Say YES More Often | Nelson Daniel Lopez

"I'm a great believer that saying YES is a lot more fun than saying NO." – Richard Branson

Hi, I’m Nelson Daniel Lopez. One lesson that has shaped my journey is this: saying YES opens doors to incredible opportunities.

Throughout my career, every YES has led to personal and professional growth. Over the past decade in people management and five years in Web3, each decision to embrace new challenges has transformed careers, businesses, and entire industries. Saying YES has connected me with visionary founders, investors, and leaders shaping the future of decentralization.

Taking Action Over Potential

Belief in potential alone is not enough—taking action makes the difference. As the CEO of XFounders, a Web3 accelerator, the focus remains on helping startups grow, innovate, and push the limits of blockchain technology. Each opportunity embraced has led to contributions in projects disrupting traditional industries and creating real impact.

The journey has not always been easy, but stepping out of comfort zones has unlocked extraordinary growth. Success does not require having all the answers but it requires saying YES to new possibilities.

Psychology, Leadership, and Web3

The journey started with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, focusing on human behavior, emotions, and decision-making. Surprisingly, this background has proven essential in the tech world.

Web3 revolves around people—global teams, decentralized leadership, and rapid innovation. Psychology has played a key role in building high-performing teams, shaping strong company cultures, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of blockchain and crypto.

A major leap involved leading HR operations for Gate.io across more than 15 locations. Managing diverse cultures, remote teams, and fast-growing environments required adaptability, leadership, and a willingness to embrace challenges.

The transition into venture capital and accelerators presented another opportunity to say YES. At XFounders, efforts focus on designing startup bootcamps to equip founders with essential skills, creating investment opportunities, and expanding a portfolio with a target valuation of $500 million.

Lessons from Horse Riding

Beyond work, a lifelong passion for horse riding has shaped my understanding of leadership in profound ways. At first glance, riding may seem like a simple act of control—guiding a horse with reins and physical commands. In reality, true mastery comes from trust, mindfulness, and connection.

Horses are incredibly intuitive animals. They do not respond well to force or rigid control but rather to subtle cues and energy. A rider must develop an unspoken bond, learning to communicate through body language, posture, and even emotions. If a rider is anxious or distracted, the horse senses it immediately. The key to effective riding is presence—staying fully engaged in the moment, reading the horse’s movements, and adjusting in real time.

This approach mirrors leadership in Web3 and beyond. In a decentralized, fast-evolving industry, imposing rigid control does not work. Effective leadership comes from creating alignment, fostering trust, and adapting to an ever-changing landscape. Just as a rider must learn to work with a horse rather than against it, a leader must understand the rhythm of their team, industry, and challenges.

Horse riding also teaches resilience. There are moments when things do not go as planned—a horse may resist, the terrain may be difficult, or a misstep may occur. Success does not come from forcing control but from staying composed, recalibrating, and continuing forward with confidence.

In Web3, where uncertainty and disruption are the norms, these lessons are invaluable. The best leaders are not those who try to dominate every situation but those who build strong, trusting teams, adapt to change, and move forward with agility and purpose.

The Power of Saying YES

If one message could reach my younger self, it would be this: say YES more often.

Life is filled with moments where hesitation creeps in, where doubt makes opportunities seem too risky, too overwhelming, or simply out of reach. But growth does not happen in comfort zones—it happens in the moments when we choose to step forward despite uncertainty.

Say YES to new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. The best chances in life often come disguised as challenges. Whether it is a new job, an unfamiliar industry, or a role outside your comfort zone, taking that first step opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.

Say YES to learning new skills, even when they appear difficult. Every expert was once a beginner. The skills that seem impossible today will become second nature tomorrow, but only if you are willing to start. The world is evolving rapidly, and those who commit to continuous learning will always stay ahead.

Say YES to connecting with people who inspire growth. Success is rarely a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with ambitious, knowledgeable, and supportive individuals accelerates progress in ways you never imagined. Every meaningful relationship, whether personal or professional, begins with the simple act of reaching out.

Success does not come from waiting for the perfect moment. It comes from taking action. There will never be a time when everything feels fully aligned, when risks completely disappear, or when uncertainty no longer exists. Every breakthrough, innovation, and game-changing idea starts with someone willing to say YES despite not having all the answers.

For those standing at a crossroads, unsure of what comes next, the answer is simple: embrace the unknown. The future does not belong to those who play it safe but it belongs to those who step forward, take risks, and trust their ability to figure things out along the way. Are you ready?