Exclusive SheVerified: Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit, on Navigating Cross-Cultural Leadership in Crypto

Helen Liu has forged a dynamic path from tech giants like Nokia and Microsoft to her current role as Chief Operating Officer at Bybit. With a wealth of experience in HR leadership across multiple countries, Liu’s transition to the blockchain industry was driven by a passion for innovation and the inspiring vision of Bybit’s founders.

In this interview, she discusses her transition from traditional tech to crypto, how her global experience has shaped her approach, and the unique challenges she navigates as a woman in the industry.

Your journey from HR leadership roles at global tech companies like Nokia and Microsoft to becoming COO of Bybit looks very inspiring for us. What motivated you to transition from “traditional” tech?

I was drawn to Bybit by the company’s strong values — putting  people first — and the vision of its founders. Although I didn’t have extensive crypto knowledge when I first joined, I quickly realized that the skills I developed in traditional tech leadership were highly transferable.

The founders’ inspiring leadership encouraged me to take on this new challenge, and I’ve since realized how my past experience has helped drive success in both tech and blockchain.

You’ve worked across several countries and industries. How has your international experience shaped your leadership style, especially in the crypto sector?

My professional journey began in China. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, and now Dubai. Each of these experiences has provided me with valuable global exposure and a deep understanding of different working cultures.

This international perspective has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style. Especially in the crypto sector, where adaptability and cross-cultural communication are key to driving innovation and fostering collaboration.

As a female leader in the crypto space, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?

As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, I’ve observed differences in how male leaders approach business and relationships. Many blockchain ecosystem partners, KOLs, and institutional clients are men. They often thrive in social environments, which can feel energizing for them.

While I’m not naturally the most sociable person, I recognize the importance of these opportunities to build meaningful relationships. I approach these interactions by actively listening to their needs and challenges, inviting them to our office, or arranging meetings to deep dive together on areas we can do better. This allows me to have more empathy and listen to their pain points and establish a more personal connection.

Interestingly, many male clients feel comfortable sharing aspects of their career lives with me and often seek advice, especially in regions like Brazil and Argentina. It’s in these moments that I find a deeper level of engagement, where we discuss not only business but also personal challenges and aspirations.

What is the most significant leadership lesson you’ve learned throughout your career? How do you apply it in your role?

Throughout my career, I’ve gained invaluable lessons from working in diverse regions and cultures. During my time in Finland, I was in a role leading competence development for global Demand and Supply Chain where I learned the importance of making decisions with a global perspective, understanding the complexities and nuances of international markets. This experience taught me to approach broader issues with a clear rationale, balancing local needs with global objectives.

At Microsoft’s APAC office in Singapore, I witnessed firsthand the power of precision and excellence. The team demonstrated remarkable proficiency, a positive attitude, and zero-defect execution, which reinforced my belief in striving for accuracy and efficiency in all operations.

In Indonesia, I embraced the company’s deep-rooted culture of care, love, and forgiveness through Muslim culture. This philosophy of giving and fostering employee well-being has shaped my belief that a supportive and compassionate work environment is key to building strong, resilient organizations.

Now in Dubai at Bybit’s headquarters, I’m energized by the vibe of crypto and by the passion of the local community. I see this as an opportunity to harness diverse talents that align with the values of the industry, driving Bybit’s global expansion.

The mix of inclusivity, innovation and young entrepreneurship here enables us to accelerate as a truly crypto-native company. Each of these experiences has shaped my leadership style, helping me apply a blend of strategic thinking, precision, and empathy in my role at Bybit and beyond.

You founded the Blockchain for Good Alliance, stressing blockchain’s potential for positive social impact. What personal experiences or insights led you to focus on this mission?

With the support and trust of over 51 million global registered users, Bybit deeply values the importance of giving back to the community. This sense of responsibility inspired me to explore how blockchain could be used for positive social impact, which led to the founding of the Blockchain for Good Alliance.

We believe that by leveraging the power of blockchain, we can help address real-world problems and make a meaningful difference. The Alliance is our way of ensuring that blockchain contributes to solving pressing global challenges.

As a founder of Moledao, what inspired you to focus on developing blockchain talent? What gaps do you see in the current landscape for growing future leaders in this space?

Moledao has two primary missions. First, we aim to empower entrepreneurs, recognizing how challenging it can be to build and complete projects without adequate support.

We encourage these builders to stay true to their vision and persevere. Second, we’re focused on creating a “LinkedIn for blockchain talent.” The crypto industry is still in its infancy compared to traditional sectors, with many young leaders who have ambitious mindsets but require guidance. Moledao acts as a mentor, offering leadership, direction, and a platform where blockchain professionals can connect with alumni, find support, and access job opportunities.

Additionally, Moledao’s Founder Club and Hackathons help incubate new projects, providing entrepreneurs with a community of like-minded individuals to share ideas, offer mentorship, and support each other’s growth. These initiatives aim to nurture talent and build the next generation of blockchain leaders.

What are some personal habits or practices that help you stay effective and balanced while managing the complexities of a global operation in such a dynamic industry?

While I’m naturally a workaholic, I make time for activities like hiking and swimming, often with colleagues. These moments not only help me recharge but also open many new windows seeing a topic.

The casual interactions, especially with colleagues from different age groups, often spark new ideas and fresh perspectives. Balancing these activities with my work helps me stay energized and continuously think of doing the right things to drive immediate success and long-term vision.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in emerging technologies?

My advice to all young talents aspiring to leadership roles in emerging technologies is to stay hungry but humbly. While achieving success is rewarding, it’s important to focus on long-term goals rather than just short-term wins.

Also, never settle too quickly — always be open to learning and trying something new. The tech is constantly evolving, and a mindset of continuous growth will help you navigate effectively in this space.

As women leaders, I believe our strength lies in operational excellence. For example, structuring a solid go-to-market plan, closely tracking metrics, and reflecting on outcomes before launching the next initiative.

This same attention to detail can be applied across many missions. I find that women often excel when it comes to ensuring things are done with precision and excellence.

Looking back at your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how has it shaped your vision for the future of both your personal and professional life?

One of the proudest moments in my career was when Bybit became the world’s second-largest crypto exchange. To be honest, it was a great surprise, especially with such a lean team — yet, it was also the most committed team.

What makes this accomplishment so special is that our focus was never on chasing rankings. Instead, we dedicated ourselves to building trust and confidence with customers through products and services.

The recognition we’ve received has far exceeded our expectations, and it proves that our approach and efforts are on the right path. We are more engaged, to make even better achievements, to our clients, and to the industry.