Helen Liu on Leading Bybit and Empowering Women in Crypto

Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit, has had a remarkable journey from working at tech giants like Nokia and Microsoft to taking on a leadership role in the world of blockchain and crypto. Her passion for innovation and blockchain’s potential motivated her to transition into the crypto space, where she continues to drive operational excellence and champion the role of women in leadership positions.

Liu’s global experience in HR across multiple countries has played a significant role in shaping her leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and cross-cultural collaboration, particularly in the fast-paced crypto industry, where these skills are crucial for success. Her work in diverse regions, including China, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, and Dubai, has given her a unique perspective on leadership and growth.

When asked about her transition from traditional tech to crypto, Liu highlights Bybit's strong values and the inspiring leadership of its founders as key motivators. She points out that while she didn’t initially have extensive crypto knowledge, her experience in traditional tech leadership proved to be highly transferable to the blockchain industry.

As a female leader in a male-dominated space, Liu acknowledges the challenges of navigating relationships and business interactions, especially with the industry’s predominantly male partners and clients. Despite not being naturally sociable, she has developed a strategy of active listening and engaging with clients to build deeper relationships. This approach has allowed her to understand their needs better and establish personal connections, which has been particularly effective in regions like Brazil and Argentina.

Liu has learned several valuable leadership lessons throughout her career, especially in making decisions with a global perspective. Her experience at Microsoft’s APAC office in Singapore reinforced the importance of precision and excellence, while her time in Indonesia taught her the value of fostering a compassionate work environment. In her current role at Bybit in Dubai, she is energized by the city’s innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere, which aligns perfectly with Bybit’s mission.

In addition to her leadership role, Liu founded the Blockchain for Good Alliance, which focuses on leveraging blockchain technology to create a positive social impact. Her commitment to giving back to the community is a core value for Bybit, and she believes that blockchain has the potential to address many global challenges.

Liu is also the founder of Moledao, an initiative aimed at nurturing blockchain talent. Moledao’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs and create a platform where professionals in the crypto industry can connect, find support, and access job opportunities. Through initiatives like the Founder Club and Hackathons, Moledao is helping to develop the next generation of blockchain leaders.

In managing a global operation in the dynamic crypto industry, Liu emphasizes the importance of balance. While she describes herself as a workaholic, she also values activities like hiking and swimming, which help her recharge and bring fresh perspectives to her work. Engaging in casual interactions with colleagues has often sparked new ideas and strengthened her leadership approach.

For young women aspiring to leadership roles in emerging technologies, Liu advises staying humble and focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term wins. She encourages continuous learning and the importance of operational excellence, such as structuring solid plans and ensuring precision in execution. Women, she believes, excel in ensuring things are done with attention to detail and quality.

Looking back, Liu’s proudest moment was when Bybit became the world’s second-largest crypto exchange. What makes this achievement even more significant is that the company’s focus was never on rankings but on building trust and confidence with customers. This accomplishment has shaped her vision for the future, motivating her to continue striving for excellence and greater success in both her personal and professional life.