Humans of Crypto | GinT: Web2 Turned Web3 Product Manager

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If you've been considering making a switch into Web3, you might've wondered how your Web2 skills might translate in the new industry.

Turns out, the same roles in both industries might have vastly different processes, due to the different natures of each industry.

Today's Human of Crypto shares about differences between Web2 vs Web3 Product Management, her favourite parts of working in crypto, and how you can decide if you should make the leap.

Introducing GinT, a Product Manager with experience in both Web2 and Web3.

How did you get started with crypto? What drew you into crypto?

I first got into crypto when my university professor suggested I research cryptocurrencies for my Financial Economics dissertation.

So, I decided to study the ins and outs of Bitcoin and how it affected China's monetary system, as the government has banned crypto numerous times.

Since then, I went on exploring more about NFTs (mostly bullish on Solana NFTs during that time) and apeing into alt-coins.

What are you working on in the crypto space now?

Currently, I'm building on a Learn & Earn platform V2.

Its mission is basically to educate and garner more interest in Web3.

Ask 10 non-crypto natives, and I'm confident that all 10 will either say crypto is a ponzi, crypto is too complex or they just can't grasp the fundamentals.

Crypto is not as difficult as it seems, and I want to help ease that learning process. With this Learn & Earn platform, users can gain free tokens and have more incentive to take that first step and explore further.

How was your career like before crypto? How does it compare to your current work in crypto?

Previously, I was working as a Product Manager in a Fintech company. I built payment systems for an e-wallet app and launched a new automated parking payment feature. Work then was more structured and predictable.

In Web2, I would have to run qualitative analysis by compiling repeating feedbacks, run user research and user interviews. This process usually takes up quite some time, approximately 1-2 weeks.

Web3 is very different. Web3 is all about the community, technical infrastructure and crypto-economics. The logic and feedback from the community are readily available on Discord, Telegram and Twitter.

Moreover, in Web3, I cannot rely heavily on email addresses, tracking tools and running A/B tests unlike in Web2. In Web3, users can claim their data at any time and use multiple wallets (or burner wallets) despite blockchain transparency. As such, my current role requires me to be more adaptable and take a more hands on approach.

What do you enjoy most about working in the crypto industry?

Definitely the people. Everyone that I've worked or networked with in crypto has been really nice and helpful. For example, I was recently just hanging out at a crypto event and I went home with 4-5 ideas to improve my product. I also really enjoy being on Twitter and Discord in my day-to-day work.

What are some areas of Web3 Product Management that are unique to crypto?

Can I say almost everything about Web3 Product Management is unique in crypto?

The fundamentals and responsibilities of a Product Manager (PM) doesn't change. Web3 PMs are needed to front the success of the product and to make sure all departments are working on the building blocks to arrive at a shared goal.

But from my experiences, here are some of the main differences as a PM in crypto:

1. Being more versatile. As things in Web3 change fast, like hyper speed fast.

2. Not everything can be explained with data. This would affect getting buy-ins from stakeholders on a feature as decisions can be made by the public/ community.

3. Go-To-Market Strategy.

In Web2 = Market → Product → Channel → Model*

In Web3 = Community → Market → Product → Channel → Model*

I am also currently writing a Web3 playbook to go in depth on this. So I would love to speak to other Product Managers to find out their experiences too. Do reach me on Twitter @bantersnatch :)

What are some of your most memorable moments during your crypto career?

My most memorable moment working in crypto is probably hosting Jack Niewold in Singapore. We had the opportunity to invite him to Singapore for Metajam Summit as a speaker.

I've been following his Twitter account and his research for a while, so it was awesome to meet him in person. And he taught me a magic trick :)

What advice would you give to someone considering making a career switch into crypto?

First things first, make sure you know WHY you want to work in crypto. Investing in crypto and building in crypto are two different things. Ensure that you have an underlying motivation for building in the Web3 space. Do not get in the space simply because of FOMO.

Another advice is to find your niche. Web3 is big and there are always too many things to keep track of. So, find your expertise and know your niche.

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