Redefining Gratitude and Growth: Lessons from Two Inspiring Conversations

In a world where cultural values and personal aspirations often intertwine, it’s refreshing to engage with people who bring different perspectives into focus. Recently, I had the opportunity to do just that during two insightful conversations that challenged and enriched my view of success, generosity, and leadership.

The first conversation was with the talented comedian Diana Nguyen, who brings humor and warmth wherever she goes. In a twist of fate, I found myself moonlighting as her Uber driver after a Vietnamese Australian Professional Network (VAPN) event! We got talking during the ride about a challenge that I and many others from similar backgrounds have encountered: the deeply rooted sense of indebtedness when someone does something nice. It’s a sentiment that's often ingrained in Asian cultures—a response that goes beyond gratitude, often binding us to a form of repayment.

Diana offered a perspective that hit home. She suggested that, rather than feeling obligated, I could look at these acts of kindness as gifts. In Western cultures, this approach is more common, a “no-strings-attached” appreciation. This shift in perspective was profound. It lifted the weight of obligation and allowed me to feel gratitude in a more expansive, lighter way. It’s a small but significant mindset shift: reframing kindness as a gift rather than a transaction, which brings both freedom and a deeper appreciation for human connection.

My second conversation was with Philippe Guichard, a brilliant industrial product designer. Over coffee, we discussed the intersections between life and career, and how diverse skills and experiences often converge to create more resilient, visionary leaders. As a designer, he naturally integrates both form and function, and it’s clear that the same approach applies to his life philosophy. We spoke about the importance of fostering a broad spectrum of skills that empower leaders to adapt, innovate, and lead with empathy.

Together, these discussions reinforced an important insight: the way we interpret kindness, success, and personal growth is often shaped by our cultural backgrounds. In a multicultural landscape, this blending of perspectives offers a unique advantage, especially for entrepreneurs and leaders who are constantly navigating the interplay between tradition and modernity.

As a mentor and community leader, I see this as a call to encourage others to explore diverse influences that shape who they are. It’s a reminder that by acknowledging our roots while being open to different perspectives, we become more adaptable and empathetic leaders. This is how we pave the way not only for personal growth but for creating workplaces and communities that are rich in cultural understanding and innovation.

To Diana and Philippe, thank you for your insights and for helping me, and hopefully many others, redefine what it means to give, receive, and grow.