Helen Yu, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Tigon Advisory Corp, a visionary in the tech industry with a remarkable trajectory. With a diverse background spanning finance and technology, Helen has carved her path as a leader, entrepreneur, and influencer in the field. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Helen Yu as one of the Impactful Women in Finance, 2024.
Helen wears multiple hats in the tech realm. As the CEO of Tigon Advisory Corp, co-founder of Dark Cryptonight, and the Host of CXO Spice, she brings a wealth of experience in technology leadership, cybersecurity, and go-to-market strategy. Her influence extends beyond the boardroom, serving as a board director at KeenFolks and Communications Engineering Company (CEC). Helen, acclaimed as one of the Top 50 Women in Tech and a Top 30 Thought Leader in AI and Cybersecurity, is a highly sought-after speaker at prestigious events globally. Her book, “Ascend Your Startup,” not only achieved critical acclaim but also secured three book awards, in addition to its recognition as a Wall Street Journal Best Seller.
Helen’s journey began in the finance industry, where she honed her skills as an accountant and financial analyst. However, fueled by curiosity and a hunger for learning, she transitioned into the tech arena. From coding as a Hyperion consultant to leading startup accelerators, Helen’s career is a testament to her adaptability and tenacity.
“Helen’s experiences underscore the importance of resilience, mentorship, and a dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion.”
Transitioning from finance to technology presented its share of challenges, but Helen tackled them head-on. Her ability to embrace curiosity and learning agility proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of the tech landscape. Curiosity, learning agility, strategic vision, and a commitment to social responsibility are the cornerstones of Helen’s success. Her ability to turn vision into measurable results and navigate challenges has set her apart in the industry. Helen stays updated on industry trends through continuous learning, active participation in conferences, and board directorship roles. This proactive approach ensures she remains at the forefront of advancements in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. From driving multibillion-dollar revenue growth for tech giants to founding her own startup accelerator, Helen’s career is marked by notable accomplishments. Her ability to pivot and thrive in diverse roles underscores her resilience and strategic acumen.
Despite progress, women still face barriers in reaching upper management in the finance industry. Helen advocates for sponsorship opportunities and fostering inclusive environments to address these challenges. For Helen, integrating work and personal life is key to maintaining balance. Seeking guidance from a personal Board of Directors helps her navigate the complexities of her career while prioritizing well-being and relationships.
As a leader, Helen Yu prioritizes diversity and inclusion by cultivating a culture that celebrates different perspectives and talents. She ensures equal opportunities for growth and actively supports minority leaders, many of whom have risen to CEO positions within Fortune brands. By championing diversity, Helen fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Over the years, the role of women in finance has seen positive advancements, but Helen envisions even greater progress. She hopes for continued growth, with women occupying more leadership roles and the industry becoming more inclusive and supportive of female professionals.
Helen acknowledges the impact of mentors like Keith Block, Phil Fernandez, and Jason Holmes, who instilled valuable lessons in Enterprise sales, start-up scale up through delivering customer excellence. Dave Roberts played a pivotal role in her journey by teaching her the intricacies of coding. The guidance and support from Ilene Gordon, Jill Marcotte, and Sue Buchanan have played an integral role on her path as a Board Director. Their mentorship and sponsorship transcend specific roles, shaping Helen’s mindset and contributing significantly to her professional development.
“Her vision for the future paves the way for continued progress and empowerment in the dynamic world of finance.”
Advice for Aspiring Women in Finance:
For young women aspiring to succeed in finance, Helen emphasizes the importance of curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. She encourages them to continuously seek knowledge, ask impactful questions, and challenge themselves to excel in their field.
Helen believes the finance industry can contribute to addressing broader societal challenges by promoting diversity, supporting gender equality initiatives, and integrating sustainable practices into financial strategies. By aligning financial decisions with societal goals, the industry can drive positive change on a global scale.
In her decision-making processes, Helen balances strategic vision with tactical execution. Seeking guidance from her personal Board of Directors helps her navigate risks and uncertainties, ensuring informed and calculated decisions in the dynamic tech landscape.
With the increasing prominence of technology in finance, Helen sees women playing vital roles in driving innovation, shaping digital strategies, and contributing to the evolving landscape of financial technology. Women have the opportunity to lead and thrive in areas like fintech and digital finance, driving transformative change within the industry. Helen’s vision for the future of women in finance centers on sustained progress, equal representation, and empowerment. To achieve this vision, she advocates for continuous learning, calculated risk-taking, and fostering supportive communities through networking and mentorship. With determination and resilience, women can break down barriers and shape the future of finance on their own terms.
Helen Yu’s journey from finance to tech leadership is a testament to her resilience, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, her story serves as a beacon of empowerment in the tech industry. Helen’s experiences underscore the importance of resilience, mentorship, and a dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion. Her forward-thinking vision for the future of finance not only propels her own success but also sets the stage for continued progress and empowerment within the dynamic realm of finance.
“Helen Yu’s journey and insights serve as a beacon of inspiration for women in finance.”
