In this episode of Fast Forward STL, host Keith Alper sits down with St. Louis native Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Block (formerly Square), to talk about the lessons he’s learned from building a global company and how those ideas apply beyond business. From launching Mira and co-founding Third Degree Glass Factory, to growing a global fintech company, McKelvey reflects on curiosity, creativity, and the value of learning by doing. He explains why understanding emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, matters far beyond the tech world, and how innovation can help make cities like St. Louis safer and more approachable. It’s a conversation about learning from experience, thinking differently, and imagining what’s possible for the city’s future. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

This episode is sponsored by Capes Sokol, a St. Louis–based law firm trusted by business leaders and decision-makers navigating growth, change, and risk. Their attorneys advise companies on business operations, real estate, litigation, and strategic planning, always with a practical, business-minded approach. Capes Sokol helps leaders make confident, informed decisions at every stage. Learn more.

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St. Louis Magazine‘s latest business coverage
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St. Louis Business 500: Living Legends
Square co-founder Jim McKelvey details how he changed the payment game and beat Amazon in a new book

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/">Fast Forward STL</a>, host Keith Alper sits down with St. Louis native Jim McKelvey, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://block.xyz/">Block</a>&nbsp;(formerly Square), to talk about the lessons he&rsquo;s learned from building a global company and how those ideas apply beyond business. From launching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mirasmart.com/">Mira</a>&nbsp;and co-founding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/?">Third Degree Glass Factory</a>, to growing a global fintech company, McKelvey reflects on curiosity, creativity, and the value of learning by doing. He explains why understanding emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, matters far beyond the tech world, and how innovation can help make cities like St. Louis safer and more approachable. It&rsquo;s a conversation about learning from experience, thinking differently, and imagining what&rsquo;s possible for the city&rsquo;s future. Watch on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL">YouTube</a>, and listen on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa">Spotify</a>, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.
This episode is sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://capessokol.com/">Capes Sokol</a>, a St. Louis&ndash;based law firm trusted by business leaders and decision-makers navigating growth, change, and risk. Their attorneys advise companies on business operations, real estate, litigation, and strategic planning, always with a practical, business-minded approach. Capes Sokol helps leaders make confident, informed decisions at every stage.&nbsp;<a href="http://capessokol.com/">Learn more.</a>
New to podcasts?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/">Follow these instructions</a>&nbsp;to start listening to our shows, and hear what you&rsquo;ve been missing!
Want more?&nbsp;Check out all of&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/">podcasts</a>.
You may also enjoy these articles from&nbsp;SLM:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/business/">St. Louis Magazine&lsquo;s latest business coverage</a></li>
<li><a href="http://stlmag.com/podcasts">More podcasts from&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine</a></li>
<li><a href="https://info.stlmag.com/st-louis-business-newsletter">Subscribe to&nbsp;St. Louis Magazine&lsquo;s Business newsletter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/business/st-louis-business-500-living-legends/">St. Louis Business 500: Living Legends</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.stlmag.com/news/square-co-founder-jim-mckelvey-innovation-stack-new-book/">Square co-founder Jim McKelvey details how he changed the payment game and beat Amazon in a new book</a></li>
</ul>

Fast Forward STL is a business and innovation podcast hosted by entrepreneur, investor, producer, and CEO of The Nitrous Effect companies, Keith Alper. Each episode features leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators doing remarkable work connected to St. Louis and the greater region. Together, they explore ideas, stories, and strategies that shape growth, spark curiosity, and occasionally make you say, “I didn’t know that.” From bold startups to legacy organizations reinventing themselves, the conversations dig into how people build, create, and solve real problems, and why it matters to our city’s future. The goal is simple: learn, explore, and help move St. Louis fast forward through business, leadership, and innovation.

Fast Forward STL&nbsp;is a business and innovation podcast hosted by entrepreneur, investor, producer, and CEO of The Nitrous Effect companies, Keith Alper. Each episode features leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators doing remarkable work connected to St. Louis and the greater region. Together, they explore ideas, stories, and strategies that shape growth, spark curiosity, and occasionally make you say, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know that.&rdquo; From bold startups to legacy organizations reinventing themselves, the conversations dig into how people build, create, and solve real problems, and why it matters to our city&rsquo;s future. The goal is simple: learn, explore, and help move St. Louis fast forward through business, leadership, and innovation.