Ann Pham

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

Call me a CRAZY COACH! Since I was really young, I had the tendency to feel for people. Empathy, not sympathy. I loved giving talks to people, writing motivational stories and joining some social working activities. However, I was expected to be a successful business woman by my parents and relatives. I know they wanted the best for me but I had my own life to live and shine. At college, I found myself interested in non-profit activities, especially the empowering ones. Thanks to my natural talent for communicating with people, I was invited to be the PR manager of the Future CEO organization, which aimed at inspiring and nuturing talented students in business faculties to be the extraordinary enterpreneurs with dynamic leadership skills. And it was extremely amazing to me that I was voted to be the Director of the organization after only 1 year. I also joined some projects that helped to bring people in the remote areas in my country a better living condition. In addition, I was occassionally invited to be the spokeperson for social activities in my place. After that, I got hired by some companies and lucky enough to work in high positions. However, I still felt something not right. There were days I felt empty inside as if my life was meaningless. Stress from work and university was like killing me. I still had the habit of talking and counselling my friends. I realized how much I loved that work, even since I was very young! Helping others to make the most out of their lives was like a calling of fate to me then! So I end up studying 2 universities at the same time: business and social science. In addition, I am a part-time social worker and a "life time" counsellor to everyone around me. People say I'm crazy but I'm living the life I love. I don't want to show off but simply just want to share what brought me to this career path. And they say "if you work with passion, you are not working at all". Well, then I'm not working!

How did you start building your network?

Believe it or not, I build my own network based on my limitless lifestyle. I dare to immerse myself in my wildest dream, throw myself in endless activities that I feel passionate about. This helps me go beyond my own limits and experience more amazing things. As a result, I have met and developed the relationships with people like me, hence, have more opportunities open for me! So why don't you listen to my wild story? What do you remember the most in your early 20s? To me, the only thing I will remember is the stereotypes placed on me because of my young age. People tell me “You were born to beat mediocrity and create masterpieces. You know it, don’t you? You are still young and have a very long long future ahead, you will change the world…”. Yes, they draw me an illusion about me and my generation transforming the whole world and then put limits on us “As a student at the university, you are supposed to be this type of executives or managers, work in this types of corporations, work in this area….”. What is the point of sticking us to a statement, a label, a field of study when you have given us a false vision of endless potential? Therefore, I decided to break all the rules. I took another bachelor program if Psychology. At that time, I was studying at Business University and working as a Marketing Leader of a nutrition company. The combination of both areas has given me a great foundation to challenge myself in a new position: a business coach! I might be young but my working experience is not. I have worked as a Brand and PR manager since my first year at college. Although I just quit my job several months ago, I am still the member of the Board of Director of a non-profit organization for students. I also work as a freelance small business development and marketing strategy consultant at this time. I have not finished my bachelor program but this does not hold me back from experiencing the real working and business environment! However young I am, my ultimate passion has never been small. When I was very young, I found myself empathetic to people who suffer. I was so lucky to have many opportunities to be exposed to various cultures in the world, which helps me develop good perceptions about human beings and my own responsibility for life. I have never been out of my own country, Vietnam. Nevertheless, I am able to use English as fluently as my mother tongue because I never let the geographical factors set my limit. I love working on social projects and non-profit organizations! I have joined some charitable projects, empowering contests as an organizer or sometimes spokesperson. However, I want to increase my own level of influence. I try to find virtual volunteer opportunities from organizations with a global vision. I do not limit myself and my endless potential to change this world to a better place! What do I believe about the limitless self of everyone? By focusing on my strengths and passion and using strength-based self-development approach, I stop myself from trying to eliminate my weakness. No weakness only helps me to be average. Instead, by improving my strengths, I am able to move from average to good and from good to great! The way to success has never been so enjoyable! Are you ready to join me towards a limitless world?