Home: Arlington, VA. Age: I still fit within the 35-54 advertising demographic. Birthplace: Vietnam. Profession: Marketing. Organization: GeoBlue, a Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee that offers international health insurance for those that live, work, travel and/or study abroad. Title: Chief Marketing Officer. Other professional roles: I’m also on the board of Girls Inc. DC. Alma mater: Stanford University.
Current project: At my day job, helping GeoBlue become the healthcare services company most loved by the globally mobile. For the Girls Inc. DC board, I’m working on a unique art showcase that will celebrate the power of girls and women and raise funds for the organization's programming. Latest accomplishment: I met my ambitious goal of reading 36 books last year. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? I’m "this close" to being able to do an unassisted pull-up, something I’ve been training to do for almost a year. Hobbies: Art, books, music, podcasts, food, wine/cocktails, the outdoors; basically, all forms of creative expression. I also really enjoy exercising and connecting with people. Last book read: Professional Troublemaker, by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.
Personality profile: My PI (Predictive Index) profile is the Captain, which means I’m a problem solver who likes change and innovation while keeping an eye on the big picture. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Authentic. How do you define a perfect friendship? The best relationships are those where you are given the space to be yourself but also the room to grow, underpinned by love, support and humor. What is your greatest joy? Seeing my daughter step confidently into who she is as a young woman, knowing that she has a right to take up space and that her voice and perspectives matter. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Whatever I do or wherever I am, it has to involve things that energize me, whether enjoying the company of those I love, seeing and experiencing beautiful things and moments and/or broadening my perspectives. What is your go-to workout? Running or Orangetheory.
Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My mother. She survived war and willingly left her country (and all contact with her family for nearly 20 years) to give me and my sisters a better life. As a single mother who worked two full-time jobs while I was growing up, she modeled hard work, determination and grit. What is the best advice you received in your career? Meritocracy is a myth. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader and strongest advocate. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Indoor plumbing! You realize it’s importance once you encounter a situation without it. What is your favorite app? Spotify. Life would be less vibrant without music. What is your go-to source of news and information? The NYT app and The Daily podcast. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The Vietnam War. Were it not for that, my parents would never have met.
What change would you like to see in the world?
The belief that life is a zero sum game. We are conditioned to believe there is not enough to go around and any gain must come at the expense of others. We can all win when we adopt the mindset that it’s not a competition for limited resources. What message do you want to send out into the world? Don’t underestimate how much of a difference you can make. One person can create a spark that starts a fire. What mega-trend most excites you? The shift in demographics to a younger, more multicultural and diverse population in the U.S. What mega-trend most concerns you? Artificial intelligence.
How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day or earth? In deep conversation with those I love, sharing memories and making sure they know what they’ve meant to me. What advice would you give your younger self? Be present! Don’t be so busy planning life that you forget to live it. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College. As the first in my family to go to college, I didn’t understand how to leverage the incredible assets, access and network I had at my disposal.
Personal mission: Lift (and uplift) as you climb. Personal motto: Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right. Favorite quote: "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any" (Alice Walker). Desired epitaph: Love was her guide; courageous was her heart; passionate was her soul.
