The Jason Cavness Experience

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68f29911-41c0-8321-91a9-b20ae24cf517-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-201" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Andrew's Bio

Andrew McMasters is an actor, director, author, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the performing arts and leadership development.

He is the Founder of ImprovMindset LLC, a global training company that helps teams build communication, trust, and innovation through experiential learning and improvisation-based workshops. Andrew's work bridges the gap between performance and business, showing leaders how to listen, collaborate, and adapt in high-pressure environments.

Over his career, Andrew has partnered with Amazon, Microsoft, GE, Hasbro, Google, Valve, Nike, and Apple, delivering team-building programs and presentation coaching to professionals worldwide.

Before launching ImprovMindset, he co-founded and managed a nonprofit theater for 25 years, cultivating creative excellence and community engagement. His book, Listening Without Agenda, captures lessons from decades of teaching people how to connect through curiosity, empathy, and active listening.

Book: Listening Without Agenda Website: www.ImprovMindset.com

We Talked About the Following and Other Items

• Early acting career and lessons from theater

• Applying improv to leadership and communication

• Overcoming team-building challenges

• The psychology of "yes, and…" thinking

• How acting skills translate into business and sales success

• Training global teams at Fortune 500 companies

• Continuous learning and staying adaptable

• Writing and recording his book Listening Without Agenda

• Building trust in workshops and group settings

• Public speaking tips for overcoming nervousness

• Planning workshops and adapting to client needs

• Seattle's evolving arts and business landscape

• Balancing creativity and structure in professional environments

• Managing success and personal growth

• The role of empathy in innovation and teamwork

Andrew's Social Media

Website: www.ImprovMindset.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/improvmindset/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImprovMindset Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvmindset Book: Listening Without Agenda

Andrew's Advice

"The challenge I give people all the time is to try 'yes, and' for an entire day and see where it takes you. Even just replacing the word 'but' with 'and' can open possibilities. It's about how we listen, accept, and build on what others say — that's where creativity and connection really begin."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks inspired by The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — a community for founders and small business leaders shaping the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

Mark Shriner's Bio

Mark Shriner is the Co-Founder and CEO of Breeze Docs, a Gen-AI-powered RFP response platform that helps companies reduce the time required to respond to RFPs, RFIs, security questionnaires, and other business documents by up to 90%.

Before founding Breeze Docs, Mark served as CEO Asia Pacific at CLS Communication, a top financial translation provider, and as Director of Client Engagement, North America & Japan at adaQuest, a Microsoft Cybersecurity and Compliance Gold Partner.

Through his consultancy, M3 Cloud Solutions, Mark has guided companies with market entry and expansion in Asia, North America, and Europe. He's also authored two sales books, including The Inside Game: How to Become a Top Performing Salesperson and Enjoy Every Step of the Way.

A seasoned content creator, Mark has produced over 140 podcast episodes across three shows — including The Secure Talk Podcast, which was later acquired by a Seattle-based cybersecurity startup. His current show, The Grow Fast Podcast, focuses on sales and marketing excellence.

Born and raised in Seattle, Mark spent over 20 years living in Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Outside of work, he enjoys sailing, exploring nature, reading, and lifelong learning.

We Talked About the Following and Other Items

• Daily routines and optimizing personal performance

• Insights on hiring, leadership, and managing distributed teams

• The role of AI and automation in RFP responses

• Cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance in a digital world

• Podcasting lessons and connecting with guests authentically

• Cultural differences across global business environments

• The intersection of technology, humanity, and universal basic income (UBI)

• Reflections on alcohol, mindfulness, and social connection

• Coaching, self-awareness, and continuous learning

• Breeze Docs' business model, market strategy, and government contracting opportunities

• Sailing, nature, and the value of curiosity

• Travel experiences and cultural adaptation

• Martial arts, health, and life in Vietnam

• The future of work and human development

Mark's Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markshriner/ Website: https://www.breezedocs.ai/ The Grow Fast Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@growfastpodcast

Mark's Advice

"What do they say about advice? Don't give it — because wise men don't need it, and fools won't listen."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks inspired by The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — a community for founders and small business leaders shaping the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

Get Her Book: Cracked Open: A Journey to a Resilient and Independent Mindset Available on Amazon

Sponsor

8-Bit Content We're also brought to you by 8-Bit Content, a content marketing agency specializing in boosting awareness and leads for its partners. As a listener of The Jason Cavness Experience, you can receive a free site audit to identify opportunities for growth or improvement. Email [email protected] or visit 8bitcontent.com to get started.

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

Michelle's Bio

Michelle Moffitt Rogers is a licensed therapist, Enneagram expert, and author of Cracked Open: A Journey to a Resilient and Independent Mindset. She specializes in helping people navigate anxiety, self-doubt, identity shifts, and the lingering effects of religious trauma.

Her approach blends narrative therapy, neuroscience, and the Enneagram to help clients reconnect with self-trust, rediscover their authentic identity, and move forward with purpose.

Through her book Cracked Open, Michelle shares her journey of breaking free from restrictive belief systems while offering readers practical tools for growth and resilience. She's also known for her engaging workshops on mindset transformation, emotional awareness, and leadership development.

When she's not coaching or speaking, Michelle enjoys coffee shops, global cuisine, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. A proud mother of five adult children, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner.

We Talked About the Following and Other Items

• Seattle's evolving culture and personal reflections

• Parenting and defining success for the next generation

• Becoming a licensed therapist and early career experiences

• Overcoming religious trauma through therapy and community

• The writing and publishing journey for Cracked Open

• Using storytelling as a tool for healing

• Age, neuroplasticity, and mindset transformation

• Imposter syndrome and navigating career transitions

• Gender dynamics and inclusion in the workplace

• Corporate coaching and self-awareness

• Marketing and promoting a book authentically

• How therapy changes with age and life experience

• Balancing professional purpose with personal joy

Michelle's Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemoffittcoach/ Website: https://michellemoffitt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemoffittcoach/

Michelle's Advice

"That huge neuroplasticity piece is awesome — just knowing you can change your mind. You can rewire how you think, break limiting beliefs, and live a bigger, more meaningful life."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks inspired by insights from The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — a community for founders and small business leaders shaping the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

David Boyd Bio

David Boyd is the Founder and Certified Personal Chef behind Down to Earth Cuisine, an in-home meal prep service that brings gourmet, organic meals directly to clients' kitchens.

With nearly a decade of experience, David and his team make healthy, high-quality eating effortless — customizing menus for each client's dietary needs while emphasizing sustainability and social impact.

Under his leadership, Down to Earth Cuisine has expanded across Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, offering a full-service experience that includes planning, shopping, cooking, and cleanup.

David's company has:

• Donated over 7,000 trees

• Removed thousands of pounds of plastic from the ocean

• Provided meals to those in need both locally and globally

Now preparing to launch a sustainable meal delivery service, David aims to expand the reach of chef-crafted, eco-conscious meals nationwide. His journey combines entrepreneurship, wellness, and environmental responsibility — redefining what it means to "eat good and do good."

We talked about the following and other items

• Organic food and nutrition

• Sustainability and environmental responsibility

• Company philosophy and mission

• Challenges in the culinary industry

• Customization and client relationships

• Community service and social impact

• Training and recruiting chefs

• Scaling operations across states

• Business growth and marketing

• Water fasting, sauna, and cold plunge discipline

• Parenting and entrepreneurship balance

• Exploring nature and adventure in Washington

• Visiting national parks and observing space

• The future of HR and AI integration in small businesses

David's Social Media

Website: https://www.downtoearthcuisine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtoearthcuisine/

David's Advice

"Be kind to one another. The essence of life is to make connections and have experiences. Help someone when nobody's looking — not for recognition, but because it's the right thing to do."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks inspired by insights from The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — a community for founders and small business leaders shaping the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

Angeline Gong - Independent Modern to Contemporary Art Consultant/Advisor Sponsor

Powered By

Earth VC is on a mission to unf@#k the earth. They are doing 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 empowers founders who are Ambitious, Breakthrough and are Committed Earth VC invests in the pre seed to Series A round.

If you think you might be a match reach out to them at [email protected]

Sponsors

@Salalabs - North America and 8-Bit Content

Salalabs specializes in delivering IoT, AI, and Machine Learning to streamline operations and drive innovation.

Save up to 70 percent on development costs and 32 percent on time with Salalabs.

For more info, email [email protected] or reach out to [email protected]

We are also brought to you by 8-Bit Content, a content marketing agency specializing in boosting awareness and leads for its partners' businesses.

As a listener of The Jason Cavness Experience, you can receive a free site audit to help identify opportunities for growth or improvement.

Simply visit or email [email protected] to get started.

Go to www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com

for the podcast on your favorite platforms

Angeline's Bio

My life has been a tapestry of destinations and milestones, each shaping the person I am today. Born and raised in Singapore until the age of 15, I then migrated to Melbourne, Australia, where I completed high school and studied interior decoration. Melbourne with its vibrant culture and creative energy, nurtured my dreams and its where I discovered my passion for design and found the freedom to explore who I wanted to be.

Returning to Singapore in the late 1980s was a transition that felt more like stepping into foreign territory than coming home. The city I had left behind 18 years ago had changed and so had I. Instead of feeling like a citizen coming home, I felt like a stranger rediscovering my birth city that I thought I knew. This disconnection, however, became an opportunity—a chance to reimagine my identity and carve out a new chapter. With this sense of rediscovery, it fueled my determination to carve out my space in the professional world.

My career as an interior designer flourished as I under took on ambitious projects, managing corporate office spaces ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 square meters, and working for design companies Those were exhilarating times—filled with the thrill of creation and the pressure of deadlines. Nights stretched into the early hours, weekends vanished into work, and the demands were relentless. I loved what I was doing, pouring my heart into every design and every detail. But I didn't love the culture that surrounded it.

Singapore's traditional environment felt restrictive to my adventurous spirit, and I yearned for opportunities to travel or relocate, to bring my creativity to new horizons. In the early 1990s, I took a bold step that would forever shape the course of my life. I ventured into Vietnam, a country that had just opened its doors to the world. It was a place where everything was so unfamiliar—the culture, the language, and the business landscape.

Yet, that very unfamiliarity excited me. For me, it was an adventure waiting to unfold, it was more than just starting a business; it was a chance to blend creativity and purpose into something meaningful and I was ready to embrace the unknown. Amid this backdrop of change and opportunity, I founded my first interior design company in Ho Chi Minh City.

It was a leap of faith, fueled by a desire to transform spaces into something extraordinary. From designing offices and hotels spaces that reflected the heart of clients to crafting commercial spaces that resonated with their purpose, I poured my energy into understanding the stories behind the walls I was shaping. Those early projects were not without their driven by a passion for creating spaces that reflected purpose and personality. Building a business in an emerging market was no small feat. It required learning, adapting, and growing at an unprecedented pace.

But those challenges only fueled my determination to succeed. Vietnam became more than just a location for my work; it became a place of transformation—personally and professionally. Every project, from corporate offices to personal spaces, was an opportunity to leave my mark and bring beauty to the lives of others.The journey began humbly, challenges—navigating the complexities of an emerging market, managing tight budgets, and earning trust with the clients and the people in a rapidly evolving industry. But through hard work and dedication, the company grew.

Each completed project became a milestone, and with every new client, my vision expanded. It wasn't just about creating beautiful spaces; it was about solving problems, building relationships, and leaving a lasting impact. The satisfaction of seeing a client's eyes light up at the unveiling of their dream space was—and still is—unmatched. After years of success in interior design, I was looking for another area of creativity to fuel my energy into doing.

But if one thinks that starting my own interior design company in Ho Chi Minh City was a bold move, little did I know that this next milestone was just the beginning of another, equally challenging and transformative journey.

My venture into the Vietnamese art world was purely coincidental. I knew nothing about art in Vietnam, and no one in the community—artists, dealers, agents, or galleries, buyers,collectors etc—who knew who I was or what I was doing. After so many years living here, I was still a foreigner in their country, eager yet completely out of my depth. For six months, immersed myself in trying to understand what Vietnamese art was all about, grappling with its nuances and the stories behind it. Just as I began to feel the weight of this daunting and challenging task, a kind-hearted art dealer changed everything.

He took me under his wing, patiently taught me step by step and opening doors to the art world I could never have accessed alone. Through him, I met incredible artists – from all categories of art mediums and whose works reflected the vibrant culture, history, and aspirations of Vietnam. The transition from interiors to art consulting and advising felt like a natural evolution, but it was more than just a shift in focus. It was about storytelling in an art world that many, from foreigners to the Vietnamese themselves, knew little about.

This journey became not only an exploration of creativity but also a mission to share the richness of Vietnamese art with a much wider audience – from young to old and from international to local people. Art has always been a language that challenges me and how to connect with, a way of expressing what words often cannot. Transitioning from interiors to advising clients on art has been a very difficult journey, yet it came with its own challenges. Helping artists and galleries to curate collections that resonated with their stories required not only expertise but also a deep understanding of their ideas, aspirations, skills and techniques .

It was no longer just about designing physical spaces; it was about inspiring and educating people to appreciate the beauty in purchasing a piece of artwork – may it be lacquer, oils or acrylic in canvas, silk, wood blocks, gouache (pastel or watercolor combined on paper), watercolour through the lens of the artist. Founding The Saigon Art Journey was the culmination of this shift. It combined my professional expertise with a personal mission to inspire, educate, and connect. Through this initiative, I sought to bridge gaps and build understanding, engaging with people from all walks of life and age groups. Art became a medium for dialogue, a way to bring diverse perspectives together while showcasing the beauty and depth of Vietnamese culture.

This serendipitous journey into art became another milestone in my life, shaping my work and expanding my understanding of creativity. From interiors to art, my story has been one of embracing the unknown, taking risks, and finding guidance in unexpected places. Looking back, I see how each phase of my career—from starting my design company, overcoming challenges, and venturing into art consulting and advising to educating and who knows what's next at my age.

These milestones weren't just professional achievements; they were markers of personal growth, shaped by lessons in resilience, creativity, and faith. This biography is a reflection of my journey—starting as a designer of spaces and becoming a storyteller of art, not just the successes, but the struggles and moments of trust that defined them. It's a story of transformation, of embracing the unknown, and of trusting that every step, even the uncertain ones, leads to something greater.

Through these pages, I hope to inspire others to see their own lives as a canvas, ready to be filled with bold strokes, meaningful connections, and boundless possibilities, no matter what age you are.

We talked about the following and other items

Angeline Gong's Background

Travel Aspirations

Favorite Travel Destinations

Diving Experiences

Challenges of Living an Unconventional Life

Moving to Vietnam

Design Career

Design Philosophy

Client Relationships

Experiences in Different Countries

Cultural Adjustments

Building a Business in an Emerging Market

Transition to Art Consulting

Defining Creativity

Supporting Artists

Successful Artists

Art Appreciation

Emergence of Abstract Art

Women Artists

Challenges and Strategies for Emerging Artists

The Importance of Personal Growth and Resilience

Professional Goals and Future Outlook

Angeline's Social Media

Angeline's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeline-gong-74373224/

Angeline's FB: https://www.facebook.com/angeline.gong

Angeline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_geriatric_bird/

Angeline's Email: [email protected]

Angeline's Advice

I wish I was wise. Vietnam is not a bad city, country itself, once you adapt and once you know who the people are. Of course, language is a problem. But it's good to get into the language which where you live in any country in the world. Also, stop complaining and get on with it.

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR — providing HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR delivers a tech platform that automates HR while giving you access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. Learn more at 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 support breakthrough scientific research, empower outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and invest in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. If you think you might be a match, reach out to [email protected]

Dr. My Chau's Bio

Dr. My Chau (Jenny Dang) is a distinguished leader in AI education and digital transformation, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at AI SMARTUP Accelerator.

With over 27 years of experience in education technology and business development, she has become a leading voice in bridging AI, education, and entrepreneurship across the Asia-Pacific region.

A Doctor of Business Administration with dual MBAs from AIT and CFVG, Dr. Dang has spent her career advancing innovation and leadership in education through technology. She has led AI training programs across Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia — empowering educators, students, and businesses to harness AI's potential.

She previously served as Regional CEO at Topica Edtech Group, Strategic Advisor at NATEC, and Assistant Professor at Palawan State University, and she continues to serve on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council.

Her work with AI SMARTUP Accelerator focuses on helping startups grow through structured mentorship, AI-powered innovation, and go-to-market strategies.

We talked about the following and other items

• AI SMARTUP Accelerator's mission and success metrics

• Startup incubation and the application process

• AI and education integration across Southeast Asia

• Mentorship and startup ecosystem development

• Balancing personal life with leadership

• Go-to-market and franchise strategies

• Entrepreneurship and innovation in Vietnam

• Future of Vietnam's AI and startup ecosystem

Dr. My Chau's Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-chau-dba-6424b035/ AI SMARTUP: https://aismartup.co/ A2Z Franchise: https://a2zfranchise.com/

Dr. My Chau's Advice

"Doing business is long-term, not short-term — so you must take care of yourself first."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks based on insights from The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — a community for founders and small business leaders shaping the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

Sponsor The Jason Cavness Experience is sponsored by CavnessHR — providing HR to companies with 49 or fewer people. CavnessHR delivers a tech platform that automates HR while giving you access to a dedicated HR Business Partner. Learn more at 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 support breakthrough scientific research, empower outlier founders to build enduring climate businesses, and invest in high-growth startups that decarbonize the world. If you think you might be a match, reach out at [email protected]

Ken's Bio

Ken is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Duong Global Business Consulting Group. Since beginning his professional career in 2009, he has focused on U.S.-Vietnam bilateral trade, specializing in international corporate/business law, taxation, and business immigration—primarily centered on Southeast Asia.

Ken has organized and led over 40 business trade missions to assist SMEs in developing global trade and economic relations. He holds a Bachelor's degree from UCLA and a joint MBA/JD from Golden Gate University School of Law and Business in San Francisco.

We talked about the following and other items

• Reading habits and favorite books

• Cultural differences and business practices in Vietnam

• Vietnam's economic growth and comparison with other countries

• Entrepreneurship and lifestyle in Vietnam

• Vietnamese Americans returning to Vietnam

• Time management and leadership habits

• Accounting and business practices in Vietnam

• Expansion and business opportunities in Vietnam

• Networking and mentorship

• YouTube channel and content strategy

• U.S.-China trade war and its impact on Vietnam

• Deportations and strategic partnerships

• Nonprofit work empowering girls in Vietnam

• The rising middle class and economic opportunities

• Marketing and branding challenges in Vietnam

• Advice for investing and living in Vietnam

Ken's Social Media

Website: https://www.duongbusinessconsulting.com/ Facebook: Duong Global Business Consulting YouTube: Duong Global Business Consulting TikTok: @duongglobal Instagram: @dgbusinessconsulting

Ken's Advice

"Take the risk and the chance of doing something in Vietnam—living here, working here, retiring here. The government, people, and enterprises are working hard to attract global talent and entrepreneurs. It's fun, exciting, and relatively affordable to start a business here. If it doesn't work, try again—Vietnam's next decade will be full of opportunity."

Learn More About CavnessHR

Invest in the future of HR with CavnessHR's Wefunder campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr

Download 7 Free eBooks based on insights from The Jason Cavness Experience: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks

Join the CavnessHR Builders Club — where founders and small business leaders connect, share insights, and shape the future of HR innovation: https://www.buildcavnesshr.com/

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 empowers 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 to [email protected]

Will's Bio Will James is the Co-Founder of 8-Bit Content, a content marketing agency helping businesses grow through data-driven SEO, email marketing, and social storytelling.

Previously, Will served as Content Manager at NichePursuits.com, where he led teams that grew organic results by more than 1200%. He's worked with online business leaders to improve brand visibility and streamline content operations.

Now based in Vietnam, Will blends his passion for marketing, lifestyle design, and self-development. When he's not optimizing content strategies, he's practicing Muay Thai, exploring Southeast Asia, or spending time with friends and family.

We talked about the following and other items • Life and culture in Vietnam • Balancing self-care and business growth • Practicing Muay Thai and maintaining discipline • SEO strategy for small businesses • How to create high-performing content • The impact of AI on content creation • LinkedIn engagement pods and influencer culture • Email marketing and newsletter best practices • Building and managing client relationships • Pricing models and productized services • Staying ahead of marketing trends • Mentorship and continuous learning • Personal development and daily routines • Travel experiences and cultural insights • Avoiding distraction in the digital age

Will's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-james/ Website: https://www.8bitcontent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurelifer/

Will's Advice "Don't get distracted by the noise on social media. Focus on improving yourself and the lives of those you care about. Learn new things, read, and take action that builds real value. That's how you grow — by choosing substance over distraction."

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].

Zac's Bio Zac Crush is a dynamic leader in Vietnam's martial arts scene, uniting communities through his passion for grappling and wrestling. He is the driving force behind Saigon Superfights and The Saigon Saga, where he bridges sports and culture through events, seminars, and podcasts that bring athletes together from across the globe.

Under Zac's leadership, Saigon Superfights collaborated with sponsors like Shade Protocol and RAM Muay Thai to provide 150M VND in support to Vietnamese grapplers in 2024. This initiative empowered 10 athletes to compete internationally and showcased Vietnam's growing combat sports ecosystem.

Recently named International Promoter and Recruiter for Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) — an MMA promotion led by Johnny Tri Nguyen — Zac is also GMA's first-ever English commentator. From coaching at Saga Grappling Academy to leading seminars abroad, Zac is committed to growing Vietnam's combat sports culture, fostering collaboration, and empowering athletes at all levels.

We talked about the following and other items • The rise of martial arts and grappling in Vietnam • Building communities through sports and culture • Lessons learned from organizing Saigon Superfights • The future of Vietnamese MMA and connections to the UFC • Overcoming self-doubt and taking on new challenges • Coaching mindset: helping anyone start grappling at any age • Podcasting, sponsorship, and community impact • Travel experiences and cultural insights from Vietnam • Learning Vietnamese and cultural immersion • Startup experiences and lessons from entrepreneurship • The balance between ambition, humility, and growth

Zac's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-crush/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crushza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zcrush13 Saigon Saga Podcast: https://linktr.ee/saigonsaga

Zac's Advice "Don't take on projects where you think, 'Oh, I can do that.' Take the ones where you think, 'I don't know if I can do that.' The rewards are a thousandfold when you push yourself beyond what you believe is possible. When you try to do things, the universe conspires to help you."

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]

Claude's Bio Claude Rety is a global entrepreneur, connector, and builder who has spent the past two decades shaping business ventures across education, entertainment, and supply chain innovation throughout Asia.

He is the CEO of Rockhill Asia and RH1, and the Chairman & Co-founder of Ni Hao Ma — The Mandarin Learning Lab, which reimagines how people learn Chinese through immersive, engaging experiences. His mission is to create meaningful impact by enabling people and businesses to unlock opportunities, generate value, and inspire emotion.

Claude's professional foundation was built in corporate leadership — including senior management roles with CT Corp (Carrefour Indonesia) and Central Group (Thailand) — before venturing into entrepreneurship. Since then, he has built companies that merge creativity and operational excellence to empower individuals and organizations across Asia.

An American citizen with French roots, married to a Chinese wife and a proud father of three, Claude embodies multicultural leadership — bridging East and West while fostering innovation, collaboration, and personal balance.

We talked about the following and other items • Balancing family life and entrepreneurship • Building sustainable routines for mental and physical health • Running culture and work-life balance in Vietnam • Leadership and motivation across cultures • Creating employee growth systems and recognizing achievements • Building Ni Hao Ma and the future of language learning • The evolution of entertainment in Southeast Asia • Rockhill Asia's procurement and logistics strategy • Entrepreneurship in Vietnam and Southeast Asia • Lessons from operating across multiple industries • Managing cultural and generational differences • Advanced technology trends in China and Vietnam • Mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning • Creating company cultures that empower people • Family, travel, and shared goals outside of work • Advice for founders and global entrepreneurs

Claude's Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claude-rety/ Ni Hao Ma: https://nihaoma-mandarin.com/ Rockhill Asia: https://www.rockhillasia.com/ RH1: https://www.rh1.co/

Claude's Advice "Build a solid routine. Take care of yourself first, then your family, and let business come last. If you're not healthy, grounded, and surrounded by love, business success won't matter. Health and family are the foundation — when those are strong, business will thrive naturally."