The Web3 HR Playbook

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.

Watch the full episode here

Episode Outline and Highlights

[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 teams
• Employer branding in Web3 and the value of community-driven visibility

[68:27] Building Brand and Employee Experience

• The significance of transparent, crowd-sourced feedback in modern branding
• Shift from traditional marketing to genuine quality and delivery
• Motivations of job seekers prioritizing meaningful work and positive company culture

[81:13] Rethinking Retention in Startups

• Evaluating employee retention and turnover in a business
• Importance of assessing the impact of different roles on the overall team dynamics
• Strategies for fostering a culture that encourages long-term commitment

[92:35] Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Nelson's key advice for startup founders on building a resilient HR framework
• Emphasis on adaptability and continuous learning in the fast-evolving Web3 space
• Closing remarks and a look at future trends in decentralized HR

The Slow Motion Track Wreck of Mediocre Hiring

The problem with crypto startups and mediocre hiring is that by the time the damage is done it's too late to fix.

The worst consequences don't show themselves immediately.

By the time you realize what's happened, the money's gone. You're out of time and you don't get a do-over.

Better to get it right as early as possible.

The Hiring Playbook for Serious Builders

I spent two years literally writing the book on how to hire in Web3.

It’s called Hiring for Blockchain: The unconventional guide to hiring exceptional people in Crypto and Web3

You’ll discover:

• What top performers really care about (it’s not what you think)
• Why the traditional job description sabotages your recruiting efforts before you’ve even begun
• How to access the very best candidates that even most headhunters can’t get their hands on
• Why “finding candidates” is nonsensical - they’re already hidden in plain sight
• How to recruit the seemingly unrecruitable
• Timeless principles to elevate your assessment proces
• How to align incentives and inspire loyalty so when the bull market hits and the headhunters come knocking, you keep your team

…and much, more more

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