We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Lobanova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.
Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 and technology, my mission is to make the female voice heard and respected. Despite being passionate and knowledgeable about the industry, I have faced challenges in gaining credibility and recognition. One notable instance was when I warned people about the impending FTX crash weeks before it occurred, only to be met with skepticism and disbelief. It was disheartening to see my insights disregarded simply because of my gender and appearance.
The ‘Elle Woods effect,’ reminiscent of the iconic character from “Legally Blonde,” often shadows me. People frequently underestimate my capabilities because I look young and dress in a way they perceive as “cute.” This stereotype is a roadblock that many women face in male-dominated industries, perpetuating the notion that femininity and intelligence cannot coexist.
However, I am determined to break through these stereotypes and pave the way for other women in tech. As the number of women in the industry grows, so too will our collective impact. I want to be the voice that inspires and empowers other women to rise above the gender biases that still exist in Web3 and technology.
In my pursuit of change, I believe that diverse perspectives enrich innovation and progress. By encouraging more women to participate, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic tech community that reflects the world we live in.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and speaking engagements, I aim to foster an environment where the female voice is valued, respected, and heard. I envision a future where women’s contributions to Web3 and tech are celebrated, and their expertise is recognized without prejudice.
As we move towards a more equitable future, I pledge to be relentless in my advocacy for gender diversity. Together with other trailblazing women in the industry, we will shatter barriers and build a tech landscape that celebrates the power and potential of every individual, regardless of their gender.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Maria Lobanova is a visionary leader, public speaker, and a prominent figure in the Web3 and tech industries. As the esteemed CEO of Interstellar Digital, she has made it her life’s mission to bring diversity, innovation, and empowerment to the forefront of these rapidly evolving fields. Maria Lobanova is a visionary leader and a prominent figure in the Web3 and tech industries. Her career in tech started after transitioning from being a journalist, writing for esteemed media outlets like GQ, Inc. magazine. In 2016, she delved into the crypto space by attending crypto meetups in Moscow and even had the privilege of meeting Vitalik Buterin personally.
After working as an inhouse PR manager for blockchain startups, Maria’s journey took a significant turn at the Crypto Investment Summit in Los Angeles, where she met her co-founder. They decided to establish their own PR and communication agency – Interstellar Digital.
Interstellar Digital is a cutting-edge PR and communications agency that specializes in tech and Web3 industries. Their unique services include helping companies gain media exposure, collaborating with influencers, hosting events, networking with industry players, and communicating with venture funds. Moreover, they assist projects in building communities on social media platforms like Discord.
What sets Interstellar Digital apart is its global approach. Unlike many agencies, they can provide PR campaigns for international markets, catering to Latin America, Europe, Asia, CIS region, and the Middle East. Their extensive network of local media and influencers allows them to deliver campaigns in multiple languages.
Interstellar Digital has an impressive portfolio, having worked with a diverse range of tech companies, including crypto wallets, crypto exchanges, NFT projects, SaaS companies, marketplaces, and VR projects. Maria’s previous experiences include organizing the Cryptospace conference, which became the biggest Eastern European crypto conference in 2017. The event attracted over 3,500 attendees and featured renowned speakers such as Ted Lin, CGO at Binance, Eric Gu, CEO of Metaverse, and Yoni Assia, CEO of eToro exchange, among others.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within the market is a combination of two key factors: a customized approach to every client and a commitment to over-delivering on expectations.
At Interstellar Digital, we firmly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to PR and communications. Each client is unique, with their own goals, challenges, and target audience. Therefore, we take the time to thoroughly understand their specific needs and tailor our strategies accordingly. By offering personalized services, we foster strong client relationships built on trust and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, we go the extra mile to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, and we never settle for mediocrity. Whether it’s securing top-tier media coverage, collaborating with influential figures, or organizing impactful events, we are committed to going above and beyond to showcase our clients in the best light.
This dedication to customization and over-delivery has earned us a reputation as a reliable and results-driven PR and communications agency. Word-of-mouth recommendations and positive feedback from satisfied clients have been crucial in building our credibility and standing within the market.
Ultimately, our focus on tailoring strategies to fit each client’s unique needs and consistently surpassing their expectations has allowed us to establish ourselves as a trusted partner in the tech and Web3 industries. We take pride in our track record of success and are continually striving to set new benchmarks in delivering exceptional outcomes for our valued clients.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely, Tim Draper’s book “The Startup Hero” has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Draper’s insights and experiences as a successful venture capitalist and entrepreneur have been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership and business.
In “The Startup Hero,” Tim Draper shares his wisdom and provides practical advice on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including identifying opportunities, managing risks, building strong teams, and navigating the challenges of the startup world. His emphasis on embracing failure as a learning opportunity and maintaining a long-term vision has been particularly influential in my journey as a leader.
Beyond “The Startup Hero,” I also draw inspiration from other thought-provoking resources, including TED Talks, business podcasts, and articles from industry experts. Continuous learning and staying open to new ideas are fundamental to my approach as an entrepreneur and a leader.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://interstellardigital.io/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anarielka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.lobanova.184/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-lobanova-01881447/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anariel_ka
Image Credits
NFT NYC Sam Goldin