Honestly, that captures the vibe perfectly. People think using AI is like hitting a magic content button. But if you've ever actually worked with these tools, you know: it’s less "autopilot" and more "creative sparring partner with no instincts."

This isn’t another think piece about AI replacing writers. It’s a field note from the other side: where every draft, every choice, and every pause for breath is shaped by something AI still can’t replicate: judgment. Not the robotic kind. The kind that hears a wobble in tone before a reader does. The kind that knows when not to publish.

This article grew out of a very practical moment in my daily work with AI: not generating drafts, but refining them through constant alignment, iteration, and feedback.

Why Creation Is No Longer the Bottleneck

From scarcity of ideas to overload of options

There was a time when coming up with a good headline felt like pulling a sword from a stone. Ideas were rare, special. You kept them in notebooks, treated them like currency. And maybe that's why I wrote this, more than 10 years ago:

/

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me on LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

"There's only one way to look at things until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes." - Pablo Picasso

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the shadows of past experiences, hesitant to embrace new possibilities? In the vast and ever-evolving world of web3, it has happened to me countless times. The crypto side of web3 had always been an enigma to me. In my mind, it is still a realm filled with mystery, noise, and tales of dark characters lurking in the shadows. But what if I told you that by challenging those shadows head-on, you can uncover a world where your assumptions are shattered and new horizons await? This is the story of how I dared to challenge my preconceptions, and stepped out, once again, of my comfort zone. Here I tell you about how this transformative journey with MBCA shattered my biases and opened my eyes to the boundless possibilities of the crypto space.

Author: Aimara García Cabezas.

Challenging My Biases and Embracing the Unknown, once again.

My first encounter with Bitcoin in 2020 introduced me to a community that quickly became intolerant and egocentric. It was a space dominated by Bitcoin maximalists who firmly believed in their own supremacy. Their closed-mindedness, combined with my financial barriers, cast a shadow of a doubt every time I considered delving deeper into the crypto realm.

So when the team from Markets, Blockchain & Advanced Cryptography (MBCA) invited me to explore what they were building, a thousand red flags went off in my head. I hesitated. Suddenly, I was caught in a conflict between my past experiences and the realization that judging a book by its cover is never a wise choice.

Discovering MBCA and Breaking Stereotypes.

As a Scorpio, driven by curiosity and propelled forward by my husband's tireless support, I gathered the courage to confront my prejudices. I engaged in calls with the MBCA team, my heart pounding with anticipation, and my mind cautiously alert. As their mind-blowing plans and ideas unfolded before me, I prepared myself for the familiar arrogance and "macho" posturing I had come to associate with the crypto space, especially in the Hispanic community.

Yet, what I discovered on those calls was nothing short of a revelation. The air was devoid of pretense, replaced by an atmosphere of openness, respect, and genuine collaboration. I felt like stepped into a secret garden, hidden from view by the thorns of my preconceived notions. At that moment, I remembered what I had learned from Marie Roker-Jones about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Just like everything else, the crypto space cannot be considered a monolith, but rather a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse threads waiting to be explored.

This new experience, for which I was unprepared, felt like a breath of fresh air. The folks at MBCA not only listened to my radical ideas about web3 as a social movement and challenging traditional NFT business models, but they understood me. They valued my perspectives, appreciating the unique lens through which I tend to view the world. It was a fact that smashed the stereotypes I had attached to, leaving me with a newfound sense of opportunity.

MBCA: Opening Doors🚪 the Opportunities Await.

A portal to a world of boundless opportunities opened up to me as I entered the MBCA Discord server as their ambassador. The warm welcome surrounded me, dissolving any lingering doubts. In the back of my mind, Rob Thomas serenaded me with his song, "Shame." The only remaining shame would be to miss out on this incredible journey.

From the very beginning, what captivated me about the MBCA team was their passionate commitment to providing high-quality data in a secure environment. But beyond that, it's the chance to actively engage with exciting projects. Here, the web3 ethos, which encourages learning through action and earning simultaneously, forms a symbiotic cycle that intertwines these principles, pushing me closer to the financial freedom I strive for.

Some of the remarkable features that, in my opinion, set MBCA apart are:

• Utility Delegation of their NFT Pass: NFT holders will now be able to rent the utility of their NFT without losing ownership. This means the ability to share the magic of your NFT with others while earning additional income.

• Breakout Service: MBCA offers a low-cost ($25 per month) subscription service that allows you to confidently take advantage of market volatility. Interestingly, this service is included for NFT Pass holders.

• Handmade Service: In a world already dominated by automation and artificial intelligence, MBCA prides itself on being 100% handmade. Every aspect of its service is carefully crafted by real people, ensuring a personalized experience.

• Comprehensive Knowledge Base: MBCA's server covers a wide range of categories, including gems, early-stage projects, DeFi, NFTs, and more. They even provide support for faucets, bridges, and wallet customization.

And to think that my preconceptions, biases, and past experiences almost made me miss out on this incredible opportunity.

The Power of New Perspectives, A Journey of Growth.

This experience with MBCA reaffirms the immense power of embracing new perspectives. Breaking down the walls of my own prejudices has already allowed me to expand my horizons both personally and professionally. I am starting to see the crypto space as the vast canvas of possibilities it can be when surrounded by good company.

Web3 challenges us to grow as humans, embrace humility, and recognize that growth is a never-ending journey. So I invite you to embark on your own extraordinary journey. Break free from the chains of prejudice, challenge your preconceptions, and step into a world where hidden gems like MBCA await you. Let the power of new perspectives guide you as you navigate the uncharted territories of web3.

"There are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Don't allow yourself to become one of them." - Ralph Marston

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me on LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

"Solo hay una forma de mirar las cosas hasta que alguien nos muestra cómo verlas con ojos diferentes". - Pablo Picasso

¿Alguna vez te han atrapado  las sombras de experiencias pasadas, y te has quedado vacilante ante la idea de abrazar nuevas posibilidades? En el vasto y siempre cambiante mundo de la web3, eso me ha sucedido en innumerables ocasiones. El lado cripto de la web3 siempre me ha parecido un enigma. Ese reino lleno de misterios, ruidos y ecos de historias con personajes oscuros acechando en las sombras. ¿Y si te dijera que desafiando esas sombras directamente, puedes descubrir un mundo donde no solo se desmoronan tus suposiciones sino que nuevos horizontes te esperan? Esta es la historia de cómo me atreví a desafiar mis preconcepciones. Te cuento sobre cómo una vez más salí de mi zona de confort, para embarcarme en un viaje transformador con MBCA que no solo desmontó mis prejuicios, sino que  me abrió los ojos a infinitas posibilidades del espacio cripto.

Autora: Aimara García Cabezas.

Desafiando Mis Prejuicios y Abrazando lo Desconocido, una vez más

Mi primer contacto con Bitcoin en 2020 me introdujo a una comunidad que en poco tiempo se volvió extremadamente intolerante y egocéntrica. Era un espacio dominado por maximalistas de Bitcoin que creían firmemente en su propia supremacía. Su cerrada mentalidad y mis inmensas barreras financieras hicieron que una sombra de duda se asomara cada vez que consideraba adentrarme más en el mundo cripto.

Así que cuando los chicos de Mercados, Blockchain y Criptografía Avanzada (MBCA) me invitaron a explorar lo que estaban construyendo, sentí miles de banderas rojas activarse en mi mente. Dudé. De repente, me vi atrapada en el conflicto entre mis experiencias pasadas y esa certeza de que juzgar un libro por su portada nunca es la mejor elección.

Descubriendo MBCA y Rompiendo Estereotipos

Como escorpio que soy, impulsada por mi curiosidad y empujada por el incansable apoyo de mi esposo, reuní el valor para enfrentar mis prejuicios. Y así me embarqué en las  llamadas con el equipo de MBCA. Tenía el corazón latiendo de anticipación y la mente cautelosamente alerta. A medida que sus planes y un cúmulo de ideas maravillosas se desplegaban ante mí, me preparé para recibir esa arrogancia y la postura "machista" familiar que he lleguado a asociar con el espacio cripto, sobre todo el hispano hablante.

Sin embargo,  lo que encontré en esas llamadas con el equipo, fue lo más parecido a  una revelación. Sentí el aire libre de pretensiones, por lo contrario, me rodeaba una atmósfera de apertura, respeto y colaboración genuina. Fue como si hubiera entrado en un jardín secreto, oculto de mi vista por las espinas de mis propios prejuicios. En ese momento, no pude dejar de recordar lo aprendido con Marie Roker-Jones sobre diversidad, equidad e inclusión. Porque como todo lo demás, el espacio cripto no puede considerarse un monolito. Sino un vibrante tapiz tejido con hilos diversos esperando ser explorados.

Esta nueva experiencia, para la que no estaba preparada, fue como un soplo de aire fresco. Los chicos de MBCA no solo escucharon mis ideas radicales sobre la web3 como movimiento social, mis desafíos a  los modelos comerciales tradicionales de los NFTs, sino que me entendieron de todo corazón. Sentí valoradas mis perspectivas y apreciada mi usualmente singular forma de ver el mundo. Fue una demostración que destrozó los estereotipos a los que me aferraba, y me dejó con un recién descubierto sentimiento de oportunidad.

MBCA: Abriendo Puertas🚪 a las Oportunidades que Esperan

Cuando al fin me uní al servidor de Discord de MBCA en calidad de embajadora, fue como cruzar un portal hacia un mundo de oportunidades. La bienvenida fue un cálido abrazo que me envolvió, lo que terminó por disolver cualquier duda superviviente. Era como si Rob Thomas mismo me hubiera dedicado su canción, "Shame", recordándome que la verdadera vergüenza hubiera sido perderme este increíble oportunidad.

Desde el inicio, algo que me ha cautivado del equipo de MBCA es su apasionado compromiso con proveer datos de altísima calidad en un entorno seguro. Pero más allá de eso, ha sido la posibilidad de interactuar activamente con proyectos emocionantes. Ese concepto tan web3 de aprender haciendo y ganando a la misma vez, constituye un ciclo armonioso donde esos conceptos se entrelazan, acercándome cada vez más a la libertad financiera que tanto he anhelado.

Pero hay ciertas características que considero distinguen a MBCA:

• Delegación de Utilidad de su NFT Pass: Los NFT holders ahora van a poder  alquilar la utilidad de su NFT sin perder la propiedad. Esto significa la posibilidad de  compartir la magia de tu NFT con otros mientras ganas ingresos adicionales.

• Servicio Breakout: MBCA ofrece un servicio de suscripción a bajo costo (25 USD mensuales) que te permite aprovechar la volatilidad del mercado con confianza. Interesante el hecho de que este servicio está incluido para los holders del NFT Pass.

• Servicio Hecho a Mano: En un mundo ya dominado por la automatización y la inteligencia artificial, MBCA se enorgullece de ser 100% hecho a mano. Cada aspecto de su servicio es cuidadosamente elaborado por personas reales, lo que hace que la experiencia sea personalizada.

• Base de Conocimiento Integral: el servidor de MBCA abarca una amplia gama de categorías, que incluyen gemas, proyectos en etapa temprana, DeFi, NFTs y mucho más. Incluso brindan soporte para faucets, bridges y personalización de billeteras.

Sí ya lo sé. Y pensar que mis preconcepciones y experiencias pasadas casi me hicieron perder esta increíble oportunidad.

El Poder de las Nuevas Perspectivas, un Viaje de Crecimiento

Esta experiencia con MBCA, me reafirma el inmenso poder de abrazar nuevas perspectivas. Derrumbar los muros de mis propios prejuicios me ha permitido desde ya ampliar mis horizontes tanto personal como profesionalmente. Comienzo a  ver el espacio cripto como el vasto lienzo de posibilidades que puede ser cuando estás en buena compañía.

La web3 nos desafía a crecer como seres humanos, a abrazar la humildad y reconocer que el crecimiento es un viaje interminable. Así que te invito a embarcarte en tu propio viaje extraordinario. Libérate de las cadenas de las preconcepciones, desafía tus prejuicios  y adéntrate en un mundo donde gemas ocultas como MBCA te esperan. Deja que el poder de las nuevas perspectivas te guíe mientras navegas los territorios inexplorados de la web3.

"Hay muchos obstáculos difíciles en tu camino. No permitas que tú mismo te conviertas en uno de ellos". - Ralph Marston

Sobre la autora

Como apasionada creadora de contenido web3 y defensora de la diversidad, equidad e inclusión (DEI), aporto una perspectiva única al mundo descentralizado. Con experiencia en economía, negocios, educación y escritura, creo historias desde mi perspectiva cultural para integrar mis raíces cubanas en la visión de web3.

Mi misión es inspirar a mujeres latinoamericanas dentro y fuera de la web3 al compartir mis experiencias y aumentar la visibilidad de las comunidades subrepresentadas. Mis valores fundamentales de integridad personal, bienestar holístico, así como creatividad y autenticidad me guían mientras promuevo la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión en el ecosistema web3.

A través de conexiones humanas auténticas, narración de historias y construcción de comunidades, me esfuerzo por desarrollar un espacio web3 creativo e inclusivo donde se escuchen y valoren todas las voces.

Únete a mí para forjar nuevos caminos y abrazar la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión como valores fundamentales en la web3.

Author: Aimara García Cabezas.

Introduction

Web3 is stepping into a new era, captivating not only the minds of technologists but also visionaries, storytellers, and social changemakers. With its potential to disrupt centralized systems, foster transparency, and unleash the power of individuals and communities, web3 holds the key to a more equitable and decentralized digital world. But here’s the thing: to make this vision a reality, we need to go beyond the hype. Are we truly living up to this challenge?

The Research That Opened My Eyes

Recently, I stumbled upon an eye-opening study titled “What We Learned from Analyzing the Blogs of the Top 1000 Crypto Projects,” published by Guerrilla Buzz. This study shed light on some intriguing insights that demand my attention.

During their investigation, they examined major players in the industry, such as Coinbase and Binance, and were filled with inspiration. But as they dug deeper, they stumbled upon a disheartening revelation. Numerous crypto enterprises neglect the importance of establishing solid marketing roots. Instead, they get entangled in the whirlwind of token sales hype, pursuing fleeting bursts of growth instead of fostering sustainable and organic expansion.

The study’s findings revealed that numerous cryptocurrency companies overlook the importance of establishing robust marketing foundations. Instead, they focus solely on generating hype for token sales, resulting in temporary spikes of growth rather than fostering lasting success.

Figure 1 paints a vivid picture of a web3 project that thrives on marketing hype, as depicted in the study.

In stark contrast, Figure 2 showcases the website traffic for a web3 enterprise that prioritizes strong fundamentals and executes an effective marketing strategy centered around exceptional and original content.

It becomes abundantly clear that there exists a correlation between establishing strong marketing foundations versus relying on token hype for short-lived growth versus sustainable organic growth.

The research aimed to emphasize the importance of strategic marketing investments for crypto companies. They analyzed the blogging habits of the top 1000 cryptocurrency companies in 2023. Key findings include:

• 35.8% of companies did not publish any articles on their sites in 2023.

• Only 49.7% of companies posted two or more articles in 2023.

• 84.8% of companies host their blogs on Medium, driven by its widespread adoption in the crypto ecosystem.

• Only 10.4% of projects have a blog on their main domain, while 4.7% have no blog at all.

These numbers reveal a concerning trend in the crypto industry, where content marketing is often overlooked, impacting long-term success. To thrive, there is a crucial need for a better understanding of SEO and the development of long-term marketing strategies that prioritize building a company-owned online presence.

The Road to Long-Term Success: A Paradigm Shift

*While the get-rich-quick crowd is busy doing just that with crypto and NFTs, let’s play the long game for meaningful evolution. *Brian Solis

But here’s the burning question: Why do many organizations in the crypto industry struggle to create and sustain long-term marketing strategies that prioritize exceptional and original content, despite its proven impact on long-term success?

Token hype may generate initial interest, but for organizations in the crypto industry to truly thrive, they must venture beyond the glitter and focus on building strong foundations. They need to deliver authentic content that resonates with their target audience, fostering trust and loyalty that stands the test of time.

So, how can we achieve this? The answer lies in establishing a rock-solid mission, vision, and values for web3 projects. By aligning their content, marketing efforts, and overall strategy with their cultural identity, these projects can unlock the potential of four main aspects: sustainable growth, trust, and reliability, navigate the challenges of the competitive web3 landscape, and brand differentiation. Let’s break it down.

1. Sustainable Growth in Web3

It’s time for web3 projects to shift their focus from chasing quick profits and short-lived growth spurts to building solid foundations for long-term success. We’ve seen countless examples of projects that soared to meteoric heights only to fade away just as quickly.

To avoid this fate, projects must invest in effective content marketing. This means

• deeply understanding the target audience,

• identifying their pain points,

• crafting compelling storytelling,

• and providing valuable information that aligns with their mission, vision, and values.

By nurturing organic growth over time, these projects can cultivate a loyal community and attract serious investors who believe in their purpose.

2. Building Trust and Reliability

Companies that invest in their blog and content are seen as more stable and reliable players in the industry. By consistently publishing valuable content that reflects their mission, vision, and values, web3 projects can establish themselves as trustworthy and committed to long-term success.

This builds confidence among investors, users, and the broader community, resulting in increased support and active participation.

3. Resilience to Market Conditions

A well-defined mission, vision, and values empower web3 projects to weather the storms of changing market conditions. When faced with limited PR budgets or challenging circumstances, a project grounded in its core principles can continue expanding its community and attracting investors.

By staying true to their values, these projects can adapt to emerging trends while maintaining their identity and attracting like-minded individuals who believe in their cause.

4. Brand Differentiation

In the fiercely competitive web3 space, a solid mission, vision, and values become powerful differentiators. By authentically reflecting their culture and core beliefs through their content and online presence, web3 projects can break free from the crowd and forge an emotional connection with their target audience.

This authenticity and uniqueness contribute to building a strong brand identity, attracting loyal supporters, and greatly enhancing their chances of long-term success.

Conclusion

For me, Web3 is much more of a larger sociopolitical movement that is moving away from arbitrary authorities into a much more rationally based liberal model. Gavin Wood

Web3 possesses the potential to redefine our world but to harness its true brilliance, projects must embrace a solid mission, vision, and values. The study of the top 1000 crypto projects’ blogs serves as a powerful wake-up call, reminding us of the need for authenticity and sustainable growth.

As the web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, let’s recognize the significance of these foundations. Let’s prioritize long-term strategies, foster organic growth, and align our purpose with social impact. Together, we can shape a digital landscape that transcends the boundaries of mere hype and brings forth lasting brilliance.

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me via mail via LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

To all my fellow #latinasinweb3: I see you, I hear you, and I'm here to support you. Are you ready to hear another story of a Latin American woman breaking barriers in the #web3 industry? 🚀 Let me share another one of my #cuban girl tales on web3. 📖 Buckle up because it's going to be an exciting ride! 🎢

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, I finally received an email that changed the course of my web3 career. 💌 It was an opportunity to join the DLT Talents program, and I was bursting with joy and couldn't contain my excitement. 💻

But as soon as the news started to sink in, the voices in my head began to shout: "You're not good enough, you're not worthy, they'll figure it out." 😫 I'm sure many of you can relate, as imposter syndrome affects us all, especially women and minorities in the #techindustry.🚫

However, I refused to let self-doubt hold me back. Instead, I shared my excitement on LinkedIn and with my web3 #frens to #manifest all the good vibes around me. 🙏 The inner noise, however, continued like a broken record. I was convinced that the DLT team had chosen me by mistake 😬

So to help me overcome these insecurities, I decided to share my story with the world! I started my blog, Out Of the Shell, and on November 4th, 2022, I published my first post, where I talked about my fears, insecurities, and struggles. And let me tell you, it was not easy to put myself out there like that 🙈

But why was it so important for me to be part of this program? The DLT Talent program is an 18-week program run by the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center designed for #women interested in learning about #blockchaintechnology and aspiring to be #leaders in the field.

The program has three phases:

✨Basic: equips us with the fundamentals of #blockchain , #cryptoassets, and #dlt (Distributed Ledger Technology).

✨Multi-disciplinary: familiarizes us with various stake

✨Concentration: By focusing on one specific stakeholder domain, we advance from generalists to specialists.

The stakeholder domains available to talents are #entrepreneurship, #regulations, #venturecapital, and #media.

As soon as I read about the program, I knew it was exactly what I needed at the moment! Imagine my excitement when I found myself part of a group of 200 applicants selected from over 500 worldwide, and this Cuban girl was one of them! 💃🏽😱

But you know what? I refused to let my fears hold me back! I dove headfirst into the DLT Talents program, even with power cuts, water outrages, weak internet, and the usual struggle with the US government blockade (even in the Metaverse, can you believe it?). 💪🏻

🤑 And after 18 weeks of hard work in the program I:

• increased my network with authentic human connections globally 🌎

• met the first Cuban woman in web3 that's not any of my 10k personalities (Ashé pa ti Valeria Aragonés Díaz!!) 🤩🇨🇺

• had my first video interview with the super host Georg Lanzinger🙏🏻 on his vlog Your Point of View 🎥

• Not only launched my #blog🙌🏻, but I also dared to start my podcast! 🎙️

• interviewed an amazing web3 leader and founder Paff Evara✨ from Take Up Space🤘🏻

• made public my brand nemerie0x

• created a collection of 8 presentations with lots of juicy web3 content

• defined myself as a web3 content creator and DEI advocate

• met two of my most powerful allies and started to be part of their community (Marie Roker-Jones👑 Corrales Cachola🐦 thank you!)

• published my first Medium article, From Invisibility to Innovation: Women and Minorities in Web3 Industry**, **and received great feedback! 🤓📝

• last, but not least, got my DLT Talents certificate 

Remember, there's no guarantee that you won't fall victim to impostor syndrome yourself. But you can reduce the chance that it will keep you from reaching your full potential if you're aware of the problem, accept it as part of your personality, listen to your ego, and share your story with the world! 🌟

You may be wondering if the DLT Talents program was worth all the effort I put into it. I'll leave that up to you to decide. But I'll give you a hint: it was one of the best decisions I've ever made! 😉

I'm incredibly grateful to Prof. Philipp Sandner and all Web3 Talents and mentors for making this journey possible. Daniel Holk Julian Proft Ilka Kranefuß Jong-Chan Chung Sunny Kiana Weiss Jiang Alexandra Overgaag Kai-Ti Wu🦋Jocelyne R. Sahebe Mehmannavaz Julian U. Daniela Boback Marcel Grimm Marc Anders,

Also thanks to Rachel Wright  Dina Dzanic Eleonóra Bassi PhD Luki Song Meggie Jaworski Jo-Ann(乔安) Alexandra Hamilton 🌎🚀 Larise Nyenty Sophie N. Ngouakang Sara Kaiser Mariana de la Roche Wills. And so many more!🌱 Thank you all for giving me the chance to be my true self, even if that meant showing off my 10k personalities 🤪 and dealing with imposter syndrome. This program helped me gain the courage to speak about my journey, even though I was nervous and scared. 🔥

So, to all the women interested in a web3 career, don't let imposter syndrome hold you back! 👊🏻 Apply to the new DLT Talents cohort and take the leap - it might just change your life. 💫 👯 ♀️💻

Find more info about the DLT Talents program here https://lnkd.in/enruB9Jr

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me via mail via LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

Imagine a world where the Internet truly embodies diversity and representation. In the web3 industry, women and minorities are not just token figures but leaders and innovators driving the industry forward.

While the tech industry still faces the challenge of underrepresentation, web3 is providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and recognized. Join me on a journey to uncover both the triumphs and ongoing challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the exciting world of web3.

Author: Aimara García Cabezas

1. The Basics of Web3

The term “web3” has been buzzing around in recent years, but what exactly does it mean, and where did it come from? To understand the concept of web3 it’s crucial to first look back at the history of the Internet and its several stages. Figure 1 resumes the main elements of each phase.

Note: this illustration of the different phases of the internet is an oversimplification because each iteration on the web has immense overlap and exists in tandem. The web is constantly evolving, and the different iterations and their characteristics are not mutually exclusive.

The “Read-only” Web

Web 1.0 is also known as the original version of the Internet. The innovator of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee, referred to this phase as the “read-only”.

• Static pages

• Era lasting from 1990 to the early 2000s

• Defined as the “web of information economy”

The Era of User-generated Content

With the advent of Web 2.0, we saw a shift towards the “platform economy”:

• User-generated content

• Ease of use

• Interactivity

• Improved compatibility with other systems and devices

This era emphasized participation and contribution rather than just reading. This was (still is) the rising period of the so-called “big tech” or “tech giants”, who collect and sell our private data as a super lucrative business.

The dawn of a new era

Web3 is the start of a new era, driven by frustration with powerful centers, lack of government transparency, big tech restrictions, and distrust in media. This era is powered by the evolution of a (not-so-new) technology rooted in cryptography and privacy.

• A change to the decentralized applications

• A more user-centric web

• Includes concepts like blockchain tech, big data, DAOs, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or token-based economies.

• Hello, “creator economy”!

The impact of web3

The power of web3 lies in our hands, and it’s up to us to shape its impact on the world. Web3 is often compared to the birth of electricity and is a powerful catalyst with the potential to revolutionize our lives, work, and interactions with each other. However if it is not implemented with equity, diversity, and inclusion as its core values, it could deepen the problems our society already faces. It’s important to remember that web3 is still an experiment and not a magical solution to all problems. In the end “Web 3 is a movement. It’s not just about technology, it’s about people”.

2. Clarifying critical concepts and the scope of this article

Let’s begin by briefly delving into the vital concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, representation, and underrepresentation from a more global perspective as they relate to the web3 industry and set the scope of this article.

From my viewpoint diversity, means acknowledging and appreciating the unique qualities that make each person unique, not just in terms of race or gender but in all aspects of their identity. Equity involves working toward eliminating systemic barriers and creating equal opportunities for all groups. Inclusion requires creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Representation ensures that diverse perspectives and experiences are accurately reflected in the industry. **Underrepresentation, **on the other hand, is a consequence of a lack of representation and inhibits progress toward inclusion and equity in tech.

As we embark on this journey of discovery, we need to understand the relationship between these concepts and the power dynamics that contribute to underrepresentation. Figure 2 can help us navigate this complex landscape to broaden our perspective.

Inherited issues and the impact on Web3

The growth of web3 has opened up new doors for diversity and inclusivity, despite the facts exposed in studies pointing toward the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the web3 community. It is essential to acknowledge that, as we’ll see later in this article, this issue derives from long-standing systemic challenges in the tech industry. At the core of this invisibility lies the attrition faced by women and minorities in tech, which unfortunately also extends to the web3 realm.

However, it is imperative not to ignore the effort and progress made by women and minorities who lead and found web3 projects. That’s why this article aims to boost their job and suggests learning from their experience handling the underrepresentation problem.

3. Breaking the cycle of inherited inequity

“If you think women in tech is just a pipeline problem, you haven’t been paying attention”

Rachel Thomas

The tech industry is known for its boy culture and can be a hostile environment for marginalized groups. Focusing only on getting individuals into the training pipeline ignores systemic bias in hiring and promotion, reinforces narrow views of merit and skill, and fails to address the high attrition rate experienced by these groups in the industry.

Efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector have been ongoing for years. However, despite initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women and minorities, underrepresentation remains a reality. Figure 3 summarizes some classifications of the programs that have failed to address this issue effectively.

Underrepresentation challenges in tech, beyond statistics

We must go beyond statistics to take concrete actions. Inactivity only prolongs the problem and prevents the industry from achieving genuine representation. The challenges faced by women and minorities in the tech industry go beyond just gender and race, and addressing this underrepresentation problem requires more than just exposing statistics.

While recognizing the representation deficit in the tech industry is a starting point, it is far from enough. Studies, such as the one summarized in Figure 4, provide valuable insights into the reality faced by these groups. Still, it is vital to acknowledge that the solution to underrepresentation is much more complex.

4. Making waves in a sea of invisibility

No matter what, all efforts seem insufficient against a narrative leaning more toward invisibility than giving these women and minority-led projects and organizations the recognition and prominence they deserve in the web3 space.

Despite their innovative solutions and strong communities, they struggle to break through the current invisibility trend.

It’s time to shine a light on the fantastic work these trailblazers are doing. Down is an unfinished list of some of these remarkable projects and organizations. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

https://nemerie0x.notion.site/eebf0fe07fd944c3b8b84352a2b8f83a?v=23e04f4d9d9a4dd8b63efc355b280441

Why boost the visibility of women and minorities leading projects in web3?

Raising the visibility of women and minorities leading projects in web3 is crucial for several reasons like those explained in Figure 5.

Is admirable how these projects and communities are actively building inclusive structures and processes, not just criticizing the past but learning from it. The web3 community should focus more on studying their use cases and the contributions they bring to the struggle for representation in a natural way. Rather than continue paying attention to statistics reflecting nothing new.

There will come a time when we overcome this narrative of invisibility and shift to new ways of coordinating and increasing funding for projects to promote development and create sustainable ways of living well, all together.

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me via mail via LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

Not to mention that the power cuts in my country are making my web3 journey super exciting. Yay!

I decided to play with the already familiar exercise: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But I replaced those words with opportunities, challenges, and (my personal) frustrations about this technology.

No worries! I'm still a huge fan of web3 and the possibilities it opens up for us. But after a year of being part of this ecosystem, I'm no longer the same newbie who believed web3 could solve all our problems. I'm still a newbie, but a bit more realistic, lol.

Which are your thoughts about blockchain technology, DLT, and crypto assets?

From Aimara, your web3 fren and official imposter.

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me via mail via LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

The questions were: What is an Ethereum address, why do you need one, and how do we Cubans get our ETH?

I hope you find this helpful!!! I had a lot of fun designing it and also learned a lot. What do you think? Any feedback is welcome <3

From Aimara, your web3 fren and official imposter.

About the author

I am a passionate web3 content creator and DEI advocate with a unique perspective on the decentralized world. As a Cuban woman with expertise in economics, business, education, and writing, I craft stories through my cultural lens to inspire Latin American women in web3 and increase visibility for underrepresented communities.

My core values of personal integrity, holistic well-being, creativity, and authenticity guide me as I promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the web3 ecosystem. Through storytelling, community-building, and authentic human connections, I strive to develop a creative and inclusive web3 space where all voices are heard and valued.

Join me in forging new paths and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in the web3 world.

You can contact me via mail via LinkedIn or follow me on Twitter (@nemerie0x).

The fact is that I feel sometimes my self-trust is gone and I need some extra motivation to "fake it until I make it". Only if I could fake it at all on web3. But this time I was encouraged by one of the biggest opportunities in my web3 career. And this was the right moment to integrate my voice into the web3 narrative from my Cuban perspective.

So if you are wondering what my imposter thing has to do with the DLT Talent program and the beginning of this blog, let me explain.

I'm me

Hi over there! I am Aimara or nemerie0x.eth in the web3 world. In my past life, I was a professor and an entrepreneur. In 2021, I entered the tech industry to find a place in the web3 ecosystem. Since then, I have been committed to building web3 services, products, and communities that support and promote inclusion and diversity.

I am always learning, creating authentic social connections, and seeking new ideas and solutions to challenges. I enjoy writing and exploring new ways to better myself by helping others. I am a Cuban woman writer, educator, entrepreneur, community builder, and self-confessed imposter.

Fun fact. Before entering web3, I always felt I was valuable, even if no one else thought so. Now I feel like I have to prove myself every day. It’s not enough to be a good person or to put in the hard work, to be consistent, and get things done the best I can.

At this point, I ask myself how did this happen? And how can I overcome it?

The mega trigger

There it was the email I waited for so long. The chance to boost my web3 career, and I was ready. At least, that is what I thought. Suddenly, the voices in my head spoke up, shouting the chorus in loud, relentless waves.

You aren't good enough, You aren't worthy, Somehow they'll figure it out.

After many years of writing poetry, I learned to recognize that my inner demons were just my insecurities. And those voices were trying to help me. In time they became valuable tools that inspired me to write. But the idea of writing a web3 blog in a foreign language has made the voices grow louder than ever.

A blog, in English, crazy woman? About your journey on web3? Who's going to read it? LOL

Many times before my insecurities kept me from sharing great web3 experiences. But this time, with the DLT Talent program, I decided to show myself more as a writer and handle it well. Those voices would be my final push to write my first blog post.

I was so excited about the course news that I posted it on LinkedIn. And I told my web3 friends about this blog to manifest all the good vibes around me. Yet, none of these actions silenced the inner noise. In truth, I was terrified, unable to write, and convinced that the DLT team had chosen me by mistake.

You may wonder, why did this message trigger such strong feelings in me?

But wait Aimara, please focus. What's the DLT talent program?

First, let me clarify that the DLT term comes from Distributed Ledger Technology. In future posts, I'll look closer to fancy techie concepts from the web3 jargon like blockchain, NFTs, DAOs, tokenization, and more. And try to translate them into plain English with your help.

But let's get back to our main story. The DLT Talent Program is an 18-week program run by the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center. It aims to empower women to become specialists in the blockchain and crypto assets ecosystem in areas like entrepreneurship, IT development, regulation, venture capital, and media. This great opportunity is free and open to apply for all women seeking a career as a leader in this new economy.

What attracted me to the program was its three-phase structure.

• Introductory phase: we get equipped with the fundamentals of blockchain, crypto assets, and DLT(remember, Distributed Ledger Technology).

• Multi-disciplinary phase: we get to know various stakeholder domains, and

• Concentration phase: focusing on one specific area and becoming a specialist.

To me, this is a perfect journey. I’ll go from reinforcing my basic knowledge about blockchain and expanding my horizons inside the tech, to a specialization.

Of course, several women saw the same opportunity, because more than 500 applied worldwide. 200 applicants were selected and this Cuban is part of that group.

How awesome is that? And, also, SCARY...

But again, the impostor syndrome really?

Much has been written about imposter syndrome, I know. Let me share with you what it means to me and how it affects my growth as a web3 professional.

Transitioning to web3 can be daunting for non-coders. That's why I have put many hours into my web3 and technology education. First, it was the Gitcoin Kernel Fellowship, then She-Fi and the Community Club's C-School, Future Proof Collective's Architecture Track, and most recently the DLT Talent program. Yep, I did all that in my first year. And still, I feel I’m not enough...

How often do you feel that you can't internalize your successes but rather attribute them to external factors such as luck or other people?

Does the idea of I just had luck sound familiar to you? It definitely does for me. Because I've been suffering from a strong impostor syndrome since I became part of web3. I'm constantly under pressure because I'm a Cuban woman, therefore a non-native English speaker, and with zero experience in the corporate world or the tech industry.

If I have all these flaws, how could I be considered valuable at web3?

Web3 is an ever-growing space. It is always expanding, deepening, and moving so fast. If you plan to get into this world, you have to be comfortable with the sense of not knowing.

With all my insecurities, every time I'm around people more experienced, I feel like they expect more from me than I can deliver or are disappointed when I don't say the right thing or give them the answers they want. This makes so difficult for me to ask questions and learn from others. Because I think what others tell me about themselves is better than my own experiences. And it has all the sense because everyone comes from a different place in life.

Then I wonder if that means my own experiences are less valuable. After all, I'm just a Cuban girl.

Who do I think I am?

But my brain (and probably yours) is coded through a lens of scarcity. From what I've read, this is a very human trait, a very primitive human psychology of survival and emotion. To understand what happens to me, you have to add to my human condition a big portion of an endless hunt for deficiency, deepened by how I was raised, always striving for perfection. And let fall a few drops of the fact that I am in a minority situation (being the only Cuban woman in the room is my every day). And boom! You just created my special recipe for the self-destructive cocktail!

As a result, I constantly sabotage my self-esteem. And when my ego wakes up and sees where I am failing, it shoots me in the face: Hey Aimara, something is *WRONG here! *Then it freaks out about being discovered and put in danger, so...

Hello, imposter syndrome!!!!

So how do I deal with this?

To be honest I don’t have all the answers. I am still learning, growing, and experimenting with ways to deal with this issue. But after a whole year of having these thoughts buzzing in my head, this is what I came up with:

1. I publicly accept I am an imposter and quit trying not to be one. There you go. I say it out loud, I write it down, and believe it. Yes, that sounds counter-intuitive. But the more I tried not to be an imposter, the worse it became. Every time I succeed in something web3 related it makes me feel like I’m seated in a time bomb about to explode. Tick…tack…tick…

So I embrace my light and darkness as one system and integrate them into a whole being. The only way to stop feeling like I’m an imposter is to accept it as part of me. It's not who I am, but it is part of my identity. And just like any other part of myself, it deserves love and respect.

The next time I find myself worrying about my status as an imposter, I will take a deep breath and repeat: “Don’t Pretend.” Mel Atkins

2. My ego is not the enemy, it is my protective friend. It's just not as evolved as it needs to be. So I'll work with it instead of against it. Every time my ego comes up, I'll ask myself questions to understand what it is trying to tell me.

Right now, for example, it is talking to me about what it means to be a Cuban woman in this world, inside and outside of web3. It wants me to know that there are still parts of it that I do not understand, related to my gender and specifically to being a minority. It is expressing my need to be seen and to get more exposure as a writer and communicator.

I need to figure out how can I contribute to breaking the invisibility cloak that covers us underrepresented people on the web3.

"I don't need to smash my ego, just look into it with curiosity". Joy Donnell

3. I let my imposter fuel my creativity and I write my way through it. I need to become aware of my inner dialog and how I talk to myself. If I'm creative and curious about myself, I can find out my passions, and what fires me to align myself with them. I’m presenting to the world my way of asking for help.

Writing about my feelings and experiences helps me to process them, and with this exercise, I can identify the cause of those feelings so I can free myself emotionally to do all I want to do. I'm here to create. Creation brings me peace and health because I can't create at a high level if I'm not embodying life.

Now you know why this imposter created this blog.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is a complex issue affecting many people, especially women and minorities in the tech industry and web3. I have lived with imposter syndrome for most of my web3 journey but never made any connections until recently.

I know how hard life can be when you feel like an imposter, so I want to share my story with you and tell you what helps me get through this phase in my life.

At the end of the day, there's no guarantee that you won't fall victim to impostor syndrome yourself. But you can reduce the chance that it will keep you from reaching your full potential if you:

• are aware of the problem,

• accept it as part of your personality,

• listen to your ego,

• and share your story with the world.

And now you might ask me, Aimara, will this plan work? I have no idea. But at least it's worth a try.

In future blog posts, I'll keep you updated on my experiences as a Cuban woman who hasn't found her place in web3.

I invite you to share your experiences too. Are you also an imposter? How do you overcome it?