Over 300 students from various disciplines at RMIT Vietnam University had the chance to discuss with Ms. Chi Le - Zalopay CEO, during the RMIT Industry Talk event. This session wasn’t just a masterclass on leadership; it bridged academic insights with real-world experiences, inspiring Gen Z with fresh perspectives and empowering stories.

 

 

Leadership portraits from everyday stories

 

Starting the talk, Ms. Chi shared a personal story from her student days in the US. Participating in a seemingly simple baking competition, she poured her heart into creating "the best chocolate cake in the world." Not only did she win the contest, but this experience also helped her impress the admissions board at Harvard MBA, showcasing her strive for excellence and ability to inspire collaboration.

 

The relatability of these ordinary life stories drew laughter and connection from the students. From these stories, she brought leadership to life with a refreshing perspective: "Leadership is NOT being a manager. Leadership is mobilizing a group of people to achieve better outcomes together".

 

Her first lesson was clear: Anyone can be a leader now by taking action and fostering the right mindset to positively influence those around them - no management title required. From leading group projects and organizing events to simply spreading positivity in a team, students can develop leadership skills through everyday actions.

 

The second lesson: Be proactive in learning and growth

 

Ms. Chi emphasized the importance of taking ownership of your development: "Don’t wait for someone to teach you."

 

Recounting her early career at Kantar, she explained how she absorbed knowledge from every possible source whether it was pouring over old documents, shadowing experienced colleagues, or seeking advice from experts. This hunger for knowledge and proactivity became her stepping stones to career growth.

 

Here’s her advice for students:

• Seek knowledge actively: Learn from friends, books, the Internet, and mentors.
• Observe and emulate: Notice how successful people make decisions and solve problems.
• Ask smart questions: When seeking help, come prepared with clear, specific questions instead of vague requests.

 

 

The third lesson: You then learn how to add value to your team members

 

True leadership extends beyond guiding a group of people - it’s about adding value to your team. To achieve this, leaders should:

• Define goals and inspire motivation: A clear direction empowers the team to thrive.
• Empower individuals: Foster personal growth within the team to drive organizational success.
• Choose the right teammates: Build a strong team through strategic recruitment—and part ways when necessary.

 

Take Zalopay’s rebranding project as an example, she illustrated her leadership approach. Faced with tight deadlines, the team chose to handle the entire project in-house rather than outsourcing it. "I believed no one understood our product better than us. That belief fueled the team’s motivation and determination," Ms. Chi shared, emphasizing the power of trust and empowerment in leadership. 

 

The fourth lesson: Evolve as a leader

 

True leaders are constantly evolving. Ms. Chi encouraged everyone to constantly ask themselves: So how do you evolve as a leader to keep up? How do I continue to add value to my team members? Great leaders don’t settle - they continually adapt, learn, and rise to new challenges.

 

“Being a leader is not for the selfish. If you want to lead well, start by empowering those around you while never ceasing to develop yourself,” she concluded.

 

Fuel your career growth with VNG

 

The session ended with resounding applause, brimming with energy and inspiration. .With a steadfast commitment to nurturing young talent, VNG not only offers career opportunities but also invests in creating opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Through initiatives like this, we hope to empower the young generation with the practical skills and mindset needed for a fulfilling career.

 

Ready to fast-track your career? Explore more insightful stories in the Career Blog, and stay tuned for exciting upcoming activities from VNG!