Crypto Altruists Episode 196 - Building for Everyone: How Web3 is Empowering Entrepreneurs & Redefining Digital Communities
For episode 196, we’re excited to welcome Debbie Soon, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer (prev.) at HUG, and author of Digital Mavericks. Debbie is a true pioneer, helping bridge Web2 and Web3, empower creatives, and make digital ownership more accessible.
As an investor, entrepreneur, Web3 expert, and Founder, Debbie has played a pivotal role in building one of the most inclusive digital communities in Web3, securing partnerships with massive brands like the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, DIOR, and even the United Nations. She’s also the author of Digital Mavericks, her recently released book that breaks down how blockchain and crypto are empowering a new generation of creators.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Web3 is revolutionizing creative entrepreneurship and digital ownership
The secrets to building an inclusive and thriving Web3 community
What it truly means to be a Digital Maverick & build a successful career in Web3
Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruists podcast! 🙏
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
Key Takeaways
❤️ Building Strong Community Based on Values, not Hype: Great communities take time to build. The key to long-term success is engaging and incentivizing members authentically, staying true to the original vision, and prioritizing "true believers" over those just riding the hype.
🌐 Solving Web3’s Biggest Problem: A Lack of Go-to-Market Strategy: Crypto keeps preaching to the choir instead of expanding its reach. The focus should be on meeting people where they are, blending Web2 and Web3 seamlessly, and delivering real value—because users care about solutions, not backend technology.
💻 What It Means to Be a Digital Maverick: A true Digital Maverick embraces risk, challenges assumptions, and stays adaptable. Success in Web3 requires curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to experiment with emerging technology in a rapidly evolving space.
Follow Debbie, HUG, and Learn More:
Episode Time Stamps
02:25 - Your journey spans entrepreneurship, investing, and tech innovation. What was your "aha moment" that made you realize the potential of Web3, and what inspired you to co-found HUG?
04:25 - For those who aren’t as familiar with HUG, can you please give a high-level overview of the mission and impact?
06:50 - In your upcoming book, Digital Mavericks, you explore the opportunities Web3 presents for artists and entrepreneurs. What do you hope readers take away from the book?
10:45 - What makes someone a true "Digital Maverick"?
12:40 - Traditional art markets have often been criticized for being exclusive and difficult for emerging artists to break into. How do you see NFTs and blockchain technology democratizing access and creating new opportunities for artists?
16:50 - HUG was built with a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility in the creative economy. What were some of the biggest challenges and learnings in onboarding diverse communities to Web3? How can we make the space more accessible?
20:45 - You’ve built a lot of strong partnerships with web2 and web3 brands, including collaborations with the United Nations. Can you tell me more about these partnerships?
23:35 - Community is everything in Web3. From your experience with HUG, what are the most important elements of building a thriving and engaged Web3 community?
27:00 - One of the biggest hurdles for mainstream adoption of Web3 is onboarding those from Web2. What strategies have you found most effective in bridging the gap and helping creatives and entrepreneurs transition into this new space?
31:35 - Many creatives and entrepreneurs want to explore Web3 but feel overwhelmed by the complexity. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to get started today?
36:15 - The NFT ecosystem has evolved substantially in recent years as we’ve seen creative use cases emerge. How do you see the future of NFTs evolving, and what use cases excite you the most beyond digital art?
40:50 - There has been a lot of discussion about the intersection of AI and Web3. How do you think AI will impact creators and the NFT space in the years ahead? Can blockchain be a part of the solution by helping implement healthy guardrails?
44:45 - Before we wrap things up, what’s the best way for listeners to learn more about you and your work? Do you have a CTA for listeners?
46:40 - Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of Web3?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
