Nguyen Ngoc My is a young businessman, carrying a modern spirit, innovative thinking and a source of positive energy. In her business journey, the businesswoman has left her mark in many fields. Not only taking on the role of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alphanam Group, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, Honorary Consul in Iceland, etc., she also actively participates in community activities.
In a conversation with Lao Dong Newspaper, the businesswoman shared her views on the role of women in business, on her journey to take over and develop family businesses, as well as the philosophy she pursues.
Business success for women often comes with many invisible expectations and pressures. Have you ever felt pressured to become a role model?
- For me, a model is simply an inspiring story, a profound philosophy or the values I learn from those around me, even from my own staff. On their journey, there is a bright spot that helps me unlock my own knots, so I will learn, whoever they are.
And above all, the closest role models that I always refer to learn from are family, biological parents, and now my parents-in-law. They are the best teachers, helping me develop in both life and work.
Getting married is an important milestone in a woman's life. For you, will this bring any changes or turning points in your career and orientation?
- Certainly so. Previously, I mainly worked in the real estate, tourism and office environment in big cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City. After getting married, I had the opportunity to approach a completely new field - heavy industry, specifically cement production (Hoang Long cement mixture). This is a special profession that I did not have much knowledge about before. Therefore, I feel extremely lucky to be able to open up completely new fields and new environments.
In a competitive business environment, how can you create your own mark while still maintaining your style and value?
- My style changes with each beat (not with each period) and adapts according to actual requirements. Human resources at different times need different values from the leader. If we understand that "style" is formed from a consistent value, then perhaps that is the desire to bring positive things to society, from the lessons of Alphanam himself to spread to the business community.
Sharing more about the company you are running, for Alphanam, what is the core value that the Group appreciates and puts first?
- At present, my work focuses heavily on operations, training and personnel strategy. Human resources for Alphanam are the most valuable asset, so this is a vital job. If business is a front line entering the market, operation and training are the backbone, requiring detailed human resource plans and a strategy for the future.
The achievements that Alphanam has achieved all come from the hands and minds of thousands of employees, so in my position, it is necessary to assign the right person - the right job; at the same time, it is necessary to create mechanisms, policies and motivation to encourage the spirit of each member. Those are the decisions that determine the success or failure of a business and I myself am trying my best to fulfill that role.
Taking on many roles in both work and life, how can you maintain a balance between your career and family?
- I think we can achieve many things in life, but not all at the same time. There were times when I spent most of my time on my career, but now that my child is still young, I prioritize family as number 1. This is the time when children need their mother most, that time has passed and cannot be taken back. Therefore, I arranged my work to both ensure my role at the group and fulfill my role as a mother.
I do not put pressure on constantly "innovate" just to make a difference, but more importantly, every day is a little better, or there are even periods when I simply maintain my form to go the long way.
Being a wife, a mother, or entering a new field, I do not consider it a challenge but an opportunity to grow up. I always compare myself to a beta version - constantly updated, constantly perfected.
Looking to the future, what do you imagine your journey will be like in the next 10 years?
- When my children get a little older, I want to have more time to contribute to social activities because that is my passion, especially support programs for women and children. I believe that when women are empowered, they can create great values not only for their families but also for society.
In the coming years, I will observe and research to select a suitable unit/organization - where I can accompany to contribute my intelligence, time and resources to social activities and community activities.
Thank you for your sincere sharing. Wishing you to always keep the passion and continue to create good values!
