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...