Mosaic Minds | Women in Leadership

What does it mean to spend 25 years navigating bureaucracy, borders, and belonging and to find that the most important negotiations have always been personal?

In this episode, host My Holland sits down with Dr. Josefine Wallat, who grew up in West Berlin during the Cold War, the daughter of a German father and a Czech mother. She enrolled at university the autumn the Berlin Wall came down,studied political science, and went on to build a career in the German Foreign Office that has taken her from policy planning in Berlin, to Shanghai, to six years as...

MosaicMinds Podcast - Episode 27 | Guest: Lê Kim | Founder, CL2B

What does it mean to build an economy that heals rather than harms? And what happens when the drive to create impact is tangled up with generational survival instincts that tell you profit is safety and scarcity is always around the corner?

In this episode, host My Holland sits down with Lê Kim, an environmental economist, systems thinker, and founder of CL2B, whose path from a working-class family in Nghệ An to becoming a pioneering voice in circular economy across Southeast Asia...

Mosaic Minds Podcast Episode 26 | Guest: Lan Doan | Founder, AslaWhat does it take to build a career that feels not just successful, but fulfilled?

In this episode, host My Holland sits down with Lan Doan, a Harvard MBA, former Boston Consulting Group consultant, and founder of Asla, a platform blending AI and human coaching to help people build meaningful careers. After eight years in top-tier consulting and three years as CEO of a tech startup that grew to 3 million users and 120 employees, Lan is now focused on her most personal mission yet: making quality career coaching accessible to...

What happens when a life built around success suddenly asks you to stop and rethink what truly matters?

Mai Doan grew up in a loving, privileged family in Ho Chi Minh City, became a high-achieving “good girl,” and built a promising career in finance and private equity. But moving between Vietnam, the US, and France challenged her sense of identity and taught her that she could always start again.

Later, a serious illness became another turning point. During a period of healing in the forests of Dalat, Mai rediscovered her...

What happens when your story is told by everyone but you?

In this episode of Mosaic Mind, Dung Tran, Co-founder & CEO of Our Race, shares her journey from a Vietnamese refugee to becoming a leading advocate for ethical storytelling in Australia.

We explore how racism shaped her identity, why storytelling can either empower or exploit, and how her Transformational Ethical Storytelling (TEST) Framework helps shift power back to the people who own their stories.

This conversation is about identity, belonging, courage, and the responsibility we all share when telling someone else's story.

🍫 About Our Guest: Khanh Linh is a French entrepreneur of Vietnamese heritage, former McKinsey consultant, and co-founder of The Cocoa Project in Vietnam. After years in consulting and the consumer goods industry, she followed an unexpected opportunity that led her to build a mission far beyond chocolate - creating a chocolate culture rooted in Vietnam's people, nature, and identity.

In this episode, Khanh Linh shares her journey of navigating two cultures, embracing serendipity, letting go of an identity she had built for years, and discovering a new sense of purpose. From chance encounters that cha...

About Our Guest: Kim Bui is a cross-cultural professional passionate about building meaningful connections across borders. Having lived, studied, and worked in Vietnam, the UK, and China, her journey has been shaped by stepping outside her comfort zone, embracing new cultures, and learning to adapt with curiosity and resilience. Today, she serves as a UK Alumni Ambassador, supporting international alumni communities while advocating for authentic communication, lifelong learning, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Her story is one of cultural connection, personal growth, and the belief that the greatest transformations begin when we dare to start over.

Mosaic Minds Podcast — Episode 21

Guest: Solène Martel | Sales & Marketing

What does it mean to belong to two worlds and to rebuild yourself when life breaks you open?

In this deeply moving conversation, Mosaic Minds host My Holland sits down with Solène Martel, a Vietnamese-born, French-raised woman whose journey spans cultures, identities, and a profound return to her roots.

Adopted at four months old and raised in the quiet countryside of Normandy, Solène grew up knowing love, but also feeling the unspoken gap of a story she couldn’t yet nam...

Mosaic Minds Podcast — Episode 20

Guest: Quyền Ngọc Khánh | Consultant, CoRE Community Vietnam

What happens when a career stops following logic… and starts following the heart?

In this episode, host My Holland sits down with Quyền Ngọc Khánh, whose journey took her from managing tech projects to shaping mental well-being for Vietnamese communities. Now pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, Khánh blends science, compassion, and cultural identity into a fresh perspective on mental health.

Together, we explore:

• Why young Vie...

We often assume that to speak with authority on global topics like career and leadership, you need international credentials. But what if the deepest insights come from staying rooted while thinking beyond borders?

In this episode, meet Adele Doan - creator, storyteller, and one of Vietnam's most powerful voices online. Without ever studying overseas, Adele has built a platform reaching 80,000+ LinkedIn followers, grounded in radical authenticity and a bold reimagining of Vietnamese leadership.

In This Conversation, We Explore:

• How being yourself became Adele's secret to sustainable influence

• The three pillars of pers...

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pause. Not because you've failed, but because you're growing into a version of yourself the world hasn't seen yet.

In this powerful episode, host My Holland sits down with Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Tran—edupreneur, researcher, and self-described "catalyst in transition"—to explore what it means to lead with intention in times of uncertainty.

After 20 years of leadership in inclusive education across institutions like Fulbright University Vietnam, Girl Rising, and the IFC of the World Bank Group, Tran made the bold decision to slow down, reflect, and rebu...

Van Ly was born in Chicago to Chinese Vietnamese parents and grew up navigating multiple cultures and identities. Her journey led her to Vietnam, where she now drives transformative work in ESG and sustainable development as Co-Founder and Partner at Raise Partners and Co-Chair of AmCham's ESG Committee.

In this episode, Van shares her story of cultural navigation, professional evolution, and building Vietnam's premier ESG conference with intentional diversity at its core.

This episode covers:

• The power of working "in between the lines" of identity

• Launching Vietnam's first majo...

What does true luxury in travel really mean? For Dorothée Perrault-Le Hunsec, it’s not five-star resorts or crowded tourist stops — it’s time, cultural connection, and shared human learning.

After more than a decade in Vietnam, raising three children here and building Chôm Chôm Travel, Dorothée has redefined what it means to explore: slowing down, connecting with local communities, and honoring traditions while creating unforgettable memories.

In this conversation, Dorothée shares:

🌏 Her philosophy of “slow travel” and why Vietnam is a never-ending disco...

"Identity is not static, it’s a journey. And education isn’t just about the mind; it’s about the heart."

Adika Crémet is a global educator, advocate, and Third Culture Kid (TCK) with a rich multicultural heritage—Irish, Japanese, Indonesian, and Dutch roots—who has spent nearly 20 years shaping international education and nearly 8 in leadership roles. A UN Young Leader alumna and passionate advocate for human rights, inclusion, sustainability, and multilateral diplomacy, she believes in the power of values-driven action to create lasting impact for future generations.

In This Episode:

Adika...

What does it mean to build a life between cultures? How do identity, leadership, and belonging shape our experiences in a globalized world?In this episode of Mosaic Minds, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Amélie Huynh Le Maux—an entrepreneur, researcher, and creative spirit whose life defies labels. With a PhD in biology, a career spanning copywriting, teaching, jewelry-making, and even bar ownership, Amélie embodies the essence of a "mosaic mind." Having lived in Vietnam for nearly a decade, she shares profound insights on:

“You're not just your job title. You're your mission.” – Jovel Chan

In this episode, My Holland sits down with Jovel Chan, a Singaporean food storyteller, founder of Saigon Social, and host of Saigon Supper Club, to explore how culture, identity, and leadership intersect through food in modern-day Vietnam.

Jovel shares how her unexpected move to Vietnam during the pandemic sparked a career transformation, from corporate roles around the world to becoming a visible voice in Vietnam’s vibrant culinary scene. With warmth and insight, she reflects on cultural adaptation, self-leadership, and the rise of modern Vietname...

"Through NOl, we work to reshape narratives, ensuring that women feel seen, heard, and empowered to take up space."

As the Co-Founder & CEO of NOI - Nữ theo kiểu của bạn, Angélique is dedicated to strengthening communication for Vietnamese women. She recognizes the transformative power of words, confidence, and community in reshaping narratives. By creating platforms where women can share their stories and experiences, she aims to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, enabling them to assert their presence confidently in various spheres of life.

Summary...

In this episode of Mosaic Minds, host My Holland sits down with Winnie Lam – COO of Avison Young Vietnam, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Business Association, and CSR Lead at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Born in Hong Kong and holding Canadian nationality, Winnie shares her unique perspective as a self-described "adopted Vietnamese," reflecting on cultural identity, global citizenship, and the evolution of Vietnam over the past two decades. With 17 years of experience working across industries — navigating mergers, acquisitions, and leadership challenges, Winnie reveals the keys to thriving in a cross-cultural environment: ditching assumptions, active listening, and...

Wendy Parry is an educator, global citizen, and advocate for inclusive learning. With a British-Chinese heritage, she has lived and worked across the UK, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Brunei, and Thailand. In this rich conversation, Wendy shares her journey of navigating mixed identity, motherhood, and leadership in international education.

From confronting cultural disconnects to fostering belonging in schools, Wendy reflects on what it means to lead with both heart and cultural intelligence. She offers insights on language, identity, leadership humility, and why creating safe, inclusive spaces for students is her proudest accomplishment.

<...

In this kickoff episode of Mosaic Minds Season 2, Patricia Marques, CEO of Phuc Long Heritage (Masan Group), shares her personal and professional journey as a foreign leader navigating the complexities of working in Vietnam.With decades of experience across Asia, Patricia opens up about how she learned to adapt to cultural nuances, such as the importance of saving face, and how feedback is received differently across cultures. Her approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for the local context.Takeaways- Leadership is a vibrant mosaic shaped by diverse experiences.- Cultural fusion enriches leadership...

Join host My Holland as she chats with Denise Sandquist, a true global citizen and the visionary behind Fika, Asia’s biggest female-focused AI social and dating app. Born in Vietnam and adopted to Sweden as a baby, Denise reconnected with her biological mother through a viral Facebook post after years of searching. Fluent in six languages and having lived in eight countries, she’s a polyglot with a remarkable story – from Thai boxing to military service as a Russian interpreter, and now, entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Denise shares how her multicultural journey – spanning Vietnam...

In this episode, My Holland sits down with Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang, CEO of Teach For Vietnam, to explore how leadership and education can create lasting social change. Trang is a passionate advocate for community development through education, leading initiatives that have impacted 40,000+ students and 3,000+ teachers in rural Vietnam.

Podcast Summary: From a finance background to education leadership, Trang’s journey is one of bold career pivots and deep commitment to change. She shares:

✅ How Teach For Vietnam is transforming education through leadership development

✅ The power of community-driven solutions in overcoming educational barriers

✅...

In this episode, we sit down with Hien Dao, an education entrepreneur and strategic advisor dedicated to transforming learning in Vietnam. As the Founder of Golden Path Academics and COO of BMS Education System, Hien has empowered over 50,000 students and currently oversees five K-12 private schools with 4,000 students and 450 employees. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Harvard Business School in the Asia Pacific and is an Eisenhower Fellow.

Podcast Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Hien Dao shares her inspiring journey as a Vietnamese woman leader in education. From her early curiosity about the...

In this episode, we are joined by Anh Trinh, the Business Development & International Liaison Director at Grant Thornton Vietnam and a standing committee member of HAWEE (Ho Chi Minh City Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives). With an impressive career spanning 23 years at Grant Thornton, Anh has grown from a fresh graduate to a senior leader, while dedicating her time to empowering women in leadership through her work with HAWEE.

Podcast Summary

Anh shares her journey from growing up in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to leading in a global professional services firm. She discusses the ch...

In this episode, Chị Mai Khôi, The Source for Toàn Vẹn, shares her incredible journey as a pioneer in the coaching industry. As the first certified Asian woman coach in the world, she has trained over 2,000 life coaches globally and accumulated more than 20,000 hours of coaching experience. A published author of three books, including The Divorced Mom’s Guide to Dating and The Integrated Woman, Chị Mai Khôi’s mission is to help individuals build stronger, more integrated relationships through empathy, self awareness, and love.

Podcast Summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Chị Mai Khôi...

Join us for an inspiring episode with Melanie Dao-Ellena, Co-founder of RE.LOVED Vietnam. A French-Vietnamese entrepreneur and sustainability enthusiast, Melanie has redefined her journey by embracing bold decisions, cultural balance, and a passion for making a difference. After years of thriving in the corporate world, she took the leap to co-found RE.LOVED, Vietnam’s first trusted marketplace for pre-loved high-end fashion.

Summary

In this episode, Melanie shares how her mantra, "Always do what you are afraid of doing," has shaped her life and career. From moving to Vietnam to pursuing a startup, she op...

Trang Dang, Head of ICAEW Vietnam, brings a unique blend of professional expertise and adventurous spirit to our conversation. With 25 years of experience in NGOs, government, and international organizations, Trang has a deep understanding of the Vietnamese market. Beyond her impressive career, she's a passionate traveler, hiker, and animal lover. From conquering Everest Base Camp to mastering horseback riding, Trang's life is a testament to her dynamic and adventurous nature.

Summary

In this episode of the Mosaic Minds Leadership Insights Podcast, host My Holland converses with Trang Dang, head of ICAEW Vietnam...

Today's guest is Hoai Anh Nguyen, a remarkable leader with a unique multicultural background. Growing up in eastern Germany with Vietnamese roots, she has overcome challenges and risen to a leadership position in a male-dominated industry. Now, she empowers individuals and organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing world by leveraging her expertise in strategic HR and change management.

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Hoai Anh shares her experiences as a leader with a multicultural background and how it has shaped her approach to change and adaptability. She discusses the challenges of...