Join us for an insightful conversation between Marieke Flament—seasoned tech executive, investor, and former CEO of the NEAR Foundation—and Thomas De Phuoc, COO and Co-Founder of Kiln, as they reflect on their years of collaboration, leadership lessons, and the evolving landscape of startups and Web3.This discussion begins with a look back at how their professional paths first crossed in 2017 at Circle, where Marieke played a pivotal role in shaping Thomas’s early career. From there, the conversation unfolds into a masterclass on leadership, team-building, and the nuances of scaling a company with intention.Marieke shares her unique perspective on hiring, emphasizing the importance of passion over pedigree, and why cultural fit can make or break a company. Drawing from her experiences at Expedia, Circle, and NEAR, she breaks down the dynamics of high-performing teams, comparing them to a well-coordinated basketball team where trust and collaboration overtake individual brilliance.Thomas echoes these insights, reflecting on Kiln’s journey and the principles that have guided its growth—transparency, storytelling, and resilience in the face of crypto’s notorious volatility. Together, they explore how founders can maintain focus during market downturns, why self-awareness is non-negotiable for leaders, and how Europe’s tech ecosystem can compete on a global scale despite regulatory fragmentation.A highlight of the discussion is Marieke’s work with Project Europe, an initiative uniting founders and operators to strengthen the continent’s startup ecosystem. She outlines the challenges—such as complex cross-border investment rules and inconsistent stock option policies—while expressing optimism about Europe’s deep talent pool and long-term commitment to innovation.The conversation also touches on the transition from operator to board member, the role of coaching in leadership development, and the personal habits that help founders navigate high-pressure environments.PODCAST INFO:🌐 Website:https://www.kiln.fi/podcasts🟢 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0QSnhSLXxVDgBAUMnKnPz1🟣 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kiln-rendez-vous-podcast/id172924722600:00 - Introduction & How They Met 00:48 - Marieke’s Career Journey (Circle, Expedia, Near) 03:35 - Why Tech? + Lessons from Early Roles 04:11 - Building Culture & High-Performing Teams 06:00 - Hiring Passionate People & Interview Tips 09:14 - Leadership, Trust & Team Dynamics 13:06 - Scaling, Storytelling & Culture Alignment 23:23 - Coaching, Self-Awareness & Growth 28:59 - European Tech & Project Europe 34:30 - Talent, Retention & Ecosystem Strengths 36:23 - Serving on Boards & Strategic Leadership 43:43 - Macro Trends, Resilience & Long-Term Focus 50:41 - Lessons Learned & Final Takeaways
