Integrity | The Defining Principle of Web3

The Foundation of Success

Integrity is crucial to building success in and out of Web3. When I began this journey back in February 2021, I brought three non-negotiable business principles with me that I’ve stayed true to throughout my IRL career. In my bio, I have written: “Committed to building a community of support with passion, integrity, and respect.” Surrounding oneself with others who embody these three inherent qualities ensures that whatever forward movement occurs, it’s authentic and organic, pushing all parties upward in the same direction. Sometimes the movement can be slower, but attaching your personal brand or aligning with those who are disrespectful, apathetic, or unethical will always lead to an eventual loss or cause others to lose confidence in you or lose sight of how to maintain true momentum. This principle wasn’t about forming a group or launching anything — it was about providing a strong foundation where individual goals and collective strengths are celebrated and supported, ultimately raising the bar for everyone involved.

The Evolution of Integrity in Web3

As I dove deeper into Web3, exploring meme coins and blockchain trails, it became clear that integrity would evolve to the leading principle. In a world where anonymity is occasionally needed and often desired, it also has a dark side where it can be used to deceive and manipulate. If you’re wise enough to ask questions or see what’s occurring and speak out, you’re often shamed for causing “FUD” or you might even risk being placed on a blacklist where others are told not to interact with you or collect your art.

Building a Supportive Community

Back in December, a group of five Tezos artists decided to explore new opportunities and found their way over to Solana. Along the way, a few others asked to join, then a few more. Eventually, our group grew to over 125 creators, all supporting each other, sharing our work, and launching a curation on Solana with the help of Exchange Art and SolCity. There were a few grumblings heard behind the scenes that the group was “gate kept.” I still chuckle because this was covered so many times. ABSOLUTELY! The door was and still is open to all, but it will always be “gate kept” to those who lack integrity. It is the one rule, and in a world that struggles to find trust within the masses, it’s crucial to have an understanding of who stands by your side. Being inclusive is and will always be extremely important in everything we do, but limiting the toxicity and damage spread by those here to manipulate must be a priority for us to progress forward. Building within a safe and supportive environment provides clarity and ensures the ability to focus on achieving personal goals.

The Journey Ahead

As you look back at your own path and look forward to the direction you’re headed, just remember that the race to the bottom is much shorter than the climb to the top. The best part is that this isn’t a race at all, but instead more of a trek, where the journey itself is just as important as the destination. By choosing companions who value integrity, passion, and respect, you not only strengthen your own journey but also contribute to a supportive environment where trust, encouragement, and collaboration thrive. This collective strength propels everyone forward, ensuring that each individual can achieve their personal goals.