I was born and raised in Hunan, China, a province known for its spicy food, fiery spirit, and deep-rooted traditions. Growing up in a close-knit family, I was surrounded by strong values: work hard, stay humble, and always look out for others. I never imagined back then that one day I’d be sitting at a boardroom table in New York, negotiating partnerships across three continents. My journey from Hunan to building a global platform has been anything but linear, but every step has been guided by a blend of cultural intuition, strategic thinking, and a heart for service.
Early Roots: Lessons from Hunan
Hunan shaped who I am in more ways than one. My parents ran a small business in our hometown, and I watched them pour every ounce of energy into making it work. I saw firsthand what entrepreneurship looked like, not the glamorous kind you see in magazines, but the real kind that involves late nights, family sacrifices, and relentless determination.
Even as a child, I was fascinated by how things worked and how people made decisions. I asked too many questions, always wanted to help, and loved figuring out solutions. Looking back, those were early signs of the entrepreneur in me. But at the time, I was just a curious girl with big dreams and no roadmap.
Stepping Into a Bigger World
My first major step toward those dreams was leaving China to study abroad. I still remember landing in a new country with a heavy suitcase and an even heavier sense of responsibility. I didn’t just want to succeed for myself, I wanted to honor the sacrifices my family made to give me this opportunity.
Navigating life in a new culture was challenging at first. I had to learn quickly not just the language, but how to read between the lines in conversations, how to pitch ideas in ways that resonated, and how to find my footing in a world that felt unfamiliar. But I also discovered that my background gave me an edge. I brought with me a work ethic forged in family grit, a sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics, and an eagerness to learn.
The Spark of an Idea
My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with a grand vision. It started with a simple problem: I kept seeing over and over talented individuals with incredible ideas or products who struggled to break into new markets. Whether it was a designer in Shanghai, a developer in Nairobi, or a consultant in Toronto, they faced the same hurdles: lack of access, lack of visibility, and a disconnect between their talent and global demand.
I realized I could do something about that. With a background in business strategy and a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western business cultures, I started building what would eventually become a platform to help creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses scale globally.
Building a Global Platform
Launching a global venture wasn’t easy. I faced all the usual hurdles, funding challenges, team dynamics, tech delays but I also encountered something harder to quantify: doubt. Some questioned whether a Chinese woman could lead a cross-border business or navigate markets as varied as North America, Asia, and the Middle East. But I never let those doubts define me.
Instead, I leaned into what made my perspective unique. I focused on building bridges between cultures, between industries, and between people. I believed (and still do) that entrepreneurship is about solving problems with empathy, and that global businesses work best when they’re grounded in mutual respect and local insight.
Today, our platform connects entrepreneurs across the globe with resources, mentorship, and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. And while there’s still much to do, I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
Cross-Cultural Insight as a Superpower
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that cultural intelligence is just as important as business intelligence. Being able to walk into a room and understand what’s not being said, to recognize the silent cues, and to tailor your message without losing authenticity are powerful tools.
As someone who straddles East and West, I often act as a translator not just of language, but of context and values. I help teams understand each other, investors feel confident in cross-border deals, and entrepreneurs feel seen and supported. In a world that moves quickly and spans continents, that human touch makes all the difference.
Staying Grounded in Service
At the heart of everything I do is a passion for service. Whether I’m mentoring a young founder, building a partnership, or speaking on a panel, I always come back to the same question: How can I help?
This mindset was shaped by my upbringing, but it’s also something I’ve seen echoed in successful leaders around the world. The most enduring businesses aren’t built just on profits, they’re built on purpose. I believe that when we serve others, we all rise.
The Journey Is Still Unfolding
From Hunan to the world stage, my journey has been full of challenges, surprises, and moments of quiet clarity. I’ve learned that success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how willing you are to keep going, to adapt, and to stay true to who you are.
To anyone reading this who’s just starting their own journey: don’t wait for perfect timing or permission. Build your vision step by step, stay curious, and lead with heart. The world needs your voice—no matter where you’re from.