At Phantom, we believe in showcasing the incredible people who help drive our success. As we continue to build and shape the future of crypto, we want to highlight the experiences of women on our team who are making an impact. In this edition, we’re sharing the story of Sam Novick, a key leader on our Growth team and our first-ever product marketer.
Finding her path in crypto
Sam started working in crypto in 2020, having previously worked in fintech and social entrepreneurship. Her introduction to Phantom came through a former colleague who was passionate about the platform. After experimenting with crypto wallets, Sam quickly realized Phantom was setting a new standard in crypto usability.
"When I first used crypto wallets, I found them frustrating and outdated. Then I tried Phantom, and it just clicked. It was intuitive and simple—exactly what the space needed to reach more people," Sam recalled.
As someone who was already interested in making financial tools more accessible, Phantom felt like the perfect place for her to contribute. "I made a shortlist of places I wanted to work, and Phantom was at the top. When David [Wu] reached out to me on LinkedIn, I knew it was the right opportunity."
Beyond NFTs and memecoins: The broader social impact of crypto
Crypto is often associated with NFTs and memecoins, but for Sam, its potential runs much deeper. Her experiences in Bogota, Ethiopia, and Kenya shaped her understanding of the real-world implications of blockchain technology.
During her time in Bogota, Sam witnessed firsthand how financial instability affected everyday people. "I saw Venezuelan refugees creating figurines out of their now-worthless currency just to make some money to survive. Unless you were privileged enough to hold US dollars in a bank account, you were stuck. There were no real options."
This was one of the defining moments that made her realize how crypto could provide meaningful solutions. With decentralized finance (DeFi) and stablecoins, people in developing economies can store and transfer value in a way that wasn’t possible before. "Crypto, especially stablecoins, provides a way for people to bypass unreliable financial systems. A person in Venezuela or Turkey with just a mobile phone can now access digital assets and store value outside of hyperinflationary local currencies. That’s a game changer."
Growing up, Sam also had a deeply personal connection to global financial disparity. "Two of my siblings are adopted from Ethiopia, and I spent a lot of time in both Ethiopia and Kenya. It’s striking how difficult it is for people in these regions to access even the most basic banking services. When you look at how crypto enables financial inclusion, it’s impossible to ignore its significance."
Kenya, for example, has seen success with mobile money services like M-Pesa, which allows people to transfer and store money without a traditional bank account. "M-Pesa was revolutionary, but imagine combining that with the power of crypto—where there are no middlemen, no excessive fees, and no reliance on government-controlled banking systems. That’s what excites me about this space."
Why we need more women in crypto
Beyond financial inclusion, Sam is passionate about increasing the representation of women in crypto. The space is still predominantly male, but she sees this as an opportunity for change.
"Crypto has the power to reshape global finance, but if we don’t have women in the room building it, we risk creating a system that once again favors the same voices that have always been heard. We need different perspectives, different lived experiences, and different problem-solving approaches."
Sam has seen how the lack of women in crypto affects industry narratives. "A lot of messaging in crypto is built around risk-taking, hype, and speculation. That’s appealing to a certain audience, but not everyone. When you bring in more women, the conversation expands to stability, usability, security, and long-term impact—all crucial to making crypto sustainable."
She also sees mentorship as a major component in breaking down barriers for women in the space. "Women need to see other women thriving in crypto. When I first started, I didn’t know many women in the industry, and that can make it feel isolating. Now, I actively try to mentor and connect with women who are curious about crypto but don’t know where to start."
Pushing boundaries in product marketing
Since joining Phantom, Sam has worked on several high-impact projects that have helped shape the company’s growth. One of the most exciting was the launch of Bitcoin support on Phantom.
"The Bitcoin launch was a huge challenge. It required figuring out how to communicate a completely new concept to our users in a way that made sense. One of the most rewarding parts was working with Degen Poet for a free mint campaign, which became the largest mint ever on Gamma. Seeing how the community rallied around it was incredible."
Another highlight for Sam has been the collaborative environment at Phantom. "Everyone here is insanely smart and talented, but what really stands out is how collaborative and helpful people are. There’s no ego—people genuinely want to help each other and solve problems together."
Overcoming challenges and learning along the way
Crypto is a fast-moving space, and working in crypto comes with a learning curve. For Sam, the key has been embracing the process.
"When I first started, I didn’t know everything, and that was okay. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be an expert from day one. The best way to grow is to ask questions, stay curious, and dive into the work."
She also credits Phantom’s culture for making it easier to navigate the challenges. "The environment here encourages learning. Whether it’s engineers explaining technical concepts or teammates helping brainstorm solutions, there’s a real sense of support."
Advice for others looking to break into crypto
For those looking to join the crypto space, Sam’s advice is simple: start exploring.
"You don’t need to understand everything right away. Follow projects that interest you, read about what’s happening in the space, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Crypto is full of passionate people who love to share knowledge."
She also emphasizes that crypto isn’t just for developers or hardcore crypto enthusiasts. "There’s a place for everyone in crypto—whether you’re into design, marketing, operations, or community building. If you’re excited about the space, there’s a way to contribute."
Moving forward
Phantom continues to evolve, and so does Sam’s role within it. As she looks to the future, she’s excited about what’s ahead.
"There’s so much opportunity in crypto, and Phantom is right at the center of it. We’re building products that make crypto easier and more accessible, and that’s something I’m really proud to be a part of."
Crypto isn’t just about speculation—it’s about solving real-world problems. Whether it’s enabling financial inclusion, preserving artistic rights through NFTs, or empowering creators in developing economies, its impact is far-reaching.
If you’re interested in joining a team that values innovation, collaboration, and solving meaningful problems, Phantom is the place to be. Stay tuned for more features on the incredible people behind Phantom, and if you’re curious about opportunities here, check out our careers page.
