Issue 5

Navigating Change In Uncertain Times

As I write this article, I am reminded of a proverb I learned in Sunday school as a boy: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This idea of people helping one another to become better is exactly the purpose of executive-peer relationships and the reason that I founded the Business Executive Network in Vietnam. I often think of CEOs as being captains of their ships; tirelessly navigating challenges as they steer their courses to their ultimate destinations. As if this role wasn’t difficult enough, the destinations often change as the world advances and priorities shift. This constant..
Members of the Business Executive Network reveal why being “on the road” in Vietnam is more about the journey than the destination. Do you remember your first ride in Vietnam? Can you describe it? Sam Conroy, Managing Director at CEA Project Logistics Vietnam "My first multi day trip was with a school friend and his father-in-law. We traveled to Dalat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau and then to Can Tho on 125 scooters. We packed very light and had no digital maps, and enjoyed ourselves immensely." Matt Millard, Founder and CEO Purple Asia "In 2014, Harley-Davidson launched in Vietnam..
By Michael Arnold At an exclusive online meeting about parenthood for members of the Business Executive Network, Dr. Astrid Matarrita-Chinchilla (of Saigon Psychology) and Dr. Miguel de Seixas (formerly Head of Psychiatry at Family Medical Practice) spoke about the challenges of being both CEOs and parents. Nurturing a successful enterprise can feel like being a parent, with business leaders pouring their hearts and souls into their companies, treating them like their own children. They invest countless hours, make tough decisions and strive for the best in the boardroom – but amidst the demanding responsibilities of executive life, many also worry..
Vietnam offers an excellent selection of accommodations that cater specifically to the needs of the discerning corporate traveler. In this article, we unveil a curated collection of exceptional hotels, where business and leisure converge in some of Vietnam’s most unforgettable destinations. Six Senses Ninh Van BayThe Ultimate in Sustainable Luxury Six Senses Ninh Van Bay combines luxury, eco-consciousness, and complete relaxation. Renowned for its wellness and sustainability achievements in Vietnam, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay sits on a dramatic bay with golden sand and a backdrop of towering mountains. The family-friendly resort has 62 pool villas and several bars and..
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, investors are seeking new opportunities to grow their businesses and wealth. The foreign exchange (FX) market has emerged as a key area of interest for business owners and investors. Standard Chartered Vietnam, named “Best Retail Bank in Vietnam” and awarded the “Best Strategic Partnership” in Asia Trailblazer Awards 2023 by Retail Banker International, guides businesses through the risks and benefits. Foreign exchange markets pose numerous challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and maximize their earnings potential, and there is growing demand for trusted, reputable expertise; particularly for..
As I write this article, I am reminded of a proverb I learned in Sunday school as a boy: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This idea of people helping one another to become better is exactly the purpose of executive-peer relationships and the reason that I founded the Business Executive Network in Vietnam. I often think of CEOs as being captains of their ships; tirelessly navigating challenges as they steer their courses to their ultimate destinations. As if this role wasn’t difficult enough, the destinations often change as the world advances and priorities shift. This constant..
General Director - Kirby Building Systems Member Since 2022 Thian Aun Goh is an experienced General Director at Kirby Building Systems Southeast Asia – a group company of Alghanim Industries. As of 2023, Thian has over 15 years of P&L leadership, managing teams across China and Southeast Asia, and 27 years of experience in engineering, building materials, manufacturing, and construction, Thian is a highly skilled professional civil engineer who can converse fluently in Cantonese, Mandarin, Malay, Indonesian, and English. His professional attributes include managing business across different regions and cultures and building high-performing teams. In his personal life, he enjoys..
Dr. Gareth Craze, Founder, and Head Executive Coach at Energeia Coaching, conducted formal interviews with 20 executives and leaders in Vietnam and abroad to understand leadership development now and in the future in Vietnam. This raised a couple of open empirical questions for me: is LD among companies operating in Vietnam emphasized to the degree it is in other countries? And, if it is, is it being done so in a way that is consistent with globally- established standards of best practice? Darwin Smith, the former CEO of Kimberly-Clark (owners of the Kleenex and Huggies brands, among others), once said..
Some entrepreneurs set out from day one to make the world a better place. Most don’t. The majority are simply looking to generate income, rather than actively contributing to a better and fairer world. Anita Roddick was among the few entrepreneurs who started a business with both in mind. In 1976, she opened The Body Shop in Brighton, UK, with just 15 products. She set out to redefine beauty and promote a fairer deal for everyone in the supply chain, including animals that were tortured for cosmetics testing. Her philosophy was that “business shapes the world. It is capable of..
Taking the step to focus on your mental health and emotional well-being can feel uncomfortable, especially when it's been put on the back burner while pursuing career success. Dr. Astrid Matarrita- Chinchilla explains why true success means finding a healthy balance between personal life and work. During a first session, I typically inquire, "What brings you here today?" While it is common for my clients to respond that everything is fine, it is important to dispel the misconception that mental health only warrants attention when significant symptoms arise. This notion perpetuates a toxic culture in which people feel pressure to..
Michael Kokalari, Chief Economist at VinaCapital, reports that there is still cause for optimism amid fears of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) competition from India. Vietnam's economic growth has gotten off to a slow start this year, with GDP growth of just 3.3% in Q1 versus 8% in 2022. The steep decline stems from a drop in the demand for “Made in Vietnam” products by consumers in the US, which is Vietnam's largest export market. Vietnam’s exports to the US plunged 20% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023 after growing by 13% YOY in the first quarter of 2022. That..
Country Lead - Draper Startup House Member Since 2023 Aaron Everhart is a well-known figure in Vietnam’s startup ecosystem as the CEO of Draper Startup House Vietnam. Originally from the United States, Aaron started his career in branding for global clients such as FedEx, Frito-Lay, HP, and AT&T while working at global agencies Landor and Grey. In 2005, he moved to Vietnam as a foreign investor, and in 2013, he founded HATCH! Ventures to help kickstart Vietnam’s startup scene. The program grew quickly and provided founders with incubation, mentorship, and fund matching. In 2021, HATCH! was acquired by Draper Startup..

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