18th Jun 2024 Gemini 1.5 Pro
Songyi emphasizes the importance of incorporating "humanware" into crypto events. She argues that the focus on hardware and software often overshadows the human experience, leading to events that are transactional and lacking in genuine connection.
Songyi believes that transformative events prioritize human relationships and shared experiences. She criticizes the prevalent speaker-centric format, arguing that it reduces conferences to passive consumption of information readily available online.
So step back and look at your purpose and what is the best way to bring people's human experience into that conference? It can be very human level introduction, which works all the time. So that's one thing. And the second thing is, what are the, not about number, not about like, oh, we need to have 500 people or 10,000 people. What are the most valuable conversation? And then what are the best form to bring the conversation? And what are the best outcome that we can have after this event.
She advocates for a more holistic approach, focusing on fostering meaningful interactions and prioritizing the purpose and desired outcomes of the event over mere attendance numbers. Songyi suggests incorporating elements like barefoot walks, intimate introductions, and a focus on energy levels and personal connections to create a more impactful and memorable experience.
Songyi, a strong advocate for cultural exchange, highlights the dominance of Western perspectives in the blockchain space. She sees this as a limitation, emphasizing the need to integrate the rich history and wisdom of Eastern and other underrepresented cultures into the Web3 narrative.
She criticizes the current technology and finance-driven discourse surrounding DAOs, arguing that it overlooks the East's long-standing expertise in community building, governance, and communication.
So this is going to be a very small gathering, three to four-day gatherings. People bring, people come from all around the world, just having a conversation as a starting point. How can we bring more ancient wisdom and then meet the modern knowledge with people who are really, not just selfish minded, but more like a planetary mind, come together?
Songyi envisions Soulbound, and similar events, as platforms for fostering dialogue and collaboration between individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By bridging this gap, she believes we can create a more inclusive and holistic vision for the future of decentralized systems.
Songyi discusses Impact Collective, an experimental initiative aiming to revolutionize impact investing by decentralizing the decision-making process. Recognizing the limitations of traditional investment models, where a select group determines funding allocation, Impact Collective empowers a community of stakeholders to drive investment decisions.
The platform moves beyond simply showcasing projects through pitch decks. It facilitates a community-driven due diligence process, where members from diverse backgrounds can interact with founders, offer feedback, and contribute to a more informed investment selection.
So we built this program called Impact Collective, pretty much collecting impact from all around the world, lead community decides. So we invite community, not just like founders and funders, but people who contribute to the success of the startups, and include them as a community and give them a power to actually do diligence, selecting the investor, investment money receiver.
Furthermore, Impact Collective introduces a "thanks token" system. This innovative mechanism allows startups to reward community members who provide valuable support, recognizing contributions beyond traditional financial metrics. This approach fosters a more equitable distribution of value and incentivizes meaningful engagement within the ecosystem.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Songyi opens up about the challenges of maintaining well-being as a founder in the demanding world of Web3. She shares her experience of burnout, driven by the relentless pressure to succeed in the fast-paced Silicon Valley environment. Songyi highlights the need for founders to prioritize their well-being, advocating for a more balanced approach to entrepreneurship.
And I was like, "Hey, co-founders, I'm not happy. And I feel so empty. And then I don't know if I can keep going on." And our other co-founder, which was my ex-partner, which I respect so much, he said, "Hey, right now is not the time for us to talk about happiness. We have to make this thing alive."
She emphasizes practices like meditation and connecting with nature as valuable tools for self-care and finding inner peace amidst the chaos. Songyi's message resonates strongly, urging entrepreneurs to decouple their self-worth from their products and prioritize personal well-being alongside professional ambitions.
Songyi acknowledges the gender imbalance prevalent in the crypto space but maintains an optimistic outlook, viewing it as an opportunity for greater inclusivity. She encourages women to actively participate, speak up, and support one another.
Songyi advocates for moving beyond surface-level discussions about gender and instead focusing on the underlying values and energies that each gender brings to the table. She believes that recognizing and integrating both feminine and masculine energies is crucial for creating a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
So for me, it was just amazing work experience in Web3, just being a woman, working with a woman. It wasn't that we discriminated men, but it just happened to be more woman-driven thing. So I don't see any limitation why woman cannot come in unless it's our awareness of self and awareness of men's or masculine energy don't see the value of feminine energy.
She encourages a shift from judgment to curiosity, inviting individuals to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and actively create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Songyi's vision extends beyond gender, encompassing a broader call for cultural exchange and understanding, utilizing Web3 technologies to bridge divides and foster a more interconnected and equitable future.