When people say that phrase, two contrasting things usually come to mind – it’s either about bravely trying something new or it’s a synonym for failure (like swinging and missing the ball 3 times in baseball). But unless you try, you’ll never find out. In a world where new frontiers are being opened up by emerging technologies, legal expert Chrissy Hill stands as a catalyst for future women striking out – to explore these new technologies and not be afraid to fail while exploring. Having served remarkable institutions like Linklaters and Barclays Capital, and remarkable people, like former United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, she has transitioned her extensive experience to the deep‑tech world as General Counsel and first female member of the C‑suite at Parity Technologies.
A Future Less Trustful, More Truthful
Parity Technologies is one of the leading contributors to the Polkadot network, a significant player in the rapidly evolving Web3 sector. The founder of Parity Technologies is Dr Gavin Wood who is credited with coining the term “Web3” and articulating its vision in his seminal 2014 blog post. As Chrissy explains: “Web3 has a bold mission to bring value to billions of users and give rise to a new, fairer global digital economy and supporting business models. Those models will embrace the values of decentralization, digital sovereignty, transparent governance with global participation, and fair and equitable treatment for all. Ultimately, Web3 business models will help meet the increasing demand for a web that respects users’ data rights.”
The Web3 vision could be further distilled into one short phrase – a world that is “less trustful, more truthful.” This extends beyond merely creating a blockchain environment where data is immutable to enabling a completely decentralized web where users are in control. They are in control of their own data, their own identity and their own future. They do not have to entrust these fundamentals to anyone else as is currently the case. One of Chrissy’s tasks is to help enable a shift from Web2 to Web3. She has shown she is capable of traversing the frontier of law and regulation (such as Decentralised Autonomous Organizations and digital assets regulation) while maintaining a balance with more long‑standing legal concepts (such as copyright and data protection). This means navigating a decentralized environment and new technologies beyond blockchain to help protect digital assets and transactions, real‑world assets and transactions, and the basic fundamental rights of humans. These are the tenets upon which the legal plan for Parity (and more widely Polkadot) are based to proactively support building a ‘less trustful, more truthful’ world. In her role at Parity, Chrissy exemplifies the role women can play in achieving this truthfulness and fostering the critical transition from Web2 to Web3.
Tech‑Enabled Empowerment and Philanthropy
Chrissy is not just about the legal side of technology; she is also deeply engaged with the societal implications of these new tools. She sees a vast potential for blockchain technology to create a positive impact for billions around the world. According to her, anyone with “access to electricity, broadband, hardware and a community that supports the use of blockchain” can benefit from the work that Parity Technologies is doing. Clearly there is work to do around the world to ensure that these bare necessities of participation are readily available to all. But the idea of this democratization of technology, whose benefits are open to all, is an integral part of Chrissy’s vision for the future. Being future focused, Chrissy is particularly passionate about how this technology can be utilised by charities that support children (such as Make A Wish Foundation) as well as the deaf and hearing‑impaired community. Yet, her vision is not only about adopting new technologies but also about how we adapt ourselves to these changes. She quotes Maya Angelou so beautifully to exemplify her philosophy to work, parenthood and life: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” This is the essence of empowerment to Chrissy.
Bridging Past, Present, and Future
“I strive to be an inspirational GenX female leader in a Web3 world”. In Chrissy’s view, the most significant shift expected in every industry over the next decade is the realization of the Web3 vision. This vision is taking shape and many still do not understand it. To address this issue, she believes in the power of education to demystify the industry and make it less intimidating for all ages. It is incumbent upon all generations impacted by new technologies to adopt them and educate others about them – to help bridge the gap between a Web2 world and a Web3 world. What motivates her most about this vision of the world? Chrissy shares: “I am most excited about an open, transparent, secure, and inclusive future for my two red‑headed daughters. Building a better world for children, including my own, is my main motivator.” Despite the challenges that come with being a pioneering woman leader in a Web3 world, Chrissy views the struggle as a valuable learning experience. She explains: “I have overcome certain obstacles by knowing which battles to pick. Maintaining a seat at the table is sometimes more impactful than loudly stating your case at every opportunity.” Chrissy’s journey in the tech industry is a testament to the significant role womGeneral Counsel, Parity Technologiesen play in trying something new and shaping the future of technology. As a qualified lawyer, she is keen to ensure the drive towards a decentralized world is anchored in truthfulness. Her work and her vision serve as a potent inspiration for women worldwide, affirming the pivotal role they can play in the rapidly evolving world of technology. To other women forging paths in their respective fields, Chrissy advises: “Be empathetic, curious, and open to exploring new ideas. Don’t be afraid to strike out into the next great frontier!”
