Every meaningful relationship in my life started with someone just reaching out. Usually a little unsure if they should.
There is a particular hesitation I have come to recognize. The message gets written, then never sent. That reasonable inner voice says you are probably not important enough, your question is not formed clearly enough, the timing is not quite right. I know that voice well. I have listened to it myself more times than I would like to admit. In my experience, it is almost always wrong.
If you are reading this and wondering whether your reason is good enough to write in, it probably is. I read these myself, and I would rather hear from you and find it is not quite the right fit than never hear from you at all.
Below are three ways to reach me, depending on what is on your mind. Pick whichever feels closest, and do not worry too much about getting it exactly right.
This is for governments, foundations, family offices, and organizations exploring something real. A collaboration, a partnership, an introduction that might matter.
If you are not sure whether what you are working on qualifies as significant enough, that is alright. Tell me about it, and I will tell you honestly if I think I can help, or if I am not the right person for it. Either answer is fine. I would rather give a clear no than a careless yes.
A careless yes helps no one. It quietly wastes your time, and it borrows a trust I have not earned yet. So when I do say yes, you can believe it means something. That is the whole reason I am willing to say no.
I read every inquiry myself. If it feels like a real fit, I will reach out within about a week to talk further.
I say yes to a limited number of these each year. Mostly conferences, government forums, university talks, and smaller leadership gatherings where people actually want to think together, not just be entertained.
I do not do motivational keynotes, and I am honestly not very good at them. If you need someone to energize a room, I am not your speaker. If you want someone to speak plainly from what I have actually lived, I would be glad to talk about it.
I have learned to say no to the rooms that want a performance. Not out of pride. I simply do my best work when I am free to be honest, and honesty tends to be quieter than a keynote.
If none of the above quite fits, or you just have a question, this is the place. Media requests, research collaborations, questions about My Viet or My Viet Magazine, or anything else.
I try to respond within one to five business days. If I am traveling, which happens often, it might take a little longer. Thank you for your patience with that.
If our paths should cross, I would be happy to begin the conversation.