The questions were inspired by the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference for a feature on Community Managers in the Crypto Kenyan scene:

• What inspired you to become a community manager in the blockchain space?

I've always had a passion for helping others, and becoming a community manager in the blockchain space allows me to do just that. I thrive on building supportive environments where people can share knowledge, solve problems, and grow together. 

The values of freedom and decentralisation behind blockchain technology deeply resonate with me. Being a community manager lets me champion these values and nurture a space where everyone’s voice can be heard. 

The flexibility of working whenever and wherever (freelancing) I want is another significant draw. It allows me to balance my work with other aspects of my life, making me more productive and motivated. This flexibility also means I can engage with a global community across different time zones. 

• How did you get started in the blockchain industry?

Fascinated by decentralised technologies and the potential they had, I began to actively participate in blockchain communities & engage in discussions about people's intriguing professional & personal lives. This hands-on experience was invaluable in building my knowledge & network. 

The beauty of contributing is that it’s a low-barrier entry point into the industry, and this has built connections with industry professionals who eventually offered me roles directly. 

• Can you share a brief overview of your career journey?

I've worked with a number of local & international projects and always been drawn to the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across different industries, from writing (one of the winners in the competition) and marketing to social media and community management. 

Online freelancing aligns perfectly with my desire for continuous learning and adaptability. It allows me to maintain a balance between my work & personal life. 

I believe being an online freelancer offers me the freedom, independence & variety I value most.

• How do you/did you engage with your community to keep them active and involved?

“Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.” ✒ ~ Dale Carnegie, author of ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’

Understand the power of personal connection. Everyone enjoys talking about themselves, and by encouraging this, you create a sense of belonging and validation in the community. 

Create opportunities for members to share their stories, ideas, and perspectives, whether it's through spotlight features, open forums, or themed discussions. By asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in their responses, the proactive approach not only keeps the conversation flowing but also strengthens the connections between them. 

When people feel comfortable sharing about themselves, they’re more likely to contribute more, and build deeper relationships within the community.

• What are the unique challenges and opportunities of building a community in the Kenyan blockchain ecosystem?

The constant need to educate yourself and the rapid pace of the industry can be overwhelming, especially if you're not passionate about the work. Without interest, it’s easy to have burnout and feel overwhelmed by the demands of keeping up with the Kardashians, I mean, new hot topics and engaging a diverse audience. 

However, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. Developing strong self-awareness and intuition is vital. You can manage stress more effectively and stay motivated by understanding your own limits and passions. 

One of the most significant opportunities in this space is the natural expansion of your professional network. Kenya's blockchain ecosystem is rapidly growing, with countless chances to connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders both online & offline. Actively engage in communities to not only build your network but open doors to new ventures & collaborations. 

Every challenge can become an opportunity with the right mindset and approach.

• What has been your most successful community engagement initiative, and why?

My most successful community engagement is by consistently creating an open and accessible platform. When I and a respective team build a sense of camaraderie among members and empower them to ask questions and share their own insights, that is what I call success.

• How do you measure the success of your community management efforts?

Constructive feedback from community members is one of the most important ways I measure the success of my community management efforts. 

I also look at quantitative metrics like engagement rates, including the number of active participants in discussions, event attendance, and content sharing. Member growth and retention rates are also crucial indicators — seeing the community expand while retaining long-term members suggests that needs are being met. 

When you observe the members not only engage, but also take initiative by stepping up as leaders and contributors, it adds to a culture of support & shared learning. When I see the community becoming more self-sustaining, I know my efforts have been successful.

• What has been your greatest achievement as a Community Manager?

I believe that every achievement is significant in its own right. For example, successfully resolving a conflict between members is just as meaningful to me as organising a highly attended event. In both cases, the positive outcomes are equally valuable. 

I don't measure my achievements by their scale but by the value they bring. Each one plays a crucial role in shaping the community's culture and success.

• What are your predictions for the future of community management in the blockchain industry?

Community managers will likely increasingly evolve and take on roles that blend traditional responsibilities with new, more strategic functions. As blockchain projects become more complex, these community ninjas will not only be facilitators, but also educators, strategists, and key players in governance. 

They'll be responsible for guiding communities through rapid changes and ensuring that members remain informed, engaged, and aligned with the project’s goals. 

We’ll also see greater integration of AI and automation tools at scale. These tools will help enhance communication and provide data-driven insights for a richer overall member experience. With the rise of decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), community managers will play a focal role in aiding consensus and driving collective decision-making.  

A well-managed community is a key differentiator, helping projects to build trust, nurture innovation, and maintain long-term relationships. 

The future is incredibly promising for them.

• How do you see your role evolving as the blockchain space grows?

The dynamic nature of the industry requires continuous learning and adaptation, especially since my role falls within the marketing category. 

With exciting developments, like the incorporation of AI (Artificial Intelligence) & the rise of decentralised platforms and as the blockchain space matures, I aim to expand my skill set to drive growth, boost stronger relationships, so that the projects I’m involved with are well-positioned for long-term success.

• What advice would you give to aspiring community managers in the blockchain industry?

Start by expanding your network, join various communities, attend events (online, etc), and engage with others who share your interests. Don’t wait for a course or a mentor to teach you everything — these can be valuable, but hands-on experience is irreplaceable. Take initiative and start contributing, even in small ways.

The best thing about Web3 is that qualifications don't hold the same weight in Web2; many of us are self taught. Many founders just want someone with interest in the space and availability. Don't just ask for a job, spam its community (hiring team) with your portfolio, and wait for an offer; instead give feedback on where the project can improve, for example.

This proactive approach helps you learn quickly, build credibility, and demonstrate your value to the community. The more you contribute, the more you’ll learn about the dynamics of community management. 

Learn by observation: Pay close attention to how community managers operate. Take breaks, especially from social media. Develop your intuition. There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained from listening to others, and you can adapt these insights to fit your unique approach that works best for you. 

Finally, be mindful of your worth. While it’s important to be passionate about your work, don’t let that passion lead to under-appreciation or under-compensation. There’s a lot of entitlement in the industry, so ensure that you’re compensated fairly for your work, whether that’s through financial payment, equity, or other forms of recognition. 

Stay curious, be adaptable & self aware, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own path in this enthralling industry.