Brief Summary
The video features an interview with Steven Turbin, the CEO and founder of Lumiere Education, who discusses the opportunities and challenges of building a company in Vietnam. He shares insights into the education sector, his experiences with cultural adaptation, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture to attract top talent. Turbin also explores how his background and interests in stand-up comedy complement his entrepreneurial journey in Vietnam.
- Steven emphasizes the need for a learning-oriented and fast-paced work culture in Vietnam to attract talented individuals.
- Lumiere focuses on training ambitious high school and college students on a global scale.
- Turbin discusses the significance of understanding cultural nuances in international hiring.
Cultural Adaptation and Opportunities in Vietnam
Steven discusses the landscape of companies in Vietnam, many of which lack a vibrant culture for growth. He believes that by instilling a learning-oriented and fast-paced work environment, businesses can attract and retain the best talent available. He reflects on his personal journey to Vietnam, highlighting that his initial two-month visit influenced his decision to return and build a company in the country.
Introduction to Steven Turbin and Lumiere Education
Host How introduces Steven Turbin, the founder of Lumiere Education and a comedian at Saigon Teu. Turbin provides an overview of Lumiere, which he co-founded to offer diverse educational programs for students globally, including summer camps and career preparation, aiming to help students secure spots in prestigious universities. He shares the breakdown of how he allocates his time between education and comedy.
Why Vietnam? Turbin’s Journey
Steven explains his journey to Vietnam, motivated by a desire to learn a new language and explore a rapidly developing culture. His brief stay in Saigon in 2017 changed his life trajectory, steering him away from a possible PhD at Harvard or a career at McKinsey to founding his company. He expresses deep admiration for the talented people in Vietnam and their potential, emphasizing the exciting opportunities he sees in the market.
The Vietnamese Language and Culture
Turbin reflects on his limited understanding of Vietnam before his 2017 visit, noting that his childhood experiences in Singapore and connections to the Vietnamese culture through music gave him a positive impression. He discusses the importance of creating a compelling narrative for Vietnam on the global stage to elevate its reputation beyond food and travel, similar to the success observed with South Korea's cultural branding.
Building Lumiere: A Niche Approach
Turbin shares that Lumiere Education is designed to cater to ambitious students globally and focuses on education services that support their academic paths. He describes the company as bootstrapped, emphasizing the importance of building a sustainable business model without relying on venture capital, which contrasts the fundraising culture in Western countries. He believes that niche businesses can thrive when they serve a global audience.
Cultural Integration and Team Dynamics
The discussion transitions to how Turbin manages a multicultural team across various countries. He shares insights from the book "The Culture Map" to illustrate challenges in integrating different cultural norms, especially regarding punctuality. Turbin emphasizes the importance of being aware of cultural differences when hiring and evaluating talent to ensure effective team collaboration.
Remote Work: A Double-Edged Sword
Turbin talks about the benefits and limitations of remote work for Lumiere, explaining that while it facilitates hiring global talent, it may also discourage potential employees who prefer an in-person work environment. He acknowledges that the work culture in Vietnam leans towards favoring presence in the office and indicates that in-person offices could be necessary for future growth, despite the company's current success operating virtually.
The Influence of Comedy on Leadership
Turbin touches on his role as a stand-up comedian and how it connects him to the Vietnamese community. He feels that his comedy career enhances his engagement with local culture, although he separates it from his responsibilities as a CEO. He highlights the joy he finds in comedy and the appreciation he receives from audiences, showing a different aspect of his life beyond his educational endeavors.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Finally, Turbin shares that one of his biggest mistakes as a founder has been pursuing "shiny" new ventures instead of honing in on what works. He underscores the importance of focusing on established projects and maintaining clarity on the company's mission moving forward. He expresses a desire to learn from other successful brands in Vietnam that balance quality and scalability.
