Community Spotlight - IOTA Penguin

[Interview by Mart]

The Tangleverse Times: What did you do prior to your Web3 engagement?
IOTA Penguin: Before immersing myself in Web3, my professional journey began in the corporate communications department of a substantial chemical company. Devoting nearly eight years to this company, I translated the theoretical marketing knowledge gained during my business administration bachelor's studies into practical applications. Our focus extended to comprehensive marketing campaigns spanning both offline platforms, such as large customer meetings and fairs, and online channels, including social media. Notably, amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we creatively organized a virtual fair, adding a dynamic and enjoyable dimension to our work experience and the way we exchange with customers. I picked up a ton of knowledge and made some awesome connections during that time.

TvT: How did you find your way into Crypto and IOTA in particular?
IP: My journey into the world of investments began quite some time ago, and it took a turn towards the cryptocurrency landscape back in 2017. That's when I started digging into the whole crypto scene, and one particular project – IOTA – grabbed my attention with its forward-thinking vision. From that point onward, I began accumulating and delving into the fascinating realms of DLT and DAG.

Although I kept an eye on developments in the space, it wasn't until May 2020 that I decided to create an IOTA-related Twitter account. It was time to actively participate in conversations and share my passion for the project. People seemed to enjoy reading my thoughts, so I kept at it. My focus shifted towards crafting detailed Twitter threads and conducting thorough research on various ecosystem projects, adding a layer of depth to my engagement in the community. The journey has been quite the ride, and I'm eager to see where the future of IOTA takes us.

TvT: What are your experiences working as a freelancer in Web3?
IP: My journey as a web3 freelancer in communications, marketing, and community building has been diverse, having collaborated with nearly 10 ecosystem projects during my time as a self-employed professional. Working with many different project teams has proven to be the most effective method for expanding my skill set, with a steep learning curve.

Initially, adapting to the uncertainties inherent in freelancing was a challenge for me. You need to get used to the fact that out of the blue, a message on Discord could notify you on a Sunday that your support is no longer required. However, in just as swift a manner, fresh opportunities arise, and within two weeks, you might find yourself involved in new projects. These fluctuations became a part of my routine. Things have changed when I joined Nakama as a core team member, but more on this later.

Overall, I find immense satisfaction in working within the Web3 space, primarily because of the close interaction with the community. The community plays a large role in determining the success or failure of a project, making the work dynamic and rewarding. Interacting with individuals from various countries, each with unique backgrounds, has been a fascinating aspect of my journey. I am grateful for all the connections I've been able to establish throughout this experience.

TvT: What advice would you give people who are considering to start working in Web3?
IP: Prioritize building a robust network before launching into your Web3 freelancing journey, as connections play a crucial role in getting started. Moreover, I've achieved positive results by offering free-of-charge support to chosen ecosystem projects. This strategy has impressed many, leading them to reach out for continued collaboration and, ultimately, they became my clients.

Moreover, it's crucial to be open to receiving payments in stablecoins or ecosystem tokens. The majority of projects tends to prefer non-fiat options. However, if you are deeply involved in the Web3 realm, this payment arrangement should align well with your preferences.

TvT: What's your role at Nakama Labs?
IP: As mentioned earlier, I became a part of Nakama Labs' core team. Armed with the knowledge acquired from collaborating with diverse Web3 ecosystem projects, I felt prepared for the next phase of my career, and joining a core team was precisely what I aspired to do. Collaborating with Gabi and closely aligning with Kappy (Rob), my role revolves around project communications. I am primarily responsible for crafting long-form content, such as Medium articles, for all the dApps within Nakama's portfolio, which currently includes Deepr Finance, Accumulator, Virtue, and Genie's Bounty. Additionally, I actively engage in community activities, including planning and hosting events on platforms like Discord and X Spaces. Ensuring prompt responses to queries from our community members is also part of my responsibilities.

TvT: From your perspective working for an ecosystem project, what things still need improvement in the ecosystem?
IP: In recent months, our ecosystem has undergone significant positive transformations. One persistent concern of mine has been the lack of a well-defined community funding strategy, particularly for proactive members engaged in news creation and outreach beyond our bubble. With a significant war chest in place, I eagerly anticipate the incentivization of these activities, paving the way for broader coverage and a greater influx of individuals into our thriving ecosystem! We might have the best tech around, but if we don't spread the word, no one's going to use it. Time to shake things up!

TvT: Where and how will you live your life when we all made it? Different Country? Warm? Cold? We need some post-Moonaco ideas!
IP: That's an interesting question! While you might think the South Pole is the obvious choice, I'm actually more of a mountain person. We've just had a fantastic time in the French Alps, with breathtaking views from a cozy chalet. However, there are still many places on my bucket list, so I'll probably have to postpone this decision until we all meet up in Moonaco!

TvT: Do you own NFTs, if so which ones are your favorites? Are Penguins into NFTs at all?
IP: Honestly, NFTs aren't really my thing. I've always been more into researching and accumulating ERC20 tokens. It's just a personal preference. Nevertheless, I do like checking out other people's NFT collections and exploring new utility NFT concepts. However, if there's ever a penguin NFT collection launching on IOTA, hit me up!

TvT: Your website said that you are donating to organizations that support penguins. Tell us some interesting and important facts about penguins. Where can people donate, if they want?
IP: Exactly, during the time I was running my freelance business, I used to contribute a portion of my earnings to the Global Penguin Society. This organization is committed to the conservation of penguin species. Global warming poses a severe threat to penguins as it melts their ice habitats and affects their food sources. Supporting initiatives like the Global Penguin Society helps in addressing these challenges.

If you want to contribute, you can make a donation here: Link

TvT: With IOTA EVM and the first RWAs (worth more than 100 million US-Dollar) coming to the ecosystem, what are your expectations for the rest of the year?
IP: From my perspective, RWA stands out as the most exciting development in Web3 at the moment. While IOTA has been late to the DeFi and NFT party, they're now strategically positioned to realize the integration of substantial real-world assets onto the Tangle. Particularly with the swift decision-making in the UAE, I'm confident that the IOTA Foundation has secured the right partnerships to position itself as a leading protocol in this domain. For more details, make sure to check out my recent article in the Tangleverse Times: Link