We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Regina Noriega . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Regina below.

Hi Regina , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The story behind KONECTU begins with my deep dive into the world of Web3, which started in 2017. Throughout my corporate marketing career in the C suite I always found time to do fractional consulting. I couldn’t help but notice a few key things. First, the barrier to entry into the Web3 space was undeniably high. Secondly, I observed that there were significantly more men than women in this domain. And thirdly, despite the wealth of resources available, there wasn’t a single platform that combined everything I was looking for.

As I continued to study the Web3 market and learn about blockchain technology, I became increasingly passionate about the potential it held. However, I faced a dilemma. While I wanted to fully immerse myself in this world, I also needed to maintain my corporate job and side gig.

The idea for KONECTU started to take shape when I recognized that there was a pressing need for a platform that could provide comprehensive education, networking opportunities, and job listings within the Web3 ecosystem. It had to be a place where professionals could learn, connect, and thrive.

But my vision didn’t stop there. I also noticed that many freelancers in the Web3 space were incredibly skilled but struggled to monetize their expertise. That’s when it hit me – KONECTU could also serve as a marketplace for freelancers to offer high-value fractional services to companies eager to learn about Web3. Think Linkedin and Upwork combined.

In essence, KONECTU was conceived as the missing link in the Web3 landscape, bridging the gap between education, networking, and career opportunities. It’s a platform that empowers individuals, especially women and minorities, to step into the Web3 world, develop their skills, and turn their professional side gigs into thriving businesses.

With this platform, I aim to onboard as many people as possible into Web3 through education, networking and live events, all while ensuring that professionals can get hired, transforming their side gigs into prosperous enterprises.

KONECTU’s mission is to be the go-to platform that supports this journey, empowering individuals to thrive in Web3.

Regina , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My professional journey spans over two decades, with a remarkable corporate career as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for leading privately held brands across diverse industries. During this time, I’ve not only accumulated a wealth of C suite experience but have also been recognized as an award-winning digital marketer and entrepreneur. My role allowed me to work directly with tech giants like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where I had the privilege of spearheading advertising initiatives that transformed millions upon millions of dollars into impactful campaigns.

However, my journey took an exciting turn last year when I decided to step away from corporate America and carve out my own path. I founded KONECTU my very own digital marketing agency, specializing in delivering LinkedIn products that empower CEOs and executive to thrive on Linkedin.

This bold move has received resounding validation from LinkedIn itself. Since 2017, I’ve been consistently referred business opportunities by LinkedIn. Recently, their recognition of my expertise has reached new heights, with honors spanning an impressive 7 categories. These include prestigious titles such as Linkedin Top Social Media Voice, Top Social Media Marketing Voice, Top Product Innovation Voice, Top Personal Branding Voice, Top Content Marketing Voice, Top Public Relations Voice, and Top Trade Show Marketing Voice.

It’s worth emphasizing that this ongoing partnership with LinkedIn, which dates back to 2017, serves as a powerful testament to the trust and confidence they place in my skills and abilities. This unique collaboration underscores not only my expertise but also my unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results in the digital marketing arena.

But that’s not the end of the story.

JoinKonectu, the second division of our overarching brand KONECTU, is going to be disruptor in the Web3 freelance landscape. Currently, we proudly stand as one of 5 start-ups in the prestigious gBETA Houston Gener8tor program, a nationally renowned VC tech accelerator. This underscores our unwavering commitment to tech innovation and propelling growth.

At this pivotal juncture, we’re actively seeking pre-seed partners who resonate with our vision. We envision a future where anyone, regardless of their background, can harness the power of entrepreneurship and turn their professional pursuits into thriving businesses.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

One of the most transformative chapters in my professional life was my side hustle journey, which began in 2014. I embarked on this journey not just to supplement my corporate income but also to continuously expand my learning and build my network. Over the years, my side hustle allowed me to explore diverse domains, including international marketing, ecom, nutraceuticals and direct sales. This venture equipped me with the confidence and agility to expand my career portfolio.

In addition to expanding my marketing expertise, my journey allowed me to connect with clients and partners across the globe. I’ve had the privilege of serving a diverse comapanies and clientele, spanning regions from Malaysia and Southeast Asia to Europe, Mexico, and throughout the United States. This international exposure not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my understanding of global markets and cultural nuances.

One of the most exciting aspects of this journey was the opportunity to provide high-value fractional services to organizations seeking to tap into the digital world. Whether it was devising tailored marketing strategies, building distributor chains or facilitating international expansion, I leveraged my multifaceted skill set to deliver and drive solutions. This experience not only propelled my career forward but also reinforced my commitment to continuous growth and innovation.

My side gigs has been a transformative chapter in my professional life, instilling in me the confidence, adaptability, and expertise to excel in the digital marketing landscape. Today, as I lead KONECTU, I draw upon the wealth of knowledge and experiences gained durin my journey to drive innovation, foster meaningful collaborations, and empower professionals to thrive in Web3.

Any advice for managing a team?

Fostering a motivated and empowered team is something I’m deeply passionate about, and it’s been a key element of my leadership approach. One piece of advice I’d offer is to prioritize clear and transparent communication. When I was leading teams, I made sure everyone knew the overarching goals and how their work contributed to achieving those goals. This sense of purpose and understanding helps boost morale because team members see the bigger picture.

Trust is another crucial factor. I always trusted my team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise. This not only empowers them but also shows that you have confidence in their abilities. When people feel trusted, they tend to step up and take ownership, which is great for morale.

Recognition is also essential. I made it a point to celebrate achievements, whether big or small. This recognition can take various forms, from a simple thank-you message to more formal rewards and incentives. It’s amazing how much a little recognition can go in terms of boosting morale.

Additionally, I believe in investing in professional development. I encouraged my team members to grow in their roles, providing them with opportunities for training and skill enhancement. This not only improves their job satisfaction but also equips them with the tools to excel in their roles.

Lastly, leading by example is crucial. I’ve always believed that as a leader, I should demonstrate the same dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude that I expect from my team. When they see me setting a high standard, it inspires them to do the same.

Overall, I’ve found that these approaches help create a positive work environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and motivated to do their best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joinkonectu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networkergirl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginamnoriega/