This week is dedicated to help you to build up your entrepreneurial spirit.
In this 21st century,
in this VUCA world, you need this spirit not for starting up a new business, but for living a
meaningful and fulfilling life, whether you will start-up or not.
There will be 2 part:
● Part 1: lecture session on Entrepreneur spirit
● Part 2: guest speaker session
○ Topic: Start-up a business - what does it mean and what do you need to
prepare?
○ Presenter: Mr. Ngo The Cong, a head hunter from Vinfast
Workshop 7
● Individual: write a reflection 800-1000 words on your experience on the topic of this
week (focus on how the event link to you personally) and put it into your portfolio on
GG site. This will be marked as part of your individual portpolio and the content of
this may be asked during the oral exam.
● Deadline: 8 pm. Wednesday 30/10/2024.
This week’s workshop on entrepreneurial spirit taught me how important it is to think like an
entrepreneur, whether or not I ever start my own business.
As we navigate the 21st century—a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous)
environment—the entrepreneurial mindset is no longer just for those starting new
businesses but for leading a fulfilling life. The session, consisting of a lecture and an
inspiring talk by Mr. Ngo The Cong, highlighted the mindset and skills required to navigate
not only the business world but also the challenges of life in a volatile, uncertain, complex,
and ambiguous (VUCA) world. Reflecting on these lessons, I realized how I can integrate
entrepreneurial principles into my personal growth and future endeavors.
At the beginning of the lecture, Mr. Ngo The Cong, a headhunter at Vinfast, came and
shared his insights on what starting a business truly entails. His presentation wasn’t merely
about the mechanics of entrepreneurship but focused on the mindset behind it. He asked us
three critical questions that any entrepreneur should address before starting a venture like
“What solutions are you bringing to society?”, “Do people around you need it?” and “Are they
willing to pay for it?”. These questions resonated with me deeply because they emphasize
purpose, demand, and sustainability. They reminded me that entrepreneurship is not just
about creating a product or service but about solving real problems and adding value to
people’s lives.
Another valuable lesson I learned was the importance of resilience and learning from failure.
Mr. Cong mentioned that most startups fail because they overlook basic principles like
understanding the market or building trust within a team. However, failure isn’t the end but
an opportunity to pivot, learn, and improve. In my studies, I often struggle with
procrastination and self-doubt. However, by thinking like an entrepreneur, I can approach my
challenges with a problem-solving mindset. For example, if I view completing a difficult
assignment as creating a “solution” to a “problem,” I can identify the steps needed to
succeed and stay motivated. This shift in perspective could help me focus on delivering
results rather than being paralyzed by fear of failure and encouraged me to see challenges
in my own life as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
Another significant lesson from Mr. Cong’s talk was the value of networking and
collaboration. He described how successful he and entrepreneurs build networks that
support and inspire them, emphasizing the opportunities that he got from his networking.
Whether it’s finding mentors, connecting with peers, or forming partnerships, having a strong
network is invaluable. This concept resonated deeply with me because I tend to rely on my
own efforts rather than seeking support from others. In the past, I have sometimes hesitated
to share my ideas, fearing criticism or rejection. But Mr. Cong’s emphasis on teamwork
reminded me that everyone has unique strengths to contribute. By fostering open
communication and mutual respect, I can not only improve my teamwork skills but also
create an environment where everyone feels valued.
To apply what I’ve learned, I plan to adopt a more proactive and growth-oriented approach in
my life. First, I will work on identifying problems or “gaps” in my surroundings and
brainstorming potential solutions. For example, I noticed a lack of accessible resources for
students struggling with time management. Perhaps I could collaborate with peers to create
a small workshop or share tips online. This initiative doesn’t have to be large-scale, but it
would allow me to practice problem-solving and innovation in a meaningful way.
Second, I want to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Instead of avoiding risks, I will
take small steps outside my comfort zone, whether it’s applying for an internship or
participating in a competition. Each experience, regardless of the outcome, will teach me
something valuable.
Finally, I aim to nurture relationships and build a support network. Like Mr. Cong highlighted,
a trustworthy team is essential for success. While I may not have a “team” in the traditional
sense, I can cultivate strong connections with friends, classmates, and mentors. These
relationships will not only help me achieve my goals but also remind me of the importance of
collaboration and community.
Looking ahead, I want to develop skills that align with the entrepreneurial mindset. For
instance, I can work on improving my communication skills to better articulate my ideas and
collaborate with others. I also plan to read more about successful entrepreneurs and their
journeys to gain further insights and inspiration. One of the books Mr. Cong mentioned,
“Barking up the wrong tree” by Eric Barker, seems like a great place to start.
Moreover, I intend to stay curious and adaptable. In a fast-changing world, the ability to learn
and adapt is crucial. Whether it’s mastering a new technology or exploring an unfamiliar
topic, I want to remain open to growth and change.
Through this week lecture and Mr. Ngo The Cong’s insights, I’ve learned the value of
purpose, adaptability, resilience, and collaboration. It’s not about starting a business right
away but rather building a flexible attitude that helps in all areas of life. By focusing on
growth and continuous improvement, anyone can gradually develop qualities that make
them adaptable and open to new possibilities. While I still have much to learn, I’m excited to
embrace challenges with the curiosity and determination of an entrepreneur.
