Susan Kio is a community manager. In this episode of The Obiex Block, she speaks to us about the reality shock she experienced in her first gig, how her community management job taught her patience and the exciting talent she discovered in the crypto space.

Let’s get to know you! Please, introduce yourself.

Hi, my name is Susan Kio.

Hi Susan. It’s a pleasure to have you here.

The pleasure is mine.

That’s great! Let’s kick off the conversation with the basics. What do you do for a living?

I am a Community Manager. I engage with and grow communities around blockchain and crypto projects.

That’s a tough one. Now, I’m curious to know why you chose to become a community manager. Was it a passion or just another source of income?

To be honest, I didn’t know much about being a community manager before I started. The person who offered me my first community management job did not explain it properly to me. He only talked about posting on social media community groups and responding to the group members' questions. I thought, “How hard could that be?” Not until I started the job and experienced premium dragging!

Exactly why I said it was tough. Was this job with the crypto brand you currently work for?

No, it was for an online magazine.

Why did you decide to work for a crypto-affiliated company after that?

I had just started trading crypto in 2021 and was very interested in the space. I kept posting the things I read up on crypto and blockchain on my Facebook page. One day, the co-founder of a crypto and blockchain academy reached out to me, commended me for my posts and my knowledge of crypto, and asked me if I’d like to do the same for his brand’s community. I was actually excited about this one.

I can imagine. How has it been so far?

You know how there are ups and downs in every job? Mine has extreme ups and downs. I mean, it’s crypto! There are many doubts and speculations about it, so convincing people is ten times harder. But I’m not complaining. For one, it has helped me improve the level of my patience and communication skills.

Experience has taught you a lot.

It really has.

So, after being an active player in a crypto company for a while, do you have any views to share on cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is making finance more accessible by offering decentralised, secure, and efficient transactions. It's transforming how we think about money and empowering individuals worldwide with financial freedom because you don’t need to be extra wealthy to access crypto. You just need to have a phone. I think that is a huge advantage to the future of finance.

Have you ever had to give a full lecture on crypto just because you told someone where you worked?

Of course! That is exactly what a community manager does. I give lectures every day.

No wonder your description was so on point.

I’ve had years of experience.

What are the best and worst pieces of advice you have ever received about your career?

The best was that things always get easier with time. The worst ones were the discouragements I got when I first started working in the crypto space.

Oh, yes. There’s always that group of people who don’t share your vision with you.

There is always a Judas in every twelve disciples.

Facts. Alright, let’s talk about money.

Who doesn’t like talking about money? Bring it on!

What is the biggest money move you have ever made in crypto?

I’m very conscious about money, but I once got a TV set with the money I earned from crypto though. Maybe I can call that my biggest money move.

There’s no “maybe” to that. It is a legit big-money move.

And how has your present lifestyle influenced your financial habits?

Being a community manager in the crypto and blockchain space has made me more aware of financial opportunities and risks. It has encouraged me to prioritise saving and investing wisely. It also gave me a mindset that helped me make informed financial decisions. I can even give a TEDx speech on financial responsibility and investing right now.

Oshey, that is the financial advisor vibe we all need in our lives!

I’ll give you some tips for small money.

You didn’t come to play at all.

I don’t joke with money.

I can see that. Now, for our final question. What do you find most exciting about your job?

The opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion, and sometimes doubt, for blockchain technology. I learn a lot from collaborating with them and sharing ideas. I discovered my talent for research in these spaces.

And it's a wrap! Thank you for being on the Obiex Block. I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you!