Justin The Mind, or simply, Justin, is the Head of Community at Ancient8, which is a web3 gaming guild that’s also building community infrastructure software.
💼 What were you doing before Web3?
Before Web3, I spent 10 years in the marketing industry working as a marketing manager for multiple companies in Web2.
🤔 How did you get into Web3?
My journey into Web3 started with buying and holding cryptos in 2017. Then in 2019, I started to venture into DeFi. After that, I eventually ended up participating in GameFi during the big bull market season of 2020.
After my last stint in marketing for a Web2 company I jumped at the first opportunity available to work for my dream job company which was Ancient8.
🚀 What was your first crypto or NFT project?
My first NFT project was Axie Infinity. I loved the idea of play to earn NFT assets and still do!
🧠 How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?
I would explain it by sharing that currently in world of gaming there is no ownership of gaming assets for any the players.
The company that I’m working for is innovating the gaming space by creating ownership and financial opportunities for gamers through the newest digital technology available to make this new system work.
💡 Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?
I enjoy learning from GaryVee. He is one of the most authentic thought leaders of the modern generation. And he speaks to the things that matter most to me in life and business.
🥳 What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
The biggest highlight of my career has been getting the opportunity to work at my dream job company Ancient8.
Having the opportunity to work in Web3 with one of the biggest companies in the space and represent this company everyday is a dream come true for me.
📈 What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?
I’m watching for projects building platforms relevant to SocialFi. I think this trend has the biggest potential to onboard millions of new users the way GameFi did in 2020.
🤝 What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?
My advice would be to find an industry that you have true passion and interest in. Besides that, find out which projects are building something innovative in that industry.
After that, try to become an active community member and learn how you can bring value to that community. Learn how you could potentially benefit through your work, knowledge, or investment opportunities.
🎤 If you could do a TEDtalk on any topic, what would it be?
If I could do a Ted talk on anything it would be on why I believe we should dive headfirst into our passions. Everything in this live comes with risk, but as long as we are taking a chance on something that brings us purpose and excitement then I think it’s impossible for us to fail.
🚨 What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?
I would bring the best knife I could own. It can be used to hunt, to break, and to build. That might be the most important tool I can have to help me stay alive in that situation haha!
POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.
