades and accepts the technology more widely.

Second is our LIFE WALLET. This multi-functional digital wallet earns revenue through transaction fees, advertising fees, and user experience gamification.

Third is our e-commerce platform, the GLOBAL MALL. This is a first-of-its-kind online shopping site that accepts RYO and other cryptocurrencies or forms of payment. We generate revenue through listing and transaction fees and advertising.

Fourth is our Crypto ATM Network, which will be strategically placed across Japan in convenient merchant locations. These ATMs allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrency in a familiar and easy-to-use form factor. They generate revenue through transaction fees and advertising.

Through the RYO Ecosystem, there are many possibilities for additional income sources. 

What was your inspiration for starting the business?

We never intended to launch the RYO Project. However, in the early days of Bitcoin, we attempted to integrate it into our existing business and found it extremely difficult for us, as well as for our customers. The technology was not designed for user-friendly integration, so motivated by this difficulty, we set out to create a user-friendly cryptocurrency that would be simple, accessible, and easy for everyone to use.

How and when did you launch the business?

We launched the RYO Project in 2017, drawing on over 23 years of successful business experience and a robust customer and affiliate base of more than 300,000 in Japan that we very fortunately cultivated. We began with educational seminars highlighting blockchain technology’s transformative potential—similar to the internet’s enormous impact. From there, we developed an ecosystem designed to support our mission of bringing cryptocurrency to the masses.

How is the business funded? 

All funding sources came from existing businesses in Japan that we have founded. To date, over $80 million dollars has been invested.

How did you find your first few clients or customers?

We leveraged our existing customer database of over 300,000 loyal clients, which enabled us to test market our concepts and strategies in a real-world environment. Japanese consumers, known for their discerning standards, provided invaluable feedback. 

What was your first year in business like?

Designing and developing the technology was straightforward. What was extremely challenging was navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape in this new technology, which the Japanese government did not fully grasp and understand.

What strategies did you use to grow the business?

We implemented monthly nationwide educational seminars to raise awareness about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, which proved instrumental in expanding our customer base. This transparent approach fostered trust among attendees, resulting in positive word-of-mouth advertising and further growth for our business.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome?

The biggest challenge we faced was garnering the trust and belief of regulators and our followers in our grand vision.

In the wake of the collapse of the first major Bitcoin exchange in Japan, there was widespread skepticism and regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies. This negative sentiment stemmed from the mishandling of clients’ assets, tarnishing Bitcoin’s image and complicating regulatory oversight.

Like many other countries, regulators in Japan struggled to grasp the complexities of this new asset class. However, through transparent communication and perseverance, we’ve successfully overcome these challenges and earned the trust of both regulators and followers. As a result, we’re now poised to launch our project with confidence.

What have been the most significant keys to your business’ success?

Firstly, the belief and support from our existing customer base have been crucial. Over the past 30 years, we’ve built a strong reputation in Japan, earning the trust of the people. As we embarked on this new journey, their unwavering belief in our vision has been a cornerstone of our success, sustaining us through both triumphs and challenges.

Secondly, our success can be attributed to the development of an innovative ecosystem that leverages the latest blockchain technology while maintaining simplicity for users. This approach has resonated with individuals of all ages, from youth to the elderly, positioning the RYO Project for global acceptance and adoption.

Tell us about your team.

From the outset, we recognized the magnitude of our vision and sought experts in various fields to bring it to fruition. Currently, our team comprises over 100 individuals, each representing the pinnacle of excellence in their respective domains. We’ve assembled some of the brightest minds in blockchain and software development, finance, marketing, media, legal, and more. Each member of our team is committed to ensuring that the RYO Project can withstand the demands of our vision and will adapt to future circumstances as they arise.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned growing the business?

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned in growing the business is the power of adaptability and resilience. Throughout the journey of launching and developing the RYO Project, we encountered numerous challenges, from regulatory hurdles to technological complexities. However, each obstacle served as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Our success has been deeply rooted in our ability to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot our strategies accordingly. Whether navigating regulatory uncertainties or refining our product offerings based on user feedback, we remained agile and open to innovation. This flexibility allowed us to stay ahead of the curve and continue progressing toward our goals, even in the face of adversity.

Moreover, resilience has been instrumental in overcoming setbacks and failures inherent in any entrepreneurial venture. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, we embraced them as learning experiences, using them to fuel our determination and drive for success. This mindset shift enabled us to persevere through tough times, emerge stronger on the other side, and ultimately, achieve our vision of democratizing access to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

What separates your business from your competitors?

Our business stands out from competitors by uniquely addressing the utility gap in blockchain technology’s potential. Unlike most projects that focus on assisting other blockchain protocols or providing platforms for project development, we prioritize addressing the fundamental question: how can blockchain benefit the everyday individual for daily use?

This focus on user utility sets us apart, as we believe in the peer-to-peer concept and have built our protocol accordingly to provide a user-friendly experience accessible to all, regardless of expertise level. This commitment to simplicity and inclusivity ensures that everyone can benefit from the technology without barriers.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

My advice to other entrepreneurs is to embrace the journey with an unwavering commitment to learning and growing as you reach your goals. Understand that challenges are inevitable, but they also present invaluable opportunities for you to develop personally and professionally. Stay resilient when faced with adversity, maintain belief in your vision, and bring value to the world.

Also, surround yourself with a diverse team of experts who share your passion and commitment. Collaboration and collective wisdom are essential ingredients for success, enabling you to leverage different perspectives and skill sets to overcome obstacles and drive innovation forward.

Lastly, never lose sight of your mission and purpose. Let your passion be your guiding force, propelling you forward even when the path seems uncertain. Stay true to your values, and prioritize making a positive impact on the lives of others. By staying focused on your purpose and remaining adaptable to change, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve lasting success.

What are your future plans for the business?

Our future plans for the RYO Project are centered on expanding our reach globally and solidifying our position as a leader in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. We aim to continue innovating and evolving our ecosystem to meet the evolving needs of our users while maintaining our commitment to simplicity, accessibility, and transparency.

Additionally, we’re focused on fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations that will enable us to further enhance our offerings and amplify our impact. By leveraging like-minded organizations’ and individuals’ expertise and resources, we can accelerate our growth trajectory and achieve our shared goals more effectively.

Furthermore, we’re committed to driving ongoing education and awareness about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, both locally and globally. Through the RYO ecosystem and community outreach programs, such as educational seminars and workshops, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to participate confidently in the digital economy and shape the future of finance.

What are some of your favorite books, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels?

Some of my favorite books include the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson, providing invaluable insights into the visionary mind of a true pioneer in technology and entrepreneurship. Additionally, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu has been a constant source of inspiration, offering timeless wisdom on strategy and leadership.

In terms of podcasts, I find “The Megyn Kelly Show” and “The Ed Mylett Show” to be particularly enriching. Both offer insightful interviews and discussions on a wide range of topics, from personal development to current events. Another favorite is the “PBD Podcast” that offers thought-provoking discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership, and success, providing valuable insights for navigating the complexities of business and life.