The Jason Cavness Experience

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC backs founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough, and Committed. They invest from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Agnis' Bio Professor Agnis Stibe is a global authority on human-AI interaction, behavioral design, and hyper-performance systems. His research and thought leadership unite psychology, technology, and purpose-driven innovation to help people and organizations thrive.

A four-time TEDx speaker and professor at RMIT University, Agnis has inspired audiences around the world to embrace transformation through human-centered AI. His groundbreaking work at the MIT Media Lab established the science of Persuasive Cities, blending behavioral science with urban innovation.

Today, he leads HyperLab, advancing the science of human performance and AI-enabled wellbeing. He collaborates with governments, universities, and global corporations to design environments that foster productivity, resilience, and purpose. Through his work, Agnis continues to champion a future where technology elevates humanity and empowers collective progress.

We talked about the following and other items • His role and teaching at RMIT University • Journey through MIT and lessons from the Media Lab • Challenges and opportunities within academia • The mindset of hyper-performance and continuous self-development • Human evolution in the age of AI • Critical thinking and communication as 21st-century superpowers • How to maintain human skills in an automated world • The ethical role of AI in shaping society • How environment influences behavior and evolution • The philosophy behind Persuasive Cities • Designing for transformation and wellbeing • Work-integrated learning and applied innovation • Living and teaching in Vietnam • Cultural observations and personal growth • Future goals, inspiration, and global impact

Agnis' Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnisstibe/ Website: https://agnisstibe.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agnisstibe Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agnisstibe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agnisstibe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agnisstibe X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/agnisstibe

Agnis' Advice "Nothing is wrong with human nature — it serves us well. The key is to befriend all parts of yourself, even the hesitant or dark ones. When you stop judging and start accepting, you move from being a victim of your nature to mastering your existence."

ponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC backs founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough, and Committed. They invest from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Daniel's Bio Daniel Shaw is a global footwear innovator and fashion entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building, scaling, and reimagining iconic brands across the U.S. and Asia.

His journey began in 1992 with Walkerwear in New York City, and he went on to collaborate with legendary brands such as Maurice Malone and P-H-A-T Farm before launching his own ventures — Pure Players, 1020 Blues, and TRPL. His designs have been worn and endorsed by artists at the heart of the hip-hop movement, shaping fashion's cultural landscape in the 1990s and 2000s.

Daniel's career expanded globally as he spent eight years in China refining manufacturing systems in footwear and apparel before relocating to Vietnam, where he's now building new operations that blend design, innovation, and social impact.

His latest venture, Soul Alley, captures the spirit of cross-cultural fusion — merging urban creativity with Southeast Asian craftsmanship to build something entirely new. With plans for factories and freestanding retail shops, Daniel continues to push boundaries in both style and community development.

We talked about the following and other items • Early career beginnings in New York's fashion scene • Transition to Asia and lessons learned in China and Vietnam • Hip-hop's lasting influence on fashion and design • Entrepreneurship and creative resilience • Footwear manufacturing and global supply chain challenges • Factory development and quality control in Vietnam • Sustainability, textile waste, and affordability • Intellectual property and protecting creative work • The design process from concept to consumer • Building trust and finding the right customers • Balancing creativity with market demands • Future of footwear innovation and technology • Reinvesting in communities through business • Global travel, culture, and creative inspiration • Efficiency, discipline, and daily routines • Reflections on personal growth and legacy

Daniel's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielshaw-footwearspecialist/

Daniel's Advice "Don't ever let anybody tell you that you can't do something. I came from Brooklyn in the 90s — nobody thought this was possible. I've lived in Vietnam, China, Korea, and more. The destination is unknown, but the journey? The journey is dope. Keep pushing until the wheels fall off."

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. Earth VC backs founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough, and Committed. Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Cris' Bio Cris Tran is a strategist, operator, investor, and builder working at the intersection of Web3, gaming, and emerging markets.

He has 12+ years of experience launching new ventures, advising high-growth companies, and helping large organizations adapt to decentralization. He's led full-cycle deal work from strategy through execution and integration, across both the public and private sectors. His background spans corporate leadership, management consulting, go-to-market in frontier tech, and advisory in blockchain, crypto, and tokenized ecosystems.

Cris is known for helping companies figure out: – how to use blockchain and token economics in a way that's actually sustainable, – how to build and monetize communities through gamification and digital assets, and – how to compete globally from emerging tech hubs like Vietnam.

He's also an active advisor and angel, working with startups in crypto, gaming, data, and digital commerce.

We talked about the following and other items • His background, education, and time in Texas at SMU • Blockchain explained in plain language • Bitcoin, crypto markets, and where the real value is (vs hype) • NFTs — where they make sense and where they don't • The metaverse: marketing buzzword or real platform? • Gaming, esports, and why Vietnam is a combat zone for talent • Streaming, audience attention, and the new distribution power of creators • Startup investing and what actually makes a company fundable • Vietnam's startup ecosystem — opportunities and hard truths • How global brands are entering the metaverse and why most get it wrong • Daily routine, energy management, and mental health in high-pressure work • Culture, pace, and business reality in Vietnam • Doing business in a place where the traffic looks like chaos but runs on trust

Cris' Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisdtran/ X: @Cris7ran

Cris' Advice On crypto: It's exciting, but don't fall in love with the hype. Do your own research, and go deep. You can't play in this space without understanding what you're actually holding.

On startups in Vietnam: Be ambitious, but stay grounded. This market is still maturing. Don't try to pretend you're a Silicon Valley unicorn on day one. Build something real, earn trust, and scale from there.

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected].

Robin's Bio Robin Nguyen is the Founder and CEO of IBI Global, a pioneering EdTech company reimagining how the world learns. With over a decade of experience in education, innovation, and business management, Robin has built IBI Global into an international brand with operations in Vietnam, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Austria, Israel, and beyond.

Founded in 2013, IBI Global was built on the belief that technology can revolutionize learning, making education more accessible, engaging, and impactful. Under Robin's leadership, the company has been a multi-year finalist at The EdTech Awards, one of the most competitive programs in global education technology — recognized in categories like Language Training Solution, Corporate Training Solution, and Blended Learning Innovation.

In 2019, Robin co-founded IBI School, introducing a flipped learning model that reshaped how children and teenagers approach English education. His philosophy — that language fosters understanding while innovation drives evolution — continues to guide IBI Global's mission to transform education worldwide.

Robin's work has been featured by SuperCharger Ventures, The Excelligent, and Horasis Meetings, and he was named among the 100 Admired Education Leaders of 2021. His influence extends to international M&A consulting in the education sector, and he remains a sought-after speaker on EdTech, innovation, and cultural inclusion.

We talked about the following and other items • Robin's self-care habits and personal growth practices • The challenges and rewards of learning new languages • The evolution and future of global EdTech • Teacher training and modern learning methodologies • The impact of COVID-19 on education worldwide • IBI Global's business model and international expansion • Cultural differences in education and innovation • Parenting, child development, and nurturing curiosity • Defining intelligence and unlocking potential • Leadership lessons from scaling a global company • Reflections on Vietnam's education ecosystem • The importance of diversity, inclusion, and adaptability • Advice for visitors and entrepreneurs in Vietnam

Robin's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinnguyen1122/ Email: [email protected] Company Website: https://ibi-global.com/

Robin's Advice "Education changes everything — not just for individuals, but for societies. If we can empower young people with language, innovation, and purpose, we can transform the world into a place of understanding and growth."

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected].

Mark's Bio Mark Anthony Marquez is a seasoned marketing leader and aspiring entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in the Southeast Asian marketing and communications industry — including 8 years in leadership roles.

Mark's expertise spans account management, PR & communications, media strategy, data analytics, digital marketing, and growth hacking. As an early member of a startup agency, he helped grow operations from a single employee to a 35-person team, demonstrating his ability to scale organizations through vision, leadership, and adaptability.

He combines creativity with analytical precision, applying data-driven insights to guide campaigns and product strategies. Beyond marketing execution, Mark has played a key role in business development, product alignment, and cross-functional collaboration, driving measurable growth across multiple regions.

Mark holds an MBA from the University of Illinois with a focus on International Business Strategy, Business Analytics, and Financial Management. Today, he is channeling his expertise into launching his own venture in the beauty and sustainability sector — blending purpose, innovation, and performance.

We talked about the following and other items • Fitness and lifestyle in Vietnam • Living in Vietnam and safety perceptions • Challenges and progress for the LGBTQ+ community in Southeast Asia • Career journey through Cambodia and Vietnam's startup ecosystem • Data-driven marketing and growth strategy • Insights from leading marketing agencies and regional teams • Entrepreneurship, product development, and early challenges • The intersection of beauty, data, and sustainability • CRM systems and customer relationship management in startups • Skincare trends, generational differences, and influencer marketing • Pricing strategy and brand differentiation • Equity splits, team dynamics, and founder relationships • Global expansion, data privacy, and regulatory awareness • Networking, funding, and building in emerging markets • The future of SkinMatch, Mark's latest startup • Reflections on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven work

Mark's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-anthony-marquez/

Mark's Advice "If you're thinking about building your own company — think hard. There are easier things in life than being a founder. It takes a toll on you and your support system. But when you look back, you'll realize how far you've come and be proud of what you've built."

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected].

Khanh's Bio Khanh (Jessie) Trinh is an experienced commercial leader with a track record across consumer goods, F&B, and media industries. Most recently, she served as the Head of Commercial for Vietnam at CloudEats, a pre-Series B cloud kitchen startup transforming the food delivery ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

With a strong belief that great people create great value, Khanh has built and led high-performing teams that thrive on collaboration, accountability, and growth. Her approach to leadership blends commercial strategy with people development — empowering her teams to deliver impact while finding purpose in their work.

A global professional educated in Japan on scholarship, Khanh brings an international perspective to business, balancing innovation with empathy. She now focuses on leveraging her experience to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders in Vietnam and beyond.

We talked about the following and other items • Khanh's educational journey and experience studying in Japan • Career path across consumer goods, media, and tech startups • Building and leading commercial teams in emerging markets • Lessons learned from working at CloudEats • The pros and cons of startup life and scaling challenges • The future of food tech and cloud kitchens in Asia • Starting a furniture company and design inspiration • Leadership, motivation, and managing Gen Z in the workplace • Balancing work, personal care, and fitness routines • Navigating career growth and personal fulfillment • HR lessons from scaling early-stage teams • Advice for young professionals entering the workforce • Finding purpose and long-term motivation in your career

Khanh's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanh-trinh-975373112/

Khanh's Advice "I've been thinking a lot about the young women entering the workforce — what motivates them and how they define fulfillment. Every generation has differences, but I believe that deep down, people genuinely want to grow and contribute. The key is helping them find their own source of motivation so they can feel truly fulfilled in their work."

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected].

Van's Bio Van Nguyen is an experienced executive with over 20 years of experience in product development, sales, and operations, spanning both startups and multinational corporations.

After years working in the U.S., Van returned to Vietnam to found SmartR, an EdTech and HRTech company offering data-driven solutions to help businesses plan, implement, and track talent development programs. His goal: to maximize human capital and build learning cultures inside organizations.

Prior to SmartR, Van held leadership roles at NOV, a global oil and gas technology company, where he led teams across marketing, strategy, and operations. He also co-founded startups including iamViet, a social network for overseas Vietnamese, and Dreamer Land, a virtual reality arcade.

Van describes himself as a passionate entrepreneur, corporate innovator, and avid learner, with a mission to help young talent reach their full potential.

We talked about the following and other items • Van's background and early career in the U.S. • Founding SmartR and building in Vietnam's tech ecosystem • Vietnam as a business hub and startup destination • Entrepreneurship and leadership lessons from NOV • AI in HR and the future of people analytics • The importance of learning culture in modern companies • Managing teams and setting expectations across cultures • Product development and SmartR's growth strategy • Customer acquisition and enterprise vs. SaaS business models • Pricing strategy and adapting to local markets • Daily habits, resilience, and personal growth routines • The founder mindset and long-term vision • Balancing work, family, and personal philosophy • Reflections on religion, consciousness, and the multiverse • Humanity, ethics, and technology's role in our evolution

Van's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandn/ Company Website: https://smartr.co/

Van's Advice "For those doing business in Vietnam — it's a great market with tremendous potential. Set the right expectations and learn to manage local teams effectively. For founders everywhere — build your business around a real reason and passion. Because when the money doesn't come or the traction slows, it's that deeper purpose that keeps you fighting the fight."

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world.

Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Cedric's Bio Cedric Le Quellec is the Co-Founder and CEO of OOOLAB, a leading education technology company based in Vietnam and Singapore. OOOLAB has developed LearningOS (www.thelearningos.com) — the #1 Enterprise LMS for enrichment and training, now used in 21 countries with over 200,000 paying users.

Born in Vietnam and adopted by a French family, Cedric's journey spans continents and cultures. After studying at Northwestern University in the U.S., he returned to Southeast Asia to build technology that transforms how people learn and train. His company serves corporate clients, schools, and governments, emphasizing user-centric design and measurable learning outcomes.

Today, Cedric leads OOOLAB with a mission to redefine lifelong learning, empower organizations to upskill efficiently, and make quality education accessible at scale.

We talked about the following and other items • Cedric's adoption story and return to Vietnam • Cultural identity and lessons from living across continents • Building an education startup in Vietnam and Singapore • Customer service and retention strategies • The rise of hybrid learning and enterprise education platforms • Ideal customer profile and expansion strategy for OOOLAB • Leadership, co-founder dynamics, and team alignment • Fundraising challenges in Vietnam's startup ecosystem • Balancing AI with human-centric learning • Lifelong learning and upskilling in emerging markets • Productivity, self-care, and prioritization as a founder • Handling rejection, vendor emails, and sales tool fatigue • Networking, mentorship, and building authentic connections • Vision for the future of education and training

Cedric's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedriclq/ Company Website: https://www.thelearningos.com/

Cedric's Advice "Focus on building relationships before transactions. Great partnerships and great teams are built on trust, not just opportunity."

In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, Jason talks with Julius Carter a U.S. Army Veteran, Lead Game Designer, and global creative who's lived and worked across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

From commanding tanks in Iraq to designing immersive gaming experiences for millions of players, Julius shares a story of resilience, curiosity, and reinvention. His perspective blends the discipline of military life with the creativity of game design — proving that leadership, empathy, and innovation can cross any border.

Episode Highlights

• From Army tanks to global game studios • Transitioning from military life to tech creativity • Game development, gamification, and player psychology • The rise of AR, VR, and immersive storytelling • Lessons from Crytek, Ubisoft, and Virtuos Sparx • Living and working across Germany, Malta, and Vietnam • Leading teams remotely and building trust across cultures • AI, compliance, and the future of the gaming industry • How respect and empathy shape leadership in any field

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Julius Carter is a Lead Game Designer, U.S. Army Veteran, and Iraqi Combat Veteran whose career bridges military precision and creative innovation.

After serving eight years in the Army — with deployments to Iraq, Korea, and Germany — Julius transitioned into the world of game development, starting at Crytek in Germany and going on to work for CI Games in Poland, Ubisoft Singapore, and Virtuos Sparx in Vietnam.

His expertise spans game design, gamification, and immersive technologies (AR/VR), and his work has reached audiences of over 20 million users worldwide. Today, Julius continues to innovate as a designer, consultant, and mentor, building new experiences that connect creativity with purpose.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusdesigner/

Sponsor

The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR — delivering HR to companies with 49 or fewer employees through an AI-powered platform and dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Powered By

Earth VC — investing in breakthrough founders and climate tech startups on a mission to decarbonize the world. Reach out: [email protected]

Guest Quote / Advice

"Treat each other better. You never know how much a simple hello can change someone's day. Be kind, have respect — we all have low points, and sometimes it's you."

Call to Action

🎧 Listen to full episodes: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com 🌍 Explore CavnessHR: www.CavnessHR.com 💡 Learn more about Earth VC: www.earth.vc

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR. CavnessHR provides HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR provides a tech platform that automates HR while providing access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. www.CavnessHR.com

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com for the full episode and other episodes of The Jason Cavness Experience on your favorite platforms.

Powered By Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They do this by supporting breakthrough scientific research, empowering outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and investing in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. Earth VC invests from pre-seed to Series A. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Rafael's Bio Rafael Masters is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vulcan Augmetics, a Vietnam-based prosthetics company creating modular, customizable, and affordable bionic limbs designed to adapt to real people and real environments.

He holds an MBA in International Business Strategy from Maastricht University and serves on the Industry Advisory Board at RMIT Vietnam. At Vulcan, Rafael oversees product development, business strategy, and technology innovation — ensuring every solution is built around the user experience.

Originally from the UK, Rafael's journey took him from teaching in Vietnam to building one of the region's most impactful deep-tech startups. His mantra: "Make what the user needs, not what you wish they needed."

We talked about the following and other items • Educational background and early influences • Experiences with the disabled community in the UK • Teaching, management, and mentorship at RMIT University • Founding Vulcan Augmetics and entering Techstars • Building a tech startup in Vietnam • Designing user-centered, modular prosthetics • Engineering and 3D printing challenges • Business model and scaling strategy • Fundraising and investor relations • Market expansion and global reach • Living and working in Vietnam • The role of AI in prosthetics and assistive technology • Ethics, safety, and the future of augmentation • Cultural insights and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vietnam

Rafael's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-masters-81276678/ Company Website: https://www.wearevulcan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT9ycoxSCAc7ZOF-3XvDpzw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vulcan_augmetics/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vulcanaugmetics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vulcanaugmeticsglobal Email: [email protected]

Rafael's Advice "Make what the user needs, not what you wish they needed."