Attention to Ownership: NFTs, Dogecoin, and the Future of Digital Culture
We’re living through one of the biggest shifts in digital history, one that’s transforming how we create, consume, and even own content.
After my keynote at CHFA, I had a casual conversation with Neve, Mason, and Madison that turned into something much deeper: a discussion about stepping into new roles, the rise of digital collectibles, the ownership economy, and even a playful dive into Dogecoin culture.
Here’s what we unpacked and why I believe these ideas matter for the future of creativity, business, and digital culture.
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone: Mason’s First Moderation Experience
Every growth story starts with discomfort. Mason shared his experience moderating a live session for the very first time, an experience filled with nerves, excitement, and ultimately, confidence.
It’s a powerful reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone is the fastest way to grow. Whether you’re leading a panel, launching a product, or trying something entirely new in your career, those moments of uncertainty are where real capability is built. Mason’s story isn’t just about moderation; it’s about how trying new roles accelerates learning and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
The Rise of Digital Collectibles: Why NBA Top Shot Is More Than a Fad
From there, our conversation shifted to Mason’s latest obsession: NBA Top Shot, a platform for buying and selling officially licensed NBA highlight NFTs. What makes his fascination so interesting is that Mason isn’t even a hardcore NBA fan and that’s exactly the point.
Digital collectibles are reshaping how people think about value and ownership. Ownership is no longer limited to physical goods; it’s expanding into the digital realm. Younger audiences, in particular, are starting to value digital identity and digital ownership just as much if not more than traditional assets. Whether it’s a highlight reel, a piece of digital art, or a virtual sneaker, these assets carry cultural and financial weight.
This shift signals a fundamental change: we’re not just collecting things, we're collecting moments, ideas, and digital expressions of ourselves. If you want to dive deeper into how NFTs could reshape ownership and equity, check out my blog on NFTs and the Future of Universal Basic Equity.
From the Attention Economy to the Ownership Economy
For the past two decades, the internet has been defined by one thing: attention. Platforms competed for it. Creators optimized for it. Businesses monetized it.
But we’re now entering a new era where ownership is just as valuable as attention.
As Neve and Mason discussed, NFTs are at the forefront of this transformation. Instead of simply liking, sharing, or viewing content, people increasingly want to own a stake in the digital world they participate in. That might mean owning an NFT from a favorite creator, holding tokens in a decentralized community, or even co-owning digital art.
This transition from passive consumption to active participation is reshaping industries. It’s changing how creators build businesses, how brands engage audiences, and how value itself is defined online.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: Madison’s Perspective Shift
Another powerful theme that emerged was perspective quite literally. Madison, who typically works behind the camera, found himself in front of it for the first time. That experience was eye-opening. It revealed just how challenging on-camera work can be and deepened his appreciation for the talent he usually supports.
This kind of role reversal isn’t just interesting, it's transformative. When team members step into each other’s shoes, they gain empathy, broaden their skill sets, and build stronger collaboration. It’s a strategy creative teams can use to spark innovation and boost agility.
The Power of Cross-Training in Creative Teams
Switching roles isn’t just about perspective, it's about capability. Encouraging team members like Madison (and Mo) to explore different roles builds versatility and resilience. Producers who understand the pressures of being on camera create better environments for talent. Talent who grasp the complexity of production become more effective collaborators.
This cross-training mindset is the backbone of agile, innovative teams. It’s how startups scale quickly and how creative projects stay nimble in a fast-changing digital landscape.
Dogecoin and the Culture-First Future of Crypto
No modern conversation about digital transformation would be complete without crypto and this one didn’t disappoint. We wrapped up with a passionate (and hilarious) discussion about Dogecoin.
What makes Dogecoin so fascinating isn’t just its market performance, it's the community behind it. What started as a meme has evolved into a cultural movement powered by grassroots enthusiasm. It proves that culture and community can drive adoption just as much as technology or utility.
The playful Dogecoin wordplay even mixing in some German jokes highlights another truth: crypto isn’t just about finance. It’s about identity, creativity, and belonging. And that’s why it’s here to stay.
Final Thoughts: A Future Built on Participation, Ownership, and Culture
What began as a casual post-keynote chat turned into a snapshot of the future. From Mason’s leap into moderation and Madison’s shift in perspective to the rise of digital collectibles and the power of meme-driven currencies, one theme kept surfacing: we’re entering a new era of digital culture.
It’s an era defined not by passive consumption but by active ownership. Where teams grow by switching roles. Where communities shape markets. And where humor, creativity, and culture drive innovation as much as code or capital.
The future belongs to those who don’t just watch it happen but own a piece of it.
We’re moving from an attention-driven internet to an ownership-driven one and that shift is redefining everything from how we work and create to how we invest and belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the ownership economy in simple terms?
It’s a system where users don’t just consume digital content they own part of it. Through NFTs, tokens, and community ownership, people can share in the value and growth of online platforms and digital creations.
Q2. How are NFTs linked to digital ownership?
NFTs act like digital proof of ownership, showing who owns a unique item online. Unlike regular game items you only rent, NFTs let you truly own, sell, or trade digital assets just like physical collectibles.
Q3. Is there still a future for NFTs?
Yes, NFTs are evolving beyond hype. They’re now used in real estate, gaming, music, and more, proving real value and utility, not just digital art collectibles.
Q4. How is the internet shifting from attention to ownership?
For years, platforms fought for our attention. Now, people want to own part of what they engage with whether it’s NFTs, community tokens, or digital art. This shift empowers users and reshapes how creators and businesses build value.
Q5. What is the future of NFTs?
NFTs are moving beyond hype into real-world uses like real estate, gaming, music, and intellectual property. They’re becoming tools for proving ownership, building communities, and enabling new business models online.
Q6. How can businesses use the ownership economy?
Brands can engage customers by offering NFTs, co-ownership opportunities, or community tokens. This builds loyalty, turns users into stakeholders, and creates deeper, more meaningful digital relationships.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.