web3 for Non-Coders
How I Found My Voice as a Creator in a Decentralised World
Last week, I found myself in the heart of Bangkok, juggling the vibrant chaos of tuk-tuks and street markets with the focused energy of Devcon and ETHGlobal Bangkok.
From navigating the bustling streets on a motorbike without a helmet (and even racing down highways!) to attending countless side events and soaking up wisdom from industry leaders passionately sharing their visions for the future of web3, I embraced a unique blend of cultural adventure and professional inspiration.
Connecting with web3 enthusiasts from around the globe, exchanging ideas over spicy street food, and brainstorming late into the night to co-create projects turned this experience into an unforgettable celebration of collaboration and innovation.
Yet, as someone with a non-technical background, people often ask me:
How did I get into the crypto space?
How have I managed to grow and thrive in such a fast-paced ecosystem?
Here’s a glimpse into my web3 journey.
Discovering the Rabbit Hole
My web3 journey, like many others, started with curiosity. I wasn’t a developer and didn’t have a tech-heavy background, but what intrigued me was the promise of decentralisation: the idea of building systems that prioritise transparency, community, and empowerment over centralised control.
It all began in 2017 when my ex-boyfriend, an Ethereum miner, introduced me to the world of crypto. Guided by his knowledge, I started by exploring blogs, listening to podcasts, and following thought leaders on platforms like Twitter and YouTube. I took my first steps into blockchain basics, such as creating wallets, minting NFTs, and experimenting with DeFi platforms, which gave me hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the space.
What really accelerated my journey, though, was immersing myself in the community. Living in Lisbon, I had the opportunity to attend weekly in-person meetups on crypto, which allowed me to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and stay engaged with the latest developments. The turning point came when I applied for a scholarship through Talent Protocol and was invited to attend my first web3 conference in Barcelona. That experience opened the door to a world of possibilities—connecting me with passionate individuals, giving me access to more events, and expanding my network in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Web3 moves fast, sometimes too fast, but I’ve developed strategies to keep up. Staying active in online communities like Discord and Telegram has been invaluable, whether it’s participating in community town hall discussions or attending hackathons like ETHGlobal. Listning good quality podcast like The Pomp Podcast and web3 with a16z crypto, reading newsletters like Daily Crypto Newsletter on Bitcoin & Ethereum at Milk Road and The Daily Brief | Bankless Newsletter has been a game-changer for me as a creator in web3. These resources break down complex concepts and highlight key trends without overwhelming me, allowing me to focus on areas that align with my passions, such as decentralised identity, creator-focused DAOs, and NFTs that empower artists.
For instance, I’ve learned how DAOs can fund creative projects or how NFTs can provide new revenue streams for creators. These insights directly influence my work, whether it’s brainstorming content ideas, collaborating on NFT drops, or engaging with audiences in innovative ways. Staying informed through curated content helps me filter out the noise and stay aligned with the rapidly evolving creator economy within web3.
Building in Web3 Without a Tech Background
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my web3 journey has been finding ways to contribute to projects despite not being a coder. My experience has shown me that there’s a place for everyone in this space, especially creators and storytellers, who are crucial for shaping narratives and engaging communities.
Early on, I leveraged my skills in storytelling and collaboration to carve out a niche in content creation, community building, and project management. For example, at ETHGlobal Istanbul, I teamed up with developers and designers to ideate and bring a project to life. This experience reaffirmed that cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of web3—there’s no need to be technical to add value.
My journey took an exciting turn when I stumbled upon Balaji Srinivasan during a four-hour episode of The Tim Ferriss Show. It was a profound conversation that challenged my understanding of media, technology, and governance. Balaji spoke about how traditional media often thrives on sensationalism and monopolistic control, whereas decentralisation offers individuals the power to become their own media brands. This idea resonated deeply with me as a creator.
Balaji’s ideas materialised in 1729 (now rebranded as Network State), a community that combines decentralised principles with actionable tasks in areas like technology, longevity, and wealth creation. Members are rewarded Bitcoin for completing tasks, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. I was fortunate to join 1729 early on, where I participated in online writing challenges and offline meetups that connected me with a global network of forward-thinkers.
One of the most transformative experiences was participating in an 18-week VR course organised by Balaji. This course laid the foundation for his book, The Network State, which envisions a future where decentralised online communities evolve into real-world entities governed by smart contracts. This ambitious concept made me realise how web3 could reshape not just finance but society as a whole.
Recently, I was thrilled to secure a spot in Balaji’s Network School, located on an island near Singapore. This 90-day immersive programme is an exciting opportunity to deepen my understanding of web3, connect with global innovators, and explore the future of decentralised governance.
Closing Thoughts
This past week was a testament to how far I’ve come and how much more there is to explore. From brainstorming innovative solutions to learning about cutting-edge blockchain tools, the energy was infectious.
What stood out the most? The spirit of community. web3 isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. Every conversation, every shared meal, every late-night debugging session reinforced the belief that together, we’re shaping the future.
For anyone curious about web3, here’s my advice: Start where you are, use what you have, and trust the process. You don’t need to be an expert to contribute meaningfully to this space.
The journey is as much about personal growth as it is about understanding technology. And as I learned from my week in Thailand, sometimes you just have to jump on the metaphorical highway (preferably with a helmet!) and enjoy the ride.
Hey CY I hope you are doing well with those barbells at the Network School -- I have procrastinated and become a little lazy now the festive season is around the corner :)
check out the charming story: Paris Friend, by Shuang Xuetao
Hey CY, thank you very much for you kind words .
I just paid attention to the pic ( I did not scroll down far enough the first time to see it )
you remind me of some YA Hollywood star just presented with an Oscar and about to talk in the microphone about you next movie project :) ~
You are so happy you are on stage and in your element. So how do you do it ? -that is looking forward to Tomorrow with bubbling/effervescent enthusiasm. The creative life is the best, however you have you low energy and then high energy days to be productive You have discovered the secret ? I know you have because you always look good and very cool.
what is the secret sauce you use ?