From Theater to Tech: An Unexpected Journey
Dr. Loretta Chen never expected to become a tech entrepreneur. With a background in theater, she seemed destined for a career in the arts. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. She watched her friends and colleagues in creative industries lose their jobs and struggle to find work. That’s when she decided to use technology to create something that could help people while making a real difference in the world.
The result? Smobler, a company that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology in three completely different industries. Recently, Dr. Chen sat down with Ashley Mastronardi at the New York Stock Exchange to explain how her company is bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
What Exactly Does Smobler Do?
Smobler focuses on three main areas that might seem totally unrelated at first, but they all share a common goal: using technology to solve real-world problems.
1. Educational Gaming That Actually Teaches You Something
If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably noticed that most video games are either purely for entertainment or filled with violence. Dr. Chen saw this as a missed opportunity. She believes gaming should be fun and educational.
Smobler’s gaming platform uses blockchain technology to create what she calls “edutainment”—games that are interactive and engaging but also help you learn valuable skills. Think of it as the opposite of mindless gaming. These games are designed to be non-violent and actually teach you things that could help you in real life, whether that’s problem-solving, critical thinking, or even financial literacy.
2. Making Food Safety Easier with AI
Starting a food business is incredibly complicated. You need to understand nutrition labels, follow strict safety rules, and create something called a HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)—basically a detailed plan for keeping food safe from farm to table.
For many food entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out, navigating these regulations can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s where Smobler’s AI tools come in. The company has developed artificial intelligence systems that help food business owners understand and comply with these complex rules much faster. This means new food products can get to market quicker while still meeting all the necessary safety standards.
3. Revolutionizing How Ships Refuel at Sea
This might be the most surprising part of Smobler’s business. Working with a company called Mysten Labs, Dr. Chen’s team is creating a digital tool that completely changes how ships refuel (called “bunkering” in the maritime industry).
Traditionally, the process of buying and transferring fuel to ships at sea involves lots of paperwork and complicated transactions. Smobler’s blockchain-based solution makes these transactions seamless and instant, even when ships are in the middle of the ocean. The company is also developing financing tools to help shipping companies manage their fuel costs more efficiently.
Why does this matter? The shipping industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. By making fuel operations more efficient, Smobler is helping the industry move toward sustainability—something that benefits everyone on the planet.
The Power of Storytelling in Business
Dr. Chen has an interesting take on what makes entrepreneurs successful. She believes that running a business isn’t just about understanding numbers and finances—it’s also about being able to tell a compelling story.
This makes sense when you think about her theater background. Just like a good play needs a strong narrative to connect with the audience, a good business needs a clear story that explains why it exists and why people should care. Dr. Chen uses storytelling to help Smobler connect with customers, investors, and partners. It’s not just about what the company does; it’s about why it matters.
Why Smobler Matters for the Future
What makes Smobler particularly interesting is how it connects cutting-edge technology with real-world needs. The company isn’t just creating technology for technology’s sake—it’s using AI and blockchain to:
- Make learning more engaging and accessible
- Help small food businesses succeed
- Make the shipping industry more sustainable
All of these efforts support what the United Nations calls Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a blueprint for creating a better, more equitable world. By focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, Smobler is showing how technology companies can do well financially while also doing good for society.
Lessons from Dr. Chen’s Journey
Dr. Chen’s story offers several important lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Adaptability is crucial. When the pandemic upended her industry, she didn’t give up—she pivoted to something completely new.
Your background matters, even if it seems unrelated. Her theater experience gave her skills in storytelling and communication that turned out to be incredibly valuable in the tech world.
Look for problems that need solving. Smobler exists because Dr. Chen saw people struggling and wanted to help. The best businesses often come from identifying real needs.
You don’t have to choose between making money and making a difference. Smobler proves that companies can be profitable while also contributing to education, sustainability, and social good.
The Bigger Picture
As blockchain technology and AI continue to develop, companies like Smobler are showing us what’s possible when these tools are used thoughtfully. Rather than just chasing trends, Dr. Chen has built a company that uses advanced technology to address meaningful challenges in education, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
For students thinking about their future careers, Smobler’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can take many forms. You don’t need to follow a traditional path, and your unique background—whatever it is—might be exactly what the world needs. Dr. Chen’s journey from theater to tech entrepreneurship proves that with creativity, determination, and a genuine desire to help others, you can build something truly innovative.
As we move further into the digital age, the world needs more entrepreneurs who can combine technical skills with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to making things better. Dr. Loretta Chen and Smobler are leading the way, showing that the future of technology isn’t just about what we can build—it’s about what we can improve.