Hong Wei Liao was born in Hunan, China, and now lives in Toronto, Canada. Her journey started with strong roots in education and family. She earned a master’s degree and raised five children—each finding their own path in business, education, and community service. From the beginning, she believed success wasn’t just about achievements, but about values.
Over time, Liao became known not for seeking attention, but for giving it. She founded and now leads the Botrich Family Wealth Heritage and Development Center, where she helps families think deeply about legacy—what we leave behind not just in wealth, but in people. Based in Toronto, Botrich brings together education, mentorship, legal planning, wellness, and family connection.
Liao has also worked for years supporting youth and women. Through the Canada Youth Funding Association, she has helped many students reach top universities. She mentors young entrepreneurs, supports global education efforts with UNICEF, and sponsors cultural programs like Global Kids Icon and Vancouver Beauty Dance World.
Her recognitions include medals from Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, and her leadership as Life Honorary Chair of the North America United Global Women’s Association speaks to her long-standing impact.
Hong Wei Liao believes in quiet leadership, steady service, and empowering the next generation. Her life reminds us that success can be strong and still, rooted in purpose and community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days begin early, often before sunrise, with tea and quiet reflection. I start by reviewing my commitments, but I always take time to read something unrelated to business—poetry, cultural history, or philosophy. This helps ground me. Then I move into meetings and project work. I reserve part of the day for mentoring sessions, writing, or supporting events. I keep my calendar simple and focused—three main priorities a day. That’s it. If I complete those, the day is a success.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I let them sit for a while. I don’t rush. If an idea keeps returning to me after a week or two, I write it down. Then I speak with two or three trusted people who bring different perspectives—one practical, one emotional, one visionary. I test the idea in conversation before I move on it.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Community-led mentorship. Young people are turning to each other, not just experts, for support. I see this at CYFA events. Peer-to-peer leadership is growing, and I believe it will shape more sustainable movements.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Every evening, I write a short note about something that worked and something that didn’t. It helps me close the day with clarity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of slowness. Fast results fade. Slow progress lasts. Learn to trust timing, not just effort.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That art is essential in wealth planning. I believe music, dance, and visual storytelling are part of family legacy and should be included in intergenerational discussions.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Sponsor or mentor one person every year who doesn’t have access to the same privileges you do. Even quietly. Even anonymously.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk without my phone. I look at buildings, nature, strangers’ expressions. It resets my brain.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust over time. With clients, I never push for quick decisions. I listen first. I follow up later. That rhythm builds lasting partnerships.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I tried to organize too many services too quickly. It overwhelmed clients. I learned to simplify and introduce new elements slowly. People need time to absorb change.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a global mentorship exchange platform—young leaders in Toronto could mentor students in rural China, and vice versa. There’s power in cross-cultural peer learning.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello in a very simple way. Just three columns: “Think About,” “Doing,” and “Done.” It keeps my projects focused.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke. It reminds me that even leaders need to sit in uncertainty and listen to their inner voice.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Minari. It’s a quiet, beautiful story about family, migration, struggle, and hope. I saw so much of my own experience reflected in it.
Key learnings
- Slow growth and small habits often create the most lasting impact.
- Mentorship doesn’t need to be formal—small, consistent support matters.
- Cross-cultural exchange can be a powerful tool for mutual learning.
- Legacy isn’t only about wealth—it’s also built through culture and creativity.
- Simple systems and quiet reflection can anchor productivity and clarity.