About Sterling Brasher
First and last name: Sterling Brasher
Designation: Product Owner/Cash Management Consultant
Country: UNITED STATES
Sterling’s Inspiring Learning Journey
What 101 Blockchains course/certification(s) have you taken?
I have successfully obtained the Certified Fintech Expert (CFTE)™ designation from 101 Blockchains.
Why did you choose this program and how was your overall learning experience with 101 Blockchains?
I chose the CFTE certification from 101 Blockchains because, working in treasury and fintech, I see how digital is changing the way we operate. I wanted more than just high-level concepts or trends; I was looking for a program based on strong business cases with skills I could apply immediately, including payments and risk management. 101 Blockchains had a good reputation, and their approach seemed practical: clear lessons, up-to-date examples, and ways to translate blockchain ideas into what actually matters to modern finance teams.
The learning experience did not disappoint. The structure made it easy to follow, even with a busy schedule, and the modules were relevant to what I do every day. There was nothing superfluous; Each section gave me something useful to pick up and use during strategy sessions or new projects at work. The combination of technical foundations and real cases kept the content accessible and the support throughout the program was reliable. I completed the certification feeling more comfortable using blockchain concepts in treasury and financial technology – and I would definitely recommend it to anyone ready to keep up with the pace of change in the industry!
At 101 Blockchains, you don’t just get certifications, you learn real-world skills that make you a confident blockchain professional.
What skills or knowledge did you learn that helped you the most?
The CFTE certification helped me better understand what blockchain and digital assets actually do in financial services and how to apply these tools in real-world business situations, instead of just talking about buzzwords. I learned how to break down key concepts like decentralization and smart contracts so that they are useful in day-to-day work with payments or risk teams, and I mastered the regulatory and compliance side, which is essential for treasury and fintech strategy.
I would say the greatest skills I learned were:
- Translate blockchain mechanisms and digital asset workflows into practical solutions, particularly for payments modernization, tokenization, digital currencies and risk frameworks.
- Making sense of global trends, regulatory changes, and how institutions are actually using blockchain: insights that help with planning and strategy, not just technical conversations.
- Working knowledge of new business models, compliance, digital identity and even cybersecurity related to blockchain environments.
Overall, the course made the technical ideas much more applicable to solving real-world treasury and fintech challenges and helped me acquire 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 development?
This program has had a real impact on my professional development by bridging the gap between emerging trends in fintech, like blockchain, digital assets and CBDCs, and what I actually do on a daily basis in treasury and strategy roles. This has given me a solid understanding of the evolution of modern payments, regulations and new business models, allowing me to guide my teams and clients with more confidence and clarity.
The CFTE certification opened new doors by validating my skills in areas important to the future of finance, whether implementing tokenization, advising on compliance, or streamlining digital identity processes. This has helped me stand out in conversations about innovation and digital transformation, and given me the tools to anticipate market changes instead of just reacting to them.
Overall, the program has improved my ability to lead and make decisions, making me a better resource for organizations moving into fintech and blockchain, and helping me keep my career on an upward path as the industry evolves.
From learners to leaders, discover the success stories of over 100,000 professionals with 101 Blockchains.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in blockchain?
Even though my current role doesn’t involve blockchain on a daily basis, I’ve noticed that much of the foundation of finance is quickly adapting to it, whether it’s payments, security, compliance or digital assets. This is why I think it is essential to learn and understand blockchain, regardless of your current position. It has become an essential part of innovation in finance and technology, making it a valuable skill set for anyone looking to stay relevant.
For those considering a career in blockchain, start by understanding how it is reshaping business models and financial services. Even roles outside of coding or pure technology benefit from blockchain knowledge, as many traditional financial jobs now intersect with these new technologies. By remaining proactive and educating yourself about blockchain, you will be prepared to adapt as the industry evolves and open up new opportunities for growth, whether you work in operations, strategy, compliance, or product innovation.
