Preparing for Scale: Recruitment, Culture, and Strategic Growth with Ceri Power

The Blockchain Startup Show with Harrison Wright

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.