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.

In this episode of The Blockchain Startup Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Saul Hudson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Angle42.

Saul brings invaluable insights into the unique pressures facing first-time founders. We explore how humility and a willingness to learn can inform a startup’s culture from the earliest days, maximizing the chances for sustainable success. Saul offers a framework for founders to balance the urgency of quick wins with the strategic decision-making needed to build something that lasts.

We also discuss how the role of public relations is changing in accordance with the new model of influence. Saul shares how successful companies navigate PR, emphasizing authenticity and strategic foresight in community engagement, especially during events and on social media. If you’re here for insights on optimizing your communications and gaining the right kind of attention for your startup while avoiding a PR disaster, this is the episode for you.

Episode Outline and Highlights:

[00:02] Introduction to Saul Hudson and Angle42

• Introduction to Saul Hudson's background and his role at Angle42
• Overview of Angle42 and its mission in the Web3 space
• Initial insights into the evolving Web3 landscape and its challenges

[14:30] Effective Communication and Hiring Strategies

• The balance between urgency and strategic planning in startup communications
• Effective hiring strategies in Web3
• Creating a sustainable communication framework for growth

[20:39] Building Momentum in PR and Marketing

• The art of patience in PR and playing the long game
• Strategies for building momentum in PR
• Understanding the role of strategic planning in demonstrating PR ROI

[35:34] How to Create Influence at Scale

• How PR extends beyond media relations to create influence at scale
• The significance of events in building personal connections
• Establishing community and influence in a decentralized world

[52:11] Qualities of Effective PR Partners

• Key qualities to look for in PR partners
• Relevant experience and philosophical alignment
• How honesty and brand story communication are crucial in PR partnerships

[60:06] Maintaining Positive Communication

• Maintaining a positive tone in professional settings
• Importance of positive engagement on social media
• Strategies for filtering out noise and fostering authentic interactions

Embrace Humility and Curiosity

First-time founders can greatly benefit from adopting a mindset of humility and curiosity. This approach fosters a culture of growth and success, where learning is prioritized and collaboration thrives. Embracing humility allows founders to acknowledge their limitations and most effectively leverage the expertise of others. This drives continuous improvement, encouraging exploration and innovation. Together, humility and curiosity create a resilient and adaptive organization capable of thriving.

Long-term PR Strategy

Building momentum in PR is a long-term endeavor, much like SEO. It requires a deep commitment to patience and strategic planning to develop relationships that are not only meaningful but enduring. Organizations must focus on long-term objectives, setting realistic expectations and cultivating trust and credibility over time. This patient, calculated approach is essential for demonstrating return on investment in PR efforts. By nurturing these relationships, companies lay a solid foundation for lasting success, ensuring that their message resonates and their influence grows in the ever-evolving landscape of Web3.

In this episode, Lorenzo shares his inspiring journey from his early days with Arquimia in Spain to becoming a pivotal figure in Miami's burgeoning tech & crypto landscape.

We discuss the nuances of succeeding as a founder in Web3, and the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and community-building. Lorenzo's journey illustrates the shift from Web2 to Web3, providing listeners with a roadmap for building Web3 companies that last. Lorenzo offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in crypto.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[00:03] Lorenzo's Story

• Discover Lorenzo's early tech days with Arquimia in Spain
• His big move to Miami and work with Rokk3r
• How he helped incubate over 50 ventures
• The Web3 Chapter

[14:11] Essential Traits for Startup Success

• Finding the right balance between talent and perseverance
• Why humility and continuous idea validation matter
• The mindset of questioning and evolving ideas for success in entrepreneurship

[24:14] Leadership for Founders

• The hurdles in moving from IC to leadership
• How the entrepreneur is like a chef
• The importance of operational leadership and the potential need for a COO

[34:56] Building Strategic Assets for Startups

• Spotting and addressing skill gaps early
• The value of building networks and communities before product development
• Learning from others’ mistakes and planning strategically for success

[40:03] Success Factors in Startup Ecosystems

• How accelerators help shape successful startups
• Learning from successful entrepreneurs and using feedback effectively
• The impact of timing and luck in Web3
• Benefits of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem

[51:57] Shifting from Web2 to Web3

• Key differences between Web2 and Web3 founders
• Assessing genuine blockchain technology applications
• Moving from hype-driven projects to meaningful blockchain applications

Leadership in Web3

Lorenzo emphasizes that transitioning from Web3 to Web3 requires a new set of leadership skills. This includes not only understanding the technological nuances but also fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within teams. Lorenzo’s insights underscore the need for Web3 startups to be led by visionaries who can guide their teams through the fog of uncertainty while staying focused on producing real value.

Building a Sustainable Startup Ecosystem

Lorenzo also sheds light on the importance of cultivating a robust startup ecosystem, particularly in the realm of blockchain technology. He argues that successful ecosystems are built on the foundation of strong networks, community engagement, and a willingness to share knowledge and resources. Accelerators and incubators play a critical role in this process, offering not just funding but mentorship and strategic guidance.

Lorenzo points out that while timing and luck are factors in a startup’s success, being part of a supportive ecosystem can significantly enhance a startup’s chances of thriving. By learning from past successes and failures within the community, entrepreneurs can better navigate the challenges of the Web3 landscape and create lasting impact.

What if your company’s greatest asset and biggest challenge were the same thing?

Join me on the Blockchain Startup Show as I welcome Nelson Lopez, founder of DeWe and former Global Head of People at Gate.io.

Nelson shares his journey into the crypto space, driven by his passion for decentralization, and offers a treasure trove of insights on how to build and manage Web3 startups. From scaling teams to navigating tough people conversations, Nelson's dual role in managing HR processes and operations across various global regions provides an unmatched perspective on the intricacies of complex organizational challenges.

Nelson sheds light on the archetypes within Web3 communities and how to manage them accordingly. Hear about the significant transformation of HR and recruiting from administrative to operational and GTM functions, and why modern recruiting requires a shift from traditional methods to technology-driven processes. Nelson also emphasizes the importance of employer branding and effective onboarding in retaining the best people, a must-know for founders and leaders aiming to build successful teams.

Think retention is always the right strategy? Nelson challenges conventional wisdom by exploring the nuances of employee retention and turnover. Discover the importance of aligning candidates' motivations with job roles and the challenges of navigating the unpredictable talent market. We also touch on the impact of AI on job structures and the necessity of taking action amidst regulatory uncertainties.

This is a great opportunity for early-stage founders to learn critical management, regulatory and scaling lessons pulled from larger, more established organizations.

[00:03] Introduction to Nelson Lopez and His Career in Web3 HR

• Overview of Nelson's extensive experience in HR and operations at Gate.io
• Founding DeWe and advising startups and VCs on HR strategies
• Nelson's journey into the crypto space and his passion for decentralization

[09:53] Understanding Web3 Team Archetypes and Scaling Challenges

• Exploration of different archetypes within Web3 teams: "hippies", the money motivated, and libertarian types
• Challenges of maintaining a decentralized structure as the team scales
• Importance of evolving management styles to match the team's growth

[15:02] Navigating Tough People Conversations in Startups

• Implementing hierarchical structures in growing teams
• The necessity of having difficult conversations early on
• The role of emotional intelligence in handling team transitions

[23:44] Evolving HR in a Changing Workforce

• The reality of startup life: action vs. inaction
• The shift from traditional HR roles to tech-driven, process-oriented functions
• Importance of efficient onboarding and flexible work tools in modern workplaces

[36:39] Evolution of HR and Recruiting Strategies

• Transformation of HR and recruiting from administrative to operational and GTM functions
• The rise of employer branding and the impact of advanced recruiting tools
• Challenges startups face in managing recruitment processes effectively

[47:06] Optimizing Recruiting Strategies for Startups

• Polarization between low-cost and premium recruitment services
• Benefits of modern bounty platforms and retained search firms
• Impact of internet dynamics on traditional recruitment methods

[58:42] Avoiding Corporate Emulation in Startup Growth

• Pitfalls of emulating big corporations too early
• Importance of scalable processes for smaller...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of discussing what founders need to know about DevRel with Eric Zietlow.

We covered everything from the purpose and impact of DevRel, through to building an effective DevRel team, how to compensate them, and how to set them up for success.

Eric Zietlow is formerly Director of Developer Relations for Chia Network. He’s one of the most experienced DevRel leaders in the space, with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the challenges and strategies involved in building effective DevRel teams.

Eric Zietlow introduces himself and explains that DevRel is about bridging the gap between engineering and users and bringing technical understanding to the community.

Eric defines DevRel as the department that connects engineering teams with users. He emphasizes the importance of conveying technical information while maintaining user engagement. He also describes DevRel as a two-way street, facilitating feedback from the community back to the engineering teams.

We discussed the challenges of quantifying the impact of DevRel. Unlike engineering or sales departments, where metrics like bugs fixed or sales leads can easily be measured, DevRel's value is often more qualitative. Eric likens DevRel to "oil in the engine" of a company, facilitating smooth operations across departments rather than directly driving metrics.

We talked about how DevRel is often confused with marketing due to their overlapping roles in building relationships and engagement. However, Eric points out that DevRel is more niche-focused, targeting developers specifically, whereas marketing is broader and involves product promotion to various audiences.

The conversation covers the skills needed for a DevRel role and how companies should approach hiring for this position. Eric suggests hiring individuals with a technical background rather than those who started in marketing or non-technical roles. He emphasizes the need for practical experience and enthusiasm for the project.

Eric explains that a significant part of DevRel is advocacy, both for the users (external) and within the company (internal). He discusses the misconception that DevRel is primarily about documentation and clarifies that the role focuses more on advocating for the needs of the community and ensuring the product development aligns with user needs.

Eric discusses the importance of engaging with the community and being present at events. He stresses that the value of DevRel is not in the number of attendees at an event but in the quality and engagement level of those attendees.

Eric mentions how the industry moved from using the term "developer evangelist" to "developer advocate," reflecting a shift in focus from merely promoting technology to building relationships and providing real value to the community.

We discuss the difficulties in hiring qualified DevRel talent, particularly in the crypto space. He mentions that there are only a limited number of experienced DevRel professionals, and finding someone with both technical expertise and the necessary soft skills can be challenging.

We talk about the role of...

Financial discipline, managing market cycles, and running lean. According to Gwin Scott, these are some of the strategies and attention points founders need to keep in mind in order to succeed in the crypto and Web3 environment.

Gwin is my guest in this week’s episode of The Blockchain Startup Show. He is the co-founder of Vendible Labs, a decentralized identity project built on Algorand. With a long and successful track record in business leadership pre-crypto, and some humbling experiences post-crypto, I was excited to get Gwin’s take on the trials and tribulations of Web3 entrepreneurship.

Watch the full conversation here:

[EMBEDDED INTERVIEW]

Gwin is a veteran entrepreneur who bravely took the plunge into crypto, co-founding Vendible Labs..

Having worked with businesses in many different sectors and coming from a traditional corporate background, Gwin has a special eye for early-stage business development, sustainable business models, and strategies that can help founders reach success.

Here are the highlights from the interview:

Gwin discusses his background in corporate roles, such as with Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting, his transition into venture capital and blockchain.

We discuss how Web3 differs from other industries in terms of success conditions, business execution, and the unique challenges posed by decentralization.

Gwin offers insights into whether traditional business development practices can be applied in crypto, debating the industry’s differences and similarities.

We explore how trends like community-led sales and inbound marketing in traditional sectors are aligning with practices that are already prevalent in crypto.

We discuss projects that raised excessive funds but failed to deliver, leading to bloated operations with little innovation or product-market fit.

Gwin highlights essential lessons crypto founders can learn from traditional industries, such as the importance of constraints in driving innovation and maintaining focus.

He also discusses the need for founders, especially in technical roles, to have a comprehensive understanding of the business context and how their work contributes to the broader goals.

Gwin reflects on the journey of building Vendible Labs, sharing both successes and failures, and the lessons learned throughout the process.

Gwin offers practical advice on how to approach fundraising, including calculating runway needs, managing burn rate, and planning for both bull and bear market cycles.

We talk about how founders need to be proactive rather than reactive during different market cycles, with strategies to maintain consistency and avoid pitfalls.

We explore the importance of lean operations and avoiding unnecessary expenses, especially during early stages when resources are limited...