Li Xiaobing—You Might Not Know Him: Walking the Streets in High Heels

Some have summarized that the three major drivers propelling economic growth and social progress in the 21st century are: the web, weather, and women. As both a workforce and a growing consumer base, women’s influence continues to evolve with the times. In countries like the United States and China, women already account for roughly 50% of the labor market, and their representation among top-level executives in politics and business is steadily increasing.

If we say that today's Chinese women represent a group among women worldwide undergoing profound transformation, we can also simultaneously affirm that they are perhaps the group experiencing the most intense inner ideological conflicts. They are not only crafting what may well be the happiest of lives, but also navigating what could very likely be the most intricate and complex emotional journeys—journeys that mirror both each woman’s personal growth and the evolution of our entire era.

Life is generally peaceful, yet there’s always a ripple in the heart—this, after all, is already the best possible state of living. However, reality remains: it’s hard to be a person, harder to be a woman, and even harder to run a business. And when a woman ventures into entrepreneurship, the challenges multiply—making it an uphill battle indeed.

Financial writer Wu Xiaobo has a book titled "Turbulent Thirty Years," which primarily chronicles the rise and evolution of China's corporate leaders—both big and small—over the past three decades since the country embarked on its reform and opening-up policy in 1978. The book captures the passion, struggles, exuberance, and unease experienced by China's business elite as they navigated the transition from a planned economy to a vibrant commercial society. In his preface, Wu writes: "When this era arrives, it is unstoppable. All things burst forth in unbridled growth, as dust gives way to dawn, rivers converge into mighty streams, nameless hills transform into towering peaks, and heaven and earth unite in breathtaking grandeur."

General Manager Li says she often finds herself contemplating problems at an altitude of 30,000 feet—soaring high above the clouds. In fact, many of her questions actually get answered right during those very flights. Perhaps, in her eyes, the breathtaking, ethereal beauty of the clouds and sky serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and ever-shifting landscape of the business world. As she puts it, "The greatest vistas lie atop the most treacherous peaks." Because she deeply understands the challenges and uncertainties of entrepreneurship, she strives to embrace simplicity and ease in her journey. And as a female entrepreneur who happens to be especially fond of beauty, she reflects: For women, what does clothing truly mean? She explains that when a woman dons a stunning outfit, it’s her way of expressing her innermost self—and of immersing herself fully in her own unique, personal realm.

Every time she returns from abroad, her suitcases—both large and small—are always packed to the brim with an incredible variety of clothes. She has an undeniable urge to show off her beautiful outfits. Without getting tired of it, she’ll patiently try each piece on for us, effortlessly mixing and matching countless styles and colors. What’s even more fascinating is that she meticulously coordinates accessories too—earrings, necklaces, and bracelets—all perfectly paired according to her own unique flair. And here’s the real kicker: using principles of probability, she somehow manages to discover endless, delightful combinations. Watching her experiment with clothes always makes me want to burst into laughter. For instance, when trying on a particular dress, she’ll match it with socks in entirely different colors. But how does she decide which socks to wear? Simple—she always has a clever trick up her sleeve! She’ll slip one sock of each color onto her feet, leaving the extra pair dangling between her legs like a playful accessory. If that’s still not enough fun, she’ll even extend the colorful contrast to her arms as well.

Every time she goes on a business trip, she packs an enormous pile of clothes—hats, shoes, scarves, and even glasses—always coming up with something new and creative. We jokingly tease her, saying she’d need eight big trucks just to carry all her outfits! Or maybe we should just set up a mobile wardrobe instead. And don’t forget the portable changing room—once that’s mentioned, she gets even more excited. In fact, she’ll go ahead and toss in her swimsuit too, twirling and dancing with sheer delight as she cheerfully offers to "wash my eyes" again.

High heels and the江湖—clearly two utterly opposing realms. The江湖is fraught with danger, often leaving one feeling trapped and uncertain. Yet, at every turn and in every corner, the江湖constantly creates complications in a woman’s life. For Li Xiaobing, though, navigating the江湖on high heels isn’t nearly as unsteady or clumsy as people might imagine.

I often imagine the little soldier walking alone into the terminal, pulling her suitcase behind her—her back somehow carrying a hint of solitude. Yet, this solitude doesn’t feel lonely or bleak; instead, it evokes a spirited and majestic energy that truly uplifts the spirit. After all, striding confidently in high heels through life has its own unique flair of boldness and grace.

Over the years, the company has been thriving, achieving remarkable success across various fields—research, marketing, and management—thanks to its increasingly mature, inclusive, open, and steady mindset, as well as its ever-more confident, poised, and从容不迫 (calm and collected) business strategy.

In 2012, it marked the 20th anniversary of Dadi. Led by Commander Xiaobing, we embarked on a journey—from Shenyang to Zhengzhou, Foshan, Weifang, Jiuzhaigou, Beijing, and finally Chengdu—sharing Dadi’s technology, culture, and reputation along the way. We did so through a unique combination of technical seminars and artistic performances, traveling steadily from south to north, and from east to west. This experience reminds me of an inspiring anecdote: During World War II, a journalist asked British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, "Which is more important—Shakespeare or India?" Churchill replied, "I’d rather lose 50 Indias than one Shakespeare." This remarkable statesman understood that what truly shapes a nation’s global influence isn’t its size of territory or its GDP—it’s the depth and richness of its culture. And isn’t this equally true for a company or even an individual?

During the technology lecture tours and cultural performances, many touching stories unfolded, fostering countless friendships as precious as gold—and strengthening the team spirit of the "Great Emperor," which is as solid and invaluable as gold itself.