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Launching Our Member Spotlight Series

Launching Our Member Spotlight Series

#1 Member Spotlight: Mel Loh

FROM UNTAM3D
May 19, 2023

Hi UNTAM3rs,

We're excited to announce the relaunch of our monthly newsletter. Get ready to explore the world of UNTAM3D as we highlight the achievements of our talented members in a regular spotlight series. This month we’ve also curated a collection of top reads for the month and upcoming events in the region to mark in your calendars. Stay tuned for more!

Or visit us at our newly launched website:http://www.untam3d.com/

🔦 #1 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Mel Loh, Business Strategist & Personal Finance Consultant

🎙️ In 140 characters can you tell us about yourself and your work?

Business strategist. Personal finance & web3 educator. Eco neighborhood co-founder. Startup advisor. Devoted to building a regenerative future.

🎙️ How did you get interested in web3 or get started in web3?

I got orange-pilled (onboarded into bitcoin) in 2014 when my friend wouldn’t stop talking about crypto and brought me into a pioneering crypto community and microeconomy. Since then, I have consulted and advised on a number of crypto projects worldwide, including a top-tier crypto exchange and multiple decentralized application concepts such as blockchain micronations, islands and cities as well as on-chain universal basic income.

What draws me to web3 is the potential for it disrupt the financial system as we know it and get people thinking different about wealth - how its created, who benefits from it, and how we can have a more equitable system.

🎙️What has been your biggest learnings to date?

So many lessons learned and still learning!

One of the big ones is realizing the importance of education - specifically financial education and how there is such a lack in our society, especially in underrepresented communities.

For example, I’ve worked with, taught and interviewed hundreds of women and non-binary folk who want to get into web3 only to discover that not only is there a bit of a learning curve in understanding this new financial and cultural technology, we are missing fundamental, traditional financial knowledge and know-how. Since we weren’t taught these critical skills in school, we need to find ways to educate and empower ourselves now.

Why? To build towards financial peace-of mind and freedom. To participate in the future of finance and build intergenerational wealth. To know how to protect ourselves from the risks and utilize the opportunities before us.

🎙️What best piece of advice for anyone getting started in web3?

The web3 world is vast and noisy. Start by learning about Bitcoin and Ethereum; they are the fundamentals from which most everything else in web3 is built upon. Then once you understand the history and fundamentals, explore the wider space and align with the area that interests them most.

Remember that web3 is for everyone, and frankly it needs you! More inclusive, diverse participants will shape the future in amazing ways. Just jump in, invest in your education and find a trusted community or mentor to support you.

🎙️What is a favourite book or podcast/ blog/ resource you think everyone should know about?

So many great resources out there depending on your interests. To stay up-to-date on web3 news check out the CoinDesk Podcast Network. To get a basis in personal finance: A Simple Path to Wealth. To marry personal finance, web3 and wellbeing: My newsletter https://www.melissa-loh.com/. To join a community of women deep diving into web3: UNTAM3D and SheFi.org. To go deep into Bitcoin: What Bitcoin Did podcast and The Breakdown with NLW. To go deep into the Ethereum ecosystem: Bankless network.

🎙️What’s the one thing you wish you knew when you first started working in web3?

That everyone has a skillset that can be contributed to web3 and it is up to you to carve out your path and how you wish to contribute. Don’t hesitate to go for it, take chances and be level-headed at the same time. Plan to weather the ups and downs of the markets and how that impacts you financially, professionally and emotionally.

🎙️Anything you would like to share with the UNTAM3D community, from your current POV of the state of web3 industry or any specific trends to keep a lookout for?

Crypto and web3 have been in a rough period. Unfortunately, the space attracts opportunistic people who lack accountability and take advantage of others. It happened before in the last bull and bear market in 2017 - 2019. I feel it is our responsibility to show up to web3 with integrity, question things if they don’t feel right and take a reflective pause if you feel like you’re being caught up in the hype or the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt). Stay safe, have fun and keep learning!