In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristina Kuleshova, Head of People and Culture at Magic Square.

Kristina shares her perspective on cultural and generational differences in Web3 teams, and how startups can best adapt to an inter-generational, inter-cultural workforce that’s radically different from anything that came before.

From cross-cultural management to generational insights, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders looking to scale their teams effectively.

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Introduction to Kristina Kuleshova and Magic Square

• Kristina's Web3 origin story
• Her role as Head of People and Culture at Magic Square
• Initial encounters with blockchain and its transformative potential

[10:06] Generational Differences in Web3

• Challenges in hiring and organizational culture within Web3
• The generational divide in crypto workplaces
• Strategies for creating inclusive environments

[18:09] Evolving Workforce Trends

• Contrasts in work attitudes between Gen Z and other generations
• The impact of digital age information access on productivity
• Cultural expectations and the pursuit of meaningful work

[30:53] The New Model of Team Building

• Balancing professional duties with personal passions in crypto
• The importance of adaptability and rapid decision-making
• The value of flexibility and changing perceptions of job-hopping

[45:19] Attracting Experienced Talent

• Transitioning from established companies to startups
• The role of mutual selection in recruitment
• Benefits of tenure and experience in Web3 teams

[51:16] Non-Traditional Employment

• The rapid pace of change
• Differences in employment structures and their impact
• Attracting non-crypto native talent

[56:59] Crypto Work Culture

• The rise of remote work and digital nomadism
• Cultural attitudes towards remote work in different regions
• The fun and rewarding environment of the crypto industry

Building Stronger Teams in Web3

Kristina Kuleshova highlights the importance of bringing people together across different age groups and backgrounds in Web3. As the industry evolves, creating an environment where collaboration and fresh ideas thrive is key. Leaders can build strong teams that handle the volatility of the industry by encouraging diversity and making quick, thoughtful decisions.

The Value of Experience and Broader Perspectives

The crypto industry benefits from combining the energy of younger generations with the knowledge of more experienced professionals. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of older candidates, startups can build balanced teams. This approach not only strengthens company culture but also helps drive lasting success.

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ceri Power, Head of People at the StarkNet Foundation.

We discuss Ceri’s experiences with hyper-growth teams Chainlink and Status, exploring how to build teams that effectively integrate crypto-native and non-crypto-native talent. Ceri shares lessons on operational efficiency, open-source collaboration, and community-driven marketing—and what early-stage founders can learn from more established teams.

We touch on Web3 recruiting, and how competence trumps credentials. We also examine the crucial role of founders in shaping company culture and their strategic importance as the public face of their organizations.

Join us as we take a peek “behind the curtain” to see how some of crypto’s most successful teams have scaled…

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Scaling Web3 Companies

• Introduction to Ceri Power and her role at StarkNetInsights from scaling Chainlink and Status
• The importance of operational efficiency and open-source collaboration

[11:47] The Value of Hiring Non-Crypto Talent

• Transition from traditional credential-based hiring to valuing skills and agency
• The integration of non-crypto-native talent and changing industry perceptions
• Creating a flexible, growth-oriented work culture

[20:45] Purpose, Passion in Crypto

• The intersection of ideas and innovation
• Bringing fresh perspectives into crypto
• Meaning and purpose

[31:02] Founders and Web3 Culture

• The role of founders as public figures and cultural leaders
• The importance of strong personal branding and active involvement in hiring
• Setting the company's trajectory through consistent messaging

[41:35] Building Strong Foundations for Success

• Making tough decisions as a founder to manage team dynamics and performance
• Early intervention and saying goodbye with grace
• Advice for seed-stage founders

[45:40] Early-stage Hiring

• The importance of strategic hiring decisions in the early days
• Dangers of settling for less than exceptional talent
• Clear organizational vision and effective delegation for scaling

[50:53] Strategic Hiring for Long-Term Success

• Challenges of hiring during crypto's volatile boom and bust cycles
• Intentional hiring decisions and maintaining sustainability
• Impact of hiring and firing on company culture and reputation

Creating a Culture of Adaptability in Web3

In crypto, a flexible, open team culture is essential. Ceri Power shares how blending crypto-native and non-crypto-native talent helps companies thrive in the face of constant change. By fostering collaboration and encouraging new perspectives, early-stage teams can cultivate a dynamic work environment that welcomes innovation and builds resilience.

Sustainable Growth Through Thoughtful Hiring

Scaling quickly doesn’t mean hiring at random. Ceri emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven recruitment, where each hire aligns with the company’s long-term vision. For founders, this approach isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about building a foundation for sustainable growth and a strong, cohesive culture that will weather the ups and downs of the crypto industry.

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michal Moneta, Chief Strategy Officer at the Onchain Foundation.

Michal shares his journey from a content marketer to a pivotal figure in the blockchain industry, highlighting the rapid career advancements possible within the crypto space. We delve into the mission of the Onchain Foundation and its innovative approach to making Web3 more accessible through real-world blockchain applications.

Michal and I explore the profound shifts in work and career that have occured in recent years. We discuss how the traditional linear career progression is being replaced by a fast-paced, skill-driven model that values adaptability and new ideas. The conversation extends to the broader socio-economic transitions, emphasizing the meritocratic culture emerging in the information age.

And most importantly, this episode addresses the road to Web3 mass adoption and the opportunities that exist here for crypto entrepreneurs. He highlights segments ripe for disruption, like gaming and social media, while examining what's gone wrong with other use cases.

Through customer-centric marketing and aligning blockchain innovations with genuine user value, Michal offers invaluable insights for those curious about the future trajectory of work and technology in the blockchain era.

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Introduction to Michal Moneta and Onchain

• Introduction to Michal Moneta's background and his role at Onchain
• The Onchain Foundation and its mission to bring the world onchain
• The unique challenges of Web3 business

[10:16] Work and Career in Web3

• The shift from linear career progression to a dynamic, skill-driven model
• How Web3 continues to pioneer remote work and offering meritocratic opportunities globally
• Broader socio-economic transitions from industrial to information eras

[29:55] Real-World Adoption Challenges in Web3

• Challenges of launching blockchain-based products
• The dichotomy between Web3 ideals and user expectations
• Exploring how blockchain can offer financial stability in countries with unstable currencies

[36:59] Future Adoption of Web3 Technologies

• Onboarding people to Web3
• The potential of sharing economy models in driving Web3 adoption
• How Sweatcoin's approach can serve as a blueprint for Web3 integration

[46:12] Web3 Gaming Adoption Challenges

• The promise and disappointment of Web3 gaming - what can be learned?
• The importance of delivering genuine user value over speculation
• Lessons for founders on creating compelling user experiences

Web3 Career Progression

In Web3, traditional career paths have been replaced by a dynamic, skill-driven model that values adaptability and innovation. This new landscape emphasizes merit over tenure, offering rapid career advancement opportunities and pioneering remote work models that are meritocratic and global. Individuals and companies must quickly adapt to technological advancements, focusing on rewarding direct merit and fresh ideas to thrive.

Driving Real-World Adoption

Web3 products must align with genuine user needs and provide value beyond "number go up". By focusing on consumer use cases that stand to gain the most from blockchain technology, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of crossing the adoption chasm.