LEADERSHIP
My leadership spirit goes beyond reaching specific GOALS; it’s about GROWTH, understanding, and creating opportunities for everyone to excel together.
EcoBalance: THE GROUND
It all started with me founding EcoBalance in 2020, a school club focusing on sustainability, health, and fitness. This was my first leadership role, where I honed my ability to guide others toward a shared goal. The club expanded from four to hundreds of members, bridging all grade levels from all Newton campuses, becoming the largest in school, just as I rose from an inexperienced 7th grader to a renowned leader of youth organizations nationwide.
EcoBalance's signature annual event, Hoi Khoe Phu Dong, started as a modest sports day for 12th graders. After nearly five years of continuous improvement, it now engages more than 4,000 students and 1,000 staff members across Newton’s four Hanoi campuses. This transformation is a testament to the club’s growth and our team’s hard work.
But EcoBalance wasn't always this way—it began as just an idea, a vision to bring students together through health and fitness. From just small gatherings, word spread, interest grew, and the club soon evolved into a thriving organization. As EcoBalance expanded, I found myself navigating the complexities of managing a large club, and my responsibilities grew alongside. I worked more closely with school leaders, including the Principal.
At first, the thought of approaching them for approval was intimidating. Over time, though, I became an integral part of these discussions, aligning EBC’s activities with the school's values and vision. The success of each event bolstered the club’s reputation, building trust and visibility within the school community.
A defining moment for me was when I had the honor of representing Newton Grammar School for a citywide sustainable innovation event—representing the school at such a level was a milestone not only for EcoBalance but for my personal growth as a leader. Building on this foundation, we organized running and swimming competitions with Olympic athletes as mentors to broaden the club’s initiatives
​The list of events and achievements continues to grow. Reflecting on my journey, however, I realize that EcoBalance was never solely about the events or the numbers—it was about creating something enduring through effort, leadership, and unity. My leading influence extended far beyond the club, leaving a legacy at Newton that I hope will continue long
after I graduate.
Newton School Debate Society: THE GRIT
Starting as Head of Finance and later being appointed Vice President of the Newton School Debate Society, I embarked on a journey that taught me to lead with both strategy and empathy. Initially tasked with managing the club’s finances, I oversaw sponsorships and raised 30 million VND, providing the resources needed to expand our reach. This financial foundation became the stepping stone for the larger role I would take on.
Lights, camera, action LOCKDOWN!
Remember that time I landed a dream pitching opportunity, only to have a global pandemic crash the party?
​
Yeah, good times. That was how I persevered, embraced the chaos (aka my brother's hilarious attempts to sabotage me), and nailed that online pitch like a boss.
​As Vice President, I faced the challenge of bridging the gap between novice and seasoned members. Noticing the hesitation of newer members to engage, I initiated a workshop to build their confidence and improve their debate literacy. This effort not only empowered individuals but also created a supportive environment where every voice felt valued.
Beyond internal growth, I leveraged my communication and organizational skills to elevate the club’s presence. Through partnerships with Newton School and Equest Education Group, I co-organized the Hanoi Novice Debate Tournament, a professional platform that hosted over 200 participants. Navigating sponsorships and logistics for such a large-scale event honed my ability to balance strategic planning with adaptability.
​This journey taught me that effective leadership requires both vision and compassion. By empowering others and navigating challenges with confidence, I strengthened my ability to guide teams toward collective success.
Eco Young Leaders Camp: THE GAMBLE
The Eco Young Leaders Camp is a hackathon centered around renewable energy, and it’s one of the most intense extracurricular activities I’ve been involved in.
Deciding to join the team was a risk-- but hey, risk rewarded big time with personal growth!
When I first joined the project, I had little to no knowledge about sustainability or environmental issues. The demands of the pre-launch pitching required me to develop a significant understanding of these areas. I thought to myself, “Wha-? I’m in the finance department—why do I need to know about sustainability? This isn’t even in my job description!” My confusion was palpable, but once I accepted the role, I realized I had to fully commit.
The steep learning curve pushed me to dive into extensive research, enhancing my skills and broadening my understanding. I initially thought I had just enough knowledge to get by, yet the journey didn’t stop there. We were required to pitch our ideas to angel investors. I found myself presenting an environmental initiative, even though I was far from an expert in the subject.
The only core value that kept me confident through these challenges was my unwavering belief in the power of my flexibility. I still vividly remember misnaming SDG 12 and fumbling when asked to explain the difference between CSR and ESG. To my surprise, our pitch was successful, securing us 80 million VND—a milestone I’ll never forget. The motivation from that first victory became a driving force, helping me navigate the obstacles that followed. I came to realize that what seems unachievable now is simply something we haven’t tackled yet.
The most significant gain from Eco Young Leaders Camp was developing the grit to face any challenges head-on, pitching successfully on a topic I knew little about, organizing a hackathon without prior knowledge of sustainability alongside contestants, and securing a contract worth more than my parents’ combined monthly salaries. I attribute this achievement to my relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth, which has propelled me closer to my dreams.
Of course, a sprinkle of luck also played its part. The 3-week online Ecosol Training Bootcamp was nicely coordinated. As we delved into topics like leadership, sustainable communication, and hands-on product prototyping, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of knowledge and collaboration. The enthusiasm and growth I saw in each participant reaffirmed my dedication to fostering
future leaders and sustainable practices.
As the second season approaches, I find myself in a familiar yet exhilarating position as the Head of Finance. I am still committing to continuous learning and personal development. Even though it sometimes feels like I’m starting from scratch—where previous experiences seem irrelevant—the frustration quickly fades when I remind myself that my perceived smallness is not a limitation; rather, it reflects the vast ocean of knowledge that awaits my exploration
So, wait for me, wait for us, because with Eco Young Leaders,
the best is just yet to come!
"Goals are limited, but growth is endless.
So remember, the best is just yet to come!"