Five reflections from interviews with web3 social impact changemakers
Twice a week, I have the honor of hosting the Crypto Altruism podcast, a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersections between social impact and web3. One of the most enriching aspects of this experience, is having the opportunity to meet and engage in dialogue with a number of community leaders and changemakers. This has included founders, those in the non-profit space who have embraced web3, NFT artists, web3 researchers, and more.
In the first 30 episodes of the podcast, I have had the privilege of meeting with some amazing changemakers, who are re-defining social impact, and hearing their incredible stories. Throughout these conversations, some core themes have begun to emerge. So, for this post, I will be sharing and reflecting on five of these themes.
1. Collaboration and inclusion are a feature in web3
Everyone I have interviewed thus far has, to some degree, spoken about the amazing inclusion and collaboration that exists in the web3 community. The web3 community is one based on collaboration over competition, and everyone I have spoken with is eager to collaborate with as many like minded individuals and collectives as possible to achieve their mission.
Almost all the guests entered the web3 space in the last 1-2 years, with very little knowledge or experience with blockchain, but were welcomed, supported, and coached by others. They spoke about how amazing it was to be able to simply DM someone and actually hear back, how easy it was to join movements and engage with others through Discord, and how, despite being a newcomer to the space, there was very little judgement and a whole lot of acceptance.
Many of these individuals left high-paying jobs and secure careers to dive into the unknown and start something new and amazing in web3. None of them have had any regrets over this decision, and one of the main reasons for that is the strong and supportive community around them.
2. Find a niche and go with it
There are so many sub-communities within web3, and instead of trying to be a jack of all trades, it is important for individuals to find their niche within the space and go all in on it. Whether it’s NFTs, crypto-UBI, sustainability, or crypto-philanthropy, everything in the web3 space is moving so fast, and it’s impossible to stay in the know and become an expert in each area. At the same time, there is truly something for everyone in the web3 community, no matter their interests or passions. It is much more prudent, especially for newcomers, to zero in on an area that they are passionate about, and try to be the best they can be within that niche.
3. The web3 community is extremely generous
Not only is this backed by data demonstrating the generosity of crypto investors, which I have highlighted in previous blog posts, but time and time again, I have heard incredible stories about how those in the web3 community have stepped up and come together to support one another. Whether it’s donating enough Bitcoin to cover 20,000 emergency meals, supporting a new social impact project with generous start-up funding, or someone donating their time to consult on a new project and mentor newcomers to the space, almost all the guests on the Crypto Altruism podcast have shared stories reflecting on the generosity that exists within web3.
Each and every time I host a new guest on the Crypto Altruism podcast and hear these stories, I am reminded of just how generous the web3 community really is.
4. Anyone can succeed in web3, no matter their skill set
When I first began my web3 journey, I was worried that I didn’t have what it took to succeed, as I didn’t have a background in computer science, and wasn’t the most tech savvy. However, what I quickly learned, which has only been reinforced throughout my experiences with the podcast, is that there is a space in web3 for you, no matter your skill set, experience, or background
I have met with artists, communications professionals, software developers, fundraisers, and activists, young and old, from all over the world, and each of them has been able to bring their unique experience and skill set and find a way to apply it in the web3 space.
Web3 is so new, and aside from the OGs who have been around since the very beginning, the vast majority of those in the space are relatively new to the space, as the space itself is relatively new. The prevailing message I have heard from web3 changemakers is don’t be afraid to go for it, and to believe that you can make a difference and do something great in web3, no matter your experience level or knowledge of the technology.
5. The future is unknown, and this is a good thing!
In each episode, I ask guests to speak about the long-term vision of their web3 project, and although they always try their best, more often than not they concede that they simply don’t know what the future holds. In a space as new and rapidly moving as the web3 space, it’s hard to predict what the future will look like a few months from now, let alone a few years or decade.
However, instead of being scared of the unknown, those who I have spoken with vehemently agree that this “unknown” is a good thing, and that it’s a sign of the amazing innovation that exists in the space, and how quickly new use cases and discoveries are emerging. There are few spaces, if any, that are evolving as quickly as the web3 space, and although this can make it difficult to predict what the future will hold, this is also incredibly exciting.
The first 30 episodes of the Crypto Altruism podcast have been an extraordinary learning experience that has exceeded all expectations. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next 30 episodes, and to continue facilitating dialogue on the amazing potential of web3 to change the world for the better.
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