More About Me and My Journey

I might be a consultant, but I want you to meet me as a person, – a person driven by unapologetic passion and professionalism, unrestricted by the prison that is corporate normativism. Storytelling isn’t just a method here; it’s an essential part of understanding what you gain by working with me.

A Life Shaped by a Bowl of Soup

When I was 14, a bowl of soup changed my life. A pivotal bowl of phở, if you will.

My dad always encouraged me to try new foods, so there we were, indulging in Vietnamese cuisine, when my life took on an entirely different trajectory. It wasn’t a conscious decision to go to Vietnam to experience the food authentically, it was more like my path aligned with the universe and my going there would simply be a cosmic inevitability. It set me on a path of exploration that would extend far beyond that dining table. Travel has now become a cornerstone of my life, profoundly shaping my worldview, aspirations and deeply influencing my professional trajectory.

Years later, that path led me to the authentic source. After a gruelling 29-hour bus ride from Laos, I crossed into Vietnam, in a shack just across the border I sat with locals, emotionally slurping noodles, as I was transported back to that meal with my dad ten years previously.

Since turning 18, I’ve been a solo traveller, embracing the freedom to explore new places and meet new people. After COVID-19 paused global travel, I decided to dedicate the rest of my 20’s to roaming around the globe. This decision crystallised into clarity one day in a hostel in San Jose del Pacifico, Oaxaca, Mexico. As I sat looking out over the mountains, sharing stories with other travellers, I realised that travel was more than just a passion—it was a calling. It was in that moment, surrounded by diverse perspectives and breath-taking views, that the concept for my business was born.

Travel has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable skill of connecting with people from all walks of life. These experiences have not only enriched my personal life but have also infused my professional approach with unique insights and a broadened perspective. Through travel, I’ve learned that true understanding often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and I bring this approach to every project and interaction in my career.

 

Educational Journey: Learning to Think Beyond

During my secondary school years in England, I found myself placed in the AMA (academically more able) group. This came as quite the surprise because my grades were good but not outstanding, hovering mostly between A-Cs and getting in trouble for talking too much. It wasn’t until the first meeting that I understood why I was there.

It wasn’t about grades; it was about potential.

I was among those well-behaved A* students because I could think around corners. This group wasn’t just another class; it was a space that encouraged creative thinking and embraced the power of questions, aspects of learning that I relished far more than the conventional educational structures.

After an unsurprisingly average set of higher education exam results, I pursued a degree in Business Management at Northumbria University. I wish I could say I had the desire to become a business mogul, but truthfully, choosing this path was an exercise in pragmatism—it was about investing in an education that was practical and thus, valuable.

In 2022, I graduated with first-class honours, an achievement I hold with pride yet view with perspective. Achieving this was no small feat, but I recognise that succeeding at university often boils down to using abundant tools and feedback to navigate towards success.

The true measure of my success at university extended beyond the final grade. I was able to take a lead in every project I was a part of, consistently earning top marks for the team, proving that leadership and collaboration were where I truly excelled. It was during my dissertation that I discovered a passion for analysis. This wasn’t just about numbers; it was about talking to real people, uncovering insights that could lead to meaningful changes and transforming data into actionable strategies.

This experience taught me that real success comes from applying what we learn in profound and impactful ways, beyond exams and academia.

Professional Experience: Diversity and Impact

A Transformative Year at Volkswagen

My placement year at Volkswagen marked a significant moment in my career path, in that it showed me what I did and didn’t want. I found the corporate environment intensely stifling and felt like a cog in a machine. My primary role was that of a data analyst, where I sharpened my Excel skills and learned to extract substantial value from data. Among my achievements were leading a mystery shop project and spearheading the development and presentation of CO2 measurement initiatives to the board of management. These experiences not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the impact of thoughtful, data-driven initiatives in a corporate setting. Secondarily to this, my involvement with the engagement team broadened my perspective as this role was geared towards enhancing employee wellbeing—a crucial and thoroughly enjoyable role, especially during the challenging times of a global pandemic.

Whilst here, I was blessed to have one of the best bosses and mentors I will ever have. He played a crucial role in shaping my approach to work. He taught me the importance of understanding people beyond the surface. His dedication to empathic leadership profoundly influenced how I lead projects and interact with teams. He emphasised that true leadership involves listening actively, responding empathetically, and fostering an environment where team members feel genuinely valued. These lessons have become foundational to my professional philosophy and continue to guide my approach.

Role as a Product Specialist at Apple

During my final year at university, I stepped into the role of a Product Specialist at a tech giant. Apple’s hiring philosophy—focusing on the individual’s character rather than their skill set—resonated deeply with me. This position highlighted my personal uniqueness as a significant professional strength. I thrived in this environment, engaging directly with customers, empathising with their needs, and assisting them in finding products that matched their requirements. This role reinforced the critical importance of personal connections within business, teaching me that genuine interactions are often the cornerstone of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Each of these experiences has been pivotal, underscoring the value of integrating personality and professional skills to create a fulfilling and impactful career. The lessons I’ve learned about personal connection, creativity in problem-solving, and the practical application of technical skills continue to influence my approach to business and consultancy, ensuring that I bring not only expertise but also genuine enthusiasm and innovative thinking to every project I undertake.

Core Values: Honesty, Curiosity, Integrity and Challenge

My career and personal journeys have profoundly shaped me into someone who not only seeks out challenges but thrives amidst them. Managing a stressful incidents 35 meters underwater and steering a boat through a hurricane are examples of how incidents I have coped under intense pressure.

All these experiences have honed my resilience and taught me that even with meticulous preparation, you always need to stay dynamic and be ready to pivot. But with the right mindset, there are virtually no limits to what can be achieved. This robust determination, coupled with my commitment to teamwork and achieving collective goals, positions me as an invaluable asset to any team focused on success.