We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Nguyen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.

Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

I had an amazing boss who was an exceptional leader and made a lasting impression on me. By organizing team-building activities and outings, he recognized the importance of cultivating a sense of camaraderie within the workplace. This allowed team members to get to know each other on a more personal level.

He also made an effort to show appreciation to his team in other ways whether he personally thank them for their contributions or surprised them with small gifts. These acts made employees feel valued.

It’s rare to find a boss who goes above and beyond to build meaningful relationships with his team members, and it’s a testament to his character that he was able to do so. By prioritizing his team, he incentivized them to work hard and created a work environment where lifelong friendships could be forged.

Linda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I believe in SPACE. Space for learning, space to commune, space to align, collaborate, and impact. Everyone has a story and a dream to tell.

As the daughter of Vietnamese Boat People, I lived my life in constant search of a bridge to connect the stories that make us. I’m an American, yet I feel disconnected. I want to honor my Vietnamese heritage, yet I didn’t know how. This sentiment is one that many first and second-generation children of immigrants experience – one foot in their world and one in the world of their ancestors. I always needed a bridge to root, helping me navigate a path to myself. It is that intention that led me to serve on the boards of various cultural organizations that offered communities a door to their heritage.

For nearly a decade, I have elevated both non-profit and private sector industries honoring the heritage, stories, and ideas of communities through brands, organizations, and projects. The more I immersed myself in understanding my history and watching my community embrace its own diverse cultural roots, the more I was inspired to create more space through the connection of people, ideas, and cultures. A place where we ask, “Where do we begin to understand?”

Building on my professional experience of working alongside enterprising visionaries, global spiritual leaders, and local community organizers to lift, launch, and light emerging endeavors with purpose, I continue to imbue all my work with a deep-seated intention of cultivating impactful collaborations and meaningful connections. It is in this vein that I have always believed that speaking from the heart means not just having a voice at the table but building a new table altogether. From the right intention emerges influential action. With this authentic and curious vision, I continue to support diverse communities that bring the umami of our heritage to the forefront of our world.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Cultivating and maintaining authentic relationships in the community has been a powerful way to attract new clients and maintain current ones. By establishing trust with individuals and organizations in my area, word of mouth has been my main source of referrals.

On a weekly basis, I attend local community events and activities, such as speaker panels, nonprofit events, and networking events. I am constantly meeting new people and building relationships. I also serve on the board of several business organizations, giving me the opportunity to connect with peers who introduce me to their network of professionals.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has impacted my perspective on management and leadership, as well as relationships and friendships. The principles mentioned taught me to see things from others’ viewpoints to understand their needs and motivations in order for me to communicate effectively and positively influence them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lindanguyen.com
• Instagram: @lindanguyen_community
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lindanguyencommunity/