Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

• [00:45] Introductions
• [01:29] Matt shares his journey as a seasoned marketing leader, starting with his first taste of entrepreneurship flipping baseball cards. He discusses how his early passion for sports, celebrities, and connections led him to work for the NBA. Matt also dives into building the digital marketing frameworks we rely on today and explores the exciting opportunities awaiting marketers in Web3.
• [11:39] The key moments that made Matt a Web3 optimist: starting with early experiments with creator tools in the mid-2010s, followed by investing in crypto, and witnessing the rise of NBA Top Shot. These experiences highlighted blockchain's potential—not just for collectibles, but as a game-changing tool for identity management, CRM solutions, and transforming digital touchpoints.
• [16:06] Exploring the world of NFT memberships. How the misuse of NFTs as unsustainable profit centers lead to distrust in the technology. How to properly use NFT’s for the future of marketing and community building through loyalty and long-term engagement. Understanding the nature of how communities are built and how blockchain can enhance these multidirectional interactions with CRM and loyalty programs integrating with existing consumer behaviors.
• [21:14] The evolution of community-building in Web3, from early missteps to the return of a digital agency mindset. Key insights on how successful communities are built, the importance of quality membership, and why connecting products to communities is crucial for long-term success.
• [25:32] Matt discusses how education and transparency are key to overcoming negative associations with blockchain, and why differentiating use cases is essential for building trust. The future of blockchain depends on smart integration and clear, positive results that will outweigh the actions of bad actors.
• [29:02] Culture is the heartbeat of modern marketing. Learn how communities, nano-influencers, and the rise of new platforms are reshaping how we connect, create, and adapt in a rapidly evolving world.
• [32:41] The Creator Economy is shifting! Dive into the future of content creation, social impact, and how creators can leverage their work beyond financial gain in a world that is changing how we value creativity.
• [36:35] How will AI change the creative landscape? From helping creators improve their output to the rise of average content, Matt Wurst discusses how AI tools can enhance human creativity—but they won’t replace it.
• [42:01] Why human intelligence cannot be replaced by AI. And the importance of our own experiences in shaping our ability as creators and
• [47:17] Outro.

About Our Guest
Matt Wurst is the CMO at Genuin, a platform focused on creating a comprehensive network for brands, creators, and consumers. With extensive experience in both in-house and agency roles, Matt has collaborated with organizations like the NBA, revelation (acquired by Jellyfish), 360i and Mint.

Matt’s journey into Web3 began with the desire to return digital ownership to creators and consumers, away from corporate control. Passionate about the intersection of AI and Web3, Matt explores how these technologies are reshaping marketing, communities, and the creative process.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Matt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwurst/]
• Matt on X/Twitter [https://x.com/mwurst]

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

PRESENTED BY DRAPER UNIVERSITY

HOSTED BY CHRIS JOANNOU