In the latest episode of our podcast, Now What?, guest Ire Aderinokun spoke at length about her experience as a developer and entrepreneur. Aderinokun, co-founder and COO of Buycoins, a cryptocurrency startup based out of Nigeria, described the experience and challenges facing startup founders, and how her own experience as a web developer influenced the development of the startup.

Like many startups, the idea to develop Buycoins came from a problem that needed to be solved. In Aderinokun’s case, it was the inability to send money to the U.S. to buy a new iPhone. But beyond that, what motivated her was the fun of the project.

“For me, it was actually just like a fun project to do. I didn't really think of it in the grand scheme of things or ‘ok, this is something that has the potential to really change things.’”

However, one part of the episode was particularly noteworthy as it identified a unique challenge facing web developers and entrepreneurs today. Specifically, Aderinokun discussed the unique intersection of development and design and how there are fewer and fewer professionals who can comfortably wear both hats:

“So you're either focusing on frontend or focusing on design. I think it's become a bit rarer to find someone who can fill both roles. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I personally feel like I am a bit stronger at development than I am at design, but I can still fill both of those roles. I think it is really important to have someone that can do that. And in my experience, it helps, especially for a startup, in that kind of fast paced environment.”

The full podcast episode goes way beyond this focused conversation of development and design and also takes a deep dive into the world of cryptocurrency, which is one of the most fascinating areas of development in the world right now. You can listen to the full episode below or check out Buycoins to see the site in action.