As a pre-eminent voice within the Shiba ecosystem and also in the broader community, Lucie (@LucieSHIB) commands immense respect and influence in the crypto space.
But for all the influence and power she wields today, Lucie did not start as a crypto executive. Like most other holders, her journey started when she bought Shiba Inu coins and eventually joined the community’s Discord. So what drove her transformation into a crypto influencer?
The Shib’s Yona Gushiken caught up with the Shiba Ecosystem and Shibarium Tech marketing specialist in the middle of a vacation to parse her remarkable journey for our readers. As part of this special edition celebrating the important role women play in our lives, community, and the world as a whole, we also asked Lucie about her views on key issues like inclusion and diversity in the crypto industry, which is sometimes derided for its “bro culture.”
“Shytoshi (Kusama) completely charmed me with his passionate approach. After reading Ryoshi’s Medium posts, I finally understood the quote ‘If you want to help, do something yourself,’” Lucie told Yona.
Ryoshi, as many of our readers know, is the mysterious creator of Shiba Inu, who left the project after handing it over to lead developer Kusama.
Lucie said that reading the Medium posts by Ryoshi and Kusama helped her realize the kind of empowerment that the cryptocurrency industry can offer women. A professional photographer, she was driven by a desire to help Shiba Inu realize the potential of the “One Cent Dream” and got herself actively involved in the community.
“Shytoshi later asked me to join the team, and I met all the wonderful people like Shibarium_ Someone Smart, Xander, and Ragnar. We had fun and were building for Shiba Inu, actively pushing for its adoption and listings. I’m very proud of our community and all the achievements,” she shared.
“In the male-dominated crypto industry, I believe we can foster greater diversity by creating a more welcoming environment for women. It’s important to actively reach out to women and make them feel included and valued in the industry.
“This means providing equal opportunities for women to advance their careers and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. By implementing initiatives that support and uplift women in crypto, we can create a more diverse and inclusive community where everyone has the chance to thrive,” Lucie said.
Encouraging Women: The Challenges They Face
“We can empower women in crypto by inspiring confidence, providing tailored support, fostering inclusivity, offering mentorship, and encouraging leadership roles.”
Lucie acknowledged that women in crypto face numerous challenges, including gender bias and unequal access to opportunities. But she is optimistic that these hurdles could be overcome through advocacy for equal representation, cultivation of supportive networks, and mentorship.
The crypto community, she said, should “confront and condemn misogynistic behavior and remarks unequivocally” and implement clear policies against harassment and discrimination, while actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Crypto offers an ideal platform for women to demonstrate their management capabilities and drive innovation.
On Mentors and Guides
“In my journey in crypto, I’ve been fortunate to receive mentorship and guidance from a diverse range of individuals, and their insights have profoundly influenced my professional growth and development.”
To promote more leadership roles for women, Lucie suggested actively seeking diverse talent, implementing tailored mentorship programs, and fostering an inclusive culture.
“Crypto offers an ideal platform for women to demonstrate their management capabilities and drive innovation.”
“Communities like Shibarium and the Shiba devs have been a perfect example for me, but it’s not just them. What’s special about these communities is that they never treated me as just a ‘woman,’ but as a fellow human being. That’s where I learned that I’m in the right industry, where I’m judged for my work, not my gender.”
The Evolving Big Picture
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology present a “golden ticket” for women to engage with the tech industry in ways that were previously nearly impossible due to systemic barriers and biases.
Over the years, the industry has undergone a cultural transformation, moving away from an early male-dominated ethos toward a more inclusive and diverse environment.
Women like Lucie and several others like her have seized the opportunity to engage with the cryptocurrency boom and notched up significant achievements within the industry.
Crunching the Numbers
Still, a study by Forex Suggest published last year reveals stark disparities: only 6% of CEO roles in crypto are held by women, with men dominating 94% of senior executive positions. Beyond the CEO level, women occupy a mere 22.4% of leadership roles. An analysis of the top 50 cryptocurrency influencers on X reveals that just 7 are women, representing a mere 14% of the prominent voices that shape the public discourse of crypto.
Why It Matters
Lucie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of cryptocurrency not just as a financial tool but as a platform for empowerment and change. Her journey from an enthusiast to a respected figure in the crypto community illustrates the potential for women to break barriers and excel in this dynamic field. Through advocacy, mentorship, and a commitment to diversity, the crypto industry can continue to evolve into a space where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to its growth and innovation.
“There is nothing that can stop us if we are true to ourselves. Good breeds good, and positivity attracts positivity. Be fearless,” Lucie summed up.
