In this episode of the Proof of Talent Podcast, we chat with Will Burleson, the Head of Talent at SCRIB3. Will, who boasts a unique journey from military medicine to the crypto industry, shares insights on scaling a bootstrapped company, the nuances of hiring crypto-native talent, and the critical role of personal branding and network building in today's competitive job market. Tune in to explore how SCRIB3 weathered the bear market of 2022-2023, strategically grew their team, and tackled the ch...
Oct 15, 2024•45 min•Ep 342•Transcript available on Metacast In today's exciting episode, Remington Rodney chats with Kim Currier to delve into the transformative world of web3 and Decentraland's latest advancements. We'll explore how Decentraland is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of Decentraland 2.0, featuring enhanced graphics, social elements, and simplified processes through AI. As Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Decentraland, Kim Currier shares her intriguing journey from big brands like Bank of America and the Boston Celtics to h...
Aug 21, 2024•41 min•Ep 341•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we're excited to have Mitchell Hammer from Electric Capital join us. In this conversation, we explore what sets Electric Capital apart in the crowded Crypto VC space, their impactful developer report, and the unique challenges and opportunities in hiring for the crypto industry. Mitchell shares his journey starting in TradFi working at Princeton's endowment to joining Electric Capital during a peak in crypto mania, offering invaluable advice for those looking to break into the space. We a...
Jul 24, 2024•41 min•Ep 340•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we're diving deep into the world of blockchain-enabled gaming and innovative blockchain technology with Andrew Saunders and Spring Dunn from SKALE Labs. Andrew, with a diverse career spanning Hollywood to major tech companies like Facebook and Amazon, shares his journey into the blockchain space and the transformative potential it holds. We'll explore how Scale's unique architecture and gas fee-free platform are revolutionizing the gaming experience, making it accessible and rewarding, es...
Jun 25, 2024•44 min•Ep 339•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the latest episode of the Proof of Talent podcast featuring Stephanie Vieira from OP Labs! Discover the unique approach and values that set Optimism apart in the crypto space. Stephanie dives into her personal journey and shares key strategies for creating a thriving open-source ecosystem. Here are three key takeaways: - **Balancing Open-Source Values with Capital Funding**: Stephanie discusses the challenge of sustaining open-source values while obtaining necessary capital. OP Labs a...
Jun 05, 2024•44 min•Ep 338•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we're thrilled to welcome an inspiring guest, Olivia Marder, the Director of Talent at Magic, a company that's pioneering the transition of web2 users into web3. From her journey that led her from restaurant management into tech recruiting, to her discovery and passion for the crypto space, Olivia shares her unique insights into talent acquisition in this rapidly evolving industry. We dig into how a company's mission drives success, the critical role of open-minded leadership...
Feb 15, 2024•36 min•Ep 337•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we're diving into a candid conversation with our guest, Sarah Howe from ConsenSys. With a talent journey that has seen her rise from Protocol Engineering Recruitment to Head of Talent Acquisition, Sarah is here to share her insights on navigating challenges and driving growth within the web3 space. Today, she'll reveal how ConsenSys maintains its culture through open communication, creating a nurturing environment that emphasizes trust, adaptability, and transparency, as well as the lesso...
Dec 06, 2023•43 min•Ep 336•Transcript available on Metacast Here is a quick review of Q3 2023 from my perspective at Proof of Talent. We talk specifically about the hiring and employment landscape and discuss the main things I've seen. Here are three key takeaways that you need to know: 🌟 Q3 was unexpectedly the best quarter for Proof of Talent, despite the overall downturn in the crypto market. We have seen a significant number of placements and revenue during this period. 📈 Hiring in the crypto industry is not dead! While the number of companies hiri...
Oct 09, 2023•11 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast Amy Kalnoki, COO and co-founder of Bitwave joins us to discuss her transition from enterprise software to the crypto space, the challenges of scaling a company in the ever-changing market, and the importance of building a strong team, especially in a remote work environment. We chat about how Amy has led her team through bull and bear cycles in the crypto market and how Bitwave views the scaling of headcount for their team. We also discuss the recent IRS guidance on cryptocurrency transactions a...
Sep 20, 2023•34 min•Ep 334•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with Zack Skelly, a seasoned expert in the recruiting and talent space within the crypto industry. Zack brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with notable organizations such as 0x and Dragonfly Capital. In his current role at Dragon, he supports over 100 portfolio companies with hiring and talent strategy. This interview is a must-listen for companies looking to enhance their hiring processes, as well as for job seekers interested in understanding...
Sep 13, 2023•45 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us - Margaret Gabriel, the Head of Talent at CoinFund, a well-established venture fund in the crypto space. We dive deep into the world of hiring and performance management with Margaret, discussing her talent equation and the importance of not only hiring, but performance and engagement as well. Throughout the episode, we explore the evolving hiring perspectives within the crypto industry, the significance of transparency in empowering manager...
Aug 23, 2023•46 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a conversation with Lauren Gambee, the Director of People at Blockworks. In this episode, we explore the fascinating realm of people leadership within the crypto space, focusing on creating a positive work environment and driving employee retention. We discuss the importance of aligning culture and values, the challenges of scaling organizations like BlockWorks and the unique talent acquisition struggles faced in the cryptocurrency industry. So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets ...
Jul 31, 2023•39 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast We sat down with Calder Zwerling, Head of Talent at OpenSea and a Strategic Advisor at Variant Fund, to discuss hiring in the blockchain, crypto, and web3 space. We cover everything from market mapping hiring needs, optimizing the hiring process for speed and current trends we're seeing in the hiring landscape today within web3. Calder also discusses OpenSea's application process and their focus on hiring candidates with a genuine interest in Web3, NFTs, and specific use cases. If you're interes...
Jul 12, 2023•40 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're joined by Lisa DeLuca, Senior Director of Engineering at Unstoppable Domains, to discuss her journey in the web3 space. Lisa shares her background in engineering, spending 15+ years at IBM before joining the web3 industry and what inspired her to take the leap. The discussion covers a wide range of topics related to hiring, scaling, and building in the crypto industry, including the importance of a self-starting attitude, and staying up-to-date with industry news and hot topics. We a...
Jun 22, 2023•34 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast We're joined by Danny Arango, Head of Talent at Gauntlet Network, who shares valuable insights on hiring and job search strategies in the current market. Danny his experience with the crypto industry's bull and bear cycles, how that effects hiring and how things have changed working in the industry since 2018. Danny highlights the importance of transparency and company culture in attracting top talent and advises both employers and candidates to ask deeper questions early on in the process to ma...
Jun 13, 2023•45 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we speak with Greg Clayman, Talent Partner at vc fund Chapter One, who offers valuable insights on early stage company hiring in the blockchain, crypto and web3 space. Here are some key takeaways from the episode: - Crafting a specific job description that speaks to the needs of the company and candidate is important. Although it may not necessarily lead to a hire through a job application, creating a good job description helps with the internal calibration process. - Hiring oppo...
May 31, 2023•44 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast Today we chat with Matt Austin, COO of Elementus, about his career journey within the blockchain, crypto, and web3 space. Matt shares valuable insights for job seekers and hiring executives in this rapidly growing industry, emphasizing the importance of aligning with a company's values, quick feedback loops during the recruiting process, and effective communication. He also talks about his own experience breaking into the industry and ultimately landing his current role at Elementus through netw...
May 17, 2023•35 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast Let's discuss the realities of job seeking in today's current market. It will likely take you a bit longer to find a new position than it has in the past, especially if you're a higher earner. A couple key things to think about: 1. Job seekers should prepare for a longer job search if they're on the job market right now or are thinking about looking for new opportunities. 2. The dynamics of the job market have totally flipped from a candidate-led market in the post-pandemic world to an employer-...
May 10, 2023•13 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast Rob provides a quick "State of the Union" regarding hiring in the crypto industry so far in 2023, from what we've seen at Proof of Talent . Here are three key takeaways for job seekers and hiring companies: 1. Despite the slowdown caused a variety of factors in 2022 (you name it), there is cause for optimism in the market. There has been a slow but steady pickup in hiring this year and a high percentage of searches have resulted in job offers. 2. Technical talent is still in high demand, while o...
Apr 25, 2023•8 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast Lets explore the importance of networking, or more aptly described as making friends, in the ever-evolving crypto and web3 space. Rob and Remi both share their own journey networking in the space, discuss the value it's provided them and how they'd accomplish their goals today. 🎧 Tune in as we share our top strategies for successful networking for both online and in-person, how to create genuine connections, and advice on navigating events, meetups, and online communities. Whether you're a cryp...
Apr 18, 2023•43 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast We're firmly in the depths of the latest crypto bear market. It might not seem like it, but NOW is the time to "Make It". Let's talk about why I think so and 4 key things I think you have to do to set yourself up for success in the long-run. Link to Cobie's insights on Twitter: https://twitter.com/icebergy_/status/1591222718518759424?s=20&t=izKcruyEUBqUPPB0RuSxsg Inquiries: podcast@proofoftalent.co Apply for a job in the crypto industry: https://proofoftalent.co/blockchain-jobs Get help hiring f...
Dec 14, 2022•20 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast Surprisingly, NOW is a crazy good time for companies that are still hiring in the crypto industry. Here's why I think that's the case: 1. There is more talent on the market. Whether through layoffs, larger companies hiring less talent or just people more interested in making a career move within the industry, there is more talent looking. 2. There is less competition among companies hiring. Simply put, less companies are hiring now, which means better odds for the companies that are. 3. The tour...
Nov 22, 2022•9 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast It's been about a week since FTX blew up in spectacularly bad fashion, due to what appears to be outright fraudulent behavior and theft by a select few individuals at FTX/Alameda, led by Sam Bankman-Fried. Obviously, the situation is terrible for a variety of reasons. But for those that are interested in a career within the crypto industry, did the FTX bankruptcy and subsequent contagion ruin the job market? Let's talk about what FTX's collapse means for crypto job seekers, hiring companies and ...
Nov 17, 2022•14 min•Ep 320•Transcript available on Metacast Duke spent nearly two decades in capital markets: as a credit derivatives trader, regulatory consultant, and finally a territory manager at Bloomberg. Then, he found his way into working for Lukka, a venture backed startup supporting the crypto industry. In this interview, we'll chat through Duke's initial journey into the crypto industry, some challenges he faced finding a new role after Lukka and what he's currently doing at The Giving Block. Duke Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t...
Oct 17, 2022•44 min•Ep 319•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wonder what it's like to go from working at one of the largest and most famous companies in the world, to a web3 startup? Wonder no more. Today we're joined by Glenn Rachlin, who works in Sales and Partnerships at Alchemy, to talk about his journey in the web3 and crypto space. Glenn has an interesting career journey, taking him from the enterprise software sales world, to Amazon Web Services, to Alchemy. We discuss differences between working at a BIG company and a startup, resume advice f...
Oct 10, 2022•37 min•Ep 318•Transcript available on Metacast Afolabi Ogunnaike has a unique background. He started his career working in the oil and gas industry. Then went to work within the consulting world for McKinsey. Then found his way working to within the payments sector at a larg bank. Nowadays, Afolabi leads Biz Ops at Cross River, a fintech company with deep involvement within the crypto industry. In this episode, we talk about Afolabi's career journey, the challenges he faced starting a career in crypto and much more. Hope you enjoy! Afolabi O...
Oct 04, 2022•41 min•Ep 317•Transcript available on Metacast Hiring great talent in the crypto industry can be a challenging experience. Here are 4 tips to help you, as a hiring manager, CEO or corporate recruiter, to hire more efficiently within the crypto industry. As the CEO of a recruiting firm that works specifically within the crypto, blockchain and web3 industry, I've had quite a bit of experience watching good and bad interview processes, so I hope this helps! While this is more geared towards hiring employers, I hope this is helpful for the job s...
Sep 28, 2022•17 min•Ep 316•Transcript available on Metacast Julia Draheim is a recruiter on the team at Proof of Talent, who started in the industry with no prior crypto or blockchain experience. We talk about her journey starting from scratch and how she quickly ramped up to becoming a highly proficient recruiter in the industry. This episode is great for those interested in starting in crypto, without a ton of prior industry experience! We hope you enjoy the conversation! Inquiries: podcast@proofoftalent.co Apply for a job: https://proofoftalent.co/blo...
Sep 26, 2022•25 min•Ep 315•Transcript available on Metacast Are you thinking about starting a career in the crypto industry? Is the bear market giving you pause on that thought? Let's have a chat about starting a career in the crypto, web3 and blockchain industry, how it relates to asset prices and much more. Email me for questions: podcast@proofoftalent.co Apply for a job: https://proofoftalent.co/blockchain-jobs
Sep 19, 2022•12 min•Ep 314•Transcript available on Metacast Jared Delin has been a recruiter on the team at Proof of Talent for the last two years. Join us as he shares his journey into the crypto industry, his tips for finding opportunities within the space and more on his general outlook. We discuss how the little things can really make a big difference, especially when it comes to your job search. proofoftalent.co podcast@proofoftalent.co for inquiries
Sep 15, 2022•28 min•Ep 313•Transcript available on Metacast 
