Yesterday we opened our 2022 Rising Women in Crypto Power List. Over the past 2 years, we've received more than 600 nominations, having selected 10 female winners each year.
Our core goal for the campaign is to celebrate these women and inspire others, so we've reached out to some of our previous finalists - Diane Dai, CMO and Co-Founder of DODO and Lavinia Osbourne, Founder & Host of Women in Blockchain Talks to ask them a couple of questions.
Who or what inspired you to push your career in crypto?
Diane: I am driven by a curiosity about the world. Crypto creates an equal starting place for everyone, meaning everyone has to keep learning to achieve something no matter who they are.
Lavinia: I love how blockchain stands for something more than just tech but interestingly, an ideology around social impact, equity and diversity. That’s what inspired me to invest my time, money and energy.
The most exciting part about working in crypto is...?
Diane: Crypto creates privacy protection by allowing people to work together without physically meeting in person. Therefore, there’s no need to wear make-up while working :)
Lavinia: I believe crypto is based on a decentralised model to create opportunities for those from outside the normal demographic.
What's the major rule of being a woman in crypto?
Diane: Forget you are a woman!
Lavinia: I always like to give the "warrior cry" to be bold and brave in blockchain and business. By doing so, we will create an impact and make a positive change to ourselves as well as others.
Gender discrimination in crypto - is it real?
Diane: I don’t think so. Even though there are more male than female participants in the industry, women still are taking on vital roles here. They just need to be seen more visibly by the public.
Lavinia: It is real, but I would call it a patriarchal and western orientated system that keeps trickling down its outdated and bias ideologies around sex, gender and race into innovative areas of tech.
What are your thoughts on the metaverse?
Diane: You will be able to hold one key to work, play, and earn in all Web 3 apps. It’s a second identity that offers a great deal of opportunity.
Lavinia: It is an organic evolvement of the Internet and with the use of blockchain, it has simply propelled it forward into the mindset of those outside of the gaming world.
How can we get more women involved in this sphere?
Diane: It’s important to share our inspiring stories. I would also like to see an education fund focused on women who have less access to careers and education in the crypto industry.
Lavinia: We spotlight more women leading in the space, as well as the need to invest more in women-led Web 3 communities that promote education.
What piece of advice can you give to those looking to dive into crypto?
Diane: Remind yourself of what initially attracted you to the industry, make sure you understand the crypto map and keep learning.
Lavinia: If not now, then when? Your future self will thank you for taking the time to learn, invest and then rinse and repeat.