Welcome to Behind the Blocks, a series where we spotlight the journeys and insights of the talented individuals powering our mission to build the decentralized future. Each story gives a behind-the-scenes look at what brought our team members here, the exciting challenges they tackle every day, and why Chorus One is the ideal place for those looking to make an impact in the Web3 space.
Today, we’re speaking with Mikolaj, our foundational platform engineer who transitioned from working in massive data centers at Amazon, Ask.com and Meta to helping Chorus One build decentralized infrastructure. In this interview, Mikolaj shares his thoughts on the cutting-edge challenges of Web3, why Chorus One is unlike any other company, and how the engineering team is building the foundation for the future of decentralized finance.
Q: How long have you been with Chorus One, and what’s your role here? What does a typical day look like for you?
Mikolaj: I’ve been at Chorus One for about 4 years, and I’m based in Poland. My role focuses on platform engineering, where I help ensure the stability and scalability of our infrastructure. A typical day involves technical discussions, meeting with the team, conducting interviews, and working on improvements for our systems. I also shadow my colleagues to stay aligned on projects and explore new solutions to keep our operations running smoothly.
Q: You’ve had experience working in large tech environments like Amazon and Meta. What drew you to Web3, and specifically to Chorus One?
Mikolaj: After years at Amazon, Meta, and Ask.com—each contributing to my growth in unique ways—I was ready for a role that combined technical challenges with flexibility. My experience at Ask.com laid the groundwork for my leap to Meta, where I achieved some of my most significant growth, thanks to the supportive teams along the way. Ultimately, I wanted to be closer to my family and explore an industry with more innovation. I was looking for something that combined technical challenges with flexibility. The tech industry, while stable, didn’t excite me in the same way crypto did. When I discovered Chorus One, it felt like the right fit—a small, dynamic company working at the intersection of decentralized technology and finance. The flexibility of remote work was a big draw, but so was the opportunity to work with an ambitious team. Meeting Brian and other stakeholders solidified that decision for me.
Q: What’s been your biggest accomplishment since joining Chorus One?
Mikolaj: My proudest contribution has been transforming our operational processes. When I joined, there was too much reliance on individual team members, which posed a risk. I drew from my experience at Meta, where I learned that single points of failure can be dangerous, and worked to balance workloads and introduce more resilient processes. This shift made us much more robust and scalable. It’s been rewarding to see those changes strengthen the company, especially as we’ve grown.
Q: As Chorus One continues to grow, what do you look for when hiring new engineering talent?
Mikolaj: We’re always on the lookout for engineers who can build systems from scratch. We don’t just need people who can use existing tools; we need builders—engineers who understand the fundamentals of systems, networking, and how the internet works. It’s not just about knowing cloud services; it’s about knowing the core principles. For example, Auri, one of our engineers, is a perfect example of someone who asks the right questions and digs deeper. We also appreciate candidates who come from backgrounds where small mistakes can have big consequences, like finance. Those individuals understand the importance of reliability and accuracy.
Q: What makes Chorus One’s infrastructure unique?
Mikolaj: Simplicity and reliability are our guiding principles. The simpler a system is, the less likely it is to break. That’s why we prefer to develop custom tools to address our specific needs instead of relying on off-the-shelf solutions. Building from the ground up gives us more control and allows us to avoid the limitations of generic software. Given the high-stakes nature of decentralized technology, mistakes can be costly, so having a custom-built infrastructure is crucial.
Q: How does Chorus One foster continuous learning and growth for its engineers?
Mikolaj: The workload can be intense, and the demand for automation is high. But that’s what makes it exciting—there’s always something new to work on. Our engineers are exposed to a wide range of skills, from on-chain analytics to automation. The more we accomplish, the more we push ourselves to explore new challenges. The engineering team manages a large infrastructure with a small group of people, and automation plays a big role in that. Engineers here never get bored because there’s always a new challenge to tackle, and that keeps us hungry for more.
Q: Why should someone join Chorus One if they’re passionate about making an impact in blockchain?
Mikolaj: Chorus One is the ideal place for engineers who thrive on solving complex, high-stakes problems. You’re not just maintaining systems here; you’re building them from scratch, developing custom tools, and making decisions that shape the future of decentralized networks. The team is small but dynamic, and the company culture encourages innovation and growth. If you want to push boundaries and make a real difference, this is the place to be.
Chorus One is one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for over 60 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, Near, and others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry, offering easy-to-use, enterprise-grade staking solutions, conducting industry-leading research, and investing in innovative protocols through Chorus One Ventures. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, Chorus One also offers slashing and double-signing insurance to its institutional clients. For more information, visit chorus.one or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.
We’re excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Ledger, a global leader in hardware wallet security. This collaboration empowers Solana (SOL) holders to stake their tokens securely via Ledger’s trusted hardware wallets while leveraging the high-performance, enterprise-grade infrastructure of our validator services.
This partnership represents a commitment to enhancing user security, simplifying staking experiences, improving network diversification, and delivering superior results for Solana stakeholders.
The integration of Ledger’s technology with our validator infrastructure delivers several benefits:
Chorus One has been an integral part of the Solana ecosystem since its inception, contributing not only as a high-performing validator but also as a thought leader and innovator in blockchain research and operations.
1. Superior validator performance
Learn more about our Solana validator performance: https://chorus.one/articles/metrics-that-matter
2. MEV expertise and innovation
3. Cutting-edge research and insights
We’ve published extensively on Solana’s architecture and performance:
4. Infrastructure excellence
Our validators are deployed with enterprise-grade hardware in geographically distributed data centers. Strategic location selection maximizes connectivity and performance. Key features include:
5. Solana ecosystem engagement
Staking your SOL with Chorus One through Ledger is simple and secure:
As one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, we’re proud to offer secure, innovative, and efficient staking solutions for Solana and beyond. For further insights into Chorus One’s work in the Solana ecosystem, explore our research articles or follow us on Twitter.
Chorus One is one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for over 60 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, Near, and others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry, offering easy-to-use, enterprise-grade staking solutions, conducting industry-leading research, and investing in innovative protocols through Chorus One Ventures. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, Chorus One also offers slashing and double-signing insurance to its institutional clients. For more information, visit chorus.one or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.
Welcome to Behind the Blocks, our series showcasing the stories of the talented people behind Chorus One. We’re diving into their backgrounds, their day-to-day challenges, and what makes Chorus One an exciting place to grow.
In this second edition, we’re featuring Alexis Tabak, a member of our sales team who brings a unique blend of private investigation and sales expertise to the fast-paced world of crypto. Alexis shares her journey, her passion for authentic relationship-building, and her role in expanding Chorus One’s presence in the U.S.
Q: Could you share a bit about your role in the sales team at Chorus One? What does your typical day look like?
Alexis: I joined Chorus One to help expand our reach in the U.S., where the company had little presence. I came from a background in private investigation and security, and when my business slowed down around 2020, I started exploring crypto. I was fascinated by how retail users interacted with platforms, and I wanted to learn more. In 2022, a friend introduced me to Chorus One. I was impressed with the intelligence of the team and quickly realized Chorus One was truly crypto-native, with a finger on the pulse of the industry. I love the freedom and autonomy here and the ability to share the Chorus One vision with new markets. My role gives me the flexibility to travel, attend industry events, and connect with people globally to promote our work.
Q: What was your path to Chorus One like, and what excites you most about working in crypto?
Alexis: I spent years in private investigation and security, working with a range of clients, including high-profile security contracts and PPP loans. But as I started exploring crypto, I became captivated by AML patterns and retail engagement with platforms. I wanted to dive deeper, and when I learned about Chorus One’s reputation as a crypto-native company, I knew it was the place for me. The chance to bring Chorus One’s vision to the U.S. market and connect with a global team was too good to pass up. I love the authenticity of Chorus One—we care deeply about the ecosystems we support, and it’s clear we’re not here just for profit.
Q: Can you tell us about a memorable client interaction or project?
Alexis:One standout moment was at ConsenSys 2023. We wanted to make a splash, so we brought an alpaca to our booth, which ended up drawing clients and even press coverage from Coindesk. That sense of fun and originality is something I love about this industry. Another memorable interaction was with a VC fund manager who was initially hesitant. I followed his work closely, engaged with his writing on Twitter, and eventually met him at a dinner event. I joke that I was a “glorified stalker,” but it paid off—he ended up tripling his position with us. I love building genuine relationships, especially with smaller clients, because it gives us valuable feedback and a real sense of how we’re doing.
Q: How does your role contribute to Chorus One’s mission and the larger Web3 ecosystem?
Alexis: As a woman in a mostly male-dominated industry, I try to make sure our voice is heard at key industry events. I’m committed to representing Chorus One authentically. I speak on panels, promote my colleagues’ research, and even hosted a women’s dinner at Permissionless. The support from Chorus One has been fantastic; they genuinely encourage me to take the lead on these initiatives. Being out there, sharing our knowledge and transparency, adds to the demand for what we offer and builds trust in our brand. My goal is to educate myself on the staking ecosystem and ensure that I can convey what makes us unique.
Q: What makes Chorus One unique compared to other staking providers?
Alexis: Our knowledge and deep commitment to the networks we support set us apart. At Chorus One, we care about the broader impact of crypto. The founders didn’t come here to sell the company—they’re here for the technology and what it can bring to decentralized finance. Our research and ventures teams are central to this, too. We’re one of the few teams doing in-depth research on MEV and collaborating with foundations, and we onboard 3-5 networks per quarter. This is the kind of insight and dedication that our clients value.
Q: How does the sales team collaborate with other departments to bring value to clients?
Alexis: Collaboration with our research and ventures teams is essential. Our research team produces some of the highest-level content in the industry, and it’s a huge selling point for our customers. We’re the only staking provider with an MEV quant, and our researchers help us break down complex insights so they’re easier to communicate. This unique blend of research-backed sales and technical insight really sets us apart and gives clients confidence that we’re at the forefront of the space.
Q: What resources or support have been most valuable to you in achieving your goals at Chorus One?
Alexis: Leadership support has been invaluable. Our CEO’s experience in the space for over a decade has been a huge inspiration, as our Head of Sales’s technical expertise on the sales side. Beyond mentorship, Chorus One has provided great resources, like access to sales DeFi courses, industry meetups, and conferences that help deepen my Web3 knowledge. I’ve also had the opportunity to host Chorus One podcast which promotes our brand and connects with more people. These opportunities have helped me grow my skills and strengthen my understanding of the industry.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to join the sales team at Chorus One or in Web3?
Alexis: My advice is to bring your unique energy and strengths to the table—don’t hold back. Persistence and a strong work ethic are essential, especially in a fast-evolving space like Web3. Chorus One is crypto-native to its core, so it’s important to have a genuine passion for the industry. Be authentic, add a little “razzle-dazzle,” and show what makes you stand out.
Q: What are you most excited about in terms of Chorus One’s growth and the future of the industry?
Alexis: The growth potential is incredible. Staking is only gaining momentum, and traditional institutions are beginning to explore it too, which is a huge validation. I’m excited for Chorus One to expand our network support and see Chorus Ventures grow into a larger fund. As a top-tier staking provider, we are set up to support more traditional sophisticated institutions who are ready to stake, and I believe we’re on the path to achieving that. This industry is like a rocket ship—there’s no limit to where it can go, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.
About Chorus One
Chorus One is one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for over 60 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, Near, and others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry, offering easy-to-use, enterprise-grade staking solutions, conducting industry-leading research, and investing in innovative protocols through Chorus One Ventures. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, Chorus One also offers slashing and double-signing insurance to its institutional clients. For more information, visit chorus.one or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Northstake, joining their ETH Validator Marketplace as a trusted node operator. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in delivering secure, scalable, and compliant staking infrastructure for institutional clients.
The partnership brings together Northstake’s innovative staking model and Chorus One’s industry-leading validator infrastructure. Northstake’s ETH Validator Marketplace enables asset managers to trade ETH validator positions with top-tier market makers, including GSR, Nonco, DV Chain, and Keyrock. This approach provides a new layer of liquidity and flexibility for institutional staking—a key milestone for the $2.9 trillion staking market.
As a partner, we will power the marketplace with robust, reliable, and secure node infrastructure, enhancing the confidence of institutions in staking operations. Our expertise in Ethereum validator operations ensures reduced risk, including protection against slashing penalties, while providing clients with cutting-edge technology to support staking at scale.
Institutional staking requires more than just infrastructure—it demands compliance, reliability, and security. Together with Northstake, we are creating a foundation for regulated financial institutions to stake digital assets confidently, with the assurance of industry-best practices and safeguards.
Jesper Johansen, CEO & Founder of Northstake, shared his vision for the partnership:
“At Northstake, we are transforming how regulated financial institutions stake digital assets in a secure and compliant way. Partnering with Chorus One aligns perfectly with our goal of being the foundation for financial institutions as they incorporate staking into their products.”
Brian Fabian Crain, our CEO & Co-Founder, highlighted:
“Northstake’s ETH Validator Marketplace emerges as the leading staking solution for financial regulated institutions, who need access to liquidity and value regulatory compliance. We are excited to bring our expertise to this partnership, ensuring staking operations that meet the highest industry standards.”
With a proven track record of securing over $3.2 billion in staked assets across 60+ leading blockchain networks, Chorus One is proud to bring its expertise to support Northstake’s mission. We’re excited to embark on this transformative partnership journey! Learn more about Northstake: https://www.northstake.dk.
About Chorus One
Chorus One is one of the largest institutional staking providers globally, operating infrastructure for over 60 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, Avalanche, Near, and others. Since 2018, we have been at the forefront of the PoS industry, offering easy-to-use, enterprise-grade staking solutions, conducting industry-leading research, and investing in innovative protocols through Chorus One Ventures. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, Chorus One also offers slashing and double-signing insurance to its institutional clients. For more information, visit chorus.one or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Telegram.
