Seeking Alpha (Seeking Alpha Pod)

Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing for the Americas at Christie's, joins me to talk Metaverse, NFTs, and just all things luxury. Neda has an astounding background in brand storytelling, and has pivoted within her career many times to many industries. We engage in a broad discussion, from how AR/VR has helped the art world with virtual auctions (you can try out pieces in your house using AR!), to NFT sales (Neda worked on the famous Beeple NFT sale), to how NFTs can be used for practical and impractical things. Join us on this journey into art, luxury, NFTs, and the future.

Episode Resources:

https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/04/14/inside-christies-digital-transformation-and-pioneering-use-nfts

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/mystery-singapore-buyer-of-93m-digital-work-at-christies-auction-revealed

https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-christies-is-pitching-its-expansion-from-picassos-to-nfts-11637700438

Joining me this week is Holly Gray, the Human Resources Manager at Generation Esports. In addition to talking about esports and the importance of HR, Holly and I have a bit of a heart to heart about how to keep going when life is difficult, and also talk all about what Generation Esports is doing for students, veterans, and amateur players. Holly teaches me about the positivity of having kids play games in schools: higher engagement in school, better attendance, better grades because kids are getting to do things that make them happy! Hopefully that means the acceptance and normalization of it is coming.

Episode Resources:

https://generationesports.com/

https://edgeup.asus.com/2022/asus-gives-esports-programs-a-head-start//

Joining the podcast today is Jacqui Cooper, Bitcoin enthusiast, author, traveler, and more. We talk about why a will is important, how podcasting has the ability to influence people, Jacqui's book, Bitcoin Cinderella, and way more. Jacqui tells me about her journey into the crypto rabbit hole and how she's embracing a lifetime of learning.

Episodes:

https://cryptomom2.com/ 

https://www.amazon.com/Bitcoin-Cinderella-Blockchain-Adventures-Fairytale/dp/B09WW5S1K2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A99H4XND4HTL&keywords=bitcoin+cinderella&qid=1663701267&sprefix=bitcoin+cinderlla%2Caps%2C308&sr=8-1

• Learn more about Bitcoin
• Learn more about Ethereum
• Learn more about Solana
• Learn more about Tether (if you dare)
• Learn more about BNB (but don’t)
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Swatee Surve, Founder and CEO of Litesprite, joins the show this week. Litesprite is a new way for employers and employees to experience mental health benefits through an interactive environment that teaches people how to master their own zen. Swatee and I discuss mental health, what it's like working in the healthcare space, fundraising, revenue models, and plenty of stories about life and learning.

Episode Resources:

https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/14/how-game-leaders-can-change-systems-to-improve-employee-mental-health/

https://venturebeat.com/2022/03/19/swatee-surve-interview-showing-gratitude-to-your-friends-in-a-game/

https://venturebeat.com/2019/11/10/litesprites-game-for-treating-depression-gets-an-endorsement-from-bayers-startup-accelerator/

Nadja Bester, Co-founder of Engage of Earn investment platform AdLunam, Inc., joins the show today! Nadja has a career in tech, journalism, and travel all rolled into one. We talk about building a platform, why crypto and Web3 projects are important, and what tools founders can use to set themselves up for success.

Episode Resources:

https://adlunam.cc/

https://hackernoon.com/engaging-to-earn-with-adlunam-co-founder-nadja-bester

https://www.benzinga.com/fintech/22/05/27186631/women-leading-in-the-journey-toward-web3

https://metaverseinsider.tech/2022/04/28/an-interview-with-nadja-bester-the-ceo-of-adlunam-a-transformational-ido-launchpad/

This week's incredible guest is Ashley Crowder, Founder and CEO of VNTANA. VNTANA democratizes the use of 3D models to create AR/VR experiences using patented technology to standardize shape files of all kinds, opening up the world of 3D to many different industries. From partnerships with luxury fashion brands to collaborations with Meta (Facebook), VNTANA is doing it all. Ashley tells me about her journey into 3D modeling, her love of STEM, and the time she cold emailed Mark Cuban for investment.

Episode Resources:

https://techcrunch.com/2021/11/04/mark-cuban-and-former-oculus-ceo-back-3d-e-commerce-startup-vntana/ 

https://www.reuters.com/technology/3d-ads-come-facebook-instagram-step-toward-metaverse-2022-03-24/ 

https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/women-still-struggle-to-access-vc-funds-what-needs-to-change

Today's episode features Claire Graves, President of The Webby Awards. Each year, The Webbys highlight excellence in digital art, media, design, content, and more. Also each year, you hear your favorite major podcast hosts begging you to vote for their show to win a Webby Award. Claire and I talk about the history of The Webbys, internet trends, and why adding gaming and metaverse content was especially critical to the Webbys.

Danielle Rourke, Senior Higher Education Strategist at Dell Technologies, joins me today! We discuss how esports can teach similar skills as traditional sports, and can reach more students(including neurotypically diverse students), what tools are out there, and how different levels in education are responding to esports. Danielle also shares an insane amount of good research in the field, and tells us that laying down breaks aren't as effective as walking around breaks (sad for sloths like me).

Episode Resources:

https://corporate.delltechnologies.com/en-us/social-impact/transforming-lives/education/girls-who-game.htm#tab0=0

https://www.teamliquid.com/alienware/

https://esportsinsider.com/2021/06/team-liquid-and-alienware-launch-good-in-gaming-platform/#:~:text=Multi%2Dregional%20esports%20organisation%20Team,%2C%20empowerment%20and%20inclusive%20competition

https://medium.com/@nicolas.besombes

https://medium.com/@nicolas.besombes/esports-professions-e402a1c3ab92

https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/7/3/e001118

https://www.ijesports.org/article/59/html

We are continuing our mental health chats! Joining me this week is Eve Crevoshay, the Executive Director of Take This. The mission of Take This, in its own words, is “decrease the stigma, and increase the support for, mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry.” Our discussion is wide ranging, from why building a healthy community is so important to why being a helicopter parent may not be a bad thing.

Episode Resources:

https://www.takethis.org/

https://www.healthygamer.gg/blog/video-games-and-mental-health-explained

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2021/10/05/heres-how-instagram-harms-young-women-according-to-research/?sh=b0058fb255ae

https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1039&context=jade

https://gameshotline.org/

For this special bonus episode, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas, Founder and CEO, Kids In Technology, Curriculum Developer- Beauty of STEM Series (BOSS), and the Founder of Girls Pursuing Science. Dr. Jacquelyn's career and outlook lead us to having an important discussion on the different standards for men and women, how race fits in, and why it's important to get more diverse voices into science and tech. Listen for a timely and relevant conversation on the gaming industry, tech, and how we can get more women and people of color into the industry.

Episode Resources

https://girlspursuingscience.com/

https://thestoryexchange.org/jacquelyn-thomas/

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/02/forget-law-school-these-kids-want-to-be-a-youtube-star.html

Data nerds, unite! This week I'm excited to bring on Nicole Pike from YouGov. Nicole has worked in consumer data analysis for a large part of her career, and explores one of the latest reports from YouGov in this episode. We learn the power of influencers, discuss how women can be more involved in gaming, and of course go through some of the latest research.

Episode Resources:

https://business.yougov.com/content/38826-international-gaming-report-2021?marketo=download

Gina Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Gen.G, joins me this week! Gina's career in marketing and partnerships stretches from art to fashion to gaming, and with such a creative slate of projects, Gina has a unique perspective on how to work with brands. We talk about the importance of consumer-lead advertising, how to balance partnerships, and the extensive charity initiaves at Gen.G, from the Broadcast Her Initiative to Aid for Ukraine and the Do Good Fund. We also discuss how DEI principles are incorporated at Gen.G, which is a multinational company.

Episode Resources:

https://geng.gg/

Our first multi-interview episode! Today I'm joined by Meredith Weber and Heather "sapphiRe" Garozzo. Both ladies hail from Dignitas, and have just launched the Raidiant program. Raidiant.gg gives tools for women wanting to enter the industry at all levels. Plus, we get to hear about Meredith and Lindsay's glory days as college athletes and Heather's impressive pro gaming career.

Episode Resources:

https://kotaku.com/only-three-percent-of-twitch-s-top-earning-streamers-ar-1847812847 

https://www.nbcnews.com/know-your-value/feature/esports-industry-booming-it-s-seeking-female-applicants-ncna1143406 

https://esportsinsider.com/2020/04/women-esports-inclusivity/

*Major Episode Alert* This week features two incredible leaders in the gaming industry: Dr. Mitu Khandaker (CEO) and Latoya Peterson (CXO) join me from Glow Up Games. In its own words, “Glow Up Games is a game studio centering innovative storytelling about black and brown joy.” Mitu and Latoya walk me through what it was like developing a mobile game based on the hit HBO series Insecure (by amazing creator Issa Rae). Join us for a conversation on race, fundraising, company building, and what it's like to meet your heroes.

Episode Resources:

http://glowup.games/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2021/11/29/hbo-and-glow-up-games-launches-a-insecure-mobile-game-called-the-come-up/?sh=659eee11515c 

https://igda-website.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18113901/IGDA-DSS-2021_SummaryReport_2021.pdf 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2021/11/29/hbo-and-glow-up-games-launches-a-insecure-mobile-game-called-the-come-up/?sh=659eee11515c 

https://www.dbltap.com/posts/latoya-peterson-diversity-in-games-01f4wcm7jexg 

https://www.publicbooks.org/ai-rap-synthesis-tools-black-hip-hop/

This week's episode features Phien Le, Head Graphic Designer at FlyQuest, an esports organization with not only a successful League of Legends team but a dedication to being a voice for environmentally friendly practices in the esports industry. We talk about design as a way of storytelling and how design can bring the vision and values of an organization to life. We also talk about Phien's recently released designs for the #GoGreen initiative at FlyQuest, and how she celebrated Earth Day.

Episode Resources:

https://flyquest.gg/

Have you ever thought to yourself, "all that is missing from my life is two women yapping about crypto and dating?" Well, great news for you! Tune in to Season 1 of Seeking Alpha, where we'll be diving into the crypto industry to bring you news, insights, and education all tied into our lives as single, career-driven, passionate women. Join us!

The crossover event of our dreams! Joanie Kraut and Kendryx Linscott from Women in Gaming International (WIGI for short) join me for this week's episode. Listen as we dissect what WIGI is doing to both improve and help women get into the gaming industry, talk about how conferences can be a really useful tool, and learn how to brag about ourselves.

Episode Resources:

https://www.getwigi.com/

Today's fantastic guest is Rebecca Longawa is the Founder and President of Happy Warrior (which helps brands with strategy and partnerships) and the CEO of Women’s Carball, the second largest esports league for women in the world, and features women who play Rocket League. Naturally, we had a lot to talk about, from avoiding activations that are just a logo slap to creating equitable spaces for girls and women to game. Rebecca is a right light in this industry, and remains dedicated to making it a better place.

This week's guest is Erica Molett. Erica holds several titles, including CEO of Kandake Tech, a firm looking to improve the education to gaming industry pipeline through programs like Banneky. Erica talks about her motivations, including her passion for education and the interests of her two sons. She also tells us about how kids are already in the Metaverse (darn them for being so ahead of the curve) and provides guidance for parents of gamers.

Episode Resources:

http://banneky.com/

Just checking in! We will be switching our show format to every two weeks. Fear not, we'll be back in your ears with great content after the holiday break and what is hopefully a short recovery from surgery. Until next time!

It's time to talk about the real world! Joining me this week is Paige Rabatin, Associate at Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP and COO of CLESports. Paige not only represents clients in esports through her law firm, but works on real estate development projects to build esports facilities. With different projects in Ohio and Florida, Paige stays busy! We talk about how to build the right spaces with community support, the longevity of real estate projects in esports, Cedar Point rollercoasters and Texas Roadhouse, and esports betting laws.

Episode Resources:

https://kjk.com/esports-media-entertainment/

https://kjk.com/2021/09/15/kjks-scott-norcross-paige-rabatin-present-at-unveiling-of-miami-sports-complex-destination-sport-miami/?utm_content=179957675&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-341605

https://www.13abc.com/2021/07/29/cedar-point-looking-into-28-million-esports-arena/?utm_content=174889534&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-341605

https://kjk.com/2021/12/09/ohio-sports-betting-bill-passes-awaits-dewines-approval/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=194252070&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9VIKDIaydG54PdGDBYe5Nzz4jRLftzllVXLYJkuML57feQZVIt19C9sieNH6sVbgtGYuZpllX4ZIEVspZY8bS6Wzd8Vg&utm_content=194239481&utm_source=hs_email

Today's episode features Maya McClendon, the Founder of Timeout. Timeout is an app designed to specifically aid athletes and other high pressure performers with tools to aid in bettering mental health. While Timeout is focusing first on athletes, Maya believes expansion into all kinds of competitive areas is going to be critical to Timeout's success. We talk about how to build a business, what it's like to get funding, and the intersection between tech and mental health. Maya teaches me about problem curation: figuring out what the issues actually are is the way to actually solve problems.

This week's episode features Sandy Carter, the VP of Unstoppable Domains. Sandy has had an illustrious career in tech (so much so that she has her own Wikipedia page, definitely check it out), and is right in the middle of the Web3 revolution. We talk about the transition from Web2 to Web3, the opportunities that are out there, and why the Metaverse is exciting. Sandy's musings show why it's important to keep up with the youths, and help me understand how Web3 can democratize the internet.

Episode Resources:

https://decrypt.co/106009/unstoppable-domains-reaches-unicorn-valuation-with-65m-series-a-round 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdAfucJNC88&ab_channel=SiliconANGLEtheCUBE 

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-quit-amazon-for-web3-sandy-carter-crypto-nft-2022-6 

Who doesn't love a good influencer? This week, Marketing and Business Development Consultant Becky Taylor joins me to talk influencer marketing strategy, why small networks are important for brands, and why word of mouth marketing works. We also discuss the building of the Metaverse, and how it means creating a full society, from economies to languages to city planning. Come for the influencer talk, stay for the Metaverse lessons.

Today on the show is Ashley Olmested, Associate Experience Design Director at Ripple Studios where she works on Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield Portal. Ashley FINALLY teaches me what the difference between UX and UI (which is actually critical and really interesting), and what life is like as a developer. One especially prominent note: failure (and subsequent feedback from the community) is actually a starting point for making things better. In short: Ashley teaches me not to be afraid of criticism, which is easier said than done!

Katya Dolgova, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Redhill Games, a game developer based in Helsinki, Finland is on the podcast this week! In a fun nod to Dolly Parton (intentional or unintentional), Katya's team just put out their first game, an FPS called Nine to Five. We talk about the startup environment vs. larger publishers, what is missing in the digital economy, and why it's fun to build a shooter game.

Episode Resources:

https://www.redhillgames.com/

https://www.ninetofive.game/

https://www.theesa.com/resource/2021-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/

The past few years have been difficult for so many reasons, and prioritizing mental health has become important. This week, we welcome Summer Scott. Summer is the Director of Team Operations at Counter Logic Gaming, where she incorporates all kinds of programs and initiatives to help players with their mental and physical wellbeing in and out of gameplay. Our conversation was a breath of fresh air about mental health, what we can do to treat ourselves better, and why this is all important in gaming.

Episode Resources:

https://dotesports.com/general/news/razer-launches-esports-wellness-program-for-players

https://digiday.com/marketing/the-protector-how-summer-scott-has-helped-coach-an-esports-industry-into-taking-care-of-itself/

https://dotesports.com/general/news/razer-launches-esports-wellness-program-for-players

This week, I'm joined by Rebecca Dixon and Laura Deutsch, Co-Founders of the*gameHERs! We discuss people's natural tendency towards community, how app creation is not only a space for games but for community building, and that inclusivity requires adapting and changing based on feedback. We also discuss the blurry lines around who is and isn't a gamer, and the opportunities we have in building the Metaverse ground up in a way that prioritizes safety for all people who interact with the tech.

Episode Resources:

https://thegamehers.com/

https://www.thegamehersapp.com/

Are you interested in putting fun back into esports? This is the episode for you! Paige Cameron, VP of Miscellanea and general wizard from Beastcoast, joins me to talk about building an international esports organization, what opportunities are out there, and what it's like to constantly adapt and switch roles. Digressions include digital goods, fan engagement strategies, how old neopets are, the queer community in South America, and managing more than one Twitter page at a time.

Episode Resources:

https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/state-lgbtq-rights-latin-america-0

https://beastcoast.gg/

Joining the podcast this week is Sarah Dope, whose last name reflects her career. As an Influencer and Artist Relations manager, Sarah has experience in both gaming and creative pursuits. Listen as we talk about Sarah's work at Astro Gaming, photography, the crossovers between gaming and music, and even a sprinkle of pro wrestling.

Joining me this week is May Mahboob, Co-Founder of MBD Financials, a photo-realistic metaverse banking solution aimed at helping people all over the world engage in financial activities on blockchain based technologies. May describes what banking in the metaverse looks like, how it can help people in developing countries, and what it means for international development. As an international policy nerd, this episode really spoke to what's happening in developing countries and how blockchain may help solve problems. Also, if you've been wondering what a DAO is, this is the podcast for you!

Episode Resources:

https://globalfindex.worldbank.org/sites/globalfindex/files/chapters/2017%20Findex%20full%20report_chapter2.pdf

http://mbdfinancials.com/

https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/meta-bank-defi-described-as-worlds-first-decentralized-360-solution-bank-in-the-metaverse-2022-03-02

This week's guest is Taryn McCarty! Hailing from Nerd St Gamers, Taryn has an illustrious background in community building, creating better access for gamers, and promoting inclusion. Taryn walks us through her career path, including many of the positive environments she's been in and how it's impacted her professional development.

Episode Resources:

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/practicing-self-care-when-everything-is-uncertain/

Today's episode is incredibly important. Valeriia Voronova, the Media Director of Maincast, joins the show. Maincast is an esports organization based out of Ukraine, where they operate Live Broadcasts, Tournaments, and create original content through their talents and influencers. The war in Ukraine has heavily impacted Valeriia's life, business, and the esports scene, and we discuss the impacts of that. Valeriia explains what the esports scene is like in Eastern Europe, how more women can be involved in the industry, and more.

Episode Resources

https://www.maincast.com/ 

https://www.gamereactor.eu/esl-and-maincast-has-extended-their-media-deal-for-four-more-years/ 

Season 1, we are here! Lindsay and Larissa dive into what got them into the industry, why they stay in it, the parallels between crypto and dating, and more. Tangents include a very unsavory story about West Virginians (sorry), Larissa yelling at an elder on Dr. Phil (but it was deserved), and Lindsay being a nerd at a nerd school (no surprise for those of you that know her).

If you want to support the show, like, subscribe, and share with a friend! If you extra love us, buy us a coffee.

All the subscription links you could ever need:

linktr.ee/seekingalphapod

Special episode alert! Joining me this week are my first male guests, Max and Jack Wink. Max and Jack are Web3 game developers who are building a special mechanism to root out toxicity in gaming by rewarding positive behavior and establishing role models. Max and Jack give me a primer of what Web3 means and how it should be a "boring transition" into Web3 experiences, we then discuss the game they're building, and we round out with how the game development process can change to better serve everyone.

Keisha Howard, Geek of All Trades, is here for our inaugural episode! As Founder of @sugargamer, Keisha is at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and fun in the gaming industry. Listen as we discuss creating in gaming, pursuing dream jobs, and having fun along the way.

We love to welcome the youth perspective! Joining the podcast today is Anna Iorio, student and president of the Esports Club at Southern Methodist University. Anna tells me what the kids are up to these days, and what it's like to be a woman gamer in the college scene. Plus she introduces us to the super cool concept of gamer book clubs, which everyone should have.

Episode Resources:

https://apnews.com/article/esports-gender-inequality-scholarships-men-1823321276db40fea37dc8d9e5410643 https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-esports/2020/09/03/women-in-esports-face-waves-of-toxic-criticism-north-texas-pros-industry-veterans-share-their-stories-how-it-can-be-fixed/

Wonderful friend and role model Angela Dalton, CEO & Founder of Signum Growth Capital, joins me for today's episode! We dive into Metaverse chat, with topics like Zoom leapfrogging us into metaverse-like experiences by allowing multiple sensory points, how economies are being shifted from offline worlds, and NFTs as a window into engagement/programmable royalties for artists. Angela describes her incredibly successful career, and the women supporting women support network she heads. As for actionable development, we talk about being in an environment where you are believed is critical, thanking the positive role models, bringing other women up and starting support groups for each other.

Cris Amaya joins me this week! Cris has an illustrious background in gaming, including serving on the International Game Developers Association, founding Latinos in Gaming, and previously working at Google Stadia, Twitch, and Unity. We discuss the job market and all of its flaws, how difficult it can be to actually be in the job, book recommendations, and more.

Today's episode features Jen Hall, Head of Strategic Partnerships in Southeast Asia and India for Ampverse. Ampverse is an esports company that focuses on team development, influencer relationships, and key strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia and India. Our discussion was centered on gaming culture in Asia, taking a different approach to monetization and fan engagement, and what Web3/blockchain gaming have to offer. Plus, we talk about how Nescafe gave fans the chance to play with their esports heroes.

Episode Resources

https://ampverse.com/jenny-hall/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/28/singapore-based-esports-startup-ampverse-lands-12m/

This week's guest is Liz Moody, Partner and Chair of New Media Practice at Granderson Des Rochers LLP and Head of Content Partnerships at Hydrow. Her resume just drips with the coolest things you can possibly imagine at the intersection of gaming, music, and fitness. Liz's extensive career is a fascinating look at how we might interact with the three in the context of the Metaverse. We discuss music licensing, brand activations, a Justin Bieber Concert, Hydrow, Liteboxer, the hills of Switzerland, and more.

Larissa talks with Jason Jones, founder and CEO of entertainment company Everything Entertainment and tech consulting firm Disrupt 2 Innov8. They discuss Jason’s experience reentering society after spending 13.5 years incarcerated, his professional success since returning home, and how tech can be used in reentry to lower America’s recidivism rate – which is currently over 60%.

Follow Jason’s companies on Instagram at @_everything_entertainment and @disrupt2innov8.

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We're back with an episode on mental health and wellness, or as the guest this week calls the combination, mental fitness. Sarah Hill, CEO and Founder of Healium, joins me to chat how emerging tech will change the mental health field. Sarah's own journey with PTSD and the struggles of journalism lead her to creating Healium, an app that uses AR/VR technology to teach good practices and address mental health issues. Join me as I learn about mental fitness, media diets, and what's happening on the Silicon Prairie.

Episode Resources:

https://www.tryhealium.com/

https://www.startlandnews.com/2022/05/healium-nfl/

This week's episode features the first-ever enterprise level conversation. Join Lindsay as she discusses marketing, tech, and breaking barriers with Catherine Valiquette, Go-to-Market Manager and Marketing Strategy and Daniella Guio, AMS Marketing Manager, for PageWide Web Presses for a little known company, HP. Catherine and Daniella share their passions for using tech in marketing, building a more equitable world, and how advertising fits into the whole puzzle.

Episode Resources:

https://www.hp.com/us-en/industrial-printers/indigo-digital-presses.html - HP Indigo

https://www.hp.com/us-en/commercial-industrial-printing/pagewide-web-press.html?jumpid=ps_9ce7964152&gclid=CjwKCAjw_tWRBhAwEiwALxFPobaErB9UQBixcNqMqpGseO97W6Hsin3zjVfVoelHDnebvcPwPx4KfRoC-mgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds – HP PageWide

https://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA6-4597EEW.pdf- Personalization and Brand Experiences

I am joined this week by Megan Van Petten, Founder of the Esports Trade Association. Megan’s career centers around building successful communities, and she’s taken her expertise into the world of esports. Digressions include the principles of leadership, how to stay current and cool with tech, and what it’s like to be an innovator.

Anita Sharma from Sharma Law joins me on the podcast this week! Anita is not only a lawyer for talent and entertainment, but dapples in the creative arts herself through filmmaking. We discuss talent contracts, collaborations, and everyone's favorite Metaverse topic: NFTs.

Joining the show today is Ashley Washington, the Game Changers EMEA Product Manager at Riot, where she works on building spaces for folks in marginalized genders to play, compete, and have fun. We talk about Game Changers, and how it creates a safe space for women who are interested in competitive play and removing some of the negative factors that often keep them from progressing and finding further opportunities. Plus, we both get to flex a little about our foreign language skills (Ashley is the far more talented one in that department).

Episode Resources:

https://www.theloadout.com/valorant/game-changers-ashley-washington-interview 

Cecile Matthews, Co-Founder and CEO of Gamerabble, joins us for a conversation on what it's like to start a business, building a coaching platform, being age inclusive, and even a little experience from Major League Baseball.

Episode Resources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomokoyokoi/2021/03/04/female-gamers-are-on-the-rise-can-the-gaming-industry-catch-up/?sh=68883651f9fe

This episode is for the people out there who want to learn more about investing in crypto, but have no idea where to begin. I'm joined by Jennifer Tonge, who not only works in gaming and is an entrepreneur with her own business, but has gotten her start in crypto investing. Join me as Jennifer details what made her interested in crypto, how she chooses to invest, what sources she follows, and more.

Episode Resources:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/women-s-interest-in-crypto-grows-but-education-gap-persists-study

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/30/cryptocurrency-has-a-big-gender-problem.htmll

Joining me this week is Julievette Jefferson, who started a non-profit called Kick the Day to provide kids with a space to play, learn, and move through gaming and other activities. Julievette's experience in the education world combined with a drive to keep kids sane and happy during the pandemic lead to Kick the Day, which now services her community in and around Philadelphia. We talk about community organizations, the importance of after school activities, and more.

Julievette's orgaization is currently doing a fundraiser for this year's programming. If you would like to support the mission, please visit: https://icaniwillktd.com/donate

Episode Resources:

https://icaniwillktd.com/

Metaverse Designer Gemma Bowen, aka KawaiFoxiita joins the show today! Gemma is a Sims builder and designer, recreating sets, building original sets, and putting her own creative spin on game design sets IN the Sims. With a background in interior design, a passion for creating online worlds, and the talent to build from scratch, Gemma is like if the Property Brothers were one incredibly talented and tech oriented person. Listen as we discuss designing in the Metaverse, building communities, and working with a chronic illness.