For the last three years, String Nguyen has been pioneering videos on social media. Recently she was recognized as a “Top Voice” on LinkedIn two years in a row.
What’s your story?
I’ve always been creative. 10 years ago, I graduated as an Interior Designer, but the 9-5 job felt like it was mentally squishing me. I left to be an artist and was doing well in that, but 2 years in, felt like it wasn’t sustainable. It was through video, that I began to control my narrative. My recent win is being recognised as a Top Voice on LinkedIn (twice over). I grew my channel to 0 to 30,000 in 14 months. Now, I’m focusing on building a community of video storytellers for professionals.
What excites you most about your industry?
KOL or Influence marketing is becoming a trend. People are consciously thinking about their influence and impact they create in the world. LinkedIn is one place, where experts and thought leaders can be a channel and be a voice.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My parents are from Vietnam originally. They escaped the war and sought refuge in Australia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Bangkok, there’s few safe landing spots of entry for foreigners to learn and expand their creative business or startups. Bangkok is a vibrant city for startups. Plus I love TechSauce, a tech conference.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t let ego ruin your life.
Who inspires you?
Anthony Bourdain, Oprah and Louis Theroux – they are authentic and they each have their own method of communicating.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That fried chicken is not healthy for you. Who knew.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
No, haven’t you watched sci-fi movies? When you change an event, you never end happy with the outcome and you get stuck in a time loop. Part of humanity is to be accountable and prepared for consequences.
How do you unwind?
Eating good food with the people I care about. And lately, playing Smash brothers.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It feels like home.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Yuval Harari’s Sapiens
Shameless plug for your business:
Interested in video? And don’t know where to start? Learn how to authentically YOU on video. Join Master Your Video, a community of video storytellers. If you connect with me on LinkedIn and mention: “I like to Master My Video”, I will give you a secret sauce tip.
How can people connect with you?
Best to connect me on LinkedIn
Twitter handle?
@stringstory
—
This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here: twitter.com/laingcallum linkedin.com/in/callumlaing Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
