London, Virtually
Life has twists and turns
If things went my way, I would be writing you from London right now, but things changed; my reason as to why I would have been in London did not change, though.
The University of Greenwich in London invited me to speak at the “International Conference—Emerging Technology for Sustainable Innovation,” which is also known as IC-ETSI for short. It’s taking place from June 16th to June 20th, 2025. If you are in the London area, register by clicking here: https://sparkhub.uk/ic-etsi-2025/
I am virtually speaking on June 18th during the “Co-Creation with Industry, and Business Schools” session at 11 AM (UK Time). It’s an honor to be connected to the University of Greenwich, as I have done guest lecturing twice for a master’s programme, but the reason why I can’t be in London as I planned deals with family.
My uncle is the late Jimmy Banks, who was the first Wisconsinite to play in the World Cup in 1990. He was a trailblazer in the game of soccer and embodied what community impact truly means, as he could have been anywhere in the world but decided to move back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to pour into youth via programs, mentoring, and coaching until he passed. My family started a nonprofit in his honor called “Jimmy Banks Academy,” and my uncle has been honored in many ways since his passing. It’s worth noting that if you are looking for a solid nonprofit to donate to, please note that we accept digital assets, like Bitcoin. I’m a board member of Jimmy Banks Academy, so we are Bitcoin friendly. My uncle Jimmy Banks was so humble that some of my family didn’t know the magnitude of his accomplishments, including one of his three sons, because he never bragged. His accomplishments moved many.
There is now a memorial stadium named after him and a large-scale mural on that stadium that was revealed. Along with this, my good friend Mayor Cavalier Johnson gave the family a proclamation that made June 9th, 2025, “Jimmy Banks Day.”
This was reported on by several news outlets, such as FOX 6, TMJ4, and WISN 12. Prior to all of this, the muralist Tia Richardson and I did a live interview on FOX6, which you can view here. Needless to say, I’ve been busy with Jimmy Banks Academy.
While talking about innovative tech and Bitcoin in London among colleagues would have been great, I have to stay in Milwaukee due to a documentary that’s being filmed about my uncle and the family; his story has been told via PBS, but this family documentary is going deeper, and the distribution channels will be the likes of Netflix.
For people who know me, this is not a surprise, as my life’s saying or motto is “God, Family, Business.” It’s not always an easy decision on the surface, but family has to come before business. I remember being in Nashville for Bitcoin 2024 and leaving an event early, and the only reason was I needed to get back to the hotel to pray with my kids before they went to sleep. Could I have networked more? Sure. Could a deal have come from me staying longer? Sure. But one thing I’ve learned is that people most often regret not being there for family, not how many business things they missed.
I’m not saying I’ve balanced the work-life thing, as I have a wife and three kids while working on several projects/enterprises. I’m saying that I’m a work in progress, and I’m working on having good habits. What we practice is what we do, so what I would say regarding work/life balance is that it requires sacrifice. You can’t do everything.
So, I look forward to virtually speaking at the University of Greenwich, and perhaps I will be back in London to do the next conference or guest lecturing in person. Until then, I’m still active, still building, and still focused on “God, Family, Business.”
— Christopher Perceptions, TwentyOneSociety
P.S. I have a fun fact for you! My mother, one of two sisters of Jimmy Banks, named me after my uncle; his middle name was Christopher. Long Live Jimmy Banks. ⚽️
P.S.S. Support Jimmy Banks Academy as we are starting a summer program in collaboration with the Salvation Army in the heart of Milwaukee, WI!