Awkward Silences #177 - From Informing to Influencing with Shalin Pei & Natalie Golub of Coinbase
Nov 25, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Shalin Pei and Natalie Golub from Coinbase Base share their experiences in the fast-paced crypto world. Shalin, a design and research leader, emphasizes overcoming impostor syndrome and the importance of curiosity in their field. Meanwhile, Natalie reveals innovative research strategies, like embedded sprints, to quickly align with user needs. They also explore the challenges of documentation in a rapid environment and the essential balance between short-term goals and long-term vision, especially as AI evolves.
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Nascent Spaces Flatten Expertise
- Shalin noted crypto's rapid change levels the field: curious newcomers can catch up quickly with veterans.
- That environment rewards curiosity and willingness to learn over long domain tenure.
Retro And Iterate Your Org Quarterly
- Shalin recommends iterating org structure every quarter and retro’ing on what works.
- Change the team shape when needs shift and explain why so people see change as purposeful.
Embedded Research In Live Design Sprints
- Natalie described researchers embedded in a week-long in-person sprint to give live feedback and run a follow-up study overnight.
- The team produced actionable findings by end of day so designers could iterate before Friday.