Behind the Business with Michelle Toh

NBC News anchor Vicky Nguyen: From Vietnamese refugee to TODAY Show


Listen Later

Vicky Nguyen was just eight months old when she fled Vietnam as a refugee. Today, she's an Emmy-winning journalist, anchor and Chief Consumer Investigative Correspondent for NBC News, now seen on the TODAY Show. Her experiences inspired her new book, "Boat Baby." She joins us this week to discuss: | 00:00 — Introduction | 02:35 — Vicky's early life, escaping Vietnam | 04:53 — Encountering pirates at sea | 05:55 — Taking her first steps on the beach at a refugee camp | 07:16 — Getting sponsored to the US by churches and a family in Oregon | 09:50 — Lessons of resilience from her parents, who never complained or used the word "trauma" | 10:31 — Growing up between cultures | 11:50 — Early career lessons | 14:41 — First internship at CNN and learning to speak up in the workplace | 19:42 — Investigative reporting highlights, including probing conditions for bus drivers and food safety | 26:16 — Reflecting on mistakes and a story about a "hot intern" | 28:52 — Focus on avoiding comparison or jealousy in a brutally competitive industry | 32:50 — The pressure and joys of working in live TV + setting herself up for success behind the scenes | 34:10 — Knowing your worth and negotiating with confidence | 35:57 — Pay transparency: The surprising moment her colleague pulled out their contract to help her advocate for herself | 37:28 — Turning down a dream job at a top network | 40:00 — Coming to redefine personal success | 41:55 — Covering anti-Asian hate during Covid | 43:53 — Writing the book, "Boat Baby," and opening up about her personal life | 45:44 — Vicky's long-term vision | 47:42 — Representation in media and reflections on the "American dream" | 49:45 — Audience question from a young journalist | 52:26 — Rapid-fire round | About Behind the Business:

Behind the Business is a video series and podcast hosted by Michelle Toh, CNN and Fortune alum, that explores the decisions and philosophies behind today's most influential leaders. Recorded in person across the US, the show is grounded in the belief that business is in fact personal, providing the backstories of founders, corporate leaders, investors and creators and how they push through to make the most of both work and life each day. What's the worst day you've faced at your company? How do you cope with crisis or rejection? Or what's a pinch-me moment you'll never forget? In each episode, guests get into it all. New episodes every Thursday.

| About Michelle Toh:

Michelle Toh is an award-winning international journalist. She has covered some of the top stories in global business and tech, most recently as a reporter based in Hong Kong appearing across CNN's digital and television platforms. Before joining CNN, she was an associate editor of Fortune Magazine, and her reporting has appeared in The New York Times, TIME, USA Today, and the South China Morning Post.

| Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/YTBTB | Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bymichelletoh | Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebusinessshow

#BehindTheBusiness #Podcast #Leadership #WomeninMedia #ImmigrantStories #AAPI

| Many thanks to our fantastic partner for this season of Behind the Business: Factor! Use code BTB50OFF to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus free breakfast for 1 year at http://factormeals.com/btb50off

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Behind the Business with Michelle TohBy Michelle Toh

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

24 ratings


More shows like Behind the Business with Michelle Toh

View all
Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing) by Hala Taha | Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing | YAP Media Network

Young and Profiting with Hala Taha (Entrepreneurship, Sales, Marketing)

1,334 Listeners

Habits and Hustle by Jen Cohen

Habits and Hustle

794 Listeners

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin by Money News Network

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

1,654 Listeners

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex by Paul Alex Espinoza

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

411 Listeners

Hidden Parts by Tracy Candido

Hidden Parts

87 Listeners

Particles of Thought by GBH

Particles of Thought

57 Listeners

Don't Think with Carla Bezanson by Dear Media

Don't Think with Carla Bezanson

445 Listeners

Don't Listen To Us with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody by Lemonada Media

Don't Listen To Us with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody

148 Listeners

What Your Therapist Thinks by Felicia Keller Boyle & Kristie Plantinga

What Your Therapist Thinks

152 Listeners

Tough Cookie: The Wally “Famous” Amos Story by Vanity Fair

Tough Cookie: The Wally “Famous” Amos Story

185 Listeners

That Can't Be True with Chelsea Clinton by Lemonada Media & The Clinton Foundation

That Can't Be True with Chelsea Clinton

323 Listeners

Relish with Alyssia Sheikh by Alyssia Sheikh

Relish with Alyssia Sheikh

42 Listeners