People Behind Industry

#20 Hazel Lee: Empowering Creators with BeatSwap

Artists and creators lose millions due to opaque IP usage. Hazel Lee, Web3 strategist and BeatSwap co-founder, shows how blockchain delivers real-time rights management and transparency in entertainment.From South Korea's traditional media to pioneering blockchain IP solutions, Hazel shares her journey. Drawing on her trust-building expertise, she breaks down BeatSwap's fixes for delayed payments, hidden earnings, and middlemen in music and beyond. Web3 doesn't replace streaming—it enhances ownership, fair pay, and value flow, especially in high-stakes markets like K-pop.In this episode:- Hazel’s journey from traditional media to Web3 and founding BeatSwap- The core problems in IP rights: transparency and fair value flow- How BeatSwap leverages verifiable real-world assets (RWA) for IP- The strengths of South Korea’s digital-native, community-driven culture- Strategies for onboarding artists and overcoming technical skepticism- The rapid pace of community sentiment shifts in Web3- Lessons learned from burnout and the importance of sustainable growth- Practical advice for newcomers: start small, stay curious, and avoid limitations Resources & Links: BeatSwap Official Website: https://beatswap.io/ BeatSwap Twitter: https://x.com/beatxswap Hazel Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hzi-lee/

#19 Christopher Graves: How to Build a Tech Career That Doesn’t Break You

If you’re a developer, engineer, or anyone trying to grow in tech, this episode is going to shift the way you think about your skills, your career, and your long-term strategy. In this conversation, we break down what it actually takes to level up in today’s tech industry — beyond tutorials, certificates, or chasing trend after trend. We talk about learning in public, building consistency, improving visibility, creating content, navigating career plateaus, and developing the mindset that separates fast-growing developers from those who stay stuck. Whether you’re trying to get your first role, break out of junior territory, or move toward senior impact, this episode gives you a blueprint for sustainable growth in tech. SUBSCRIBE For more conversations with the people shaping industries from the inside out. Christopher’s socials: LinkedIn: Christopher Graves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgraves09/] YouTube: @ChrisDGraves [https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisDGraves] Get in touch: LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan] X: @primarchdev [https://x.com/primarchdev] Instagram: @armamyann [https://www.instagram.com/armamyann] Email: armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com [armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com]

#18 Peter Bilzerian: How Life, Failure & Curiosity Shape the Journey to Startups & Financial Freedom

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with my dearest friend, an investor, speaker, whose journey from a young entrepreneur to scaling and advising businesses across industries is nothing short of inspiring.  ⁨@PeterBilzerian⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYgAeMv3tOfPdIIEuQQI2EA] story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of financial freedom.We explored his journey from starting his first company at just 15, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth. Peter shared insights on building startups, making tough decisions, and staying curious even in the face of uncertainty.This conversation goes beyond business—it’s about mindset, personal growth, and the lessons life teaches us when we push ourselves to adapt, learn, and thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about what drives successful people, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and Peter’s perspective on navigating the path to financial and personal freedom. Peter’s socials: Website: https://www.peterbilzerian.com/ LinkedIn: Peter Bilzerian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbilzerian/) YouTube: @PeterBilzerian (https://www.youtube.com/@PeterBilzerian) Get in touch: LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan/) X: @primarchdev (https://x.com/primarchdev) Instagram: @armamyann (https://www.instagram.com/armamyann) Email: armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com

#17 Shawn Layden - Playstation Odyssey, Leadership and Innovation

I have to be honest—it's not every day that you get to sit down with someone you admire, someone who inspires you, someone you look up to. Today’s guest is truly the definition of the word GOAT in the gaming industry. I’m talking about none other than Shawn Layden, the former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and Chairman of PlayStation Worldwide Studios. With a career spanning over three decades, Shawn has been instrumental in shaping the gaming industry as we know it. From leading groundbreaking projects at PlayStation to redefining how games are marketed and developed, his contributions are nothing short of legendary.  In this conversation, Shawn takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey. He shares insights into managing international game development teams, the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to independent ventures, and his passion for mentorship through initiatives like Girls Make Games. We also dive into the future of gaming where Shawn offers his thoughts on live service models, emerging markets like the Middle East, and why innovation often requires obsoleting your own products. He challenges common misconceptions about productivity and highlights how clarity of purpose can outweigh hours worked. This is more than a conversation about gaming—it’s a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and finding purpose in what you do. Shawn Layden’s story is one of resilience, vision, and staying true to your values in an ever-evolving industry. Please join me in welcoming someone I deeply admire and respect—Shawn Layden.

#16 Thomas Heinfart - Beyond Profit: Creating Sustainable Solutions for Tomorrow

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Heinfart, a visionary entrepreneur who’s left his mark on renewable energy and fintech, from pioneering solar innovations to launching the Trading Hive, the world’s first blockchain-based Forex prop trading firm. Thomas has chaired Solar Hero, co-founded the Venus City initiative to combat climate challenges, and earned the Energy Globe Award for his groundbreaking work. We explore his remarkable journey - from door-to-door sales in Canada to developing a cryogenic power plant - unpacking his shift from sustainable tech to revolutionizing trading with transparency and trust. Thomas shares his failures, triumphs, and the relentless drive behind his mission to empower humanity through innovation. From floating solar panels to smart contracts, he reveals how he’s tackling climate change and scams in the trading industry with equal passion. Thomas's and FundedHive socials: ⁠Official Website⁠ [https://fundedhive.com] LinkedIn: ⁠Thomas Heinfart⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-heinfart-253283111] TrandingHive Instagram: ⁠funded.hive⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/funded.hive/#]