When people talk about leadership in Web3, they often focus on founders, CEOs and high-profile entrepreneurs. Sara Jane Kenny offers a different perspective.
Week 43 – Sara Jane Kenny, Junior Integration Specialist, Algorand Foundation
Currently a Junior Integration Specialist with the Algorand Foundation, Kenny’s journey into blockchain began not through a traditional technology career path but through community building, education and a genuine curiosity about emerging technologies. Over the past five years she has steadily built a reputation within Ireland’s blockchain ecosystem, progressing from community-focused initiatives to developer relations, integrations and technical ecosystem support. Along the way, she has organised events, delivered workshops, spoken internationally and helped onboard builders and developers into the Algorand ecosystem. In 2023, she received Blockchain Ireland’s Communication Award in recognition of her contribution to community growth and education within the sector.
For Kenny, leadership in Web3 looks very different from leadership in more traditional industries.
“Leadership is much less about titles and much more about consistency, contribution and trust,” she says. “The space moves extremely fast, and people notice pretty quickly who is genuinely helping, building and showing up consistently.”
It is a philosophy that reflects the unique nature of blockchain communities. Unlike many industries where career progression follows a clearly defined hierarchy, Web3 often rewards those who actively participate, share knowledge and contribute to projects in public. For Kenny, that openness remains one of the sector’s greatest strengths.
Web3 is often described as a meritocracy, yet leadership positions remain disproportionately occupied by men. While Kenny acknowledges that traditional power structures have not disappeared entirely, she believes decentralisation has nonetheless created opportunities that would have been difficult to find elsewhere.
“I genuinely believe Web3 gives people more opportunities to carve out their own path if they consistently contribute and put themselves out there,” she says. “A lot of success in this space comes down to building skills, relationships and visibility over time.”
As a young woman working in a highly technical sector, Kenny has occasionally found herself underestimated. Rather than allowing that to become a barrier, she has focused on developing expertise and contributing wherever possible.
“I think being young in Web3 can sometimes make people underestimate your experience at first, especially in technical or leadership conversations,” she says. “For me, the best response has always been continuing to build, contribute and gain real experience over time.”
That emphasis on contribution appears repeatedly throughout her story. She believes credibility is earned through action rather than claimed through position, and that diversity of perspectives ultimately strengthens the industry.
“Some of the best conversations and ideas come from people looking at problems differently,” she says. “Whether that’s different genders, ages, backgrounds, cultures or experiences.”
While blockchain is often described as a trustless technology, Kenny believes human relationships remain at its core.
“Smart contracts and decentralised systems reduce the need for trust in certain processes, but those systems still need to be designed, built, maintained and explained by people,” she says. “Being approachable, contributing positively and genuinely helping others creates long-term trust and stronger communities over time.”
Her own career illustrates that point. Communities played a pivotal role in her development, from the AlgoFam and Blockchain Ireland networks to the wider Web3 ecosystem that provided learning opportunities, mentorship and collaboration.
“Communities were probably the single biggest factor in my growth within Web3,” she says. “Events, workshops, online communities and people willing to answer questions or collaborate all played a huge role in helping me learn and grow.”
As artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies increasingly converge, Kenny believes diversity of thought will become even more important. While she is reluctant to frame the discussion solely around gender, she argues that broader representation leads to stronger systems because different people identify different risks, opportunities and solutions.
“I think AI and blockchain are both technologies that will have massive long-term impact,” she says. “Technology is shaped by the people building it, so diversity of background, experience and thinking is valuable overall.”
Looking ahead, she would like to see more beginner-friendly technical education, mentorship programmes and practical workshops that help newcomers gain hands-on experience earlier in their careers. Visibility also matters, she says. Seeing people from different backgrounds leading projects, speaking at conferences and contributing technically helps others realise there is a place for them too.
For women considering a career in Web3, Kenny’s advice is refreshingly direct.
Three Tips for Women Entering Web3
1. Start before you feel ready
“A lot of people spend too much time questioning themselves before they even begin. Some of the biggest growth happens when you put yourself into uncomfortable situations, take opportunities and learn in real time instead of waiting for the perfect moment.”
2. Build consistently and stay curious
“Whether it’s technical projects, writing, attending workshops, hackathons, creating content or networking, consistent contribution compounds massively over time. You don’t need to know everything on day one. You just need to keep showing up and improving.”
3. Be yourself and focus on the value you bring
“Authenticity matters a lot, especially in the age of AI where originality and genuine human perspective stand out more than ever. People remember those who contribute positively, communicate clearly and bring energy, ideas and consistency into communities.”
For Kenny, the future of Web3 will belong not simply to those with the strongest technical skills, but to those willing to learn, contribute and help others grow. In an industry that continues to evolve at remarkable speed, she believes participation matters more than perfection.
“At the end of the day,” she says, “participation matters more than overthinking whether you belong in the space or not.”
