E37: Irene Zhao - From Instagram Model to Crypto Queen

Irene Zhao is a Chinese Model and Influencer, and one of the most powerful women in crypto. In 2022, her NFT collection 'Irene Dao' generated over $5.5 million within 10 days of launch. This crazy success marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey with the launch of SoCol (Social Collectibles), a web3 platform enabling creators to build their own NFT collection and create their own version of the 'Irene DAO success' but bigger, better, and tailored to their own fan base and community. In this episode, Irene reveals her strategy to amass a huge online fan base; living a double life as a commodity trader in the real world while presenting herself as a "cute, school girl" on her Instagram. She then talks about pivoting out of Instagram influencing "looks" to join Crypto Twitter "brains" where she became a personality in a matter of weeks. We end up talking about the entrepreneurship rollercoaster, what she is trying to build with SoCol but also romantic relationship dynamics, boss babes, mental health, and much more. Key topics: 00:00 From China to the vibrance of Singapore. 07:48 A Journey of Evolution. 09:19 Where New Beginnings Unfold. 12:40 Unveiling the Secrets of Rapid Growth. 15:10 Mastering the Instagram Influence Game: A Strategy Deep Dive. 25:35 Strategic Pivot to Twitter: Navigating a New Focus. 30:47 Captivating Crypto on Instagram 32:17 A Journey Through DeFi, NFTs, and More. 40:23 Socol, Where Innovation Begins. 46:02 Web3 Meets Influencers 47:16 Escaping Social Pressures Through Business. 51:07 Raising money 54:27 Building Strength During Bear Markets. 58:27 The Crypto Rollercoaster: Navigating Highs and Lows. 01:03:27 The Best Advice Ever Given. Follow Irene: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b1lgging/ Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/Irenezhao_ Follow Socol: Website: https://www.socol.io/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/socol.io/ Follow When Shift Happens: Website: https://www.when-shift-happens.co/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/yieldlabs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinffollonier/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevinfollonier Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinfollonier/