Becoming a star in the world of cryptocurrency isn't easy. It is a world filled with some of the most brilliant minds on the planet. Somehow Changpeng Zhao has managed to stay relevant as the CEO of Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Many say that he has done that by taking a progressive approach that has resulted in many innovative leaps for Binance.

2019 was a bear market for cryptocurrency. Despite the tough times Zhao managed to keep Binance moving forward with things like its own blockchain platform and a US trading desk. Zhao also advanced futures trading for Bitcoin. Binance became one of the first major cryptocurrency exchanges to have a successful futures trading platform.

When one listens to Changpeng Zhao, or CZ as he is know to his associates, the impression is one of humility. Zhao is quick to minimize his own role in the growth of Binance by giving the credit to his team. Those who work with CZ will tell a different story about a man who is driven to work long hours.

Zhao is also known for maintaining a simple lifestyle despite the successes he has achieved with Binance. He doesn't really pursue materialistic goals. Instead he derives his satisfaction from the success of Binance.

Cryptocurrency is known for being a volatile endeavor. CZ thinks that a part of his success is that he has learned to remain calm in the face of tremendous pressure. He doesn't allow the day-to-day chaos of cryptocurrency to dictate his methods. He tries to look at the big picture instead.

When it comes to cryptocurrency Changpeng Zhao is big on Bitcoin. He is definitely optimistic about where Bitcoin is headed, but more so about the important role of Bitcoin to the entire crypto landscape.

Everyone who knows CZ is eagerly watching to see what new innovations he will come up with as Bitcoin and crypto move into a new decade.