Some weeks go by in a blur. Others leave a quiet, lasting glow in your heart. This past week was one of those rare, beautiful ones that gently remind me why I do what I do—and why I love the people I work with and the life I’ve built here in Vietnam.
As I sit down to write this on a Friday evening, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Not because something grand happened, but because of the small, meaningful moments that filled my days—conversations over dinner, shared laughter, career reflections, new beginnings, and beautiful connections.
Celebrating a Special Work Relationship
The highlight of my week was dinner with Tram, my teammate, whom I deeply admire. Tram joined our team back in March, right after graduating from the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City. She’s incredibly smart, kind, and humble—one of those rare individuals who ask the right questions and always deliver excellent work.
When we planned the dinner a few weeks ago, it was meant to be a celebration of the work relationship we’ve built together. But it ended up being more than that—it was a celebration of mentorship, trust, and mutual respect.
As someone who has mentored many young people—especially UWC students and those who show potential—I feel truly lucky when I meet someone like Tram. She’s currently preparing for the CFA exam, aiming to pass all three levels within the next two years and apply for scholarships to study abroad. Ambitious, driven, and deeply introverted—very different from my more extroverted self—yet we’ve built such a strong dynamic.
The Power of Opposites
What makes our partnership work so well is how different we are. While I tend to be more expressive and energetic, Tram brings calm, quiet focus. Her presence grounds me, and I hope my energy encourages her to open up more. We complement each other beautifully.
She often surprises the office with small acts of kindness—cutting up fruit and sharing it with colleagues, always smiling, always gentle. Her presence brings warmth to our team. I’ve been encouraging her to connect more with others, and it’s been heartwarming to see her gradually come out of her shell.
A Healthy Dinner
For our dinner, Tram picked a restaurant that only serves steamed dishes—fresh, healthy, and exactly my style. Toward the end of the meal, we shared a simple, comforting bowl of porridge.
That evening, after dinner, Tram offered to ride me home on her motorcycle. There’s something uniquely Vietnamese about these moments—riding through the city on a motorbike, feeling the breeze in your face, exchanging stories about work and life. I usually take a GrabBike since I don’t drive myself, but Tram’s offer felt extra special—like a friend taking care of another. Simple, sweet, and sincere.
Moments like these often remind me of how rich life is when we slow down and notice the goodness in people. Whether it’s mentoring a teammate, enjoying a healthy meal, or being gifted tea from someone’s hometown—these are the things that make life feel full.
Lunch with Global Changemakers
Earlier in the week, my colleague Ollie flew in from Singapore. He brought with him a box of delightful holiday snacks—just one of the many little things that make working with international colleagues so enriching.
We had the chance to join a lunch with one of our clients, Joel, the CEO of a prominent EV company in Indonesia. Joel is full of ideas and ambition, and it’s always exciting to hear visionaries talk about the future they’re building.
Over that lunch, we didn’t just discuss business—we talked about sustainability, innovation, and leadership. Afterward, Joel even brought us to his electric motorcycle dealership here in Vietnam. Walking through the dealership, seeing the vision come to life—it was a small but inspiring reminder of why I love what I do.
When Work Feels Like Growth
One of the greatest gifts of my career is getting to meet people like Tram and Joel. People who inspire me, challenge me, and help me grow. It’s these conversations—across cultures, generations, and backgrounds—that keep me energized and hopeful.
I’ve always believed that work doesn’t have to feel like work when it’s aligned with your values. Mentoring bright young women. Supporting sustainable innovation. Sharing meals with colleagues who become friends. These are the things that keep me grounded and joyful.
A Weekend to Look Forward To
As I wrap up the week, I’m especially looking forward to brunch with a dear friend—let’s call her “Chit.” She’s a few years senior to me, and we share a special bond, not just because of our shared alma mater—UWC Pearson College in Canada—but because of our shared journey.
Like me, Chit lived and worked in the UK for years before returning to Vietnam. She held executive roles in large corporations and is currently on a well-deserved career break. Now, she’s supporting me with ideas for this year’s UWC Vietnam selection. I’m so grateful for her wisdom, encouragement, and friendship.
We often talk about our journeys—how we left Vietnam for school, how we navigated careers abroad, and why we chose to return. These conversations remind me that while our paths may be different, our values are deeply aligned: service, growth, and giving back.
Reflections on Mentorship, Friendship, and Trust
This week has reminded me of how vital trust is—in work and in life. Trust that people will show up. Trust that small acts matter. Trust that kindness will ripple outwards.
From mentoring Tram and seeing her blossom, to lunch with Joel and business ideas that excite me, to weekend brunch with a friend who feels like family—this week has been full of trust, connection, and gratitude.
Life’s Richest Moments
If I could leave you with one takeaway from this reflection, it’s this:
You don’t have to chase big milestones to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, the richest parts of life are in the quiet, shared moments—with teammates, mentors, friends, and strangers who become part of your story.
So wherever you are reading this—pause for a second and think:
Who is someone who made your week a little better?
What simple moment brought a smile to your face?
How can you show up for someone else next week?
As for me, I’ll be carrying the glow of this week into the weekend, and hopefully into many weeks to come.
Until next time,
Sunny 🌞