Sometimes, we focus so much on the aspect of DOING that we loose sight of the BE-ING component of what we do. How can you be great at what you do, without also loosing touch of the inner work needed to do great work. How do you lead with empathy, how do you stay calm and collected even though there're a thousand open- tabs in your mind and with things not going the way you originally planned for a project you're working on?.
2024 brought this to light for me and this feedback I received while leading and managing one of our Innovation Programs DFS Lab really brought home the importance to also pay attention to the state of your BE-ING.
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to manage the #StellarSurge program- a developer activation program that seeks to provide a pathway to innovation, learning, and meaningful connections within the African blockchain and developer ecosystem to launch innovative products using the Stellar and Soroban network.
I managed and coordinated all the moving parts from design, to implementation and closure of the project which spanned across Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana! Talk about bringing initiatives to new markets!
Engaging 15,430 builders across existing web3 and blockchain online communities and platforms, bringing together close to 400 builders to learn, forge partnership and linkages while challenging their thinking/approach on their products/solutions - What a great run!
A major highlight for me (asides the fun of bringing such an initiative to life) was creating a mainstage experience featuring leaders in the blockchain/web3 space to share practical insights on 'Blockchain for Good:Exploring Real Life Use Cases on the Continent'.
Shout out to HoneyCoin - David N. Dominic Mulinda , Christian Duffus and Duncan Muchangi Fonbnk, Michael Kimani Victoria K. Matu Alex Web3Clubs Rick Groothuizen Omar Juma Christine Kinya Brian A. K. . Senator Ihenyen, Purity Ogheneochuko , cc: Oluchi Enebeli Enebeli Web3Ladies , Progress ochuKO Eyaadah (Koxy) cc: Biobelemoye Rachael Francis WomenInDeFi Tomisin Leshi , cc: Emmanuel Evarist of(link.io) Joshua .C. Tebepina of Bingtellar Lucky Nweke AyaHQ (Techstars '23) cc: Michael Lawal , Eric Annan Pishikeni Tukura Kwame and Emmanuel (true rockstars!), at to Janet B. of Developers in Vogue, RICHARD DUODU of Finance Mobile and to my ex-colleague- Emelia Ainooson, ACIM , who always welcomed me with open arms and great laughter in the land of Accra- Asante to you all!!
To the partners I had to engage with, too many but worthy of mention (not already mentioned above)Ayo Ifedolapo, Sianoi of Web3 Savannah, Women in Blockchain Africa, Ghana Hubs Network MetaMeta Club - thanks for your collaboration!
And super thanks to the team at Stellar Development Foundation cc- Anke Liu and Anuhya C. with whom, I've had the incredible honor to work alongside with and for supporting our collaboration efforts at DFS Lab, let's do more in 2025!
