People Behind Industry

Hosted by Arman

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Hi, I’m Arman, and this is People Behind Industry, a podcast that sheds light on what usually stays behind the scenes. In People Behind Industry, I sit down with builders, entrepreneurs, engineers, creatives, and operators to unpack the real journey behind what they’ve built. Not the highlight reel. The structure behind it. The trade-offs. The Psychology. The turning points that shaped their thinking. These are in-depth conversations about how people actually navigate complexity — and what it takes to keep building when conditions are uncertain. If you’re interested in how industries truly

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March 3, 2026Episode 2032 min

#20 Hazel Lee: Empowering Creators with BeatSwap

Artists and creators lose millions due to opaque IP usage. Hazel Lee, Web3 strategist and BeatSwap co-founder, shows how blockchain delivers real-time rights management and transparency in entertainment.From South Korea's traditional media to pioneering blockchain IP solutions, Hazel shares her journey. Drawing on her trust-building expertise, she breaks down BeatSwap's fixes for delayed payments, hidden earnings, and middlemen in music and beyond. Web3 doesn't replace streaming—it enhances ownership, fair pay, and value flow, especially in high-stakes markets like K-pop.In this episode:- Hazel’s journey from traditional media to Web3 and founding BeatSwap- The core problems in IP rights: transparency and fair value flow- How BeatSwap leverages verifiable real-world assets (RWA) for IP- The strengths of South Korea’s digital-native, community-driven culture- Strategies for onboarding artists and overcoming technical skepticism- The rapid pace of community sentiment shifts in Web3- Lessons learned from burnout and the importance of sustainable growth- Practical advice for newcomers: start small, stay curious, and avoid limitationsResources & Links:BeatSwap Official Website: https://beatswap.io/BeatSwap Twitter: https://x.com/beatxswapHazel Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hzi-lee/

November 21, 2025Episode 191 hr 8 min

#19 Christopher Graves: How to Build a Tech Career That Doesn’t Break You

If you’re a developer, engineer, or anyone trying to grow in tech, this episode is going to shift the way you think about your skills, your career, and your long-term strategy.In this conversation, we break down what it actually takes to level up in today’s tech industry — beyond tutorials, certificates, or chasing trend after trend. We talk about learning in public, building consistency, improving visibility, creating content, navigating career plateaus, and developing the mindset that separates fast-growing developers from those who stay stuck.Whether you’re trying to get your first role, break out of junior territory, or move toward senior impact, this episode gives you a blueprint for sustainable growth in tech.SUBSCRIBEFor more conversations with the people shaping industries from the inside out.Christopher’s socials:LinkedIn: Christopher GravesYouTube: @ChrisDGravesGet in touch:LinkedIn: Arman MamyanX: @primarchdevInstagram: @armamyannEmail: armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com

September 9, 2025Episode 181 hr 41 min

#18 Peter Bilzerian: How Life, Failure & Curiosity Shape the Journey to Startups & Financial Freedom

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with my dearest friend, an investor, speaker, whose journey from a young entrepreneur to scaling and advising businesses across industries is nothing short of inspiring. ⁨@PeterBilzerian⁩ story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and the pursuit of financial freedom.We explored his journey from starting his first company at just 15, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth. Peter shared insights on building startups, making tough decisions, and staying curious even in the face of uncertainty.This conversation goes beyond business—it’s about mindset, personal growth, and the lessons life teaches us when we push ourselves to adapt, learn, and thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about what drives successful people, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and Peter’s perspective on navigating the path to financial and personal freedom.Peter’s socials:Website: https://www.peterbilzerian.com/LinkedIn: Peter Bilzerian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbilzerian/)YouTube: @PeterBilzerian (https://www.youtube.com/@PeterBilzerian)Get in touch:LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan/)X: @primarchdev (https://x.com/primarchdev)Instagram: @armamyann(https://www.instagram.com/armamyann)Email: armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com

April 10, 2025Episode 171 hr 11 min

#17 Shawn Layden - Playstation Odyssey, Leadership and Innovation

I have to be honest—it's not every day that you get to sit down with someone you admire, someone who inspires you, someone you look up to. Today’s guest is truly the definition of the word GOAT in the gaming industry. I’m talking about none other than Shawn Layden, the former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and Chairman of PlayStation Worldwide Studios.With a career spanning over three decades, Shawn has been instrumental in shaping the gaming industry as we know it. From leading groundbreaking projects at PlayStation to redefining how games are marketed and developed, his contributions are nothing short of legendary. In this conversation, Shawn takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey. He shares insights into managing international game development teams, the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to independent ventures, and his passion for mentorship through initiatives like Girls Make Games.We also dive into the future of gaming where Shawn offers his thoughts on live service models, emerging markets like the Middle East, and why innovation often requires obsoleting your own products. He challenges common misconceptions about productivity and highlights how clarity of purpose can outweigh hours worked.This is more than a conversation about gaming—it’s a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and finding purpose in what you do. Shawn Layden’s story is one of resilience, vision, and staying true to your values in an ever-evolving industry.Please join me in welcoming someone I deeply admire and respect—Shawn Layden.

March 21, 2025Episode 161 hr 36 min

#16 Thomas Heinfart - Beyond Profit: Creating Sustainable Solutions for Tomorrow

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Heinfart, a visionary entrepreneur who’s left his mark on renewable energy and fintech, from pioneering solar innovations to launching the Trading Hive, the world’s first blockchain-based Forex prop trading firm. Thomas has chaired Solar Hero, co-founded the Venus City initiative to combat climate challenges, and earned the Energy Globe Award for his groundbreaking work.We explore his remarkable journey - from door-to-door sales in Canada to developing a cryogenic power plant - unpacking his shift from sustainable tech to revolutionizing trading with transparency and trust. Thomas shares his failures, triumphs, and the relentless drive behind his mission to empower humanity through innovation. From floating solar panels to smart contracts, he reveals how he’s tackling climate change and scams in the trading industry with equal passion.Thomas's and FundedHive socials:⁠Official Website⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Thomas Heinfart⁠TrandingHive Instagram: ⁠funded.hive⁠

February 25, 20251 hr 11 min

#15 Tracy Greenan - How Fashion Conquers Pixels: Women, Fashion and Tech.

In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Tracy Greenan, a serial fashion-tech entrepreneur, founder of A.U.R.A. and Game Changing Style, and a visionary in the fusion of gaming and fashion. Based in New York City, Tracy has spent over three decades redefining industries—from launching a 1990s clothing empire to pioneering phygital jewelry and now carving a bold path in the gaming skins revolution. We dove into her journey from small-town roots to shaping the future of digital style, her fearless leaps into Web3 and gaming innovation, and the real struggles of thriving as a female founder. Tracy also dropped inspiring gems on turning obstacles into opportunities, mentoring emerging talent, and empowering underserved communities through her non-profit, Gamers Over Guns.Whether you’re a creator, gamer, or fascinated by where fashion meets tech, this episode is loaded with raw insights, behind-the-scenes grit, and Tracy’s unstoppable drive to leave a lasting mark.Tracy's socials:Website: https://www.tracygreenan.com/LinkedIn: Tracy GreenanGame Changing Style: https://www.gamechangingstyle.comGet in touch:⁠⁠LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: @⁠primarchdev⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com⁠

December 24, 2024Episode 141 hr 3 min

#14 Jack Clancy - Building in Web3: Leadership and innovation in web3

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Jack Clancy, an engineering manager at #MetaMask, a passionate advocate for Web3 innovation, and a good mentor and colleague of mine. Jack has contributed significantly to MetaMask’s engineering evolution, helping to refine its functionality and enhance the user experience, making it a vital tool for interacting with the decentralized web. We delved into his journey from a career in finance to becoming a key player in blockchain development, his transition into leadership roles, and his unique perspectives on engineering trends in Web3. Jack also shared valuable insights on navigating technical debt challenges, fostering team happiness, and staying resilient in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether you're a developer, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the technologies behind Web3, this episode is packed with vital bits of advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and Jack’s vision for the future of decentralization. Jack's socials: X: @0xjack_ (https://x.com/0xjack_) LinkedIn: Jack Clancy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-clancy-454843a8/) Get in touch: ⁠⁠LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: @⁠primarchdev⁠⁠ (https://x.com/primarchdev) ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/armamyann) Email: ⁠⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com⁠

December 3, 2024Episode 131 hr 43 min

#13 Celia Hodent - Inside the Gamer’s Brain: Psychology and UX in Gaming

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Celia Hodent, a pioneer in cognitive psychology and UX design for video games and the author of the influential books "The Gamer's Brain: How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design" and "The Psychology of Video Games." We talked about her fascinating journey from studying psychology in Paris to shaping some of the biggest titles in the gaming industry. Celia shared insights from her book and opened up about the challenges of balancing creativity, science, and ethics in game development while keeping players’ experiences at the heart of every decision. Celia’s passion for making games meaningful and fun shines through in this conversation. Whether you’re a gamer, designer, or just curious about the minds behind your favorite games, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss. Celia's socials: Linkedin: Celia Hodent (https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiahodent/) Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CeliaHodent Website: https://celiahodent.com/ Email: ⁠celia@celiahodent.com Get in touch: ⁠⁠LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: @⁠primarchdev⁠⁠ (https://x.com/primarchdev) ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/armamyann) Email: ⁠⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com⁠

November 5, 20241 hr 38 min

#12 Kevin Powell - CSS Unleashed: Tips, Tricks and Real Talk

In this episode of People Behind Industry, I'm thrilled to welcome Kevin Powell, a true CSS evangelist and educator who has inspired thousands (including me) through his work on YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. Kevin’s journey from a film and graphic design background to becoming a trusted authority in CSS is a testament to his passion for web design and dedication to helping others. I decided not to start this episode with the introduction because I want everyone to hear first how Kevin - my guest for this episode, helped me with his content to learn more about CSS technology. We’ll explore Kevin’s early days experimenting with web pages and how he transformed his love for CSS into a vibrant online community. Kevin will share insights on the most underrated CSS techniques, common misconceptions, and his advice for front-end developers eager to deepen their skills. We'll also discuss the future of CSS, the power of live streaming, and the challenges of building a successful YouTube channel in today’s digital landscape. Kevins's socials: ⁠⁠X: @KevinJPowell (https://x.com/KevinJPowell) Youtube: @KevinPowell (https://www.youtube.com/@KevinPowell) Instagram: @kevinpowellcss (https://www.instagram.com/kevinpowellcss) Email: ⁠hi@kevinpowell.co Get in touch: ⁠⁠LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-mamyan/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: @⁠primarchdev⁠⁠ (https://x.com/primarchdev) ⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/armamyann) Email: ⁠⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com⁠

October 10, 2024Episode 111 hr 38 min

#11 David Gallaher - Narrative Writing, Storytelling, Comics, and Game Development

In this episode of People Behind Industry, I'm super excited to welcome David Gallaher - a storytelling innovator with over two decades of experience in the publishing and gaming industries. David has seamlessly transitioned from the iconic pages of Marvel Comics to crafting immersive AAA+ titles at Ubisoft, delivering seven successful titles that have captured audiences worldwide. In this episode, we’ll explore the creative process behind his most acclaimed projects, his role in leading cross-functional teams, and the secrets to balancing creative vision with practical execution. We'll also delve into his insights on the future of narrative design, the impact of AI on storytelling, and how to inspire the next generation of designers and innovators. David's socials: ⁠LinkedIn⁠: David Gallaher Email: david.gallaher@gmail.com Get in touch: ⁠LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan ⁠⁠⁠⁠X: @⁠primarchdev⁠ ⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠ Email: ⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com