Chris Pan, an entrepreneur and US university commencement speaker for the class of 2024, revealed that he was high on ayahuasca while writing his speech. The ceremony took place at The Ohio State University on May 5. During his speech, Pan promoted Bitcoin and crypto, stating that Bitcoin is a misunderstood asset class. He emphasized the importance of financial literacy and encouraged the graduates to keep an open mind about investing, especially in cryptocurrencies. However, Pan faced heavy criticism from the audience, with some even booing him for his unconventional speech.
The commencement speech, which lasted for 17 minutes, began in a typical fashion, but then took a surprising turn with Pan discussing Bitcoin and its potential as an investment. He highlighted the decentralized and finite nature of Bitcoin and mentioned recent developments such as the launch of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to address security concerns on crypto exchanges. Pan even attempted a demonstration of how anyone can hold these funds in their retirement account, but it did not have the desired impact on the audience. The reactions to Pan’s speech were mixed, with many expressing disappointment and criticism, while others saw value in his advice regarding Bitcoin and its role in the future.
Prior to the commencement ceremony, Chris Pan revealed on his LinkedIn profile that he was under the influence of ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic, while writing his speech. Ayahuasca is known for its effects on altering perception, time, and emotions, and has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples for religious and therapeutic purposes. Pan mentioned that he sought help from “Ayahuasca Intelligence” to create a heartfelt speech for the event, as he wanted to address the challenging times faced by the graduates. While some individuals saw merit in Pan’s unconventional approach, others criticized the scattered nature of the speech, viewing it as more of an advertisement for crypto and Pan’s business.
Chris Pan, a social entrepreneur and musician, graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999. He has a background working for companies like PepsiCo and Facebook before founding his bracelet-making company, MyIntent. Pan’s umbrella organization, SpiritLab, is dedicated to promoting spiritual health and growth through experimentation. Despite the mixed reactions to his commencement speech, Pan’s diverse background and entrepreneurial endeavors have shaped his perspective on topics like financial literacy and cryptocurrency, leading him to share his insights with the graduating class of 2024. The controversy surrounding his unconventional speech has sparked discussions about the intersection of psychedelics, entrepreneurship, and public speaking.
Overall, Chris Pan’s commencement speech at The Ohio State University created a buzz due to his admission of being under the influence of ayahuasca while writing it and his promotion of Bitcoin and crypto. While some criticized the speech for being scattered and self-promotional, others appreciated his unique perspective and advice on investing in cryptocurrencies. The incident highlighted the importance of thoughtful and coherent communication in public speaking, as well as the evolving role of digital assets like Bitcoin in the financial landscape. Looking beyond the controversy, Pan’s background as an entrepreneur and advocate for spiritual growth reflects a broader trend of individuals exploring unconventional paths to personal and professional development, even in formal settings like commencement ceremonies.
