Pauline Truong is an entrepreneur who has over 12 years of global experience in international law, business, education, and public-speaking.
She is the Founder and CEO of Ascendo International Group, a successful share- and stake-holder in a conglomerate of global companies, specializing in innovations to help global clients in: Innovation & Start-Ups, International Law, Government, Investments, Trade & Business, Strategic Internationalization, M& A’s, Immigration and Real Estate.
Truong has received an abundance of accolades and was most recently awarded an Honorable Order (U.S.A. & Global) for her global innovation, leadership and contribution -- an honor commissioned to leaders like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Winston Churchill and America’s first person in space, John Glenn.
But Truong is the first person of Vietnamese background to be awarded the Justice Lionel Murphy International Postgraduate Award for attending UCLA Law School. Truong has worked with the United Nations, State Law Office & Parliamentarians on U.N. Conventions, human rights, equal opportunity and diversity issues, and will be the first person of Australian and Vietnamese background to be inducted into the Millennium Global Woman of Honor.
I recently sat down with Truong to learn more about her story and share her wisdom.
(credit: Pauline Trong)
Tiffany Pham: What was your inspiration for founding Ascendo International Group, and had you always had a passion for wanting to help emerging international companies?
Pauline Truong: This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the ‘Fall of Saigon,’ which happened on April 30, 1975. As a Vietnamese refugee (toddler) fleeing Vietnam after the war, I am very grateful for all the opportunities that the global leaders and community have offered me. My family first migrated from China to Vietnam, and then a generation later risked our lives to reach Malaysia from Vietnam on our family boat after the war. We were blessed to receive refugee status in Australia and expanded internationally thereafter. At each transition, it was necessary to “re- build” part of our lives and businesses. Whilst it was challenging initially, this later became an asset for the globalization of my work, business and lifestyle.
My initial inspiration for founding Ascendo International Group was to help people, companies and families from emerging markets to innovate, migrate, globalize and realize their dreams. While practising law around the world, my business partners and I invested in emerging market companies to help them succeed internationally. As a result, we now have an incredible number of companies ready to make an impact on the global economy.
This business model has in turn helped us grow and realize our dreams in so many continents and directions. For example, large global companies have sought partnerships with us. My family’s group of companies has enjoyed measurable success. We also have immense support for our upcoming global platform and other great projects. It is very exciting!
Pham: In an ever-evolving world, what do you believe makes a strong leader, and how should young women equip themselves in order to compete for upper management positions?
Truong: Leaders are architects of change in many different spheres and capacities. In the modern world, success is with strong leaders with the innovative outlook, high powered global networks, multi-disciplinary skills, global presence, vision, dedication, emotional intelligence and passion to navigate a competitive global economy. A strong leader also needs to ask the right questions, go out of their comfort zone, be assertive, have a good sense of humor and effectively handle all situations.
To compete for upper management positions, they should invest in continued education/training to equip themselves with updated knowledge and skills to master and mobilize themselves. They also need great mentors/sponsors, influential networks and inspiration to effectively differentiate themselves and unleash their full potential in a world of amazing talent.
Having goals, dreams, creativity, adaptability, discipline, perseverance and resilience also helps them have a competitive edge for upper management positions and leadership roles. If things don’t turn out as originally planned, just learn, improve and take another shot! I believe that if we are authentic and compassionate, give life the best we have, and show gratitude, in all circumstances, the best will come to us!
Pham: How do you hope your inspirational path will pave the way for other young women who might be facing challenging circumstances, but would like to follow in your footsteps?
Truong: There are no boundaries for our dreams, innovation and success. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many inspirational people and enjoy the fulfilling life and journey. Hence, I like to give back to the community and empower young women (and people in general) to achieve their goals and dreams.
Young women are key to the global economy and community. They are generally very sharp and savvy. Opportunities arise from challenges. If we create being unstoppable, we are unstoppable. Part of my postgraduate law thesis was on international law, women and diversity. As a human rights, innovation and diversity advocate, I believe that it doesn’t matter where we are from. Women’s and diversity rights are human rights.
We are working on stage one of ShePreneurs.com and GlobePreneurs.com. They will hopefully become global platforms, endorsed by celebrities, that empower and celebrate global entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds in a ‘different’ way.
When we empower young women, global entrepreneurs and people from diverse backgrounds to focus, strive for excellence, dream big, innovate, see the beauty (and humor) in life’s imperfections, take risks, unleash their full potential, assert their rights, and ensure accountability ...we will all achieve our goals and dreams.
