In a recent episode of the "Girl Who Makes Money" series, He Yi, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BINANCE, detailed the formative experiences that shaped her professional trajectory and strategic worldview. The narrative traces her evolution from a rural upbringing in Sichuan to leading a top-tier global financial platform. He Yi emphasized that her identity as the second child in her family necessitated a proactive approach to securing attention and resources, fostering a strong sense of agency from an early age. This psychological foundation was critical when she later navigated high-stakes decisions in the blockchain sector. Data compiled by Woofun AI shows that her early insistence on attending school at age 4, despite not meeting the standard age requirement, set a precedent for challenging established norms and actively pursuing desired outcomes.

Her intellectual development was heavily influenced by literature, particularly the works of Li Bi Hua and Yi Shu, which instilled values of independence and self-reliance. He Yi recalled reading martial arts novels and semi-classical texts like "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" during her teenage years, which contrasted sharply with the romantic fiction often consumed by her peers. These narratives provided a framework for understanding risk, responsibility, and the necessity of repaying debts, a lesson she learned through a childhood incident involving gambling before age 10. The experience taught her the cyclical nature of loss and the importance of integrity, leading to a lifelong aversion to gambling. Woofun AI notes that these early literary influences and personal trials cultivated a mindset where she viewed herself as a protagonist capable of shaping her own destiny rather than passively accepting societal expectations.

The transition from a traditional career path to the digital asset space was driven by a fundamental re-evaluation of value systems. After completing her education degree and briefly working as a teacher, He Yi felt constrained by the limited scope of the role and the rural environment. Her entry into the media industry as a host provided exposure to a broader world, yet she eventually sought a more profound impact. The pivotal moment occurred in late 2013 when she began researching Bitcoin. Unlike many who viewed it merely as a speculative asset, she recognized its potential as a trust-based network connecting the global financial system. This insight led her to quit her hosting career and go all in on Bitcoin, viewing it as a human consensus rather than a currency backed by government credit.

He Yi articulated a strategic framework for success comprising four pillars: cognition, execution, courage, and ambition. She argued that these elements function like the wheels of a car; if one is refined to an extreme, it drives the growth of the others. Many individuals possess high cognition but lack the courage to execute, often paralyzed by the fear of failure or the uncertainty of outcomes. In contrast, He Yi advocates for starting without constraints and working backward from the desired result to the necessary process. Woofun AI analysis suggests that this methodology allows leaders to navigate complex market dynamics by aligning their goals with actionable steps, ensuring that their efforts are not merely imitative but rooted in genuine passion and strategic intent.

Her career path included a brief departure from the blockchain industry in 2015 due to internal management conflicts, followed by a stint in the mobile video sector with Yixia Technology.

However, the opportunity to join BINANCE in 2017, founded by CZ, reignited her ambition to build a world-class platform. She recognized that while she might not excel at creating something entirely new from 0 to 1, her strength lay in continuously optimizing and iterating on existing structures. This self-awareness allowed her to envision a clear roadmap for BINANCE's growth, transforming it into a top global exchange. The decision was not impulsive but based on a calculated assessment of her capabilities and the market's potential.

He Yi's philosophy extends beyond professional achievements to a broader understanding of life and ambition. She challenges the notion that ambition is a negative trait, particularly for women, arguing instead that dissatisfaction with the status quo is a necessary driver for progress. She emphasizes that true success comes from unity of knowledge and action, where one's goals align with their daily efforts. Whether facing criticism or navigating the complexities of the crypto market, she maintains a tough mentality toward challenges while remaining soft toward others. This duality enables her to withstand external pressures and remain focused on long-term objectives. Ultimately, her journey illustrates that life is about learning and iteration, where every interaction and decision contributes to the discovery of one's true self and potential.