Encounter the uplifting Hon. Pauline Truong, a woman who has achieved the heights of accolades that some only dream of achieving. She has been awarded an honorary order in the USA and inducted into the Portrait Gallery and Hall of Fame, among other honours. As a former refugee, she essentially had nothing, and in every new country, she had to essentially ‘start over’ again. However, she worked smart, worked hard, and took positive action for her goals, which helped her make her dreams happen.
With success in many fields, including law, entrepreneurship, business, community development, and human rights, she has impacted many lives. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others in many ways, helping marginalised groups have access to the law, global entrepreneurship, science and innovation, opportunities, and funding to achieve their dreams. Her journey has been challenging and interesting; travelling and living in many countries has helped her learn and adapt quickly to new cultures, perspectives, ideas, and lifestyles. In this exclusive interview with The Business Woman Today, she shares her insights on achieving dreams, the importance of the human element in business, the disruption of AI, and how to use time wisely in your business and life. She also talks about her secret to having it all, creating multiple streams of passive income, and the best way to achieve long-term success in business. Join us as we delve into the mind of this inspiring woman and learn from her incredible journey. [ez-toc]Awarded an Honourable Order in the USA, inducted into the Portrait Gallery and Hall of Fame amongst other honours, you have achieved the height of accolades that some only dream of achieving. What is your No.1 tip for achieving your dreams?
My number one tip for achieving your dreams is to always do your best, even if you don’t have anything/much, and the best will come to you! Grit, tenacity, determination, willpower, and resilience also help immensely. As a former refugee, I essentially had nothing, and in every new country, I had to essentially ‘start over’ again. By working smart, working hard, and taking positive action for my goals, I worked proactively towards making my dreams happen. Thank you, the USA, and Australia, for the opportunity to live an amazing dream!You have had success in many fields including law, entrepreneurship, business, community development, and human rights, to name a few. What drives you to impact so many lives?
My passion is to make a positive difference in the lives of others in many ways. As a former refugee from Vietnam, we had to start again with very little. It was a challenge, and I could not have achieved much without great mentors, professors, sponsors, and inspiring people! To pay it forward, I like to help marginalized groups have access to the law, global entrepreneurship, science/innovation, opportunities, and funding to achieve their dreams. Hence, making a difference and giving back to the community is of great importance to my team and family.How is the digital era affecting the way business is done? Isn’t it now, more than ever, important to include the human element?
The digital era is quite exciting! We can travel, work, and do many things at the same time! Technological advances have automated many processes and procedures. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transcending many fields, such as law, medicine, science, business, etc. While they may create a positive impact in relation to costs, quality, and delivery, AI’s (and technology’s) disruptive impact will probably not replace many processes, such as regulation, policy, law reform, networking, investments, etc. too soon. The human element allows us to add our personal touch and set ourselves apart from others. Hence, it is extremely important to include the human element in areas such as business, investments, and relationships.How has your experience of living, working, and undertaking business in many countries helped your success?
Traveling and living in many countries has helped me to learn and adapt quickly to new cultures, perspectives, ideas, and lifestyles. It has also given me many unique and game-changing experiences and helped me to be wiser and more vigilant. The combination of science, law, entrepreneurship, and travels makes the journey very challenging and interesting. I have been a globetrotter since Law School and love enjoying my life to the fullest around the globe!
For someone who constantly travels, what would be your advice on using time wisely in your business and life?
My suggestions on using time wisely in business and life are to work smart, plan ahead, be efficient, and have the right people in the right places. Travel, learn to adapt to different time-zones, overcome jetlag, and quickly adapt to new cultures/environments to undertake business in an efficient manner. Everyone’s time and timing are different. Be patient, believe in yourself, prepare well, and enjoy the journey! Surround yourself with people who have similar goals, believe in you, and encourage you to achieve your best. An amazing team can lead to amazing results and journey! I am so blessed to be with people who inspire me to do my best!How do you focus so well?
There are so many opportunities in life, so my usual reaction is to decline most of them and only pick the best ones. I don’t sweat small stuff and am surrounded by people who are much more intelligent and accomplished. So, I am always focused on learning, transforming, and trying to be a better and the best version of myself. My legal, science, and entrepreneurship training and experience have helped me immensely to home in and focus on important issues.What is your secret to ‘having it all’?
‘Having it all’ means different things to different people. For me, it’s having quality of life, freedom, abundance, family, balance, peace, and happiness, etc. On this journey to ‘having it all,’ we should be happy with our present state of ‘success’ in pursuit of the ‘bonus.’ I learned that creating multiple streams of passive income is a great way for women to ‘have it all.’ So, I learned to create change, work smart, make a difference, enjoy life to the fullest whilst helping others become their bosses and enjoy the same rewards and lifestyle. Our @GlobePreneurs digital entrepreneurs’ group has over 5500 members and has received sponsorships & partnerships with major organizations.What is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
To achieve long-term success, we need many attributes such as curiosity, perseverance, sacrifice, passion, resilience, and tenacity. We also need great results, track records, and a team. There are challenges and barriers, but if we embrace the imperfections in life, life will embrace us! Don’t be afraid to let go of a great life to achieve the unbelievable. We have to believe in ourselves and The Above. Faux pas can lead us to amazing destinations too! So don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and create unique experiences!
