Kirthiga Reddy is the dynamic CEO of Virtualness.io, a mobile-first platform that democratizes Web3 for creators and brands. Starting her illustrious career as an engineer at Silicon Graphics, Kirthiga has since been at the vanguard of several tech shifts. As SoftBank's first female Investment Partner, she managed a vast portfolio. Also a co-founder of Laddrr, her accolades include Fast Company’s 'Most Creative People' and Fortune India’s 'Most Powerful Women'. Kirthiga champions the belief: “When businesses succeed, livelihoods flourish.
In a recent discussion between Kirthiga and Braintrust, we delved deep into the transformative world of blockchain and Web 3.0. Here's a synthesis of the insights and takeaways.
Our community has come a long way. At the recent webinar, Shirley celebrated Braintrust's astounding growth, proudly announcing that we now span over 400,000 tech professionals globally. Together, they've collectively earned over $175 million. As Shirley looked back, her optimism for the future resonated with attendees, emphasizing that our trajectory isn't solely about technological advancements.
Kirthiga drew attention to the intricate transition from Web 2.0 to the blockchain-driven era of Web 3.0. She highlighted the importance of thinking mobile-first and touched upon the vast potential of blockchain beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Her sentiments weren't solely fixated on the tech transition but also on how this tech evolution can usher in global societal advancement.
"How does one weigh diving into the blockchain after long stints in the Web 2.0 universe? " she posited, inviting reflection and emphasizing that this isn’t just about succeeding Web 2.0—it's a profound shift that necessitates a blend of past insights with future aspirations. An essential point here is interoperability. As Web3 platforms integrate with existing Web2 systems, ensuring that data, assets, and functionalities move seamlessly between these universes becomes imperative.
Despite the challenges, Kirthiga remains optimistic. She recounted a conversation with a business leader from Procter & Gamble, illustrating blockchain's wide-ranging applications. In this case, blockchain was employed to trace the origin of materials in feminine hygiene products, catering to a growing demand for transparency among consumers. This demonstrates that blockchain's reach extends from established giants to the most cutting-edge startups.
She underlines that while there are plenty of challenges, especially with evolving infrastructure, the tech community must tackle them head-on to realize blockchain's full potential.
What truly impresses her on a resume? It is less about certifications and more about tangible accomplishments and how one adapts previous experiences to new contexts. For those eager to further develop their skills and seek advice, Braintrust Career Help provides invaluable career advice and support. There, you can ask questions, and seasoned professionals or someone who's been in your shoes will gladly offer insights.
Check out webinar notes by Deb Shell, writer, creator, designer, and Braintrust’s Community Member.
Kirthiga Reddy's professional journey is a testament to the tech community's ability to adapt and evolve. Beginning as an executive at Silicon Graphics, she later delved into the exciting realm of mobile-first technology, emphasizing the importance of staying agile in an ever-changing tech landscape.
Kirthiga's core message is clear: Embracing the unpredictable nature of the tech world can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Whether choosing to take a pay cut to invest in future tech trends or the unseen challenges that aren't showcased on platforms like LinkedIn — it's the journey. These untold, meandering paths lead to significant milestones, with all its risks and opportunities, that truly craft an individual's legacy.
Blockchain's evolution calls for seamless integration between the established digital realms of Web 2.0 and the decentralized prospects of Web 3.0. Interoperability is the name of the game.
Nowhere is this more pressing than in payments – where questions of managing transfers, whether in fiat or crypto, become paramount. Companies are eager for talents who grasp this fusion deeply. Yet, it's not just about technical integration.
Navigating the often intricate world of digital wallets and decentralized transactions should feel as intuitive as using any mainstream app. This challenge extends beyond mere aesthetics – it's about reimagining user interaction amidst the digital intricacies of assets, identity, and privacy. Kirthiga underscores a pivotal message for those eyeing the blockchain horizon: Mastery in design is invaluable, but it must be paired with a profound understanding of blockchain's nuances.
The world is witnessing an interplay of blockchain with technologies like AI and quantum computing. Platforms such as Virtualness.io exemplify the integration of generative AI and blockchain, hinting at the limitless possibilities at these tech marvels' intersections.
The fusion of blockchain with AI can reshape industries, while the entry of quantum computing can redefine encryption and transaction speeds. A future scenario Kirthiga painted was:
"Maybe [in the future] when they walk the stage to get their diploma,they will get an NFT minted on blockchain."
Such intersections point towards a future where technology is not just an enabler but an intrinsic part of our daily experiences.
Kirthiga reflected on her transformative journey at SoftBank Vision Fund when asked about the actions required for a Female Investment Partner to lead a vision fund.
She spoke of the fund's profound commitment to diversity and inclusivity. To amplify the representation of various groups, SoftBank introduced dedicated affinity groups for women, the LGBTQ community, and underrepresented minorities. With intent, they established hiring goals echoing this commitment. Kirthiga highlighted the creation of accelerator programs, such as Emerge, aimed at nurturing diverse founders. She believed championing diversity extended beyond just hiring and should permeate leadership and investment practices. Kirthiga's efforts at SoftBank offer a blueprint for aspiring female leaders in the investment world, underscoring the immense value of fostering diversity in the tech and investment sectors.
Platforms such as Fortune Term Sheet, PitchBook, and Crunchbase provide invaluable insights for those eager to stay updated on emerging tech trends. In addition, podcasts like the All-In podcast and The Twenty Minute VC(20VC) delve deep into current developments. Meanwhile, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube are essential tools for real-time industry news and updates.
As we navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape, Kirthiga Reddy's invaluable insights remind us of the need to be adaptable, informed, and receptive to new learnings. The intersection of blockchain with various sectors and the indispensable role of diversity and inclusion highlights the multifaceted nature of this industry.
In the upcoming fireside chat series, Braintrust will shift its focus to broader aspects of career growth, providing advice, interview preparation tips, and insights into thriving in the tech domain. Such guidance is instrumental in ensuring that tech professionals remain updated with technological advancements and fine-tune the soft skills and strategies necessary for career success. While you wait, explore Career Help for advice, guidance, and more.
For those keen on exploring career opportunities, the Braintrust job page offers a myriad of roles to delve into.
Stay tuned, stay informed, and join us in shaping the future of tech. Your journey towards excellence starts here.