Women With Impact #36 - Van Dang
Welcome back to Women With Impact, a newsletter all about the journeys of mission-driven women and how they have a positive impact in our world.
I’m Clara Richter and this is the 36th edition of Women With Impact. If you enjoy this issue, please share it with a friend and like it above.
For this edition, I interviewed Van Dang, Founder and CEO of Savvycom. Based in Hanoi, Savvycom provides sector agnostic IT solutions, from mobile and web app development, to machine learning and artificial intelligence production, and blockchain solutions. The company is repeatedly acknowledged among Vietnam’s leading software development and IT outsourcing companies. Van has an educational background in Computer Science and started her venture five years after graduating. She is Vice President of VNITO, the alliance of digital technology organisations in Vietnam, and Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Society Australia.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you spend your time?
As a mother of two daughters and a tech industry entrepreneur, I'm fuelled by the conviction that technology can enrich our lives. I'm deeply committed to ongoing growth, embracing the importance of learning, relearning, and unlearning. Alongside my role as the CEO of Savvycom I serve as a mentor, speaker, and advocate for women entrepreneurs in the digital realm.
My days are predominantly dedicated to Savvycom, yet I prioritise personal well-being. I indulge in yoga twice weekly, revelling in nature's embrace, and cherish Sundays and evenings for family time, unless business calls me away. This balance fosters not just professional success, but a life imbued with purpose and harmony.
What do you think is most important in creating positive change?
Positivity and protecting our energy are crucial for creating positive change. They provide a foundation for overall well-being, resilience, and a healthy balance. When we prioritise positivity, we approach challenges with optimism and inspire others to join us. By safeguarding our energy, we sustain our efforts and enhance our mental and physical health. This allows us to overcome obstacles with resilience and make a meaningful impact.
What is a recent success you are proud of?
A recent success that I am proud of is the growth and systematic operation of my company Savvycom. The original team members who have been with the company since its inception are now leading the organisation, and we have also welcomed new members to join our team.
In addition to our business growth, we have also been actively promoting a reading culture as our CSR. Last year, we extended this initiative to three schools, where we distributed over 5000 books to 2000 children. By encouraging them to read more, we hope to foster a love for reading and improve their literacy skills.
I take great pride in these achievements as they reflect the positive impact we are making both within our organisation and in the wider community.
The Lessons
What has been the most rewarding experience on your journey?
The most rewarding experience on my journey has been sharing my dream with others and witnessing their support in making it a reality. Collaborating with a dedicated team and seeing our shared vision come to life has been immensely fulfilling. The collective effort, positive changes, and personal growth along the way have been invaluable. Knowing that we are making a positive impact on others' lives adds a deeper sense of fulfilment to the journey.
What’s a challenge you have encountered most often and how did you tackle it?
One challenge I often encounter is effectively working with young people. To tackle this, I focus on building strong relationships based on trust, providing clear feedback, creating an inclusive environment, and continuously learning and adapting my approach to their evolving needs.
If you could give a piece of advice for your younger self in your 20s, what would it be?
Just do it! What sets a successful person apart from an ordinary individual is a turning point in their life's journey.
The Inspiration
What resource do you think more people should take use of?
One resource that more people should utilise is AI technology, specifically chat-based AI systems like ChatGPT. These systems provide instant access to a wealth of information, personalised assistance, and can bridge knowledge gaps. By leveraging AI, individuals can benefit from convenience, efficiency, and democratised access to information.
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration in Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos. Their success, philanthropy, and innovative thinking motivate me to strive for greatness and make a positive impact in the world.
Enjoyed this or have any feedback? Let me know in the comments!
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