In a world that continually evolves and challenges conventional norms, the importance of women’s roles in the corporate sphere has never been more pivotal. The Women’s Executive Group serves as a testament to this change, celebrating the relentless spirit and invaluable contributions of female executives who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of women in business. Members Winne Huynh, Lyndal Hugo, and Trang Le share their insights about sustainability, empowerment, and inclusion in Vietnam’s contemporary workforce.
Winnie Huynh’s voice resonated with determination at a Business Executive Network seminar as she shared her journey in the energy sector, a field predominantly occupied by men. Her transition from the food industry to clean tech is evidence of her passion for creating a sustainable future and commitment to making a positive societal impact as General Director and Founder of The Green Solutions Group.
Winnie founded The Green Solutions Group in 2016, after making strides in renewable energy research and development in Vietnam. Her company is dedicated to advancing green energy, collaborating with experts and policymakers to shift away from fossil fuels.
“Men and women [are] equal together, and we have no limit here. I believe this. Because for knowledge, we don’t have a limit. What men can do, women can do. I believe this,” Winnie said, emphasizing her firm belief in gender equality.
She encourages women to believe in their abilities and never lose sight of their dreams. “Be ourselves. Always. So I think we don’t lose the confidence in whatever situation. And we never lose our dream. Never ever give up,” she urged.
Winnie’s story is not just about individual success, but also her desire to contribute positively to the environment and society. She talked about the pivotal role of green energy, particularly hydrogen, in combatting climate change and underlined that financial gain should not be a sole focus. “Sometimes money is just a standard. But we have many other things, which are more valuable
Winnie shared a message of resilience and encouragement for other women, reminding them of their capabilities. “For women, we have other burdens in our life, like family… like children. But please do not lose yourselves,” she concluded.
Driving Sustainability and Nourishing Futures
Lyndal Hugo’s journey in creating Orlar, a Vietnamese-based, women-led company, mirrors Winnie’s passion for a positive impact.
Derived from “Orlarock,” a sustainable soil decontamination method, Orlar provides contaminant-free, plant-based products. This technology is endlessly reusable, supplying Vietnam’s premier 200 restaurants and numerous middle-class supermarkets via greenhouses.
With her background in agricultural science and environmental research, Lyndal addressed the urgent need for sustainable food production in Vietnam, a country grappling with high pesticide-induced cancers and dependency on imported food.
“We developed a technology that allows us to produce high-quality food in a sustainable manner,” Lyndal shared, showcasing her company’s commitment to developing efficient technologies for clean, fresh food production. She underscored the importance of resilience, advising, “My best advice is to keep going, have realistic expectations, and never give up.”
Lyndal’s vision extends beyond business success. “The impact of Orlar on the community includes higher wages, job creation, and empowering women,” she highlighted, aligning with Winnie’s message of a broader contribution.
Her journey was fraught with challenges such as language barriers, supply chain issues, and financial struggles. “Starting and scaling a business is never easy, but we persevered and overcame these challenges through determination and resilience,” she reflected.
Lyndal’s story, much like Winnie’s, serves as an inspiring narrative for women in business, demonstrating that with passion, commitment, and determination, it is possible to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact. Her journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, remaining confident in the face of adversity, and never giving up on one’s dreams.
Leading with Innovation and Empowering Others
Trang Le, the CEO of Multimedia JSC and Vietnam International Fashion Week, brings a unique perspective to the table with her expertise in technology and innovation. Her journey is marked by her desire to challenge traditional norms and empower others in the process.
“Since I [jumped into the] fashion and media business, you know, it’s just two more challenging businesses. But it changes every day, every week, every month. You have to keep updating, learning every day,” Trang shared, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
Trang Le’s leadership style focuses on empowering her team and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity. She recognizes that diverse voices and perspectives lead to better outcomes, and she actively encourages her employees to share their ideas and contribute to the company’s growth.
Trang’s story is not without its challenges. As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, she faced skepticism and bias. However, she remained resilient and determined, proving her capabilities and breaking down barriers. Her advice to other women is to believe in themselves and their abilities, asserting that “we can do anything we set our minds to.”
Their stories demonstrate the importance of passion, commitment, resilience, and empowerment in overcoming challenges and making a positive impact on society and the environment. These women serve as inspiring role models for future generations of women in business, encouraging them to embrace innovation, believe in their abilities, and lead with determination.
