The Dark Side of Leadership: Complex Lessons from a Former Congressman

// Fireside Chat - Secret Session

Location: The Landing Boardroom (Downstairs)

Time: 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM

Moderator: Hamdan Azhar

Speaker: Congressman Steve Stockman

Abstract:

Former two-term Congressman Steve Stockman has lived at the extremes of power and downfall. A fearless early champion of Bitcoin—back when most dismissed it as nothing more than a tool for drug dealers—Stockman pushed the boundaries of innovation in Washington. But his journey also took him to federal prison, where he witnessed unimaginable violence, including watching his cell mates get stabbed.

In this gripping fireside chat, Stockman reflects on the dark side of leadership, the moral ambiguities that haunt politics, and the resilience required to survive and transform through crisis. His story is raw, unexpected, and packed with lessons on how to thrive when everything is on the line.

Speaker Biographies:

Hamdan Azhar — Hamdan Azhar is a data scientist, writer, and storyteller whose work bridges technology, culture, and society. A former Facebook, BlackRock, and Cash App data leader, he has published in WIRED, Forbes, and The Washington Post, and spoken on stages from The Moth to global tech conferences. He co-founded Bitcoin Center NYC, co-invented a patented emoji machine learning system at Facebook, and is the founder of the Muslim Writers Collective.

Congressman Steve Stockman — Congressman Steve Stockman is a former U.S. Representative from Texas, who in 2014 introduced what’s considered the first Bitcoin‑related bill in Congress, the “Virtual Currency Tax Reform Act” to recognize digital currencies as legal tender. A vocal proponent of AI and crypto innovation, he has always been a catalyst for forward-thinking technology policy. He also champions representation and outreach for Muslim and Middle Eastern communities.