TRG Talk x Digital

In this episode of TRG Talk: Digital, host Rick sits down with Steven Derek Brown, a key figure in Vietnam’s business and academic sectors. As a self-described "connector," Steven explains how he bridges global capital markets and world-class education in Vietnam. 

The conversation dives deep into: 

• Vietnam’s Market Evolution: The shift from a "frontier" to a "secondary emerging market" and what this means for global investors. 
• The Power of Philanthropy: The vision behind VinUniversity and its mission to build a world-class institution focused on AI, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 
• International Relations: The role of BritCham and the significance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UK and Vietnam. 
• Corporate Governance: Why transparency and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) are essential for sustainable growth in the Vietnamese stock market. 

Are you successful but "disembodied"? 

In this episode of TRG Talk Digital, Rick Yvanovich sits down with wellness and performance coach Brad Reed. Based in Cambodia and having trained over 11,000 people across the globe, Brad specializes in the "inflection point" - that moment between ages 35 and 45 when status and success no longer fill the internal void. 

Brad shares his deeply personal journey through mental and physical health challenges, explaining why he believes all coaching work must be an extension of one’s own healing. We dive deep into the differences between Eastern and Western mindsets regarding pain and ego, the importance of "unlearning", and how to move from a state of constant "doing" to a state of authentic "being". 

In this episode, we explore: 

• The "sweet spot": The interplay between emotional intelligence (EQ), the body, and high performance. 
• The 40-year-old inflection point: Why success often leads to feeling inauthentic or burned out. 
• East vs. West mindsets: How different cultures process internal wounding, shame, and the ego. 
• The power of "Unplugging": Why you can never go back once you start the journey of personal growth. 
• Rick’s story: A rare look into Rick Yvanovich’s own "rock bottom" moment and his path to becoming an "architect of change".

35 Years of Business, Resilience, and "Never Saying No" with Ken Atkinson OBE

In this episode of TRG Talk: Digital, Rick sits down with a true titan of the Vietnam business community, Kenneth Atkinson OBE. With over 35 years of experience in the country, Ken shares the fascinating story of how a plan to consult in China led to him becoming a pioneer in Vietnam’s economic opening just days before the Tiananmen Square incident.

Ken takes us through the founding of Grant Thornton Vietnam, the challenges of early foreign investment, and why he believes Vietnam is entering a 15-year "golden era" of growth. He also discusses his transition to an independent board director, the importance of corporate governance, and his deeply personal commitment to philanthropy through Operation Smile.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Early Days: How Ken started his business in a pre-open market Vietnam.
• "Never Say No": Life lessons from his new memoir and the philosophy that drove his career.
• Vietnam’s Future: Why the country is shifting from a frontier to an emerging market.
• Leadership Lessons: The loneliness of leadership and the hard necessity of making cuts.
• Giving Back: The emotional impact of helping children through Operation Smile.

Rita Mistry, the Director of Industry and Solution Strategy for Infor SunSystems. In a candid and insightful conversation, Rita shares her unique journey from a "stereotypical accountant" to a leading technology strategist.

As the accounting world faces a generational shift, Rita discusses how automation and digitalization are reshaping the role of finance professionals. She explores why the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality is fading and how modern finance teams are demanding information at their fingertips.

Key topics discussed:

- The Career Pivot: How Rita transitioned from traditional accounting to becoming a systems expert and eventually driving strategy for Infor SunSystems.

- Industry Trends: The move towards "continuous close" and why real-time integration is often more critical than real-time reporting.

- The Human Side of Tech: Why soft skills like honesty and respect are just as vital as technical know-how in building a successful career.

- Personal Insights: Rita opens up about her perfectionism, her love for travel (including a memorable motorbike food tour in Vietnam!), and the advice she would give her younger self.

Whether you are a finance professional navigating digital transformation or someone looking to pivot their career, this episode offers valuable lessons on growth, adaptation, and finding success on your own terms.

Doron Shachar, the Founder and CEO of Renova Cloud, a leading AWS Advanced Consulting Partner in Vietnam and Cambodia.

In this episode, Doron discusses the complexities and "rough waters" of taking large enterprises into the age of the cloud. As a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in high-tech, banking, and IT, Doron shares his insights on what it takes for companies to achieve true digital transformation.

Key topics discussed:

- The transformation challenge: The difference between a simple "lift and shift" of workloads versus a full modernization of legacy systems to become agile and responsive on the technology front.

- Renova Cloud's mission: How Renova Cloud specializes in simplifying and shortening the transition of legacy workloads to frontline technologies like cloud, DevOps, and automation.

- Core pillars: Discussing the critical role of expertise in cloud computing solutions, DevOps, managed services, data analytics, and generative AI in the modern enterprise.

- Cloud ecosystems: The necessity of building the right foundation to help customers leverage platforms like AWS and Azure for improved security, scalability, and cost optimization.

This is a must-listen for executives and IT professionals navigating their own path to the cloud and striving for commercial success in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Brian O'Reilly, Senior Partner at Crossroads Vietnam, joins us to dissect the seismic shifts currently reshaping higher education and the workforce. With Vietnam's landscape undergoing rapid digitization, we explore the dual impact of Generative AI (like ChatGPT) on students and seasoned professionals alike. 

In this powerful episode, Brian shares his insights on: 
- The major trends in Vietnamese tertiary business education, and the challenge of balancing technological adoption with skill development. 
- The critical mistake both students and working professionals make when using AI, and why critical thinking is now more important than ever. 
- How professionals can use AI to save up to 80% of their time on tasks like drafting a project charter. 
- The urgency for industry, government, and educational institutions to collaborate to produce "work-ready graduates" and minimize the dangerous skills gap. 

Tune in to understand how you or your organization can adapt, stay current, and thrive in this accelerating digital age! 

Vietnam is facing a demographic challenge: it is now the world's most rapidly aging country. But what if "getting old" meant moving into your most vibrant phase of life? 

Dr. Mason Cobb, a former pediatric surgeon and founder of two major healthcare systems in Vietnam, is now tackling this challenge as Chairman of Golden Sunrise Senior Life. He joins us to dismantle the old "warehousing" model of elder care and introduce the groundbreaking concept of Medicine 3.0—a proactive, anti-aging blend of purposeful community, resistance training, and specific dietary changes. 

In This Episode, You Will Discover: 
🔹 What "sarcopenia" is and how you can reverse the aging process without a pill.
🔹 Why Dr. Cobb calls old age a "blessing and grace," and how to maintain vibrancy. 
🔹 The surprising reason why seniors in Vietnam should cut back on white rice consumption. 
🔹 How Vietnam is poised to become a high-standard, cost-effective global destination for retirement living. 

Don't miss this essential conversation on maximizing health and longevity at any age.

Navigating the real estate landscape in Vietnam and Cambodia can be unpredictable. In this episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," we go beyond the numbers with David Jackson, Principal and CEO of Avison Young, to explore the crucial human element behind every deal. 

Discover why real estate is a "people business" and how companies are adapting to a volatile market shaped by recent global and local changes. Learn about the psyche of Vietnamese investors, the opportunities for foreign capital, and the surprising personal philosophy that drives one of the industry's top leaders. 

This episode reveals the long-term vision for sustainable growth, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy, and the creative mindset required to succeed in one of the world's most dynamic markets. 

Get the inside story on what it takes to build a business that builds a better future. 

What does it truly mean to be well in the digital age? In this captivating episode of "TRG Talk: Digital," we delve into the silent challenges of stress and burnout in the professional world and explore strategies for reclaiming your mental and emotional energy. 

Join us as we talk with Anastasia Fokina, CEO of Jungji, a seasoned professional who made a dramatic leap from a 20-year corporate career to launching a revolutionary digital wellbeing platform. Uncover the story behind a company's unique name, the surprising reasons people don't seek help for burnout, and the practical steps you can take to regain control of your work-life balance. 

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who feels their brain never "switches off". Discover how to build resilience, understand what truly nourishes and drains you, and why investing in your psychological health is the most valuable training you've ever had. 

Don't let your brain burn out. Tune in now! 

What if waste weren't a problem, but a resource?  

In this eye-opening episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," we delve into the pressing challenges of organic waste and sustainable management in Vietnam, featuring Luong Huyen, Co-Founder of ECO Solutions. 

Discover how one local entrepreneur is pioneering innovative, eco-friendly solutions to transform waste into value. We explore the reality of current waste disposal practices, the surprising impact of organic waste on energy generation, and the vision for a "closed loop" system that benefits both businesses and the environment. 

This is a powerful conversation about the journey from identifying a problem to building a sustainable business. Don't miss the insights on how a shift in mindset can lead to a greener, more prosperous future. 

Ready to explore a more sustainable world?