Bankless Japan, Women in Web3, and WonderVerse | Ed On (aka JackAlpha) - Making Bank: A Black Flag DAO Podcast (formerly Bankless DAO) Recap

Podcast: Making Bank: A Black Flag DAO Podcast (formerly Bankless DAO)

Published: 2023-06-29

Duration: 41 min

Summary

In this episode, Ed Ahn, also known as JackAlpha, shares his journey from traditional Web2 roles to the decentralized world of Web3, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community within DAOs. He discusses his work with Bankless Japan and Wonderverse, highlighting the tools that facilitate seamless project management in Web3.

What Happened

Drost welcomes Ed Ahn, who serves on the core team at Bankless Japan and works with Wonderverse, a platform designed for community collaboration in Web3. Ed, who has a background in civil engineering and product management, shares his transition from a structured corporate environment at Samsung to the more decentralized and autonomous landscape of Web3. He discusses how his experiences fueled his interest in DAOs, particularly their capability to foster community involvement and decision-making.

During the conversation, Ed recounts his recent experiences in Japan, attending DAO Tokyo and ETH Tokyo, where he connected with fellow DAO contributors, including Alan Bryce. Their shared interests in photography provided a personal touch to their professional interactions. Ed elaborates on his motivations for joining the decentralized space, noting his desire for more autonomy and collaboration compared to his previous corporate role. He highlights how Wonderverse aims to reduce friction in community collaborations and streamline project management, aligning with his passion for helping others find their interests.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What motivated Ed Ahn to leave his job at Samsung?

Ed Ahn shared that his decision to leave Samsung stemmed from frustration with the traditional, hierarchical structure of the company. He described it as very centralized, where decisions were made at headquarters and pushed down to local subsidiaries without much local context. This lack of autonomy drove him to seek out opportunities in decentralized environments that offered more freedom and community engagement.

How did Ed Ahn get involved with Wonderverse?

Ed's involvement with Wonderverse began after he was encouraged by a friend to explore DAOs. He joined the Wonderverse Discord server, which at the time had about 50 members. Ed proactively contributed to discussions and identified the need for an onboarding process, which he helped develop. His consistent contributions led to his eventual role as head of partnerships for the project.

What is the vision behind Wonderverse?

The philosophy of Wonderverse is focused on making Web3 more collaborative. Ed explained that the platform aims to facilitate contributions to projects by reducing friction and creating an environment where individuals can easily come together to work on shared goals. This includes allowing core teams, contributors, and community members to coordinate effectively.

What experiences did Ed Ahn have at DAO Tokyo and ETH Tokyo?

At DAO Tokyo and ETH Tokyo, Ed had the opportunity to meet fellow DAO contributors, including Alan Bryce, who is also part of the Bankless community. He reflected on the excitement of connecting with others in the space and the collaborative atmosphere these events fostered. Ed also mentioned promising to visit Alan in Osaka, showcasing the personal connections made through shared interests.

How does Ed Ahn view his role as a bridge builder?

Ed refers to himself as a 'literal but metaphoric bridge builder,' emphasizing his passion for fostering relationships and connecting people. He believes that helping others find their passions and facilitating collaboration is essential in his work, particularly within the decentralized community of Web3. This philosophy is reflected in his contributions to Wonderverse, which aims to help teams coordinate and achieve their objectives.