I had the opportunity to meet the founder of IDG Ventures during his 15th-anniversary visit to Vietnam with his wife in 2000. Following this, he and his wife invited me and other Overseas Vietnamese to join IDG Ventures Vietnam. Recognizing it as the best opportunity for the Vietnamese IT sector, I joined, and indeed, IDG Ventures Vietnam played a significant role in creating unicorns and putting Vietnam on the world IT map.

Subsequently, I participated in a special Women's Leadership program at Harvard Business School. In 2017, I enrolled in another Executive MBA program at Stanford Business School.

Personally, I feel resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and maintain stability in the face of adversity, challenges, or unexpected setbacks.

In this turbulent world: war, pandemic, economy is slowing down, inflation is high, high risk in investment. Everyone will be more conservative. So Resilience is staying resourceful, positive, and flexible to navigate difficulties and sustain growth despite unfavorable circumstances. It is easy to talk but execution takes strong leadership & solid mindset.

Thank you for your kind words. I am lucky to have grown up in a family where my Mom and Dad focused on teaching us about manners and behavior. They instilled in us the understanding that time affects everyone; we all age with wrinkles, and people may not remember how we looked beautiful before, but they will remember our beautiful gestures, warm hearts, and kind thoughts.

We recently celebrated my Mom’s 90th birthday, despite her battle with Alzheimer's. Though she may sometimes forget her own children's names, she never forgets to serve guests during meals or to remind me to tip service people, caring for each staff at home. Every morning, she spends 10 minutes brushing her hair and then coloring her lips.

She always looks at me, commenting on my makeup and outfit before I go out. Living with her, each day, I am still learning how to be better inside and out.

I love fashion and advocate for beauty. Those two are indispensable parts of life. To me, fashion and beauty are sophisticated forms of art for human beings. They indeed have the power to express individuality and creativity, shaping our perception of the world and ourselves.

My mom and dad are the first influencers in fashion for me. They both dress presentably. Even now, my mom, who is 90 years old and has Alzheimer's, hesitates to go out if I don't dress her properly or apply makeup to her face.

I appreciate all classic and elegant brands. Additionally, I strongly support local fashion. Vietnamese fashion designers nowadays are very creative and sophisticated.

Recalling my wedding four years ago, I wore a total of 38 outfits for pictures in studios, outdoor sessions, pre-movie weddings, 10 receptions, and ceremonies in different locations and countries. Each time changing and redoing all the makeup layouts was a hassle, but I know the designers embedded their love and creativity in the outfits for that unique occasion. They wanted me to wear them, appreciate them, and showcase how wonderful their work is. Now, I still have the full collection and am considering creating a small showroom for them.

Kye Nguyen is one of the stylists I work closely with. Not only does he have good taste, but his patience and dedication to fashion for each client is phenomenal.

The defining milestone of my career was when I decided to move back to Vietnam in 2000. Despite having a good job, no one in my family supported my move. My friends and family said, 'I am in the wrong pool.' However, I always had a passion for returning and contributing my humble knowledge to my homeland. I am happy with my decision, which led me to witness the development of the Vietnam IT industry and contribute to building the foundation for IT and media startups. Additionally, I continue mentoring the youth and I am fulfilled seeing most of them growing successfully.

Empowered women often exhibit qualities such as confidence, resilience, assertiveness, and a sense of purpose. They embrace their uniqueness, celebrate achievements, and support others. 

Some people say my management style is 'Iron hand wrapped in velvet.' Women are gifted with flexibility and a caring nature. Female leadership adds determination and stability. We can balance between the hard and soft, prioritizing self-awareness, setting and pursuing goals, cultivating meaningful connections, and asserting ourselves in a way that aligns with our values. Embracing one's strengths, expressing emotions authentically, and fostering collaboration can contribute to a powerful yet feminine empowerment.

As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, I smile and thank the universe for bringing me a new day. I do a bit of self-massage and exercise, read and answer messages, enjoy a mild breakfast, get in the car, and call my loved ones. I start a working day by answering emails, attending meetings, and trying to have business lunches and dinners with family and friends.

There are both good and bad days, but I've learned to look for positive signs in challenging circumstances. I don't hold onto stress for too long, and shopping is one of my remedies to release stress.

While there's increased awareness about inclusivity and diversity, there's still work to be done. Progress has been made, but challenges persist. Continuous efforts to address biases, promote equal opportunities, and create inclusive environments are crucial. Organizations and individuals should actively engage in meaningful actions, such as diverse hiring practices, fostering inclusive cultures, and amplifying underrepresented voices, to truly make a significant impact. It's an ongoing journey, and sustained commitment is essential for meaningful change.

At the moment, I am particularly fascinated by the intersection of technology and sustainable fashion. Exploring innovative ways to merge these realms not only aligns with my personal interests but also feeds into my work by allowing me to contribute to the evolving landscape of responsible and forward-thinking fashion practices.

Key skills for a successful entrepreneur include:

1. Adaptability:

Navigate through challenges and changes in the business landscape.

2. Decision-Making:

Make informed and timely decisions crucial for business success.

3. Financial Literacy:

Understand financial aspects, budgeting, and investment strategies.

4. Communication skills: 

Effectively convey ideas, negotiate, and build strong relationships.

5. Strong Leadership: 

Inspire and guide a team, fostering a positive and productive environment.

6. Problem-Solving:

Address challenges creatively and find practical solutions.

7. Resilience: 

Bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on long-term goals.

8. PR & Networking: 

Build a diverse network for opportunities, support, and collaboration.

9. Customer Focus:

Understand and meet customer needs, ensuring satisfaction.

10. Continuous Learning:

Stay updated on industry trends and embrace a mindset of lifelong learning.

Learning to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success has been a crucial lesson. It taught me resilience, the importance of adapting to change, and the value of continuous learning. Each setback is an opportunity for growth, and navigating challenges with a positive mindset is key to thriving as an entrepreneur.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing before beginning my career, it would be to think bigger and dare to take risks. Despite having a conservative style, I wish I had dared to take more risks when I was young. Additionally, I would emphasize embracing the journey and being open to learning from every experience. A career path may not follow a straight line, but each twist and turn will contribute to your growth and success. Trust yourself, and value the lessons in both victories and setbacks.

I'm not a fitness enthusiast, but I enjoy engaging in fun sports like golf, dancing, and horse riding. To maintain healthy skin, I avoid prolonged sun exposure. As a judge for the Cosmopolitan Cosmetics Award, I read and learned extensively about skincare and cosmetic products. However, I don't overuse them; due to my sensitive skin, I carefully select the right products and don't stick with one for too long.

My routine involves avoiding strong sunlight, using sunblock, and a moisturizing mask daily, thoroughly cleaning my skin before sleep, refraining from smoking, consuming minimal sugar and alcohol, and taking custom-made vitamins.

Stay committed to your goals, but be flexible in your approach. Progress may take unexpected turns, but the consistency of your effort will guide you toward success.

I appreciate your kind words. Witnessing the success and achievements of the young Vietnamese individuals I encouraged during my role as Chief Operation Officer is incredibly fulfilling. It's a source of immense pride to see them thrive, realizing their goals and dreams. Their accomplishments reaffirm the importance of mentorship and the positive impact it can have on shaping the future for aspiring individuals.

Thank you for granting me the honor of being a cover feature and sharing my story with the readers of the well-known OTS magazine. 

Special thanks to the beautiful and smart editor-in-chief for posing very sharp and thoughtful questions. I look forward to working with you all again soon.