Phuong Uyen Tran invites you to rethink your path to becoming a global leader. Photo: Phuong Uyen Tran

A call to support the “local” business vs. the global corporation is prevalent all around the world. The truth is, localism and globalization can co-exist and feed off each other in positive ways.

Despite the business tug-of-war with globalization that every consumer feels, it does not discount the value of being an informed, global citizen on a personal level.

Just as opening trade borders provides greater variety, on a human level, it opens minds as well—and that is a good thing.

"Recognizing the reality of globalization and learning to embrace its benefits are critical for achieving success in today’s world." Phuong Uyen Tran outlines ways to become a global citizen for VNT readers.

The female leader stressed that globalization is a reality for everyone in every corner of the earth. The emergence of information technology, travel, and trade has made it nearly impossible to avoid what is happening outside the borders of your own town, country, and continent. Whether or not you embrace it, globalization is a new reality.

From a business perspective, globalization provides a pathway to prosperity and, in theory, a more cooperative, peaceful world.

Little doubt that globalization has created the foundations for success and helped expand global trade. It helped forge the multinationals as we know them.

From a business perspective, globalization provides a pathway to prosperity and, in theory, a more cooperative, peaceful world. Photo: Bich Ngoc Tran

"Our family business, THP, employs over five thousand people across its four production facilities and dozens of branch offices. We make ongoing investments in researching new ways to better serve our consumers. Our factories are home to state-of-the-art technologies including ten aseptic lines, PET manufacturing systems, and both hot and cold filling lines for Tetra Pak, cans, and glass bottles."

"We also produce our own packaging including PET and cartons. We are passionate about our products and continuously strive to create new and exciting consumer brands. We’re the most successful we’ve ever been."

From Phuong Uyen Tran's perspective, THP’s success is due—in large part—to the hard work of my parents who built it from the ground up. But they won’t always be at the helm.

"In fact, each day for the last several years has been a probation period for my siblings and me as we prepare for THP’s leadership transfer to the next generation. For us, our company is an inseparable part of our family’s DNA, and the second generation remains as committed to it today as the first generation was in the 1990s when my parents started building it up. They worked around the clock then. We all still do now.

Phương Uyên Trần is a speaker, Deputy CEO of Tan Hiep Phat (THP), consultant, and author of Competing with Giants.

Regardless of who you are, what your background is, and what your desires are, there will be challenges—some extreme—that are placed in your path. Phuong Uyen Tran suggests you consider the following ways of becoming a more globalized citizen:

Firstly, consider education opportunities outside of your hometown and country. This is to see globalization first-hand and for the first time with your own eyes. Singapore is a true entrepôt of people and international trade, is also where she conducted her higher education.

Secondly, travel for business and pleasure Take any opportunity you can to travel, whether for pleasure or work. Every encounter with other people and places will enhance the personal tapestry you weave through experience. Whether it is a new food, architecture, form of entertainment, language, or transportation, each new experience offers a chance for growth.

Thirdly, get involved with global organizations. Many of the management techniques I have learned have resulted from my decision to join the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a global platform for chief executives to engage, learn, and share. Joining organizations like this provide a valuable networking experience that allows people across the globe to share unique insight and perspective.

Recognizing the reality of globalization and learning to embrace its benefits are critical for achieving success in today’s world. The more you reach beyond your immediate geographic borders, the greater your life, and career will be.

CEO Phuong Uyen Tran: Leading the Industry, with Family Deputy CEO of Tan Hiep Phat (THP) group shares her knowledge about the pros and cons of managing a family-owned business.

Giant Beverage Group Tan Hiep Phat's Journey in Innovation Phuong Uyen Tran of Tan Hiep Phat (THP) Group emphasized that innovation is important and innovation at Tan Hiep Phat is what brings it success

Phuong Uyen Tran: Heiress, Leader, and Busiest Woman in Vietnam Phuong recalled that the days when she had to wake up at 5 am to work with “her boss”, Dr. Thanh. She used to have ...