A Personal Beginning: Web3’s Unexpected Human Connection
When I first got involved in Web3 recruitment, I thought it was all about matching skills to roles, as any recruiter would. But as I dug deeper, I noticed something surprising: the success of Web3 companies wasn’t driven by just skills or technology. The Human Side of Web3 was what kept these projects alive, vibrant, and constantly evolving. People joining hands, exchanging ideas, sharing values – these were the real building blocks of Web3’s promise. This wasn’t the cold, sterile world of big tech. It was about people, about a shared vision of a decentralised future that felt somehow…personal.
That’s the thing about Web3 – it’s not only a tech revolution but a human one. So, why does community matter so much here? And how can a strong community make or break a Web3 project? Let’s dive into it.
Community Fuels Innovation in Web3
Web3 projects don’t innovate in a vacuum. Take Ethereum, for example. Much of its development has been led by a distributed network of developers, enthusiasts, and advocates around the world who continually add to its value through feedback, code contributions, and shared insights. Imagine if Ethereum relied solely on a small team of developers to make decisions – it simply wouldn’t have scaled or gained the adoption it has today.
From my experience, I’ve seen that the Web3 projects that thrive are those that actively engage with their community, listening to them, involving them, and letting their voices shape the project. A community isn’t just a feedback channel; it’s the project’s most valuable asset. Web3 companies that recognise this, like Polkadot and Solana, regularly reach out to their communities, and the results show. Solana, for instance, has built an ecosystem where developers and community members create and experiment with dApps, expanding its functionality and reach.
For Web3 professionals, the community’s input can spark innovation and bring out-of-the-box solutions. But what makes this approach particularly fascinating is the community’s willingness to share ideas openly, creating a powerful force of collective intelligence. That’s how innovation in Web3 is happening, driven by the community itself.
Shared Values Drive Commitment
Another thing that sets Web3 apart is that it’s not just about what you do – it’s about why you do it. In a space that champions decentralisation, privacy, and inclusivity, those values resonate deeply within its community. I’ve witnessed job seekers turning down higher salaries because the project didn’t align with their principles or lacked a genuine sense of purpose. It’s rare to see that in other tech fields, but in Web3, it’s almost the norm.
This commitment to shared values fosters a strong sense of loyalty and trust. For example, during the market downturn, several Web3 projects faced funding cuts and tough decisions. Yet, many team members stayed on because they believed in the project’s mission and felt a sense of duty to the community they had built. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) epitomise this value-driven loyalty. DAOs enable individuals to have a say in the project’s direction, which makes them feel more invested – and it shows in the dedication they bring.
From my perspective, recruiting for Web3 roles isn’t just about checking off skills and experience. It’s about finding people who genuinely resonate with the project’s values and vision. And when you find those people? They’ll go above and beyond because they believe they’re part of something bigger than just another job.
Communities Offer Resilience in Tough Times
The crypto world is volatile, and we’ve all felt the sting of a bear market. Projects collapse, tokens lose value overnight, and it can feel like everything’s crumbling. But here’s where community shows its true strength. When things get rough, a dedicated community can be the difference between survival and dissolution.
Take the example of MakerDAO during the 2020 “Black Thursday” crash. As ETH’s price fell sharply, MakerDAO’s community rallied to solve the crisis, finding ways to cover the collateral shortfall and stabilise the protocol. This wasn’t a corporate boardroom decision; it was a grassroots effort by a community determined to keep its project alive. That’s the human side of Web3 – a shared commitment to support each other through rough patches.
On a personal level, I’ve seen candidates drawn to Web3 roles, not just for the innovation but because of this sense of resilience. There’s something powerful about being part of a project that’s built to last, one that stands strong because of its community’s efforts. People want to be part of something that they believe can weather the storm – and that’s Web3’s community-driven resilience in action.
Web3 Community Empowers Individuals in New Ways
In traditional tech spaces, hierarchies rule. There’s usually a set path to follow, decisions made at the top, and limited space for individuals to shine unless they’re in certain roles. But The Human Side of Web3 flips this on its head. DAOs, in particular, give individuals a voice regardless of their “position” within the structure. Every voice counts, every vote matters, and anyone can propose changes. This level of empowerment is one of Web3’s biggest draws.
For instance, within the communities of projects like Uniswap or Aave, community members actively participate in governance, shaping the direction of these platforms through their votes. It’s a level of individual empowerment that just doesn’t exist in traditional corporate roles. People who join these communities aren’t just employees or users; they’re co-creators.
In recruiting, I often see candidates light up when I explain the empowerment that comes with Web3 roles. You’re not just there to complete tasks; you’re there to make a difference, to have your voice heard, and to help shape the future. And in an era where many feel unheard in the corporate world, Web3 offers a breath of fresh air, an opportunity to be part of something far more collaborative and inclusive.
Why Community is the Heart of Web3
So, why does community matter in Web3? Because it’s the glue that holds it all together. From innovation and resilience to empowerment and shared values, the human side of Web3 is a big part of what makes it so exciting and different. In an industry that moves fast, community is the constant, the thing that keeps projects on course and individuals engaged.
Whether you’re a developer, recruiter, investor, or simply an enthusiast, the community aspect of Web3 is what makes it worth being part of. It’s not just about the tech or the profits – it’s about building something that genuinely feels human. And in a digital age where human connection often feels distant, that’s a powerful thing indeed.
