Helen Yu: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur & CEO, Driving Innovation and Growth in the Digital Age

Helen Yu is a renowned entrepreneur, CEO, and author, with a successful career spanning over 20 years. As the founder and CEO of Tigon Advisory Corp, she brings a unique blend of technology expertise, AI and cybersecurity risk management, go-to-market strategy, and customer experience to her work. With a proven track record of driving growth and profitability at ambitious companies, including early-stage startups, pre-IPOs, and Fortune 500 enterprises such as Oracle, Adobe, and Marketo, Helen has established herself as a thought leader in the industry. Recognized for her accomplishments, she has been named among the Top 50 women in Tech by Award Magazine, Top 5 influencer in Financial Services by Onalytica, Top 10 influencer in Digital Transformation by IBM, and Top 30 global thought leader in 10 categories by Thinkers360.

Recently, Helen Yu shared her insights and experiences with us at Business Outstanders, discussing her entrepreneurial journey, her role as a CEO & Founder at Tigon Advisory Corp. and Board Director at Communications Engineering Company (CEC) and KEENFOLKS, and her personal inspirations. 

In Conversation with Helen Yu.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome the challenges of starting a business?

I've always been fascinated by the idea of building something from scratch. After working in the corporate world for several years, I realized that I wanted to create a business that would allow me to make a real difference in people's lives. Starting a business was not easy, but I overcame the challenges by surrounding myself with a supportive team, being willing to take calculated risks, and being open to learning from failures.

As a successful entrepreneur, what are some key lessons you've learned about building a successful business, and how do you apply them to your own company?

Some key lessons I've learned include the importance of having a strong vision, being adaptable, and focusing on solving real-world problems. I apply these lessons to my own company by constantly seeking feedback from customers and employees, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and prioritizing innovation and continuous learning.

What drove you to establish Tigon Advisory Corp, and what does the company's mission and vision mean to you?

I established Tigon Advisory Corp to help businesses overcome the "5 Disconnects" that hinder their growth. Our mission is to empower CEOs to make data-driven decisions that drive business success. This mission is deeply personal to me because I believe that every business has the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

How do you approach digital transformation in your company, and what strategies have been most effective in driving growth and profitability?

I believe that digital transformation is not just about implementing technology, but also about changing the way we think and work. Our most effective strategies have been focused on leveraging data analytics, prioritizing customer experience, and embracing continuous learning.

You've had a remarkable career spanning over 20 years, working with top companies like Oracle, Adobe, and Marketo. What advice would you give to women looking to break into the tech industry?

My advice is to embrace curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. Mastery of technical skills is not solely dependent on having an engineering degree, but on asking the right questions and continuously seeking knowledge. I also believe that it's essential to build a strong network of mentors and peers who can support and guide you throughout your journey.

As a Board Director at CEC and KEENFOLKS, what do you think are the most important qualities for effective leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own work?

I believe that effective leadership requires a combination of effective communication, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. As a Board Director at CEC and KEENFOLKS, I strive to embody these qualities by providing guidance and support to the company's leadership team, while also being open to feedback and willing to learn from others.

You've spoken at numerous conferences and events, including IRM, SXSW, and TiECon. What do you think are the most pressing issues facing women in tech today, and how can we address them?

Some of the most pressing issues facing women in tech today include lack of representation on boards, limited access to funding for women-led startups, and unconscious bias in the workplace. To address these issues, I believe that we need to create more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, provide sponsorship programs for women entrepreneurs, and promote more women to the Board room and CEOs.

How do you prioritize your time and energy as a busy entrepreneur, CEO, and Board Director? What self-care practices do you incorporate into your daily routine?

Prioritizing my time and energy is crucial for me! I focus on high-priority tasks, delegate responsibilities when possible, and take breaks to recharge. I also incorporate self-care practices like meditation, yoga, hiking, and spending time with loved ones into my daily routine.

You've been recognized for your thought leadership in various areas, including technology, finance, and digital transformation. What drives your passion for innovation and entrepreneurship?

My passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is driven by my desire to solve real-world problems using technology. I believe that innovation can lead to significant social impact, and I'm excited to be a part of this movement.

What key lessons or advice have you learned throughout your career that you would share with others?

Some key lessons I've learned include the importance of having a strong vision, being adaptable, and focusing on solving real-world problems. I also believe that it's essential to build a strong network of mentors, challengers and peers who can support and guide you throughout your journey.

Lastly, looking ahead to the next five years, what are some of the most exciting trends or developments that you see emerging in the tech industry?

I'm excited about the accessibility of AI with increased proven business value, cybersecurity solutions that make the world safer, and smart manufacturing revolution. These trends will continue to transform the way we work and live.

About: Helen Yu

Helen Yu is the CEO & Founder at Tigon Advisory Corp. and Board Director at Communications Engineering Company (CEC) and KEENFOLKS.

As a successful entrepreneur and thought leader in the tech industry, Helen had the privilege of building a career spanning over 20 years. Her journey has been marked by numerous awards and recognition for my contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Embrace curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. Don't let fear of failure hold you back."

LinkedIn: Helen Yu

Company Domain: https://tigonadvisory.com/

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Youtube channel:www.youtube.com/c/helenyu

Follow her on X: https://x.com/YuHelenYu