The Proof of Talent Podcast

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 challenges of finding top-tier talent in an ever-evolving industry. This episode is packed with expert advice, inspiring career transitions, and forward-thinking strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the crypto space.

Follow Will on Twitter: https://x.com/0xwillthetrill

Check out SCRIB3: https://scrib3.co/

At Proof of Talent, we support job seekers in the crypto, blockchain and web3 space. If that's you, reach out to us below!

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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 her pivotal role in shaping virtual social experiences.

Join us as we uncover insights into the creator economy within Decentraland, the vibrant events hosted in this blockchain-backed metaverse, and the multitude of career opportunities emerging in this rapidly evolving space. We'll discuss the importance of community, networking, and mentorship in web 3, and highlight innovative events—from metaverse fashion weeks to yoga sessions—that showcase the uniqueness of Decentraland. Whether you're a creator, a tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of digital identity and social interaction, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Stick around for an inspiring conversation filled with mutual appreciation, valuable advice, and the unyielding spirit of the web three community.

Check out Decentraland: https://decentraland.org/

Follow Kim Currier on X: https://x.com/KimboNFT

At Proof of Talent, we support job seekers in the crypto, blockchain and web3 space. If that's you, reach out to us below!

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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 also touch on the importance of finding talent that resonates with your company's culture, the effects of U.S. regulations on crypto developers, and the future of NFTs beyond the current hype.

Stay tuned as we uncover insights on how Electric Capital supports its portfolio companies, the evolving role of crypto in finance, and actionable advice for job seekers aiming to thrive in this rapidly growing industry. This episode is packed with expert knowledge and practical tips, so let's dive in!

Electric Capital: https://www.electriccapital.com/

Electric Capital Developer Report: https://www.developerreport.com/developer-report

At Proof of Talent, we support job seekers in the crypto, blockchain and web3 space. If that's you, reach out to us below!

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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, especially for users in developing countries.

Spring, Scale's Senior Director of Marketing, offers insights into the company's strategic approach to long-term adoption, highlighting key achievements like hitting 50 million transactions per month and maintaining a 99.9% uptime. Together, they discuss the vibrant, collaborative culture at Scale and the importance of a healthy ecosystem for customer experience. We'll also hear about the exciting future upgrades in the pipeline and the critical need for authentic branding in web3 marketing.

Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast or new to the space, this episode is packed with valuable insights on the growth and future of blockchain gaming and the importance of building a dedicated and diverse team. Tune in as our hosts Remington Rodney and Connor Holliman lead this compelling discussion on the evolution and potential of blockchain technology with Andrew and Spring from Scale Labs.

Check out SKALE: https://skale.space/

At Proof of Talent, we support job seekers in the crypto, blockchain and web3 space.

If that's you, reach out to us below!

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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 aims to fund open-source software through retroactive public goods funding and extends support to other initiatives beyond open-source.

- **Innovative Ecosystem Collaboration**: The "op stack" forms the core protocol that enhances scalability and delivers a seamless user and developer experience. The company emphasizes a collaborative and horizontal approach, sharing knowledge and candidates across other super chain companies. This includes key partnerships, such as working with Base on core initiatives.

- **Cultural Intentionality and Sustainable Growth**: OP Labs prioritizes a strong, vibrant, and collaborative company culture, focusing on treating employees well. They follow a deliberate hiring process, aiming to grow sustainably by integrating external teams through grants. Their goal is to eventually decentralize and empower the community.

🌟 If you're curious about the crypto space or considering a career in Web3, take Stephanie's advice: stay curious, consume information, and get involved through DAOs, conferences, or hackathons. Tune in to the full episode for more insights and explore job opportunities within the Optimism ecosystem at optimism.io.

At Proof of Talent, we support job seekers in the crypto, blockchain and web3 space. If that's you, reach out to us below!

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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, and why having a strong belief in a vision matters for everyone on the team.

Olivia brings to light the significance of authenticity and communication in sourcing the right fits for a transformative culture. She shares her strategies for assembling an effective executive team and the importance of promoting core values within a startup environment.

Join us as we explore with Olivia Marder the art of cultivating a team that’s ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Without further ado, let's unravel these insights on this episode of the Proof of Talent podcast.

Proof of Talent offers recruitment services for individuals seeking roles in the crypto industry and companies looking to grow their teams.

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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 lessons she's learned since 2017.

Proof of Talent offers recruitment services for individuals seeking roles in the crypto industry and companies looking to grow their teams.

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult

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 hiring may not be as high as in previous years, there are still opportunities available. Early-stage companies, in particular, are actively looking for new talent to fuel their growth.

⌛️ Job interviews in the crypto space may take longer than usual. Companies are being cautious and in some cases, nervous about the uncertain landscape and funding availability. As a job seeker, be prepared for a potentially longer job search. And for employers, having a quick and efficient interview process will give you a competitive advantage in securing top talent.

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 and the implications for businesses in this space. Plus, we'll bring you updates on Bitwave's upcoming virtual conference, the Enterprise Digital Asset Summit, and how you can get involved.

https://www.bitwave.io/ for more details on Amy's company

For info on the recent digital asset summit held by Bitwave: https://info.bitwave.io/enterprise-digital-asset-summit-goes-virtual-register-for-free

Proof of Talent offers recruitment services for individuals seeking roles in the crypto industry and companies looking to grow their teams.

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult 

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 how companies in the crypto space approach talent acquisition.

Throughout the episode, we discuss various trends and challenges in the talent landscape, specific to the crypto/web3 space. We chat about the impact of market liquidity, stability, and compensation strategies on hiring efficiency, as well as the benefits and complexities of token compensation.

Zack Skelly on token comp (blog post): https://medium.com/dragonfly-research/token-compensation-for-web3-startups-47621640a6ba

Proof of Talent offers recruitment services for individuals seeking roles in the crypto industry and companies looking to grow their teams.

Send in your resume: https://proofoftalent.my.site.com/SubmitResume

Need help hiring? https://proofoftalent.co/book-consult