Adaptation: Phan Van Truong’s Blueprint for Business Success
With over 30 years of leadership experience across various countries from Europe to Asia, Phan Van Truong has witnessed significant social transformations brought about by internationalization and technological advancements. At the latest Alumni-to-Alumni Circle event hosted by RMIT Vietnam Alumni with the topic ‘How to navigate & negotiate for changes’, Professor Truong was the honored guest speaker, sharing his insights on how he navigated these challenges throughout his management career and drove business success.
Attending the event with a formal and classy appearance in his late 70s, Professor Truong still shows his vibrant personality with a clear, powerful tone of voice. He captivated the audience with witty remarks while recounting his leadership experiences.
Professor Phan Van Truong, Founder of Cay Nen ecosystem, the elite leader who was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor (Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur) by the French President in 2007.
One of the stories that unveils his great adaptability is when the computer first appeared in 1995 and at that point, Truong was managing a construction company with hundreds of engineers. The main function of the computer at that time was just to draw lines, but it could save a lot of physical space for engineers to place their drawing tables in their offices. However, adopting computer usage required giving up the spacious offices, which had become a symbol of power for many engineers. Truong faced a difficult decision to let go of employees who were more concerned about losing personal power than advancing the company’s overall benefits.
Over 50 RMIT alumni in managerial positions attended the event, actively engaging in discussions about leadership, building workplace culture, and bridging generational gaps. At the conclusion of the event, ten lucky participants received copies of Phan Van Truong’s famous book, A lifetime in Management (Một Đời Quản Trị), prepared by the RMIT Vietnam Alumni team and signed by the author on the spot.
Professor Truong signed his copies for ten lucky draw winners at the event.
The event with Professor Phan Van Truong was a valuable experience for all attendees, offering a wealth of insights into effective leadership and adaptability. His firsthand stories and thoughtful reflections on navigating change, maintaining strong work cultures, and managing generational differences provided invaluable lessons for current and future leaders.
View event photo here: [HCMC] A2A Circle – How to navigate and negotiate for changes.