This past week has been an absolute whirlwind, vividly reminding me of the relentless pace and the ceaseless stream of decisions that confront you when you're in charge of a project, especially one as intricate and volatile as those in the Web 3.0 space. As I look back of over a decade of moving away from the predictable 9-5 routine in Web 2.0 to leading both offline and online projects, here's a hard truth for all founders and builders out there: the Web 3.0 world is a whole different ball game.

Throughout this journey, I've consistently been my own harshest critic. Despite reaching milestones and making meaningful progress, a lingering sense of dissatisfaction remains. My husband, ever so observant, can see the fruits of my labor and the effort it took to bear them, yet I find it challenging to share in his view. This struggle is magnified by my commitment to uphold my principles and values while balancing the multifaceted roles of being a project leader, collaborator, advisor, mentor, friend, and most importantly, as a mother, a wife and a daughter.

The challenge of managing these roles is immense. Leading several web 3.0 (and non Web 3.0) initiatives and contributing to multiple blockchain projects, all while working alongside co-founders, supporting my network, and allocating time for family and friends, barely leaves any space for personal time. It's a simple yet profound realisation: I've invariably placed everyone else's needs before my own. This selflessness brings me a unique form of satisfaction from seeing others succeed and knowing I've contributed to their success. However, this external focus also leads to moments of self-doubt and disappointment in my own progress.

Despite the constant support from my husband, who has been an unwavering pillar of strength for two decades, I often wonder how he manages with someone as absorbed in their work as I am. Frankly, I'd think twice before marrying me. Yet, his enduring love and backing fill me with gratitude.

In the heart of motherhood, prioritizing our health becomes a silent pledge to ensure we can be there for our children, not just today, but decades down the line. This re-commitment gained profound personal significance for me over the past two years, as I refocused on my well-being to ensure I can be the best version of myself for my daughter. It's about being present for her, in every sense, for the next five, ten, twenty years, and beyond.

Many mothers share this deep-seated desire, understanding that our health is not solely for our benefit but is crucial for our children's futures. This involves making mindful lifestyle choices, from nutrition to exercise, to ensure our longevity and vitality.

Yet, the recent loss of a close cousin has sharply highlighted life's impermanence. A gifted individual, he mastered oil painting and earned a black belt in karate by the age of 10. In his mid-30s, he became an arm-wrestling champion in South East Asia, defying age stereotypes by outperforming younger competitors. His remarkable fitness and achievements proved that age is merely a number, yet his life was abruptly claimed by covid complications at 45, leaving behind three children. The loss serves as a stark reminder to how fragile life is, and death can come at any time regardless how healthy and fit you are.

This lesson in life's unpredictability underscores the critical importance of self-compassion amidst such uncertainties. Steering projects within the high-stakes realm of web 3.0, particularly as a woman with Asian heritage, introduces unique challenges. This intersection of gender and cultural identity adds layers of complexity to navigating leadership roles in tech. This rollercoaster journey has also led me to a sobering realization: I haven't been loving myself enough, or perhaps I will never be... but there's a room for improvement. It's a challenging acknowledgment but one that's essential for personal growth.

In my journey across the web 2.0 and web 3.0 terrain, alongside the demands of motherhood and personal evolution, selflessness has always been my compass. Yet, this path has illuminated a crucial lesson: the necessity of boundaries and the act of nurturing oneself. Being selfless also means ensuring you’re not left behind in the process of lifting others.

I am re-learning the concept of self-compassion. Balancing self-care with care for others isn’t just possible; it’s essential for enduring innovation and meaningful impact. I do firmly believe that true achievement lies in our humanity; our ability to remain compassionate, resilient, and true to our values amidst life’s ebbs and flows. At the end of the day, the legacy I aspire to leave behind is one beyond metrics; by the depth of our compassion, the strength of our integrity, and the selfless acts that touch the lives around us. It's in the delicate balance of nurturing oneself while extending a hand to others that true success is found, cultivating a legacy that my daughter can look upon with pride, a testament to the impactful, humane, and selfless life I lived.

Let's wrap this up with a bit to think on: How do you balance chasing professional success with nurturing your own growth? And, how do you show yourself kindness when the going gets tough?

This past week has been an absolute whirlwind, vividly reminding me of the relentless pace and the ceaseless stream of decisions that confront you when you're in charge of a project, especially one as intricate and volatile as those in the Web 3.0 space. As I look back of over a decade of moving away from the predictable 9-5 routine in Web 2.0 to leading both offline and online projects, here's a hard truth for all founders and builders out there: the Web 3.0 world is a whole different ball game.

Throughout this journey, I've consistently been my own harshest critic. Despite reaching milestones and making meaningful progress, a lingering sense of dissatisfaction remains. My husband, ever so observant, can see the fruits of my labor and the effort it took to bear them, yet I find it challenging to share in his view. This struggle is magnified by my commitment to uphold my principles and values while balancing the multifaceted roles of being a project leader, collaborator, advisor, mentor, friend, and most importantly, as a mother, a wife and a daughter.

The challenge of managing these roles is immense. Leading several web 3.0 (and non Web 3.0) initiatives and contributing to multiple blockchain projects, all while working alongside co-founders, supporting my network, and allocating time for family and friends, barely leaves any space for personal time. It's a simple yet profound realisation: I've invariably placed everyone else's needs before my own. This selflessness brings me a unique form of satisfaction from seeing others succeed and knowing I've contributed to their success. However, this external focus also leads to moments of self-doubt and disappointment in my own progress.

Despite the constant support from my husband, who has been an unwavering pillar of strength for two decades, I often wonder how he manages with someone as absorbed in their work as I am. Frankly, I'd think twice before marrying me. Yet, his enduring love and backing fill me with gratitude.

In the heart of motherhood, prioritizing our health becomes a silent pledge to ensure we can be there for our children, not just today, but decades down the line. This re-commitment gained profound personal significance for me over the past two years, as I refocused on my well-being to ensure I can be the best version of myself for my daughter. It's about being present for her, in every sense, for the next five, ten, twenty years, and beyond.

Many mothers share this deep-seated desire, understanding that our health is not solely for our benefit but is crucial for our children's futures. This involves making mindful lifestyle choices, from nutrition to exercise, to ensure our longevity and vitality.

Yet, the recent loss of a close cousin has sharply highlighted life's impermanence. A gifted individual, he mastered oil painting and earned a black belt in karate by the age of 10. In his mid-30s, he became an arm-wrestling champion in South East Asia, defying age stereotypes by outperforming younger competitors. His remarkable fitness and achievements proved that age is merely a number, yet his life was abruptly claimed by covid complications at 45, leaving behind three children. The loss serves as a stark reminder to how fragile life is, and death can come at any time regardless how healthy and fit you are.

This lesson in life's unpredictability underscores the critical importance of self-compassion amidst such uncertainties. Steering projects within the high-stakes realm of web 3.0, particularly as a woman with Asian heritage, introduces unique challenges. This intersection of gender and cultural identity adds layers of complexity to navigating leadership roles in tech. This rollercoaster journey has also led me to a sobering realization: I haven't been loving myself enough, or perhaps I will never be... but there's a room for improvement. It's a challenging acknowledgment but one that's essential for personal growth.

In my journey across the web 2.0 and web 3.0 terrain, alongside the demands of motherhood and personal evolution, selflessness has always been my compass. Yet, this path has illuminated a crucial lesson: the necessity of boundaries and the act of nurturing oneself. Being selfless also means ensuring you’re not left behind in the process of lifting others.

I am re-learning the concept of self-compassion. Balancing self-care with care for others isn’t just possible; it’s essential for enduring innovation and meaningful impact. I do firmly believe that true achievement lies in our humanity; our ability to remain compassionate, resilient, and true to our values amidst life’s ebbs and flows. At the end of the day, the legacy I aspire to leave behind is one beyond metrics; by the depth of our compassion, the strength of our integrity, and the selfless acts that touch the lives around us. It's in the delicate balance of nurturing oneself while extending a hand to others that true success is found, cultivating a legacy that my daughter can look upon with pride, a testament to the impactful, humane, and selfless life I lived.

Let's wrap this up with a bit to think on: How do you balance chasing professional success with nurturing your own growth? And, how do you show yourself kindness when the going gets tough?