In the evolution of the blockchain industry, He Yi, an exceptional female leader, has profoundly impacted its transformation with her wisdom, courage, and vision.
1. Humble Beginnings: A Beacon of Hope in an Ordinary Family
Born on November 15, 1986, He Yi grew up in a modest family in China. Despite financial constraints, her parents’ emphasis on education instilled in her a strong work ethic. Their encouragement and support made her realize that education and hard work were the keys to transforming her life.
At school, He Yi excelled academically and actively participated in extracurricular activities, demonstrating exceptional communication and organizational skills. These early experiences laid a solid foundation for her future success both on stage and in the business world.
2. The Spark of Opportunity: From Psychology to TV Hosting
During her university years, He Yi chose to major in psychology. While seemingly unrelated to hosting, this choice provided her with unique insights and skills in interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence—an added advantage in her career.
In 2012, a friend working as a TV producer encouraged her to try hosting. Taking a leap of faith, she attended an interview, where her confidence and wit set her apart. She humorously pitched herself, saying, “With my psychology background, I can connect better with people. I’ve also studied makeup, so I’ll save the team a makeup artist’s expense. I’m not asking for a high salary, just a chance to prove myself.”
Her pragmatic yet humorous response landed her a position at Travel Satellite TV as an outdoor program host.
3. Shining as a Host: Hard Work Behind the Spotlight
As the host of “Beautiful Destinations” and “As Far as You Can Go,” He Yi faced numerous challenges. Filming in natural environments required her to adapt to real-world conditions.
She often braved harsh weather and ventured into remote locations. During one shoot in Qinghai, she even lost contact with her team and had to navigate through desolate mountains alone. These experiences honed her resilience and strengthened her determination to pursue her goals.
Despite her growing success in hosting, He Yi didn’t stop learning and exploring. She frequently engaged with friends in the entrepreneurial space, listening to their discussions on investments and projects, gradually realizing her true ambition was to create something unique.
4. Breaking Boundaries: From Hosting to the Internet Industry
In 2014, He Yi decided to leave the hosting world and venture into the burgeoning internet industry. She keenly observed how the internet was reshaping society and business, recognizing its potential as a key area for her future career.
Starting from entry-level positions, He Yi worked across various roles, including marketing and user operations, immersing herself in hands-on experiences. This period helped her quickly accumulate practical knowledge and grow into a core team member.
In a male-dominated industry, He Yi stood out with her sharp market insights and execution capabilities, building expertise in brand promotion and strategic planning—skills that later proved vital in the blockchain industry.
5. First Encounter with Blockchain: The Seed of Belief
In 2014, He Yi was introduced to blockchain technology. Its decentralized philosophy deeply resonated with her, and she recognized its potential to revolutionize traditional finance and reshape societal structures.
In April 2014, during a blockchain industry event, He Yi met Changpeng Zhao (CZ) for the first time. His profound understanding of Bitcoin and blockchain, coupled with his technical vision, left a lasting impression. At the time, He Yi had already joined OKCoin as Vice President, overseeing branding and marketing operations.
Impressed by CZ’s expertise and enthusiasm, He Yi recommended him for the position of CTO at OKCoin. Together, they became a formidable team, helping OKCoin secure a leading position in China’s competitive exchange landscape.
6. Conflict and Change: CZ’s Departure from OKCoin and He Yi’s Decision
By the end of 2014, CZ left OKCoin due to disagreements with management over operational models, platform transparency, and user rights. His departure underscored his unwavering commitment to user-centric principles, which he believed were essential for long-term success.
Around the same time, He Yi also began contemplating her future. In 2015, she left OKCoin, driven by a vision to focus on technological innovation and user education—areas she saw as critical for the blockchain industry’s growth.
While their professional paths diverged temporarily, the shared passion and vision between He Yi and CZ laid the groundwork for future collaboration, ultimately leading to Binance’s creation.
7. The Birth of Binance: Building a Global Crypto Empire
In 2017, after two years of research and planning, CZ decided to establish Binance—a global, user-centric cryptocurrency exchange. He reached out to He Yi, inviting her to join as co-founder.
As Binance’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), He Yi implemented innovative strategies like referral programs and AMA sessions, rapidly attracting a global user base and establishing Binance as a trusted international brand.
With CZ focusing on platform technology and He Yi spearheading marketing, their collaboration created a perfect synergy. Within just six months, Binance became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, setting a new standard for the industry.
8. Navigating Regulatory Challenges: Resilience in the Storm
In 2018, the crypto industry faced intense regulatory scrutiny worldwide, presenting unprecedented challenges. As a global leader, Binance was at the forefront of these challenges.
He Yi and CZ tackled these obstacles head-on by engaging in transparent dialogue with regulators and pioneering compliance efforts. He Yi’s exceptional communication skills and deep market understanding played a key role in maintaining user confidence and strengthening Binance’s global reputation.
Through forums, educational initiatives, and regulatory collaborations, Binance not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.
9. Expanding the Ecosystem: Merging Technology and Social Impact
Under He Yi’s leadership, Binance extended its reach into multiple domains, building a multidimensional ecosystem encompassing technology, education, and philanthropy. Initiatives like Binance Chain, Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Binance Academy, and Binance Charity highlighted Binance’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility.
He Yi believes blockchain’s impact goes beyond finance, advocating for its role in enhancing transparency and financial inclusion. Her efforts exemplify how technology can drive positive societal change.
Conclusion: He Yi’s Fearless Journey
From humble beginnings to co-founding Binance, He Yi’s career is a testament to courage, vision, and perseverance. Her story not only celebrates individual achievement but also symbolizes the evolution of the blockchain industry. She has shown the world that success stems not from one’s background, but from unwavering determination, seizing opportunities, and exploring the future.