TRG Talk x Digital

Brian O'Reilly, Senior Partner at Crossroads Vietnam, joins us to dissect the seismic shifts currently reshaping higher education and the workforce. With Vietnam's landscape undergoing rapid digitization, we explore the dual impact of Generative AI (like ChatGPT) on students and seasoned professionals alike. In this powerful episode, Brian shares his insights on: - The major trends in Vietnamese tertiary business education, and the challenge of balancing technological adoption with skill development. - The critical mistake both students and working professionals make when using AI, and why critical thinking is now more important than ever. - How professionals can use AI to save up to 80% of their time on tasks like drafting a project charter. - The urgency for industry, government, and educational institutions to collaborate to produce "work-ready graduates" and minimize the dangerous skills gap. Tune in to understand how you or your organization can adapt, stay current, and thrive in this accelerating digital age! 

Vietnam is facing a demographic challenge: it is now the world's most rapidly aging country. But what if "getting old" meant moving into your most vibrant phase of life? Dr. Mason Cobb, a former pediatric surgeon and founder of two major healthcare systems in Vietnam, is now tackling this challenge as Chairman of Golden Sunrise Senior Life. He joins us to dismantle the old "warehousing" model of elder care and introduce the groundbreaking concept of Medicine 3.0—a proactive, anti-aging blend of purposeful community, resistance training, and specific dietary changes. In This Episode, You Will Discover: 🔹 What "sarcopenia" is and how you can reverse the aging process without a pill.🔹 Why Dr. Cobb calls old age a "blessing and grace," and how to maintain vibrancy. 🔹 The surprising reason why seniors in Vietnam should cut back on white rice consumption. 🔹 How Vietnam is poised to become a high-standard, cost-effective global destination for retirement living. Don't miss this essential conversation on maximizing health and longevity at any age.

Navigating the real estate landscape in Vietnam and Cambodia can be unpredictable. In this episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," we go beyond the numbers with David Jackson, Principal and CEO of Avison Young, to explore the crucial human element behind every deal. Discover why real estate is a "people business" and how companies are adapting to a volatile market shaped by recent global and local changes. Learn about the psyche of Vietnamese investors, the opportunities for foreign capital, and the surprising personal philosophy that drives one of the industry's top leaders. This episode reveals the long-term vision for sustainable growth, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy, and the creative mindset required to succeed in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Get the inside story on what it takes to build a business that builds a better future. 

What does it truly mean to be well in the digital age? In this captivating episode of "TRG Talk: Digital," we delve into the silent challenges of stress and burnout in the professional world and explore strategies for reclaiming your mental and emotional energy. Join us as we talk with Anastasia Fokina, CEO of Jungji, a seasoned professional who made a dramatic leap from a 20-year corporate career to launching a revolutionary digital wellbeing platform. Uncover the story behind a company's unique name, the surprising reasons people don't seek help for burnout, and the practical steps you can take to regain control of your work-life balance. This episode is a must-watch for anyone who feels their brain never "switches off". Discover how to build resilience, understand what truly nourishes and drains you, and why investing in your psychological health is the most valuable training you've ever had. Don't let your brain burn out. Tune in now! 

What if waste weren't a problem, but a resource?  In this eye-opening episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," we delve into the pressing challenges of organic waste and sustainable management in Vietnam, featuring Luong Huyen, Co-Founder of ECO Solutions. Discover how one local entrepreneur is pioneering innovative, eco-friendly solutions to transform waste into value. We explore the reality of current waste disposal practices, the surprising impact of organic waste on energy generation, and the vision for a "closed loop" system that benefits both businesses and the environment. This is a powerful conversation about the journey from identifying a problem to building a sustainable business. Don't miss the insights on how a shift in mindset can lead to a greener, more prosperous future. Ready to explore a more sustainable world? 

In this powerful episode of "TRG Talk x Digital," Rick sits down with Michele Wee, the visionary Founder and CEO of Who says I can't Pte Ltd. Michele, a former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, uncovers the journey of a seasoned financial leader who dared to redefine success. Discover the captivating story of a former CEO's 30-year career in the financial markets, from navigating high-stakes corporate environments to making the bold jump into building her own impactful venture. Learn the invaluable lessons forged in the fires of leadership, including the true meaning of "ownership," the power of consistent role-modeling, and how to drive change even through global challenges like a pandemic. This discussion is packed with insights on fostering genuine Diversity & Inclusion, emphasizing the critical importance of embracing diverse thought and creating psychologically safe workplaces. Plus, get actionable advice on connecting with and leading the next generation of talent, and what it truly takes to make a successful pivot from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Don't miss these essential takeaways for your career and business growth! 

Unlock the secrets to truly personalized financial planning in this compelling episode of "TRG Talk x Digital." We sat down with Robin Copley, Independent Financial Planner, to redefine what it means to manage your wealth. Forget generic advice! Robin cuts through the jargon, explaining why a fiduciary financial planner is your ultimate advocate, focused solely on your life goals, not just selling products. Discover the crucial difference between a product-pusher and a true financial partner, committed to transparency and your best interests. This conversation also dives deep into the fascinating world of family wealth and succession planning in Asia's dynamic economies. Robin shares unique insights on how fostering strong family communication and understanding your deepest values can create a lasting legacy for generations. 

Florian Noiret, EMEA Sales Manager and Cloud P2P expert at Yooz. Hosted by Viktor Nagradic, Growth Marketing Manager of TRG International, this episode delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the procurement industry. Florian shares his initial impressions of Vietnam, highlighting cultural observations like traffic and the vibrant food scene. The conversation then shifts to the accelerated digital transformation within procurement. Discover how companies like Yooz provide 100% cloud-based solutions to automate the procure-to-pay (P2P) process, leveraging AI and OCR to streamline invoice processing and matching. Learn about the critical importance of flexibility and visibility in today's procurement landscape, and how the shift to remote work during the pandemic emphasized the need for robust cloud systems. Florian also addresses common misconceptions surrounding cloud security and the challenges of change management in adopting new technologies, emphasizing how digital transformation is now a top priority for businesses. 

How do high-performing executives stay sharp, focused, and true to their values? In this reflective and candid episode, Victor Burrill, Chairman and Chief Connecting Officer of Business Executive Network (BEN), shares lessons from decades of entrepreneurship, event management, and building Vietnam’s leading peer community for top business leaders. Victor opens up about his early career in high-pressure kitchens, launching BEN to support C-level leaders, and what it really takes to grow a successful network grounded in trust and integrity. From the value of repetition to the hidden cost of success, this is a conversation about leadership, sacrifice, and becoming "better and better"—without losing your soul in the process. 🔹 How did BEN become the go-to place for CEOs and executives in Vietnam? 🔹 Why is integrity non-negotiable in leadership and hiring? 🔹 What’s the real cost of ambition—and is it worth it? 🔹 Why should young professionals value boredom, not passion? 📌 Learn more about Business Executive Network: ▶ Website: https://executives.asia ▶ Victor’s LinkedIn:   / victorburrill  📌 Explore TRG International: ▶ Website: https://trginternational.com/solutions/ ▶ LinkedIn:   / trg-international  ▶ Facebook:   / trginternational   What’s one lesson about leadership or life that resonated with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations. 

From arriving in Vietnam with just 25 staff to leading a 3,000-person real estate powerhouse - Neil MacGregor, Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, shares the incredible growth journey of Vietnam’s property market and the role Savills played in shaping it. In this episode, Neil reflects on the evolution of Vietnam’s real estate sector, the emergence of industrial and tourism-focused developments, and the entrepreneurial and innovative mindset needed to lead in an emerging market. He also opens up about personal challenges, leadership values, and his vision for Vietnam’s infrastructure and economic trajectory. 🔹 What are the key growth sectors in Vietnam real estate today? 🔹 How did Savills Vietnam become a market leader and a “real estate university”? 🔹 Why are data centers, industrial parks, and tourism projects booming? 🔹 How does Neil stay grounded while leading one of Vietnam’s largest real estate consultancies? 

With over three decades in hospitality, John Gardner, Founding Partner & CEO of Optimum Hospitality, shares his journey from running restaurants in New Zealand to managing luxury hotels across Asia. He dives into the evolving landscape of Vietnam’s hotel industry, the rise of independent operators, and the role of AI in shaping the future of hospitality. 🔹 How did John transition from managing global hotel brands to launching his own hospitality consulting firm? 🔹 What trends are driving Vietnam’s tourism and hotel sector? 🔹 How can independent hotel owners compete with global chains? 🔹 What challenges did John face moving from luxury hotel management to entrepreneurship? 

Vietnam is emerging as a powerful hub for innovation, but what does it take to push boundaries in this evolving market? Cong-Thang Huynh, CEO of InnoLab Asia, shares his personal journey from launching startups to helping businesses scale globally. He delves into the realities of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem, the challenges of changing perceptions, and the key opportunities for businesses looking to enter or expand in the region. 🔹 How is Vietnam shifting from a low-cost labor market to a knowledge-based economy? 🔹 What are the biggest obstacles for Vietnamese startups in the global arena? 🔹 How can companies leverage Vietnam as a launchpad for innovation? 🔹 What trends are shaping the country’s digital transformation? 

How can AI revolutionize employee engagement and business performance? Paweł Górski, CEO & Co-founder of Tribee, shares his journey of building an AI-driven platform that helps companies empower their workforce. He discusses the challenges of fostering workplace motivation, the role of data in driving business success, and the future of AI in employee engagement. 🔹 What inspired Paweł to launch Tribee? 🔹 How does AI enhance workplace culture and performance? 🔹 What are the key challenges in scaling an AI-driven business? 🔹 How can companies leverage AI to improve employee satisfaction? 

In this compelling episode, David Archibald, General Manager of AI Naboodah, shares his personal and professional journey, offering deep insights into the values of leadership, resilience, and community impact. David takes us through his early days, where hard work and responsibility were instilled by his parents, to his current role overseeing the Al Naboodah family's investments in Vietnam’s motorcycle industry.He reflects on how his career evolved from working in a car dealership to managing nine motorcycle dealerships featuring prestigious brands like Harley-Davidson and KTM. David discusses the unique motorcycle culture in Vietnam and the challenges of navigating the industry, especially during the pandemic. He also highlights his commitment to giving back through charity events, which have significantly impacted local communities. David emphasizes the importance of personal growth, building genuine connections, and focusing on meaningful leadership over traditional measures of success. He shares his story of moving to Vietnam after personal loss, and how it reshaped his view on life and leadership.David’s story provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders. It focuses on the power of resilience, innovation, and creating a supportive community-driven business environment.

In this insightful episode, Nicholas Rowe, co-founder of Saigon Digital, shares the story behind his entrepreneurial journey and the creation of his digital agency in Vietnam. From initially traveling through Southeast Asia to discovering his deep connection to Vietnam, Nick’s decision to plant roots and build Saigon Digital was driven by his passion for technology, innovation, and independence. With services ranging from digital marketing to web development and SEO, Nick discusses the challenges and successes in scaling his business, especially during the pandemic. His belief in the importance of business efficiency and work-life balance has shaped the agency’s growth. Nick reflects on the value of taking risks, including reaching out via LinkedIn to start his business, and how it led to unexpected yet fruitful opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and maintaining a strong set of values, including integrity and authenticity, in both personal and professional endeavors. He shares how his childhood experiences and time working in the UK shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership philosophy.Nick’s story offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of purpose-driven leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a passionate and innovative team.Have thoughts or questions about entrepreneurship and digital innovation? Share them in the comments below!Subscribe for more content, and stay tuned for our next episode!

In this engaging episode, Warrick Cleine, shares his remarkable leadership journey, reflecting on the significance of purpose-driven leadership and resilience. From navigating a democratic election process for his role to leading a rapidly growing firm, Warrick’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and making a meaningful impact on both his team and the broader community.Warrick discusses his transition to leadership, the emotional and psychological complexities of career transitions, and the importance of fostering trust and relationships in the workplace. He reflects on his lessons about leadership, the significance of personal values in guiding decision-making, and how the art of leadership extends beyond business strategy.Whether you're a young professional or an aspiring leader, Warrick’s insights offer invaluable lessons on the power of purpose, resilience, and effective leadership.Have thoughts or questions about leadership and career growth? Please share them in the comments below!Subscribe for more content, and stay tuned for our next episode!

In this engaging video, Eric Wong, Vice President of Info Hospitality, shares his impressive journey from consulting to leading in the hospitality and software sectors, highlighting the importance of resilience and a purpose-driven approach. Managing impactful projects across Asia, Eric’s story is one of adaptability, lifelong learning, and a commitment to fostering positive change.Eric discusses his transition from consulting to implementation, offering valuable insights on the challenges of hands-on leadership. He reflects on redefining success, the significance of setting personal goals, and the value of resilience, gained through his experience as a triathlete. Additionally, Eric shares the lessons he has learned from maintaining strong professional networks and taking initiative, which he believes are key to career success.In this video, you'll discover:• Career Transformation: Eric’s inspiring shift from advisory roles to active leadership in hospitality.• Success Redefined: How Eric views happiness and resilience as core elements of true success.• Personal Growth through Sports: The impact of triathlon training on Eric's focus and perseverance.• The Power of Networking: Eric’s insights on mentorship, building professional relationships, and asking for help.• Purpose-Driven Leadership: How Simon Sinek’s "Start with Why" influences Eric’s approach to business.Whether you’re considering a career in hospitality or exploring purpose-driven leadership, Eric’s story provides meaningful lessons on growth, resilience, and making a lasting impact.Have thoughts or questions about leadership and career growth? Share them in the comments below!Subscribe for more content, and stay tuned for our next episode!

In this insightful video, Debbie, Senior Account Manager at Info, shares her remarkable career journey from programming to sales, emphasizing the importance of passion and adaptability. Managing a vast portfolio across the Asia Pacific region, Debbie’s story highlights her ability to balance a demanding career with her love for aerial arts.Debbie discusses her transition from software programming to sales, offering valuable advice to aspiring professionals on finding passion and exploring new opportunities. She also discusses the importance of work-life balance, how engaging in hobbies outside work can improve motivation, and why true success is about personal happiness, health, and meaningful relationships rather than just financial gain.In this video, you'll discover:• Career Evolution: Debbie’s inspiring transition from programming to account management. • Professional Advice: Debbie’s key tips for those looking to shift their careers. • Work-Life Balance: How aerial arts and personal hobbies help Debbie stay motivated and fulfilled. • Redefining Success: Why Debbie believes success is more about happiness than financial milestones.• Unusual Career Experiences: The unique challenges and surprises Debbie has faced in her role.Whether you're considering a career change or looking to improve your work-life balance, Debbie’s story offers valuable insights into personal fulfillment and professional growth.Have thoughts or questions about career transitions and work-life balance? Share them in the comments below! Subscribe for more content, and stay tuned for our next episode!

In this insightful video, Chris Moore, Senior Director of Software Development at Infor, shares his remarkable career journey from systems engineering to leadership in software development.Chris discusses how his experiences in military systems, mobile phone development, and cloud technologies have shaped his leadership style and approach to collaboration. His passion for enabling teams and fostering innovation shines through as he emphasizes the importance of customer focus and adaptive leadership.In this video, you'll discover:• Career Evolution: Chris’s transition from military systems engineering to leading software development teams.• Leadership Insights: Why enabling others to succeed is at the core of effective leadership.• Team Collaboration: How fostering a collaborative, customer-centric environment drives innovation and success.• AI and Cloud Integration: The role of AI in modern software and how cloud environments enhance efficiency and security.Whether you're an aspiring software engineer or a leader in tech, Chris’s story offers valuable lessons on leadership, teamwork, and continuous learning in today’s fast-paced industry.Have thoughts or questions about career growth and software development? Share them in the comments below!Subscribe for more content, and stay tuned for our next episode!

Lianne takes us through her professional evolution, from her start in back-office administration to her current role in resource management. Discover how her career has evolved and the valuable insights she’s gained along the way.In this episode, you'll uncover:• Career Evolution: How Lianne transitioned from administrative roles to strategic resource management.• Key Lessons: The essential skills and strategies for navigating career growth and industry changes.• Challenges and Triumphs: Insights into overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities throughout her career.Whether you're at the beginning of your career or looking to advance, Lianne’s experiences provide practical advice and inspiration for professional development.Have you faced similar challenges or have questions about career growth? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!Subscribe for more episodes and stay tuned for upcoming content!

This time, our podcast takes a unique turn, delving deep into the intricacies of building a successful career and mastering the art of partnership management. Laura takes us through her incredible career journey, offering a deep dive into the world of partnership management.Discover how Laura transitioned from an entrepreneurial ecosystem to leading partnerships at Yooz. She shares invaluable insights on the skills and strategies essential for building and maintaining successful business relationships. Laura also discusses the challenges she has faced and the opportunities she has seized in her role.This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to excel in partnership management. Whether you're just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, Laura's experiences and tips will provide you with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed.Have you ever pondered these questions?1. How can you build and maintain successful business partnerships?2. What are the key skills needed for effective partnership management?3. How do you overcome challenges in partnership roles?Don't worry if you haven't found your answers yet! You'll discover your own insights after listening to this thought-provoking podcast.We'd love to hear from you! Subscribe and stay tuned for the next episode.

In this special episode, our podcast takes a unique turn, delving deep into the intricacies of building a successful career and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our host, Rick Yvanovich, Founder & CEO of TRG International, engages in a meaningful discussion with Jaap Van Den Akker, Senior Vice President & General Manager International at Infor. Jaap shares his journey, highlighting that success in a career isn't merely about titles but about contributions to the business, staff, partners, and customers, emphasizing the importance of values and beliefs. In this episode, you will gain a sneak peek into Infor's culture and how mentorship has fueled and guided Jap over the decades. Have you ever pondered these questions? 1. What’s the most important lesson you've learned? 2. What’s the best compliment you've ever received? 3. What’s the most unusual experience you've had? Don't worry if you haven't found your answers yet! You'll discover your own insights after listening to this thought-provoking podcast. We'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in the comments below. 

In this episode of the Business as Unusual podcast, host Rick Yvanovich sits down with Tariq, the Director of Product Management for Infor SunSystems.Tariq shares his extensive career journey, starting as a consultant working with reporting applications and eventually joining Infor (formerly Systems Union) to work on the Sun Systems product. Over his 18+ years with the company, Tariq has held various roles, including working with the EPM team and the Sun Systems product team.Tariq expresses his deep passion for the Sun Systems product, stating that when you "cut us in half, it says Sun Systems" and how he takes immense pride in seeing customers use the software. He also discusses the joy he finds in working with partners, customers, and the talented Infor team, including the new Development Director, Chris Moore.The conversation delves into Tariq's personal interests, including his love for running, football coaching, and seeking adventure with his family. He also shares the unique story of his time working for a cruise line, where he discovered the ship had an onboard prison, which he describes as the most unusual career experience.Additionally, Tariq provides insights into the trends he's observed around the adoption of Sun Systems in the cloud, noting that customers are increasingly seeking cloud-based solutions that offer additional value-added services beyond just the core accounting functionality.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and passion driving the continued evolution of Infor's Sun Systems product, making it a must-watch for existing customers and those interested in the future of this long-standing accounting software platform.

In this episode of the TRG Talk: Digital Podcast featuring Mr. Allan Gleeson, Director of Sales of Infor SunSystems, we discussed the journey of Infor SunSystems Cloud since its launch one year ago.Here's a sneak peek of the episode highlights:The journey of Infor SunSystems Cloud and the feedback from customers so far.Success stories of businesses that have witnessed significant benefits after implementing Infor SunSystems CloudAllan's top 3 Infor SunSystems Cloud featuresHow SunSystems Cloud caters to the distinct compliance requirements in the financial services sector and beyondInsights into the roadmap and future development plans for Infor SunSystems Cloud

Get ready for an incredible episode of our ""TRG Talk: Digital"" podcast series as we sit down with Bjorgvin Vidarsson (BJ), Vice President and General Manager of Infor SunSystems business unit. In this episode, we dive deeper into SunSystems Cloud's technical intricacies and uncovering the innovative features that set it apart.Here's a glimpse of what's in store:How SunSystems Cloud evolves and adapts to meet the changing needs of businesses and industriesHow the SunSystems IBU team stays updated with evolving financial management needs and ensures the continuous relevance of SunSystems Cloud in today's dynamic marketsUnderstand how Infor's analytics tools empower businesses to make data-driven decisions and discover key financial reports that can be generated using Infor SunSystemsLearn about the user-friendly report generation process in Infor SunSystems, designed for non-technical usersDiscover how Infor SunSystems Cloud prioritises the safety of sensitive financial data through robust security measures and protocols.The emergence of AI and other exciting tech trends and how they are shaping the future

Our guest for this episode of our ""TRG Talk: Digital"" podcast series is Ms. Sammi Wu, Director of Sales of Infor Hospitality Solutions in the Southeast Asia region.Join us as we explore key topics with Ms. Sammi Wu, including:Differences in cloud adoption between Southeast Asia and other parts of the worldTrends and factors influencing the adoption of SaaS and cloud solutions within the Hospitality industryHow Infor ensures its solutions remain adaptable and scalable to meet the evolving needs of the Hospitality industrySammi's top 3 features of Infor Hospitality solutionsRecent impactful developments in Infor Hospitality solution offerings

Get ready for an insightful journey in the second episode of our ""TRG Talk: Digital"" podcast series, featuring Mr. Andrew Newman, Vice President and General Manager of Infor SunSystems business unit. Join us as we dive deep into the world of SunSystems and explore its future vision and strategic importance.Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:Objectives of the SunSystems business unit and its significance in the industryInfor's vision for the future of SunSystems, including the advantages and strategic enhancements brought by the SaaS cloud version and its alignment with Infor's broader cloud strategyHow the collaboration with partners like TRG International provides Infor with top-notch support and service delivery for businesses embracing the Infor SunSystems CloudFuture exciting joint initiatives between Infor and TRG International

We're thrilled to present the first episode of our "TRG Talk: Digital" podcast series, featuring an incredible lineup of guests: Mr. Andrew Newman, Mr. Bjorgvin Vidarsson (BJ), Mr. Allan Gleeson, and Ms. Debbie Leong.Here's a sneak peek of the intriguing topics we discussed:The remarkable milestones accomplished by the SunSystems Business UnitSunSystems Cloud's hidden gems unveiledInsights into the challenges, opportunities, and feedback gained from meeting customers in VietnamKey advantages of moving to SunSystems Cloud, specifically for businesses in the SEA regionThoughts on TRG AcademyExciting news for new joint initiatives