In this episode of Badass Women in Business, we sit down with Yuki Bi, global advertising executive and co-founder of Helios Worldwide. Yuki shares how her journey from a Canadian ad intern to leading a private equity-backed global consultancy has been shaped by risk, reinvention, and relentless self-awareness.
This conversation goes beyond the polished version of success. Yuki opens up about leading a 500-person team at the height of her career, losing half that team in one difficult moment, and how that experience transformed her approach to leadership. She talks about learning to lead across cultures, building long-term partnerships, and how she has grown by facing her own vulnerabilities rather than hiding them.
From navigating gender bias in conservative markets to rethinking business as a deeply personal endeavor, Yuki brings nuance, honesty, and strategic clarity. Whether you are scaling globally or just trying to figure out your next move, her story will leave you grounded and inspired.
Show Notes
Guest: Yuki Bi, CEO and Co-Founder of Helios Worldwide
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yukun-yuki-bi-08638153
Topics Covered:
- Building a truly global independent agency with a unified culture
- The turning point moment when burnout led to losing half her team
- How WPI supports global collaboration between independent agencies
- The difference between cultural nuance and cultural stereotypes in advertising
- The power of “slow dating” in business partnerships and what to watch for
- Reframing guilt and pressure as a woman in leadership
- Why knowing your weaknesses can be a leadership strength
- Lessons from working across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East
- Moving beyond the service model to become a growth partner
- What she wishes more women would embrace when scaling a business
Three Takeaways
- Leadership is about responsibility, not ego. You cannot walk away when it gets hard.
- Weaknesses, when acknowledged and shared, can build deeper trust than strengths ever could.
- Long-term growth requires clear roles, honest partnership, and the discipline to walk away when values do not align.
Call to Action
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