Success Story: Sterling Brasher’s 101 Blockchain Learning Journeys

About Sterling Brashear

name: sterling brasher

designation: Product Owner/Fund Management Consultant

nation: USA

Sterling’s Inspirational Learning Journey

Which 101 Blockchain courses/certifications have you completed?

I have successfully earned the Certified Fintech Expert (CFTE)™ credential from 101 Blockchains.

Why did you choose this program, and how was your overall learning experience with 101 Blockchain?

I chose the CFTE certification from 101 Blockchains because, through my work in Treasury and Fintech, I have seen how digital technologies are transforming the way we operate. I wanted more than just a high-level concept or trend. I was looking for a program built on a solid business case with immediately applicable skills, especially in the areas of payments and risk management. 101 Blockchain had a good reputation and we felt its approach was practical. It was clear lessons learned, cutting-edge practices, and how to translate blockchain ideas into something that actually matters to modern finance teams.​

The learning experience did not disappoint. It was structured to be easy to follow even with a busy schedule, and the modules were relevant to what I do every day. There was no fluff. Each section provided useful content that I could take back and use in strategy sessions or new projects at work. The mix of technology-based and real-world examples kept content accessible and support throughout the program reliable. I completed my certification feeling more confident using blockchain concepts in finance and fintech. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is ready to keep up with the pace of change in their industry!

At 101 Blockchains, you won’t just get a certification, you’ll acquire real-world skills that will transform you into a confident blockchain expert.

What skills or knowledge did you gain that helped you the most?

The CFTE certification helped me gain a much better understanding of what role blockchain and digital assets actually play in financial services, and how to apply these tools to real business situations rather than just talking about buzzwords. I learned how to break down key concepts like decentralization and smart contracts to make them useful in my day-to-day work with payments or risk teams, and covered regulatory and compliance aspects that are important to finance and fintech strategies.

The biggest skills I have acquired are:

• Transforming blockchain mechanisms and digital asset workflows into practical solutions, especially payment modernization, tokenization, digital currencies and risk frameworks.
• Understand global trends, regulatory changes, and how institutions are using blockchain in practice. This is an insight that will help you not only in technical conversations, but also in planning and strategy.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity as it relates to new business models, regulatory compliance, digital identity, and blockchain environments.

Overall, the course has made me much more able to apply technical ideas to solving real-world challenges in finance and fintech, and has given me tools that I now use in everything from designing new products to advising on digital transformation projects.

How has this program contributed to your professional growth?

This program has had a real impact on my professional growth by bridging the gap between new fintech trends such as blockchain, digital assets and CBDCs and what I actually do on a day-to-day basis in finance and strategy roles. This gives us a clear understanding of how modern payments, regulations, and new business models are evolving, allowing us to guide our teams and customers with more confidence and clarity.

CFTE certification opened new doors by validating my skills in areas critical to the future of finance, including implementing tokenization, advising on compliance, and streamlining digital identity processes. This helped us stand out in the conversation about innovation and digital transformation, and gave us the tools to stay ahead of market changes instead of simply reacting to them.

Overall, this program has improved my ability to lead and make decisions, made me a better resource for organizations driving fintech and blockchain, and helped me continue to advance my career as the industry evolves.

From learners to leaders — Explore the success stories of over 100,000 professionals across 101 blockchains.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in blockchain?

Although my current role has nothing to do with day-to-day blockchain, I’ve found that many of the foundations of finance are quickly adapting to blockchain, whether it’s payments, security, compliance or digital assets. That’s why I believe it’s essential to learn and understand blockchain, regardless of your current position. It has become a core layer of financial and technological innovation, making it an invaluable skill for anyone looking to stay relevant.

For those considering a career in blockchain, start with a clear understanding of how blockchain is reshaping business models and financial services. Roles other than coding or pure technology can also benefit from blockchain knowledge. Because many traditional financial operations now intersect with these new technologies. Being proactive and learning about blockchain will prepare you to adapt to changes in your industry and open up new growth possibilities, whether you work in operations, strategy, compliance, or product innovation.