Interview with Binance CEO He Yi: On CZ, Binance's Rise, and the "Knowledge Gaps" Only Winners Understand
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Interview with Binance CEO He Yi: On CZ, Binance's Rise, and the "Knowledge Gaps" Only Winners Understand
I think the most important thing in life is "since we're here, let's make it worthwhile."
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsCompiled & Translated: TechFlow
Guest: He Yi
Host: Bonnie
Podcast Source: Bonnie Blockchain
Original Title: Binance's He Yi: The Money You Earn Is the Money Within Your Understanding | On Binance, CZ Zhao Changpeng, and Stories You’ve Never Heard Before 【Bonnie Blockchain】
Release Date: December 13, 2025
Key Summary
As a co-founder of Binance, He Yi is not only a central figure in the cryptocurrency industry but also an irreplaceable key player in the crypto world. How did she lead Binance from a startup to become the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange? In this interview, He Yi sheds rare tears as she recalls her difficult journey and breakthroughs. How did she rise from a poor rural village to enter the crypto industry and stand at its core, shaping the entire ecosystem?
Also balancing roles as a mother, daughter, and career-driven woman, He Yi shares advice for modern women. She speaks candidly about career development, life choices, and views on relationships, using her real experiences and unique insights to empower women to find their strength in today’s world. This is a profound conversation about growth, choices, and female empowerment—showcasing He Yi’s wisdom and courage. Don’t miss it.
(TechFlow Note: This article has edited and reorganized content from the original podcast for clearer presentation.)
Highlights & Key Insights
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I feel I grew up in an environment that encouraged learning. There was a bookshelf at home, and those books made me love reading and feel different from other kids. As a child, I thought there was an intelligence gap, but as I grew older, I realized it was actually a difference in cognition.
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I once read a book called "The Imitation of Desire," which says many human desires stem from imitation. When I was young, I hadn’t seen a bigger world, so I tried things without fear of loss or gain. Because my starting point was low, losing felt normal, while winning was an unexpected bonus.
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In 2013, Bitcoin broke $1,000. A VC investor named Mai Gang asked me to help create an ad for a Bitcoin trading company. At a follow-up event, I met Star. Mai Gang said to him: “You’re looking for a marketing director, right? He Yi would be perfect.” That was my entry into the crypto space.
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I’ve never worked at a large corporation, so I’m not great at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. But my focus on results makes my work style very direct.
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CZ once tentatively asked if I’d join his team, but I didn’t take it seriously. I remember telling him: “I’m too expensive—you probably can’t afford me.”
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Shortly after, they raised about $100 million through an ICO. CZ contacted me again: “BNB launches tomorrow. If BNB’s price increases tenfold, I won’t be able to offer you the same deal. So either say yes today, or we’ll have to renegotiate later.”
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As a woman, choosing to support your husband and raise children, or to be a good mother and homemaker, is a valid choice—and these roles are not easy to master. I chose to become myself. It’s both an active and passive choice.
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I think the prerequisite for making such choices is having tried different lifestyles and clearly understanding what you truly like and dislike.
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After giving birth, I didn’t take maternity leave—I returned straight to work. Many people ask if I experienced postpartum depression, but my answer is: I simply didn’t have time to be depressed.
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I believe the most important thing in life is “since we’re here, let’s make it count.” If you ask me now what I value most, I’d still choose family.
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Only excellent men can truly be with excellent women. We shouldn’t always think about what we can get from our partner, but rather what we can offer them. Only when both parties create value in the relationship can it be truly lasting and healthy.
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I don’t think being CEO matters much. Many people congratulated me, saying, “Congratulations, you’re finally CEO!” But I believe it’s not about the title—it’s about how much responsibility and burden you carry.
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Those who support you will always support you; those who like you will still like you. And those who hate you—no matter how much you explain—won’t change their minds.
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If I were giving advice to others, I’d tell them to be braver. As for myself, there’s not much to say—I’ve always been quite reckless. Every experience, good or bad, has shaped who I am today.
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Along the way, I’ve had many mentors—even critics and “haters” turned out to be mentors because they made me reflect and grow.
He Yi’s Journey: From Rural Village to Crypto Queen
Host: Every time I watch your interviews or conversations, I’m deeply moved. I love stories about rising from hardship. I know a bit about your background—you mentioned growing up in a village. Can you share what life was like back then?
He Yi:
My family is from a remote mountainous area in Sichuan. It took an hour’s walk from home to the nearest town. We had electricity, but it wasn’t stable. During windy weather, power lines often broke, and we had to use kerosene lamps. We didn’t have running water or a well, so we had to carry buckets to fetch water from outside.
Before I turned nine, life was relatively comfortable because both my parents were teachers. In the village, our family was highly respected—people even came to my father to mediate disputes. My dad had great influence. But then he suddenly passed away, and everything changed. My mom raised us alone while caring for elders and children—life became extremely difficult.
Looking back, all these experiences, good or bad, became part of my character. I truly believe everything happens for the best.
Host: Was there any family teaching or influence that you think played a key role in your success?
He Yi:
My dad was a teacher and an incredibly curious person. We had a large bookshelf at home, filled with all kinds of books—from *Compendium of Materia Medica* to *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, pig farming techniques to grape cultivation, even oracle bone script. I feel I grew up in an environment that encouraged learning.
These books sparked my love for reading and made me feel different from other kids. As a child, I thought it was an intelligence gap, but later realized it was a cognitive one. Because of this, I spent a lot of time reading alone instead of playing with others.
Host: I read somewhere that while most kids start school at six, you started at four?
He Yi:
Yes. I was the middle child, and I watched my older sister go to school every day—I really envied her. Eventually, my parents gave in and enrolled me at a friend’s school.
I was under six, but my parents told the school I was six and paid the tuition to let me try. If I failed, I could repeat the year. Back then, we didn’t have kindergartens or preschools, so I started first grade at age four and a half.
Even though I was younger, physically and mentally, I stayed at the top of my class. The next year, my parents wanted me to repeat, but my teacher refused—he insisted I stay in his class.
Now I realize it was because I genuinely wanted to go to school. If a child doesn’t want to learn, forcing them won’t help. But if they’re passionate about something, they’ll naturally strive to excel. Passion transcends physical and mental limitations.
He Yi’s Definition of Success and Her Attitude Toward Gains and Losses
Host: Did you have dreams about your future as a child? What did success mean to you?
He Yi:
Back then, I didn’t have a clear idea. I once read a book called *The Imitation of Desire*, which talks about how many of our desires come from imitation. My childhood thinking was simple—if my sister wanted to go to school, I wanted to go too. I hadn’t seen a larger world or formed my own worldview. The ideal jobs I could imagine were teacher, doctor, or police officer. Since my parents were teachers, I assumed being a teacher was what success looked like.
Later, when my dad passed away and our financial situation worsened, my mom hoped I’d attend a teachers’ college. She believed graduating as a teacher meant job stability and security. But I had my own dream—I loved drawing and wanted to be an artist. I used to scribble on walls and thought I might become an artist. I wanted to apply to the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, but my mom insisted on the teachers’ college. Her wish was simple—she just didn’t want me to spend my life as a farmer. So I listened and chose the teachers’ college.
At the teachers’ college, I was exposed to a broader world. For example, in middle school, my desk mate won first place in a speech competition. I didn’t even know what public speaking was before that. Once I saw it, I realized: “Oh, that’s what it looks like.” Later, when I joined a speech contest at the teachers’ college, I won first prize.
Host: You hadn’t done public speaking before—how did you learn?
He Yi:
I didn’t study it formally. I just saw someone do it and thought: “Oh, so that’s how it’s done—it doesn’t seem hard.”
Host: It sounds like you encourage trying new things—not thinking “I can’t,” but “That’s all there is—I can do it too.”
He Yi:
Yeah, I guess so. When I saw someone win a speech contest, I thought: “I can try that too.” Same with anything new. I once had a classmate who dreamed of becoming a model and entered a modeling contest. He invited me to join. I did—and surprisingly, I won an honorable mention and advanced to the Sichuan provincial round. Looking back, maybe they just wanted my registration fee.
Host: But didn’t that experience boost your confidence?
He Yi:
Not really. I just saw it as trying something fun, without worrying about winning or losing. I was very curious as a kid. After watching a movie about Miss America or beauty pageants, I really wanted to become one.
Host: As kids, we see something glamorous and exciting and want to try it. I’m also very curious, so I understand. But after entering competitions, I feel pressure—like I must win or achieve something. Do you put that pressure on yourself?
He Yi:
No. I think losing is fine—as long as I gain something from the experience. For example, during rehearsals, I noticed other contestants walked beautifully and carried themselves with grace. I wondered why they seemed so poised and upright, and realized I needed to improve my posture. I believe you can learn lessons even in failure. Winning is great, but losing is okay too.
Host: But isn’t developing this attitude toward gains and losses something that requires training? Kids usually want to win, but as we grow, we learn life isn’t always about winning.
He Yi:
No, I think it’s because my starting point was so low—losing felt normal, and winning was a bonus.
How He Yi Entered Television
Host: You later entered television—that story sounds fascinating. Many kids dream of working on TV because seeing someone on screen seems like ultimate success. Your path sounds almost legendary.
He Yi:
I knew a woman named Wang Danqing. I originally met her to discuss a business collaboration. One day, she called me: “I’m now at a satellite TV station, co-producing a show with Yangguang Media. We’re holding open auditions. You’d be perfect—come try out.” I remember taking the call standing in the subway, watching Beijing trains rush past, signal breaking in and out. I thought: I’m 25, not professionally trained, my Mandarin isn’t standard—how could I possibly audition as a host? But she said: “We don’t want that announcer tone—we want natural, authentic style. You’re perfect. Come try.” So I went.
In the first two rounds, I felt I performed averagely. But Danqing was the director, and she pushed hard to keep me in. Then one day, she told me: “Our producer quit. The producer controls the budget. I’m going to tell the head producer I’m quitting too. If he tries to stop me, I’ll demand the producer role. What do you think?” I thought it made sense, but I didn’t understand TV operations or production. I was just a contestant—yet she actually followed through. The next day, she called: “They approved it.” Then she said: “Your chance might be over.” I thought: Well, it was already shaky once—another letdown wouldn’t disappoint me. I didn’t feel like I was losing anything.
But then, unexpectedly, I got called for the final. On finals day, at Yangguang Media’s office, everyone drew random topics, had two minutes to prepare, then delivered a speech. Afterward, there was a Q&A session with cameras rolling. First, self-introduction—I don’t remember what I said, since it depended on the topic drawn. But the Q&A stuck with me. I didn’t expect to win—I assumed I’d be eliminated. They asked: “What advantages do you have for being a host?” I replied: “I have a psychology background—though I didn’t finish grad school, I’m empathetic and can connect with different people. Second, I know makeup—saves hiring a makeup artist. Third, I don’t care about salary. This job is so fun—it’s a travel show. Someone pays you to travel and gives you a salary? Perfect!” Then I left, convinced I’d fail. Other candidates were beauty queens, model champions, or established artists. I thought: No chance.
Other candidates were beauty queens, model champions, or known entertainers. I figured I had no shot, so I stopped hoping. Then suddenly, I got a call from Mu Jie, the new producer—they wanted to sign me. I was shocked. Apparently, they valued practicality. Maybe they appreciated my honesty, lack of pretense, and ability to do my own makeup.
Looking back, I’m deeply grateful to Danqing, Mu Jie, and that time at the TV station. People say entertainment is complicated, but for me, it was a beautiful memory.
The Rare Moment He Yi Cried—And Its Meaning
Host: I’ve worked in TV too, and certain moments deeply move me. You know then—you’ve got a powerful story.
He Yi:
Thinking back, working with my “grassland sisters”—Jiawei, Gaomei, Bingjie—was truly wonderful. We were around the same age. For one or two years, we laughed and joked every day, creating joyful memories. They’d always say: “Hurry up and film—afterward, let’s go play mahjong.” They took great care of me.
Host: Working in TV, I’d assume people are competitive. Opportunities are scarce—everyone fights for a small spotlight.
He Yi:
It’s true. But maybe because I hosted outdoor programs, not studio shows, we went to remote villages—places other hosts might avoid. I enjoyed this work. The directors were mostly young, talented individuals, so we had a joyful, laughter-filled atmosphere every day.
Host: I expected you to describe how tough it was, but you didn’t mention hardships.
He Yi:
There were difficulties—like hiking. My co-host was an older man. We filmed a few episodes before finding our rhythm. He had his style, I had mine. He was a literary type who always said: “I can’t live without Wi-Fi and coffee.” Wherever we went, he’d talk about its history, comparing it to the hundreds of countries he’d visited. I was hands-on—climbing mountains, wading seas, doing physical labor like digging lotus roots from mud. Hiking tasks fell to me; horseback riding was his. Sometimes we both hiked, but he could ride while I walked.
I found this fair—we each had our strengths. If it came to bungee jumping, it’d definitely be me. He’d say: “No, no, no—I never do anything life-threatening.” That contrast was funny. Since he was older, we gradually built chemistry. As a male-female duo, regardless of camera attention, we each got our moments. No scheming—just happy memories. Though the work was tough, those days of finding joy in hardship are deeply nostalgic.
How He Yi Entered Crypto
Host: How did you transition from that world into crypto? It seems like a huge leap.
He Yi:
We filmed the show for nearly a year, covering most of China. The next year, with on-screen experience, new opportunities emerged—other TV stations or programs invited me. Two paths opened—one particularly interesting.
One opportunity came through a friend who introduced me to aproducer. She was a former CFO who achieved financial freedom through entrepreneurship and pursued her dream of filmmaking. She wrote a novel about struggle, wanting to turn it into a TV series. She founded a production company, wrote the script, planning to film her entrepreneurial journey. Her company sought actresses. She interviewed many women but felt none matched her vision of an entrepreneur. Then she met me and offered a contract—with one condition: remove the mole on my chin. She said my appearance didn’t fit her image. Also, the salary was fixed and low, with limited production funds. Something felt off, so I hesitated.
At that moment, in 2013, Bitcoin broke $1,000. I knew a VC investor named Mai Gang, who asked me to help create an ad for a Bitcoin trading firm. He didn’t mention payment, so I asked: “What is Bitcoin?” I started researching, reading the white paper online. After reading it, I found Bitcoin’s concept fascinating—this was my first real understanding of “money.” As a child, people always said money was important, but no one explained what money actually was. Bitcoin opened a new world for me.
So I wrote a short article—a free ad—and posted it with images on social media. That was that. Later, I received the film company’s contract and attended Mai Gang’s karaoke event for contributors, where prizes included an iPad—the most valuable one.
At the event, I met Star, and we talked about Bitcoin. Mai Gang said to him: “You’re looking for a marketing director, right? He Yi would be perfect.” Star then told me: “Come by our company next week—let’s talk about joining.” Now I faced two choices. I still had an entrepreneurial heart. China’s startup and angel investment scene was booming—I wanted to join a startup and experience entrepreneurship firsthand. That was my entry into crypto.
Convincing CZ to Join the Startup
Host: Then you convinced CZ to join the venture, right? After he left his previous company, you joined his team. What was that conversation like? How did you convince him? And how did he convince you?
He Yi:
When CZ considered joining my team, we already had a decent market share. He may have had minor issues with his previous company. I told him: “Look, you have a strong trading background, but you’re doing wallet development now—this doesn’t fully utilize your talent. We run an exchange. You’ve traded for years, mastered trading systems. Why not return to trading? That’s your natural, strongest domain.” I think that was key to convincing him.
Why Become a Co-Founder?
Host: Starting your own venture, becoming a boss, carrying such risk—this usually gives people pause. Why did you decide to become a co-founder?
He Yi:
This decision ties closely to my career path. Before Binance, I worked at Yixia Technology for about a year and a half. I led marketing operations, overseeing mobile products like Live Streaming, Miaopai, and Xiaokai Show. At the time, we were slightly larger than Douyin, positioned as an industry leader.
I believe life unfolds as it should. Something interesting happened. At Yixia, one day my alarm didn’t go off—or I didn’t hear it—and I overslept. That day, Jiang Nanchun, founder of our shareholder Focus Media, came to give a marketing talk. As head of marketing, I was responsible for hosting. I arrived over thirty minutes late, leaving a poor impression on the shareholder.
Focus Media was our investor, primarily operating elevator ads. In return, we had to allocate part of our budget to their advertising. I managed placements strictly—checking if locations were appropriate, timing correct, whether movie ads ran first or last—all affecting performance. I often argued with their team over details, sometimes so rigorously they felt pressured. They likely weren’t happy with me, so they recommended a new senior executive as my direct supervisor.
The company was nearing IPO—terms signed, options and equity set, IPO prep underway, a formal CFO hired. Yet suddenly, a new boss appeared above me. I was annoyed.
My work style is highly results-oriented—I push things to the extreme. I never compromise based on someone’s rank, ownership, or partnership status. I stick to professional judgment. While this drove strong performance, it also strained relationships with some colleagues. I’ve never worked at big corporations, so I’m not skilled at complex office politics. My focus on outcomes makes my approach very direct.
At that time, CZ reached out, saying he planned an ICO and had written a white paper, asking if I’d be an advisor. I told him: “I won’t sign my name to a document I haven’t thoroughly reviewed. If you want me as an advisor, I must be genuinely involved.” So he sent me the white paper. I was attending Weibo Influencer Festival in Shanghai—on the weekend, I revised it. About one-third of the first version was written by me.
I didn’t think about compensation—I focused on doing the work well first. That’s part of my work ethic—focus on the task, not immediate personal gain. Later, back in Beijing, CZ tentatively asked if I’d join his team. I didn’t take it seriously. I told him: “I’m too expensive—you probably can’t afford me.” It was a soft rejection—Binance was still tiny, unformed, with limited funds.
Soon after, they raised about $100 million via ICO. CZ called again: “Now we have funding—we can talk cooperation.” The night before Binance launched BNB on July 14, he said: “BNB launches tomorrow. If BNB’s price jumps tenfold, I won’t be able to offer you the same deal. Say yes today, or we renegotiate later.”
I faced a choice: stay at my current company, awaiting a visible IPO opportunity, or join Binance and start a new journey. I chose Binance—I believed in my abilities. I’d successfully built a top brand in China; now I wanted to challenge myself to build a top global exchange. Even though Binance hadn’t launched yet, I already knew my goal: make Binance the world’s leading exchange.
I had other offers, but I chose Binance partly because CZ had international experience, while other opportunities were with Chinese companies with limited global reach. I wanted to join a more globally oriented project and aim higher.
He Yi’s Top-Tier Communication Philosophy
Host: I think you’re exceptionally good at reading people. Going from zero to one, then one to a thousand—you’ve excelled. What I admire most is your gentle speech paired with decisive action. You stand firm when needed, resist when necessary.
This is about boundaries. How do you clearly communicate what’s right while staying gentle yet firm?
He Yi:
Actually, no. When I was young, my communication was very direct—almost indiscriminate attacks. I’m still like that—many say I’m hard to deal with. I haven’t become especially gentle.
Host: But isn’t that exactly why you’ve reached the top?
He Yi:
Yes. To reach the top, you need clear standards and expectations. If you adopt a “good enough” or “whatever” attitude, you’ll never excel. I can demand excellence from myself, but as my team grows, maintaining this culture internally becomes crucial.
My method is simple: when I spot a problem, I address it directly. For issues I miss, I let others handle them. The key is hiring. Are the people you hire aligned with your values? The world isn’t black and white. Someone who fails in your company might thrive elsewhere. The core question in hiring is cultural fit.
The Burdens Carried by Successful Women
Host: I believe you’ve attended many high-profile events. Often, women there are companions to successful men, but you’re the successful one. People might mistakenly assume that a woman appearing at such gatherings must be someone’s spouse.
In an age of information overload, the ability to discern information is crucial. Countless hot topics exist—but the key is knowing which ones matter to you. Everyone interprets the same content differently, right?
He Yi:
I believe as a woman, choosing to support your husband and raise children, or to be a devoted mother or homemaker, is a valid choice—and these roles aren’t easy to master. Pursuing excellence in these roles can be extremely challenging. But for me, I chose to become myself. It’s both an active and passive choice. Passive because at birth, I wasn’t a princess—I had to overcome obstacles through effort and growth. Along the way, you discover your resilience and strength. Only when you’re strong enough can you clearly define the life you truly want.
Some friends, after achieving career success, choose to return to family life. They feel they’ve proven themselves in business or male-dominated environments, but ultimately realize they prefer being a mother or wife. I respect their choice. The prerequisite is having tried different lifestyles—knowing clearly what they truly like and dislike.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Host: In your case, how can one perfectly balance motherhood and a career?
He Yi:
I don’t think this is a binary choice. I truly enjoy motherhood. Though online discussions often highlight fertility anxiety—body changes, pain, irreversible damage—I believe being a mother is beautiful. “Motherhood makes you strong”—that phrase captures my feeling. It was a pivotal transformation in my life.
Yesterday, someone asked how I handle stress or low moods. I feel it’s not that my child needs me—it’s that I need my child. As a mother, I feel compelled to be stronger, tougher, because I must protect my child. This strength feels innate—coded in our DNA.
About fertility anxiety, I believe women shouldn’t fear childbirth excessively. First, modern medicine—like spinal anesthesia—can effectively reduce labor pain, making delivery more manageable. Second, among my female employees, I created a “childbirth playbook”—guidance on pregnancy care, mental preparation, and postnatal parenting. Colleagues later enriched it, turning it into a practical resource. Whenever I learn a colleague is pregnant, I proactively share it. I plan to make it an internal company resource to benefit more employees.
After giving birth, I didn’t take maternity leave—I returned directly to work. Many ask if I had postpartum depression. My answer: I didn’t have time to be depressed. Work was so busy, all my energy went into my job.
He Yi’s View on Her Achievements
Host: If you looked back at 90 or 100 years old, what memories would bring you the most joy—your achievements, your empire, or something else?
He Yi:
I believe the most important thing in life is “since we’re here, let’s make it count.” If you ask me now what I cherish most, I’d still choose family.
Advice for Successful Women on Relationships
Host: We have many male friends who, when choosing partners, may seek successful women. But successful women are often seen as hard to pursue. Traditionally, women were expected to be gentle and virtuous, but now people ask: “You’re so hard to please—how do we pursue you?” Can you offer advice? How to pursue a successful woman like you—not personally, but successful women in general? I think women often admire strength. If a man is already excellent, how can he create space for a woman to shine and feel comfortable?
He Yi:
Only excellent men can truly be with excellent women.
Really, only truly excellent men can be with excellent women. This “excellence” isn’t just wealth or career success—it’s cognitive maturity. There are gaps between people, but these can be narrowed or reversed over time through effort.
I recall Lai Laoshi once said: “The money you earn is the money within your understanding.” That resonated deeply. A person’s cognitive level determines not only how they accumulate wealth but also their social network. In other words, your relationships reflect your cognitive tier. The deeper your understanding of the world, the higher-quality your connections. This quality of life isn’t measured by wealth or car brands, but by inner richness and peace.
So, if a man can’t offer cognitive value to a woman, why would she need him? Likewise, if a man is highly successful, the woman must also consider what she brings to him. Often, we shouldn’t constantly think about what we can get from our partner, but what we can contribute. Only when both create value can the relationship be truly lasting and healthy.
Her Vision for Binance’s Future
Host: What kind of company do you hope Binance will become?
He Yi:
I hope Binance grows into an Amazon rainforest. The Amazon teems with life—every plant grows freely, forming a diverse, sustainable ecosystem. I want Binance to be such a place—a garden where everyone can grow freely.
Traditional companies are pyramid-shaped—leaders at the top give orders, others execute. But I’m striving to transform Binance into a garden-like organization. Here, everyone has a voice and room to grow. Many new hires, especially managers, feel confused: “Why does everyone feel like the boss?” Because we want everyone to grow proactively and find their place. If you’re weak, others’ branches may overshadow you; if strong, you can grow into a towering tree.
My vision: Binance becomes a rainforest where every employee grows into a giant tree, building a rich, powerful ecosystem. In this structure, whether I’m CEO doesn’t matter. I hope Binance develops more true partners who collectively sustain the company—not relying on me alone. I might just be a foundational support. My goal is to make Binance a place where everyone reaches their potential—not dependent on one leader.
Host: Originally, you and CZ were Binance’s public faces. Now you’re CEO—what’s the logic behind this?
He Yi:
I don’t think being CEO matters. Many congratulate me: “Congrats, you’re finally CEO!” But I believe it’s not about the title—it’s about responsibility and burden carried.
I often discuss promotion logic. Many say: “I want a promotion, a higher position.” But I believe first develop the capability required for the role, and the title follows naturally. Sometimes a leader promotes you to a broader scope. If you succeed, great; if not, you may fail.
I prefer doing first, then taking responsibility. So whether I’m CEO doesn’t matter. This decision may mainly aim to boost confidence during the bear market. For two years, we’ve worked hard to close gaps—improving regulatory engagement, applying for licenses, raising compliance standards. These were tough, but we’ve caught up. By becoming CEO, I want to signal: Binance’s core values remain—our “users first” principle hasn’t changed. This is our commitment to the industry and users.
Why He Yi Engages with Online Critics
Host: You’re now at the global pinnacle—time is your scarcest resource. I feel like a “time pauper.” At Binance Blockchain Week, wherever you went, people rushed to take photos or chat with you—this comes with being hugely successful and popular. But I wonder—don’t you value your time and energy? Why do you still respond to netizens on Twitter?
He Yi:
I occasionally respond, depending on the nature. If someone points out a work issue, we admit mistakes and improve promptly. That’s reasonable. If someone suggests product or company improvements, I see it as meaningful feedback—we take it seriously. Years ago, pre-2019, my online reputation was almost entirely positive. I was younger, often arguing in groups. But later, I realized some people debated me just for attention—so I learned to avoid arguments. When attacked, I remind myself not to respond—don’t give them the stage.
Host: Is non-response the best response?
He Yi:
Important issues need responses, but for baseless noise or traffic-seeking drama, I ignore them. Responding only fuels their traffic—they’re just using you. Stay calm, listen to criticism. You can’t make everyone like you. Not everyone likes the dollar; not everyone likes the yuan. Believe this: those who support you will always support you; those who like you still do. Those who hate you—no explanation will change their mind.
Host:
I think accepting “haters” takes time and practice. Early on, negative comments upset me. Some criticisms are absurd—attacking gender, birthplace, nationality—meaningless, yet emotionally damaging.
He Yi:
If it’s meaningless, don’t care.
Host: Can you completely avoid seeing negativity?
He Yi:
Completely avoiding is hard. If you ignore everything, you might miss valuable insights—like company progress or product flaws. So now, I focus on real issues on social media, not emotional noise. Whether people like or criticize me—I can’t control that, right?
Host: Do you stand in front of a mirror saying, “I like myself—that’s enough”?
He Yi:
No need to say it. The key is self-acceptance. People often think in binaries: “I’m good, he’s bad; I’m right, he’s wrong.” But that’s flawed. A more rational view: you’re a small universe, the world a larger one. In both, accept your imperfections and the world’s. Like night and day, embrace the good and bad in life—they shape who you are. I once said: “Whatever fate gives you, enjoy it.” Now, I understand that deeper.
He Yi’s Relationship With Her Mother
Host: Looking back, do you feel your early environment was tough, your family suffered? Now you can provide better lives—do you feel proud of that?
He Yi:
Not really. From a god’s-eye view, we’re just specks of dust—insignificant. Heaven and earth are indifferent to all. So while I’ve done fairly well in some areas, I see myself as someone lucky and hardworking.
Of course, seeing my family enjoy better lives, experiencing things they never had, brings a sense of achievement. I’m simple, like my mom. We still habitually shop on Taobao, keeping life modest.
Host: Was there anything your mom deeply wanted as a child, which you can now easily provide?
He Yi:
No. My mom’s expectations are simple—she thought being a rural teacher would be great. Every step I’ve taken exceeded her expectations. She must be proud—but in her eyes, I’ll always be the child needing care. No matter your age, in parents’ hearts, you’re forever a child.
Our mother-daughter bond wasn’t close in childhood. After my dad died, my mom’s emotions became unstable. As a middle-aged woman, she cared for elders and children under immense pressure—her temper grew sharp. In my memory, we lacked warm mother-daughter moments.
I think this was typical of parents in our generation. They didn’t express love through praise or encouragement—more through suppression. But this parenting style backfired on me. The more suppressed I felt, the stronger my drive to grow. I became an “exception” who thrived under pressure. At 18, when I started earning, I sent money to my mom, hugged her, bought her things—then my parents slowly learned to express love more openly.
My mom is strong—how else could she hold the family together? She not only sustained the household but supported me throughout. We lived together then, and still do.
Host: When talking to your children, how do you tell them about your journey?
He Yi:
I tell them: “If you don’t eat well, I’ll take you to Nepal for a month to see how poor children live.” They immediately say no. Because my mom was strict with me, I now consciously express love warmly—often saying sweet things to my kids.
Host: Are your kids your stress relievers? Like hugging them when stressed?
He Yi:
Yes—seeing their smiles dissolves all stress. Having kids makes me want to be stronger to protect more people. I don’t impose rigid rules—like forcing them to grow a certain way to succeed. I believe parenting should guide, not force. Let flowers bloom naturally, trees grow freely.
Whether with kids, parents, friends, or partners—I believe everyone is inherently independent. No one should fully depend on another. But when you’re strong enough, you become a continent—capable of supporting them.
Host: Do you need others to understand you? Or do you feel you don’t?
He Yi:
I don’t think I need much understanding. As long as you’re strong enough—not necessarily feeling strong, but accepting misunderstandings between people, respecting differing beliefs, and clearly knowing who you are and where you’re headed—that’s enough.
Advice for Anyone Seeking Success
Host: If you could go back to when you first entered society and speak to your younger self, what would you say?
He Yi:
If giving advice to others, I’d tell them to be braver. For myself, there’s little to say—I’ve always been quite reckless. Every experience, good or bad, has shaped who I am today. Each failure, every pitfall, taught me something. Without struggling in those pits, I wouldn’t have today’s understanding.
Like gaming—you might get stuck on a level, retrying until you find a new solution. This builds patience and resilience. It’s like God deals you the same hand—if you keep losing, you stay stuck until you find a new strategy. When you win, He deals a harder hand.
Host: You mentioned advising others to be braver—I agree. Many fear leaving comfort zones, trying unfamiliar things.
He Yi:
We often self-limit—thinking, “As a female executive, how do I balance family and career?” I think I manage fine. When you see it as a challenge, even an impossible triangle, that mindset traps you. But if you believe you can do it, it’s no longer a problem.
For example, I could never have imagined as a child that I’d stand on international stages, expressing myself in a language I didn’t master. Now, I frequently deliver English speeches—my grammar and vocabulary may be imperfect, but as long as the message gets across, it’s fine. I dislike preparing scripts or designing PPTs. I usually think briefly at the podium, then speak freely.
Host: You seem so strong inside—external opinions don’t faze you. I also reflected on
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