Being successful in film, foreign affair, and business has never been an easy thing to achieve. Many have tested the water, most failed, with some exceptions who could only thrive in one. People everywhere is yearning for fame. It could be a long journey but it could also be moment, nothing more than flashing opportunity. To all the young minds who does not want to miss the so called chance, let’s learn from the story of a former Tourism Ambassador, a movie star, the President of LYNK GROUP - the one and only Ly Nha Ky, to understand more of her hardships, struggles, and will that eventually led to her successes today. Interviewed by Van Luong.
How did you start on acting? Those very first feelings, are they still fresh like it was just yesterday?
It was kind of my fortune, I was found by a Korean director when I was shopping. He asked me to start acting, commenting that I had a very cinematic face, and it could be something in this industry. My first role was this girl Truc (Love Prevails 2006). The first few days on set, I was really confused, all of the cinematic words and acronyms were not familiar at all, and I did not speak Vietnamese fluently but they gave me these long lines. There are some that I couldn’t fully understand the meaning, as well as how to deliver it with feelings so therefore I was under a lot of pressure. I did try to ask to cut down the lines into shorter sections, or replacing them without something else. But until now, the confusion of a starter, and the slightly shyness have always been here with me, all the memories that I could never forget.
So when is turning point and the force that lead you into business?
I was in business before I had my time in art. Running my own business was my dream, and passion and I was determined as soon as 10 years old. At a very young age, I came to a foreign country to learn and work there. I started working at 16, which was not a legal working age. But I had to, for my family back home, from serving, accountant,... I did everything, even some overtime jobs that no one wanted for a bit more money. I didn’t allow myself to get sick, because if I was to get to sick, I couldn’t work, there would be no money for my dad, who was hospitalized at the time, and also for me. All of that, all of the struggles, hardships, all the sweats, the tears in a foreign land far away from home had become my driven force to be a businesswoman. “No trade no good”, the saying that I kept near and dear to my heart, and I had a goal for myself which was to run my own business at the age of 23. And after lots of work, and relentless effort, now I can say that I was lucky. I had a good employment, had a very good boss, after awhile he trusted me to manage many of his important sections from restaurants to finance. And his business was doing well, better and better year by year. Thanks to that, I was able to save a bit of a fortune and decided to return to Viet Nam to start my business.
People assume that women when running a business would to be more “careful, sensitive, and more reserved…”. What are your thoughts on that comment?
One does not have to be a woman to carry all of the above traits. When we talk about a business leader, we not only look at one’s fundamental knowledge about management and human resources, we also need a cold head, with the ability to make cautious decisions. Also being bit more reserved especially with you resources is also a key point. I have been through lots of hard time in the past, therefore I just could not appreciate enough the physical and mental values. Using, and distributing them in a profitable way, aligning with the set goal and values is important in maintaining a sustainable business. I don’t think I am the most sensible person, but I do believe in my position as a understanding leader, being and able to listen and help my employees in work as well as in personal situation. I care a lot about each and every one of my employees, even in the lowest position, I always try to adjust, instruct, or relieve their work to align with their personal life in a functional manner.
With a very feminine beauty, soft voice, and very lovely personality, also with your radiant young and ready spirit from your face, your smile, not to mention you style… Do all of these things are keys to help you gain your success in business as well as in foreign affair?
I have to thank my parents for my look, my voice, they are all from them. Success cannot come from good look, or a good sense of style because business is the playground of the minds and luck. All of the outer standards are just means to solidify your position in the business world, and international partnerships. My company has many sections: consulting, investment in real estates, media, jewelry, and fashion. I am constantly meeting and working with famous designers so I must look and feel professional. But also, I always want to make my contribution to the society hence the name of my company LYNK, as short for Ly Nha Ky. I want my company to be strong and successful as much as I did as an individual, and most importantly that LYNK can create many positive values for the society. My successes, my position on the international business ground, my connections to businessmen, and politicians around the word are my way to prove myself and Viet Nam as a race to be worthy, and have a voice in the world.
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As a successful business women, may you share your vision, management and communicating experience for the young future business owner?
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First of all, I want to send out a message to all who are looking for a chance to success: keep on working, keep on making your contribution to the society and then you will find your success. In management, use your knowledge but with creativity, and put your heart in it ‘cause that is what make you stand out. In communication, be witty, be quick, but above all be smart and selective, always ready for the unexpected.
Thank you for this enjoyable experience!
