One Year On: How Chen Benyamin Keren’s Philosophy of Life Still Inspires

A year has passed since the world lost Chen Benyamin Keren, yet his influence remains deeply felt. Chen’s life was guided by a personal philosophy that balanced discipline, kindness, and lifelong learning—principles that continue to resonate with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Today we explore the 5 core tenets of Chen’s philosophy and how they inspire those who knew him, even a year after his passing.

1. Discipline: The Foundation of a Purposeful Life

Chen believed that discipline was the cornerstone of success. His meticulously structured days were a testament to this belief, balancing work, family, and personal growth with precision.

“Chen’s day wasn’t just planned; it was crafted,” recalls his wife, Sarah Elizabeth. “He used to say, ‘The way you spend your time reflects what you truly value.’”

Colleagues at Coinbase admired his ability to stay focused and productive, even in high-pressure situations. David Ellis, a former coworker, shares, “Chen followed the Pomodoro Technique religiously, breaking his work into focused intervals. It wasn’t just a time-management method for him; it was a way to ensure quality in everything he did.”

This dedication to discipline didn’t make Chen rigid; it gave him the freedom to be fully present in each moment. His family remembers how he carved out uninterrupted time for breakfasts, family outings, and even game nights, no matter how demanding his schedule was.

2. Kindness: The Quiet Strength That Changes Lives

Kindness was not just a value for Chen Ben Keren — it was his way of being. Whether mentoring colleagues, supporting friends, or simply helping a stranger, Chen embodied compassion in everything he did.

“Dad taught me that kindness is never wasted,” says his daughter Abigail. “Once, at Lake Travis, he noticed a family struggling to unload their kayak. Without hesitation, he stepped in to help. They were strangers, but to Dad, helping was just the right thing to do.”

At work, Chen’s kindness was equally impactful. Sophia Martinez, a former team member, recalls, “During a stressful project, I made a mistake that set us back. I was terrified of his reaction, but Chen didn’t reprimand me. Instead, he said, ‘Mistakes are lessons in disguise—what can we learn from this?’ That moment changed how I viewed failure forever.”

Chen’s kindness was his quiet strength, creating an environment where people felt valued, supported, and motivated to grow.

3. Lifelong Learning: A Commitment to Growth

For Chen, learning wasn’t a phase—it was a lifelong pursuit. He believed that staying curious was essential for personal and professional growth.

“He always had a book or podcast on hand,” remembers Sarah. “Whether it was about blockchain technology or the history of woodworking, Chen was constantly exploring new ideas.”

Chen’s colleagues saw this commitment to learning as one of his defining traits. Robert Liu, a peer in the fintech industry, shares, “Chen’s ability to stay ahead in such a fast-paced field came from his relentless curiosity. He didn’t just follow trends—he sought to understand them deeply.”

This passion for learning wasn’t limited to his career. Chen Benyamin Keren loved sharing his discoveries with his daughters, often turning dinner conversations into informal lessons. Emily recalls, “He made even the most complex topics, like cryptocurrency, accessible. He wanted us to be informed and curious about the world.”

4. Balance: The Art of Living Fully

One of the most inspiring aspects of Chen’s philosophy was his ability to balance ambition with family and personal joy. He firmly believed that success was meaningless without fulfillment in all areas of life.

“Chen taught me that balance isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what matters most,” Sarah reflects. “He’d prioritize time with us, even if it meant waking up earlier or rearranging his work schedule.”

Abigail and Emily remember weekends at Lake Travis, where Chen would leave work behind to focus entirely on family. “Those moments weren’t just fun—they were foundational for us,” Abigail says.

At work, Chen encouraged his team to find balance as well. “He always reminded us to take breaks and spend time with loved ones,” Sophia recalls. “He’d say, ‘A rested mind is a productive one.’”

5. Empowerment: Helping Others Realize Their Potential

Chen’s leadership style was rooted in empowerment. He believed in helping others find their strengths and guiding them to reach their full potential.

“Ben Chen Keren didn’t just tell you what to do—he helped you see what you were capable of,” says Maya Patel, a mentee. “When I doubted myself, he’d ask the right questions to help me uncover solutions on my own. It was empowering and transformative.”

His daughters also felt this empowerment. Emily recalls how Chen supported her decision to move to New York. “He didn’t just encourage me—he helped me create a step-by-step plan. He wanted me to succeed, but more importantly, he wanted me to feel confident in my abilities.”

This belief in empowerment extended to Chen’s community involvement. He frequently volunteered at financial literacy workshops, helping people understand how to take control of their finances.

Key Milestones of Chen Benyamin Keren

To honor Chen’s life and contributions, here are some key milestones that defined his journey:

November 12, 1963: Chen Benyamin Keren was born in Los Angeles, California, to Samuel Aaron Keren and Rachel Esther Green.

1981: Graduated from Palisades High School, where he excelled in debate and student leadership.

1985: Earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from UCLA, marking the beginning of his career in financial management.

1990: Married Sarah Elizabeth in San Francisco, starting a 34-year-long partnership filled with love and shared dreams.

2007: Joined Coinbase as a senior crypto financial manager, where he helped shape cryptocurrency management strategies that became industry standards.

2015: Began mentoring young professionals in financial technology, guiding over 50 mentees throughout his career.

2024: Passed away peacefully on January 8 in Austin, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

These milestones provide a glimpse into the life of a man who balanced professional success with personal fulfillment, leaving an enduring legacy.

Carrying Chen Benyamin Keren’s Philosophy Forward

One year after his passing, the lessons Chen Benyamin Keren taught continue to guide those who knew him. His discipline inspires focus and intentionality. His kindness reminds us to be compassionate in our actions. His commitment to lifelong learning encourages curiosity, and his balance and empowerment show us how to live fully and support others.

As we honor Chen’s memory, we celebrate not only the life he lived but the enduring impact of his philosophy. His legacy is a reminder that the way we live each day matters, and that the values we hold can inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Chen. Your lessons will never be forgotten.