"Go Global" is Nguyen Phi Van's latest book, released in late March, nearly four years after her previous work. In the publication, the author notes that many aspire to fulfill their dreams and forge their own paths, yet few dare to overcome the judgment of others. Concerns about family reactions, relatives' opinions, and online community chatter often lead to self-doubt, making individuals believe they are incapable. Consequently, the dream of reaching the global stage gradually fades into an illusion.

In the introduction, Nguyen Phi Van writes, "Here, now, remind yourself: I do not need anyone's permission to begin my journey to the world. I just need a starting point."

"Go Global" is structured as a comprehensive guide, equipping readers with the necessary tools to confidently expand their horizons globally. In part one, the author asserts that extraordinary talent is not a prerequisite for becoming an "international individual". One only needs their current starting point, an open mindset, an expansive heart, a desire to write their own story, and a spirit of continuous learning and self-development.

During her international speaking engagements, the author always begins her presentations with "Xin chao". This simple greeting allows her to introduce a common Vietnamese phrase while highlighting her origins. The author believes that one's "roots" are a source of strength. When individuals are confident in themselves, their homeland, and their background, this becomes a powerful spiritual current, providing the courage and stability to stand alongside anyone in the world.

The nearly 500-page book "Go Global" is published by The Gioi Publishing House in association with Saigon Books. Photo: Saigon Books

Moving to part two, Nguyen Phi Van encourages everyone to embrace self-reliance on their journey. The author introduces five self-reliance principles: self-awareness of global movements, self-learning to actively cultivate knowledge, self-solving to independently find solutions, self-resourcefulness to assess situations and seek resources, and self-motivation. Each person is encouraged to become an expert in their field, capable of managing emotions, fostering self-development, and subsequently creating value for organizations and teams. This, she argues, is where humans will surpass artificial intelligence, mitigating concerns about its impact.

The book includes a passage: "Borders are human creations. But limits in mindset are what truly hold us back. When you dare to see the world with unbiased eyes, dare to listen with an undefended heart, and dare to learn with an unhindered mindset - you do not just step out into the world, you become a part of the world."

The author identifies the 10 most lacking skills among Vietnamese personnel, drawing from recent reports by the World Bank, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the World Economic Forum, and Navigos. These include: professional communication, multidimensional teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, self-management and responsibility, digital tool usage and work management, self-learning and adaptability, decision-making in uncertain environments, leadership of self and others, and working effectively in global environments.

Therefore, in part three, Nguyen Phi Van presents the Go Global Skillverse, a comprehensive skill set compiled from materials by various global human development organizations. The author divides this into three levels: Levelhaus, designed for staff; Commandhaus, for middle management; and Powerhaus, for senior leaders and business owners.

According to the entrepreneur, a competence framework for exceptional personnel comprises five elements: thinking, attitude, knowledge, skills, values, and motivation. Among these, she considers thinking the most crucial factor. With a developed mindset, individuals inherently understand how to accumulate knowledge, adjust their attitudes, and cultivate self-motivation.

In the final section, the author acknowledges that every journey involves difficulties and requires effort to achieve results. She advises individuals to confront their current barriers, identify, and focus on their desired goals. Only by understanding who you are, where you want to go, and why, can you truly "Go Global".

The book features an approachable, at times humorous, writing style, making the conveyed knowledge easily accessible to readers. The author integrates numerous illustrations, content-systematizing diagrams, and several QR codes containing essential reference materials.

Author Nguyen Phi Van signs books for readers. Photo: Saigon Books

Nguyen Phi Van, 54 years old, holds a Master of Business degree from Australia. She has held senior positions in brand management, retail, franchising, and business development for major corporations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. She is a founding member of World Franchise Associates Southeast Asia. In 2015, she received the Retail Leadership Award at the Asia Retail Congress. The entrepreneur was also recognized among the top 100 most influential women in the global franchising industry in 2019 and 2020.

The author has published several books in English and Vietnamese, including: "Franchising Startup - The Shortest Path to the World", "Carrying a Burden Across Fields to the World", "I Go Looking for Myself", "Nym - My Future Self", and "Opening the Future".

Phuong Linh