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As the Web3 ecosystem accelerates into the mainstream, a powerful shift is happening—not just in technology but in leadership. With the launch of Walrus Protocol on mainnet, now is the perfect time to spotlight the women driving meaningful change behind the scenes. At the forefront of this movement is Despina Christodoulou, Global Head of HR at Sui Foundation, who brings a bold and human-centered vision to the future of work in crypto.
I had the honor of sitting down with Despina for an in-depth conversation on her career journey, the challenges of building inclusive teams in Web3, and how women can lead the next wave of decentralized innovation.
Despina’s career began in traditional tech, scaling engineering teams and shaping people strategies in high-growth environments. But it was the ethos of open-source and decentralization that ultimately drew her to Web3.
“A few years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself shaping the future of work in Web3. My career began in Web2, where I specialized in people operations, HR strategy, and scaling agile engineering teams. One of my early career highlights was recruiting the engineering team that developed one of the first mobile travel apps, transforming how people worldwide book their travel.”
“As I moved into high-growth, open-source tech, I saw firsthand how transparency, collaboration, and decentralization drive innovation. Open source empowers developers through shared ownership and community-driven solutions—a natural stepping stone to Web3.”
“That’s why I joined Sui Foundation as Global Head of HR—to build a scalable, people-first organization and onboard the next billion users into Web3. At Sui, we’re not just innovating in technology, we’re redefining ownership, accessibility, and the way people connect in a decentralized world. The work is challenging and often ventures into the unknown, and I find it refreshing to do such groundbreaking work!”
When asked if Web3 is still a male-dominated space, Despina gave a thoughtful and candid response:
“Web3 is still predominantly male, and as Sui Foundation’s Head of HR, I am really excited about the best-in-class women we’ve hired in leadership roles. However, I see more and more women leading in the industry.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how collaboration, empathy, and strong communication create stronger teams and better outcomes. Women naturally bring these skills, helping bridge gaps, build inclusivity, and shape solutions that matter.”
“For me, Web3 is more than an industry—it’s an opportunity to shape a fairer, more accessible digital world, one that breaks traditional corporate barriers and redefines leadership.”
“When women thrive in crypto, it shows everyone they belong here too. It’s not just about diversity—it’s about making sure the people shaping our digital future represent all of us. By including more women, we’re building a better crypto world for everyone. Being part of that change motivates me every day.”
Being a female leader in Web3 has its unique challenges—but also unmatched opportunities.
“One of the biggest challenges I encountered as a female leader in Web3 was navigating a fast-paced industry while staying true to my leadership style. Although Web3 is more diverse than traditional tech, gender gaps remain.”
“This space is driven by innovation and disruption, yet it also comes with hype, speculation, and constant change. To establish myself, I remained curious, continuously explored, stayed grounded in my values, and actively engaged with the community.”
“Being a female leader in Web3 is more than just holding a position—it’s about setting new standards for how we work, hire, and govern. As Web3 evolves alongside its technology, we have the opportunity to shape the future of decentralized leadership.”
Despina emphasized that hiring in Web3 goes far beyond scanning resumes. It's about shared values, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the ecosystem.
“Indeed, Web3 is a rapidly evolving space, and so is recruitment. At Sui Foundation, we seek employees with a genuine passion for decentralization—those who aren’t just here for speculation but are truly committed to building the future of Web3, even if they come from outside the ecosystem.”
“The ideal skill set depends on the role, as we look for a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. Beyond that, teamwork, a passion for scale, and cultural fit are key characteristics we value.”
“Hiring in Web3 is fundamentally different from traditional industries because the space is community-driven and deeply networked. Finding the right people isn’t just about filtering resumes, it's about finding the right spaces where these candidates actively contribute and engage.”
“Women should remember that crypto isn’t just for developers or hardcore enthusiasts—there’s room for marketers, designers, strategists, operations experts, and community builders. Web3 thrives on diversity, and we need talent from all backgrounds to help shape its future. The decentralized world of tomorrow needs you!”
Despina’s message to women (or anyone) looking to get started in Web3 was clear and encouraging:
“If you’re looking to get into crypto, just start exploring! You don’t need to have all the answers right away—what matters is curiosity and engagement.”
“For me, following projects that sparked my interest, staying updated on industry trends, and connecting with people in the space made all the difference. Crypto is full of passionate individuals who love to share what they know, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and join the conversation and community.”
“Community is fundamental in crypto and women have great skills in joining and embracing communities.”
“One of the best ways to enter the Web3 space is through Sui Basecamp, where you can connect with industry leaders, join communities, and explore career opportunities. Sui Basecamp takes place in Dubai, May 1–2.”
So what’s it like to work at Sui?
“Scaling innovation isn’t just about the technology—it’s about empowering people to move fast, think big, and lead the future of Web3. To do that, we have intentionally cultivated a global culture where ownership, collaboration, and rapid execution are the norm.”
“As a people leader, I’ve found our commitment to open feedback, diversity, and high performance invaluable in creating a dynamic workplace.”
“I’m proud to be part of a fast-moving team of builders, explorers, and problem-solvers, all driven by a mission to rebuild the internet and push Web3 at scale. The velocity at which we innovate and execute is unmatched, and it’s inspiring to see how deeply connected everyone is to this vision.”
As we celebrate the mainnet launch of Walrus Protocol, Despina’s insights remind us that Web3 is not just a technological revolution—it’s a cultural one. A world where more women like Despina lead, innovate, and shape the future isn’t just better—it’s essential.
Join the movement. Explore. Ask questions. Show up.
And if you’re ready to take the leap, don’t miss Sui Basecamp in Dubai, May 1–2.
