Breakthrough Builders Currency of Creation: Avery Akkineni @ Vayner NFT
You’ve probably heard about NFTs. You may have even googled, “What is an NFT?” and learned a thing or two about the emerging marketplace commodity known as the Non-Fungible Token. But if you want to really lift the veil on NFTs, including how and when they can and should be used as part of a successful, customer-centric growth strategy, you’re in the right place.
Avery Akkineni is the President of VaynerNFT, and she understands the value and potential of NFTs better than most. In her talk with Jesse, she describes her journey to becoming a leading voice in the space. She reflects on the night-and-day experience of going from Google, the world’s biggest data aggregator, to the decentralized world of crypto and blockchain technology. She describes what makes a successful NFT strategy—for artists, musicians, celebrities, and brands. And she shares her learnings from working with VaynerMedia’s clients around the world and standing up its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Whether you’re a customer-centric growth marketer who wants to stay on the cutting edge, an NFT-curious consumer, or anywhere in between, our talk with Avery will get you up to speed quickly on the builders’ new currency of creation.
(3:33) Avery describes the start of her crypto journey and lessons learned from early stints at Target and Google
(6:44) Why there’s a push among creators to “cut out the middleman”
(10:37) NFT lightning round: Avery gives you the basics
(18:55) Advice for brands on developing successful NFT strategies
(26:00) How to personally become NFT-proficient
(29:08) Lessons learned from building abroad in Singapore and elsewhere
Guest Bio
Avery Akkineni serves as the president of VaynerNFT. She leads the company’s mission to build long-term strategic NFT projects for the world’s leading intellectual property owners, serving brands, celebrities, athletes and associations.
Avery previously led VaynerMedia’s expansion into APAC, growing a team from 0 to 150+, opening offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney. Prior to joining Vayner, she spent six years working at Google, in both Silicon Valley and New York City.
Helpful Links
VaynerNFT website
Why NFTs Are a Big Deal, explained
VaynerNFT launches with Budweiser as flagship client
Avery’s appearance on NFT Now podcast
Referenced in episode: Jesse’s conversation with Adobe’s Scott Belsky