TRG Talk x Digital

In this powerful episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," Rick sits down with Michele Wee, the visionary Founder and CEO of Who says I can't Pte Ltd. Michele, a former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, uncovers the journey of a seasoned financial leader who dared to redefine success. 

Discover the captivating story of a former CEO's 30-year career in the financial markets, from navigating high-stakes corporate environments to making the bold jump into building her own impactful venture. Learn the invaluable lessons forged in the fires of leadership, including the true meaning of "ownership," the power of consistent role-modeling, and how to drive change even through global challenges like a pandemic. 

This discussion is packed with insights on fostering genuine Diversity & Inclusion, emphasizing the critical importance of embracing diverse thought and creating psychologically safe workplaces. Plus, get actionable advice on connecting with and leading the next generation of talent, and what it truly takes to make a successful pivot from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. 

Don't miss these essential takeaways for your career and business growth! 

Unlock the secrets to truly personalized financial planning in this compelling episode of "TRG Talk x Digital." We sat down with Robin Copley, Independent Financial Planner, to redefine what it means to manage your wealth. 

Forget generic advice! Robin cuts through the jargon, explaining why a fiduciary financial planner is your ultimate advocate, focused solely on your life goals, not just selling products. Discover the crucial difference between a product-pusher and a true financial partner, committed to transparency and your best interests. 

This conversation also dives deep into the fascinating world of family wealth and succession planning in Asia's dynamic economies. Robin shares unique insights on how fostering strong family communication and understanding your deepest values can create a lasting legacy for generations. 

Florian Noiret, EMEA Sales Manager and Cloud P2P expert at Yooz. Hosted by Viktor Nagradic, Growth Marketing Manager of TRG International, this episode delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the procurement industry. 

Florian shares his initial impressions of Vietnam, highlighting cultural observations like traffic and the vibrant food scene. The conversation then shifts to the accelerated digital transformation within procurement. Discover how companies like Yooz provide 100% cloud-based solutions to automate the procure-to-pay (P2P) process, leveraging AI and OCR to streamline invoice processing and matching. 

Learn about the critical importance of flexibility and visibility in today's procurement landscape, and how the shift to remote work during the pandemic emphasized the need for robust cloud systems. Florian also addresses common misconceptions surrounding cloud security and the challenges of change management in adopting new technologies, emphasizing how digital transformation is now a top priority for businesses. 

How do high-performing executives stay sharp, focused, and true to their values? In this reflective and candid episode, Victor Burrill, Chairman and Chief Connecting Officer of Business Executive Network (BEN), shares lessons from decades of entrepreneurship, event management, and building Vietnam’s leading peer community for top business leaders.

Victor opens up about his early career in high-pressure kitchens, launching BEN to support C-level leaders, and what it really takes to grow a successful network grounded in trust and integrity. From the value of repetition to the hidden cost of success, this is a conversation about leadership, sacrifice, and becoming "better and better"—without losing your soul in the process.

🔹 How did BEN become the go-to place for CEOs and executives in Vietnam?
🔹 Why is integrity non-negotiable in leadership and hiring?
🔹 What’s the real cost of ambition—and is it worth it?
🔹 Why should young professionals value boredom, not passion?

📌 Learn more about Business Executive Network:
▶ Website: https://executives.asia
▶ Victor’s LinkedIn:   / victorburrill 

📌 Explore TRG International:
▶ Website: https://trginternational.com/solutions/
▶ LinkedIn:   / trg-international 
▶ Facebook:   / trginternational   

What’s one lesson about leadership or life that resonated with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations. 

From arriving in Vietnam with just 25 staff to leading a 3,000-person real estate powerhouse - Neil MacGregor, Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, shares the incredible growth journey of Vietnam’s property market and the role Savills played in shaping it. 

In this episode, Neil reflects on the evolution of Vietnam’s real estate sector, the emergence of industrial and tourism-focused developments, and the entrepreneurial and innovative mindset needed to lead in an emerging market. He also opens up about personal challenges, leadership values, and his vision for Vietnam’s infrastructure and economic trajectory. 

🔹 What are the key growth sectors in Vietnam real estate today? 
🔹 How did Savills Vietnam become a market leader and a “real estate university”? 
🔹 Why are data centers, industrial parks, and tourism projects booming? 
🔹 How does Neil stay grounded while leading one of Vietnam’s largest real estate consultancies? 

With over three decades in hospitality, John Gardner, Founding Partner & CEO of Optimum Hospitality, shares his journey from running restaurants in New Zealand to managing luxury hotels across Asia. He dives into the evolving landscape of Vietnam’s hotel industry, the rise of independent operators, and the role of AI in shaping the future of hospitality. 

🔹 How did John transition from managing global hotel brands to launching his own hospitality consulting firm? 
🔹 What trends are driving Vietnam’s tourism and hotel sector? 
🔹 How can independent hotel owners compete with global chains? 
🔹 What challenges did John face moving from luxury hotel management to entrepreneurship? 

Vietnam is emerging as a powerful hub for innovation, but what does it take to push boundaries in this evolving market? Cong-Thang Huynh, CEO of InnoLab Asia, shares his personal journey from launching startups to helping businesses scale globally. He delves into the realities of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, the challenges of changing perceptions, and the key opportunities for businesses looking to enter or expand in the region. 

🔹 How is Vietnam shifting from a low-cost labor market to a knowledge-based economy? 
🔹 What are the biggest obstacles for Vietnamese startups in the global arena? 
🔹 How can companies leverage Vietnam as a launchpad for innovation? 
🔹 What trends are shaping the country’s digital transformation? 

How can AI revolutionize employee engagement and business performance? Paweł Górski, CEO & Co-founder of Tribee, shares his journey of building an AI-driven platform that helps companies empower their workforce. He discusses the challenges of fostering workplace motivation, the role of data in driving business success, and the future of AI in employee engagement. 

🔹 What inspired Paweł to launch Tribee? 
🔹 How does AI enhance workplace culture and performance? 
🔹 What are the key challenges in scaling an AI-driven business? 
🔹 How can companies leverage AI to improve employee satisfaction? 

In this compelling episode, David Archibald, General Manager of AI Naboodah, shares his personal and professional journey, offering deep insights into the values of leadership, resilience, and community impact. David takes us through his early days, where hard work and responsibility were instilled by his parents, to his current role overseeing the Al Naboodah family's investments in Vietnam’s motorcycle industry.

He reflects on how his career evolved from working in a car dealership to managing nine motorcycle dealerships featuring prestigious brands like Harley-Davidson and KTM. David discusses the unique motorcycle culture in Vietnam and the challenges of navigating the industry, especially during the pandemic. He also highlights his commitment to giving back through charity events, which have significantly impacted local communities. 

David emphasizes the importance of personal growth, building genuine connections, and focusing on meaningful leadership over traditional measures of success. He shares his story of moving to Vietnam after personal loss, and how it reshaped his view on life and leadership.

David’s story provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders. It focuses on the power of resilience, innovation, and creating a supportive community-driven business environment.

In this insightful episode, Nicholas Rowe, co-founder of Saigon Digital, shares the story behind his entrepreneurial journey and the creation of his digital agency in Vietnam. From initially traveling through Southeast Asia to discovering his deep connection to Vietnam, Nick’s decision to plant roots and build Saigon Digital was driven by his passion for technology, innovation, and independence. With services ranging from digital marketing to web development and SEO, Nick discusses the challenges and successes in scaling his business, especially during the pandemic. His belief in the importance of business efficiency and work-life balance has shaped the agency’s growth. 

Nick reflects on the value of taking risks, including reaching out via LinkedIn to start his business, and how it led to unexpected yet fruitful opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and maintaining a strong set of values, including integrity and authenticity, in both personal and professional endeavors. He shares how his childhood experiences and time working in the UK shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership philosophy.

Nick’s story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of purpose-driven leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a passionate and innovative team.

Have thoughts or questions about entrepreneurship and digital innovation? Share them in the comments below!

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