Lauren Halstead, Head of Ecosystem at Mojito and former Business Development leader at Chainlink Labs, shares her passion for transforming traditional Web2 loyalty programs through innovative Web3 solutions.
• Traditional brand loyalty programs fail to foster long-term consumer relationships• Web3 gives consumers ownership of their data and creates verifiable credentials of engagement• Dynamic NFTs change based on real-time data, offering interactive experiences beyond static rewards• Example: Airline NFT tickets that automatically update and compensate during delays• Web3 communities enable direct customer feedback and genuine brand advocacy• Mojito provides end-to-end support for brands transitioning to Web3 loyalty solutions• The convergence of AI and Web3 will enable hyper-personalized customer experiences• Web3 technology identifies and rewards true superfans rather than paid influencers• Brands don’t need to replace existing loyalty programs – Web3 can enhance current models• Metaverse experiences provide valuable data on consumer behavior applicable to real-world marketing
Lauren Halstead, Head of Ecosystem at Mojito and former Business Development leader for Chainlink Labs, takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of brand loyalty in the Web3 era. Drawing from her extensive experience in the cryptocurrency space, Lauren offers a refreshing perspective on how blockchain technology is revolutionizing consumer-brand relationships.At the core of this transformation is a fundamental shift in data ownership. While traditional loyalty programs often fail due to their disconnected, impersonal nature, Web3 solutions empower consumers by giving them control over their own information. Lauren illustrates this with compelling examples from the music industry, where early supporters and superfans finally gain recognition through verifiable credentials on the blockchain, creating authentic relationships between artists and their most dedicated followers.Dynamic NFTs emerge as a particularly powerful tool in this new loyalty paradigm. Unlike static digital assets, these evolving tokens respond to real-time data and user interactions, creating personalized experiences that strengthen brand connections. Imagine airline tickets that automatically update and compensate during delays or festival wristbands that evolve as attendees engage with different experiences – these applications represent just the beginning of what’s possible when loyalty becomes truly interactive.For brands hesitant to embrace Web3, Lauren offers reassurance that this transition doesn’t require abandoning existing infrastructure. Mojito provides comprehensive support for companies navigating this new territory, from legal considerations to technical implementation, allowing brands to enhance current loyalty models rather than replacing them entirely. The result? Communities where customers aren’t just passive recipients of marketing messages but active participants who provide direct feedback and authentic advocacy.The future becomes even more exciting when considering how AI will amplify these Web3 loyalty initiatives. As these technologies converge, brands will create increasingly personalized systems where customers receive precisely calibrated rewards and experiences that feel deeply relevant. Beyond just points and discounts, this represents a fundamental reimagining of what brand loyalty can achieve in a digital-first world.Ready to explore how Web3 can transform your brand’s relationship with customers? Connect with Lauren on Twitter @halsteady or visit getmojito.com to learn more about building the future of loyalty.
AI + Web3: Creating Personalized Brand Experiences That Actually Work – with Lauren Halstead
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
[01:26] What inspired your shift to transforming Web2 loyalty with Web3 at Mojito, and how does your role as Head of Ecosystem support this?
[02:50] How do ownership, trust, and personalization in Web3 redefine the brand-consumer relationship compared to Web2?
Related Posts:
[04:38] Can you share examples of how Mojito has successfully helped brands implement Web3 solutions for customer loyalty?
[05:30] I know Mojito works with dynamic NFTs—can you explain to my audience how they differ from static NFTs?
[07:23] Can you share examples of how dynamic NFTs can be used to build stronger brand communities?
[10:43] How do you overcome skepticism from big brands in the market? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
[14:28] What steps does Mojito take to help brands transition from Web2 to Web3 for brand loyalty?
[17:19] What are the most effective strategies for brand loyalty and community building in Web3?
[21:21] What are your thoughts on the convergence of these new technologies, and what does it mean for you?
[24:21] Where can people connect with you and learn more about Mojito?
NOTABLE QUOTES
“By leveraging AI and Web3 together, I believe brands are going to create systems where customers receive awards in real time.”
“In Web3 technology, consumers actually own their data.”
“Consumers are demanding more and more personalized experiences. They’re tired of brands taking advantage of them.”
“Finding somebody who really truly cares about Web3 technology and the mission is ultimately the best thing for Web2 Brands.”
“Brands are going to create systems where customers receive awards in real time, exclusive content or products that are perfectly tailored to themselves.”
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Mojito: https://getmojito.com/
CONNECT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenhalstead/
NOTE:Mojito is a spinout of Web3 marketing firm Serotonin. Amanda Cassatt (Co-Founder of Serotonin & Mojito) was already on my podcast twice: