Season 4 - Episode 3 | An Island Girl Becoming a Greenfield Expert in Vietnam with Alison Astarita (Vietnam, Malta)

💬 Stay Connected with Us In this episode, Dr. Ramesh Ramachandra speaks with Alison Astarita, a global operations executive, greenfield specialist and  an accomplished leader in the automotive industry who has spent over 20 years working in Asia, including China and Vietnam. Alison shares her inspiring journey, from starting in quality management to leading multiple Greenfield factory setups. The conversation explores entrepreneurial and crisis-ready mindsets, sustainability goals, and the importance of empowering women in male-dominated industries. Alison’s reflections on resilience, gratitude, and finding joy in simplicity offer profound personal and professional growth lessons.5 Key Insights from this Podcast:1. Leadership Through Greenfield ProjectsAlison shares her experience leading three Greenfield factory setups, from site selection to mass production. These projects required vision, resourcefulness, and team-building skills. Her approach focuses on developing both infrastructure and people, ensuring long-term success. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right partners and aligning values for impactful outcomes.2. Entrepreneurial MindsetAn entrepreneurial mindset is critical for thriving in uncertain environments. Alison’s career exemplifies risk-taking, seizing opportunities, and creating value beyond financial returns. Her ability to adapt, starting with a spontaneous move to China, underscores the importance of embracing challenges and stepping out of comfort zones.3. Women in STEMAlison reflects on overcoming barriers as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Early in her career, she felt the need to prove herself, but later, she embraced the philosophy that leadership transcends gender. She encourages women to focus on skills and continuous learning to achieve their goals.4. Gratitude and ResilienceGratitude is central to Alison’s approach to life and work. She maintains a gratitude journal to reflect on small wins and build a positive mindset. This practice helps her stay grounded during crises and focus on learning and growth from setbacks.5. Sustainability in ManufacturingAlison discusses her company’s commitment to sustainability, including designing products with recycled materials and optimizing supply chains. She highlights the role of education and community engagement in promoting long-term environmental and social impact.Host: Dr. Ramesh Ramachandra - Author, Podcast Host, Founder of Talent Leadership Crucible & Impact VelocityGuest Speaker: Alison Astarita – Vice President Operations, ASSA ABLOY Group, Vietnam. 🌱 Upcoming Programme: Sustainable Success for Collective Advantage (SSCA)If you are looking to deepen your leadership journey and build sustainable impact, consider joining our upcoming Sustainable Success for Collective Advantage (SSCA) programme. 📍 SSCA Singapore — 17 to 19 September 2026This immersive experience is designed for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who want to align purpose, performance, and long-term impact in a rapidly changing world.Thriving in the Age of Disruption with Dr. Ramesh RamachandraReady to thrive in today’s fast-changing world? Visit our website for exclusive insights and resources from Dr. Ramesh!💡 Watch the full video episodes and engaging reels on YouTube.🎥 Follow us on Tiktok and Linkedln for updates and bonus content.📢 Stay inspired with actionable tips and expert advice every week.🎙️ This podcast is proudly produced by Talent Leadership Crucible.