CEO Insights Magazine

A country manager's uniqueness stems from their ability to integrate global strategies with local market insights, ensuring alignment with both corporate goals and regional demands. They excel in navigating regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and economic conditions. Their leadership fosters strong stakeholder relationships, drives innovation, and ensures operational efficiency. This blend of strategic vision, local expertise, and adaptive leadership makes them crucial for achieving business success and maintaining a competitive edge in diverse markets. Quynh Pham, Country Manager, Edgeworks is a dynamic leader in Vietnam's data center industry, currently serving as the Country Manager for Edgeworks Global Vietnam and EPI.

With an extensive background in technology and strategic business management, Quynh has significantly contributed to the global presence of data center solutions, particularly during her tenure at Huawei and Edgeworks Global. Quynh's commitment to lifelong learning is evident through her attainment of an Executive MBA and specialized certifications such as CDCP and CDESS, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education to stay relevant and competitive in the fast-evolving data center sector. She effectively applies academic theories in leadership and management to real-world situations, demonstrating the necessity of practical experience to complement formal education, which enhances both her personal growth and organizational success.

Quynh's experience in delivering significant projects in the government sector has equipped her with the resilience and adaptability needed to manage large-scale, complex projects within regulatory constraints, crucial for building a reputable standing in the industry. Her broad networking and strong relationships across multiple sectors, along with the trust she has gained from industry experts and vendors, have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the data center industry. Let’s hear more from her in this one on one interaction.

As the Country Manager, what are the ways you attract new customers in the market and build long-term connections with them?

Integrity serves as a cornerstone in my approach to business, fostering transparency and trust in all interactions. By upholding integrity, I not only attract but also retain customers who value honesty and reliability. Additionally, I prioritize proactive support, offering assistance even before formal discussions commence, to emphasize value creation over mere profit. Continual learning empowers me to offer innovative solutions, positioning me as a trusted resource and advisor. Leveraging my extensive network and relationships across various sectors enables me to understand diverse customer needs and tailor solutions effectively. This broad perspective strengthens customer trust and loyalty, underlining my commitment to delivering exceptional value and fostering enduring partnerships.

How do you build a brand strategy that enables brand awareness and brand equity among customers?

My brand identity, including core values and unique value propositions, sets the foundation for all communication efforts in the Vietnamese market. Deeply understanding the needs of my target audience allows for tailored marketing messages that resonate and address specific pain points. Leveraging content marketing and thought leadership positions me as an industry authority, enhancing brand credibility. Strategic partnerships with technology providers, local businesses, and government entities amplify brand presence and credibility. Showcasing successful projects and customer testimonials through case studies bolsters trust and highlights expertise. Utilizing digital marketing strategies and engaging with local communities increase brand visibility and relatability. Consistently delivering on brand promises across all touchpoints ensures a seamless and trustworthy customer experience. This comprehensive approach not only solidifies brand positioning but also fosters long-term customer loyalty in the Vietnamese market.

How do you follow the latest trends happening in the market and stay up-to-date?

To stay abreast of industry developments, I engage with various resources and networks. Industry publications like Data Center Knowledge and Data Center Dynamics offer insights into market trends and technological advancements. Active participation in professional associations VDCA (Vietnam Digital Communication Associations under Ministry of Information and Communication MIC), being the head of DCCC (Data Center and Cloud Chapter by VDCA) and local data center groups keeps me connected with peers and provides access to valuable resources. Attending conferences such as DCCI Summit (Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure Summit), being the regular speaker at Cloud and Data Center Conference CDC by W.Media and trade shows facilitates direct engagement with thought leaders and innovators, offering the latest insights. Pursuing certifications like CDESS ensures alignment with industry standards. Regular interactions with vendors provide insights into emerging products and trends. Following social media groups and online forums enables real-time discussions on industry challenges and innovations. Importantly, I actively seek customer feedback to understand market demands and anticipate future trends. This multifaceted approach ensures I remain well-informed and adaptable in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

I recently read 'CEO Excellence' by Carolyn Dewar, a book that resonates deeply with my leadership style. One key aspect is trust-centered leadership. Every decision I make is grounded in trust, prioritizing reliability, consistency, and transparency to foster a trustworthy team environment. Cultivating knowledge is another cornerstone; I champion a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, encouraging team members to pursue professional development and stay updated with industry trends, as knowledge drives growth. Empowering staff is crucial to my leadership approach. I focus on empowering my team members to reach their full potential by providing constructive feedback, recognizing and rewarding excellence, and creating career advancement pathways. Lastly, co-creation and goal setting are integral to my strategy. I involve team members in setting goals and building strategies, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard. This inclusive approach instills a sense of ownership and commitment, leading to innovative and impactful outcomes.

Going forward, what is the future roadmap you have envisioned for your journey?

I focus on integrating the latest sustainable technologies into our data center operations, balancing environmental sustainability with economic considerations. My goal is to expand our presence into new markets through strategic partnerships and potential acquisitions. Enhancing my leadership skills and nurturing a team of future leaders is crucial for ensuring organizational resilience and innovation. I'm committed to ambitious sustainability goals, particularly in reducing our environmental impact and increasing renewable energy use. By enhancing service delivery through deep customer insights and advanced analytics, I aim to make our services more tailored and flexible. Strengthening industry relationships is also a priority, enabling us to influence standards and adapt to regulatory changes effectively. Continuous learning remains essential; I plan to obtain additional certifications in data center management and pursue a DBA to stay updated on industry developments and best practices. These initiatives collectively position us for sustained growth and leadership in the industry.

Quynh Pham, Country Manager, Edgeworks

Quynh Pham, a dynamic leader in Vietnam's data center industry, is the Country Manager for Edgeworks, overseeing strategic initiatives and operations. With a rich background in technology and strategic management, she's dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability while positioning Vietnam as a global data center hub.