We had the pleasure of interviewing Evelina Lavrova, CMO of Waves World. She is a mentor at CV Labs’ blockchain incubator where she teaches startups Marketing and PR. She has also been listed as Top 10 Females In Crypto 2017 by Core Magazine.

Can you share with us the story of how you decided to pursue this career path? What lessons can others learn from your story?

I joined a tech company in 2004, but after that, I spent 5 years working in different industries before deciding to go back in 2012. New technologies are developed very quickly so you can find great opportunities there. I learned 2 lessons along the way:

• Experience is much more important than theory. I’m glad I started work during my university course.
• Focus on one industry, because you will get to know the industry more deeply and your expertise will be more valuable.

Can you tell me about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

I’m working on a promotion for Waves World, which is a mining pool and crypto marketplace. I’m part of the Mentor and Expert team at CV Labs, a blockchain incubator in Zug, Switzerland. I also consult with some startups. For example, there’s GatePay – an omnichannel blockchain payments solution. Moreover, I help event organizers such as Coindesk with the Consensus conference, etc.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My success story in blockchain started when Lori Brown included me in her list of Top 10 Females in Crypto 2017. We have never met in person, but she acknowledged my contribution to the industry. Her publication has taken my career to the next level, and I gained many new opportunities. One of them was from Pavel Jakovlev, who invited me to join CV Labs as an expert. I’m also thankful for Roger L. Aitken, Michael Scott, Dr. Jane Thomason, Guy Brandon, and many, many other people who I have met on my way and who helped me to take steps towards my achievements. Thank you!

Also, read – WOMEN IN BLOCKCHAIN ARE HELPING TO END GENDER INEQUALITY

What are the 5 things that excite you the most about blockchain and crypto? Why?

There are several ways that blockchain allows us to do things differently, like offering greater transparency, speed, and simplicity. That gives us the chance to transform old industries such as banking, international payments, etc. We can connect with people better, more fairly and efficiently, and reduce exploitation and abuse. Surely that’s worth pursuing!

What are the 5 things that worry you about blockchain and crypto? Why?

There are a few things we haven’t figured out properly yet, such as how to maintain privacy on a public ledger when we’re dealing with sensitive information. Security also needs further work – blockchain hasn’t reached the point where most people would be confident using it yet. And then there’s the question of regulation, which is clearly needed, but it needs to be the right kind of regulation, intelligent and fit for the purpose.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?

It’s just a beginning, but I hope my example can help attract more women to the blockchain. I always try to help people if they need it. For example, recently, I was asked by a Stanford University student to help him spread the word about his new research about blockchain for social impact. It’s a very important topic so I’ll post it soon.

What 3 things would you advise someone who wants to emulate your career? Can you share an example for each idea?

• First of all, learn foreign languages such as English (if it’s not your native language), and Chinese. Without English, you can’t build an international career.
• Second, start to learn code as early as you can. It’s very important if you want to work in a technology company. I regret that I did not have enough such lessons at school.
• Third, networking and connections. Try to surround yourself with people you want to be like in 5 years – you can learn from them and grow more quickly.

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?

“Dream big.”
My life is proof that if you dream big, you can achieve anything and everything. It’s not just about being ambitious, it’s about being hard-working, confident and persistent.

When I graduated from school I only had one negative evaluation in my diploma, which was for English. The School Director asked my teacher to give me a chance and change it, but she answered that I didn’t know the language well. I graduated from university, but I couldn’t speak English fluently. So I started to take English classes, practiced with my foreign friends, and used it in my job. Recently, I spoke at the London Fintech Week on the main stage about mass adoption. It was my small victory!

Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

I would choose Ueli Maurer, the President of the Swiss Confederation and Minister of Finance. In a very short period, Switzerland has become the blockchain capital of the world. Top blockchain companies have incorporated and opened offices in that location. I saw him at the CV Summit in March, where he explained that he wants to build a blockchain nation. Switzerland is a country of banks, but he believes in this new technology that should actually transform the traditional banking system, which is a brave step.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

They can follow me on:

Twitter https://twitter.com/EvelinaLavrova/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-lavrova-58186438/