Summary: From Shanghai to New York, and then from New York to Hong Kong, while recounting past stories, Jessica humorously calls herself 'having traveled half a lifetime, I return still a youth.'

Article Author: Lesean, MetaEra

Growth: Eyes filled with stories, face free of frost.

In the workplace, she is decisive and efficient; in life, she is casual, natural, and charming. Her Aquarian traits of approachability and free innovation, along with decades of continuous learning and fitness, make her not only appear young and agile but also full of vitality in thought and action.

"Having traveled half a lifetime, I suddenly look back. I have studied for two master's degrees and am pursuing a PhD. I have lived in seven cities across four continents. I have experienced eight years as a senior professional manager and eight years as a circular entrepreneur." While discussing the topic of 'growth' with reporters, Jessica slowly spoke, her eyes filled with stories, as if all of this were right in front of her. 'My life has always been about bidding farewell to the past. Every time I ask myself, 'If life is repetitive day by day, should you make a change?' - often at this moment, I already have the answer. In fact, the few key turning points in our lives generally occur outside of plans. To find their intrinsic motivation, it requires us to wisely recognize our limitations in times of great change and have the courage to bid farewell to yesterday's self and face the new unknown with composure.'

Turning Point: If one has never seen the world, how can they speak of a worldview?

"I love to share a quote with my friends: 'If one has never seen the world, how can they speak of a worldview?' Jessica continued: 'The ancients taught us, 'Read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles, and make friends from all directions.' In fact, what we see, what we aspire to, the heights we reach, the businesses we engage in, the wealth we create, and the friends we interact with... that is our world.'

When asked about the 'turning points in life', Jessica replied, 'Looking back over the past decade, from a values perspective, studying, working, and settling in the United States was one of the important turning points in my life. It reshaped my value system based on multiculturalism, inclusiveness, freedom, and equality, allowing me to follow my heart and do the right thing in every choice I make without confusion or worry. From a career perspective, entering the Web3 industry and meeting a great group of entrepreneurial partners was another important turning point. It opened an accelerated path for a Chinese immigrant across the ocean and made my transition to a circular entrepreneur particularly firm and calm. Now returning to Hong Kong to start a business and study, I know this will be another exciting turning point. 'Having traveled half a lifetime, I return still a youth.' I remain honest, sincere, and ambitious; I can now better understand this world and have greater strength. I want to do better things and I will certainly do better.'

Challenge: Female leaders should be brave to be themselves.

When asked about the challenges of 'female leaders', Jessica shared, 'People often say that humility and peace are virtues of women, but in the career arena, women cannot benefit from these virtues. You should know that at work, what is usually most suitable for us is work we are less than halfway competent in, as only then will you have room to learn and continuously improve until you are fully competent. If you have already reached 90% competency in your work, it is time to trigger change and seek a more challenging opportunity. Whether or not you feel you have 100% of the ability to try for a higher position or lead a new project, you should courageously lean in and challenge yourself.'

"The true opponent in life is oneself." Perhaps this is why Jessica bravely makes changes time and again. From traditional industries to Web3, from professional manager to circular entrepreneur, from New York to Hong Kong, she has never stopped at obtaining and possessing, nor has she been limited by her identity as a woman. On the contrary, she believes that the Web3 industry offers more opportunities for women. 'Compared to traditional industries, the Web3 industry is actually less rigid, creating more opportunities for women to enter higher positions. If you have your own professional field, such as product design, market operations, data analysis, financial management, etc., joining early and maintaining fast learning and growth will give you many opportunities to become an industry OG or corporate executive. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Web3 industry is more inclined to provide flexible working arrangements, which helps women better balance work responsibilities and family obligations. After working in Hong Kong, I found that women in the workplace here are very independent, career-oriented, well-educated, and economically empowered,' Jessica added, 'But in Eastern culture, most men see the pursuit of wealth and power as a given and treat their careers as life. Women need to better handle multiple roles and achieve a dynamic balance between family and career over the long term. This requires them to be braver in being themselves and managing multiple roles.'

Achievement: Passion can withstand the long years.

When asked about achievements and plans, Jessica smiled and said, 'I like the word plan, but I don't like to make plans. Simply making [plans] is not enough; what matters more is achieving [results]. In our lives, the most scarce thing is time. By being [goal]-oriented, managing our resources and energy well, we can leverage the time.' Speaking of achievements, she continued, 'I am fortunate that MetaEra achieved a tenfold business growth and doubled valuation growth in 2024. Over the past year, we found the right strategy and positioning for the company and made good results in both marketing and conference services. This is the result of the team's joint efforts.'

"If we talk about what small goals I have for my career and life in 2025," she continued, "the following will definitely appear in my top three: First, stabilize the innovative technology business line of MetaEra, achieving at least 100% revenue growth and more than double valuation growth; second, during my PhD studies, systematically sort and iterate my theoretical knowledge framework to apply it in Web3 business practice cases; third, during my time in Hong Kong, spend more time and occasions with my mother.'

Speaking of hobbies, Jessica's answer is also impressive: 'Focus and simplicity are the secrets to my happy life, allowing more time for important things. Deep reading and independent thinking are necessary; communication with high-cognition individuals from different cultural backgrounds is important, and they deserve a certain proportion of time; no matter how busy I am, I will set aside relatively stable fitness time, as good physical function gives me more energy and efficiency.'

"If I am lucky enough to have a whole vacation, I will go skiing." Jessica said with a smile, as the spring sun of March shone on her, making it seem as though she was already standing on the pristine, vast snowy field.

Jessica's Profile

Jessica is currently the CEO of MetaEra. She was a co-founder and COO of the digital currency trading platform BitMart, and has managed supply chain financial products at the BOCE (China Bohai Commodity Exchange).

Jessica holds a Master's degree in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Hong Kong's Business School.