Monique Nguyen

I attribute my success to the way I was raised and the example set by my parents. I'm a second-generation American, and my parents came to America in 1975 with absolutely nothing. I believe my resilience, knowledge, understanding, passion, and work ethic all come from my parents. I feel that I achieved my goals and reach for the sky because I see my mom and my dad have that kind of resilience. I watched their career grow as they bought 2 homes and opened 6 restaurants. My parents were the pillar of example for me. Their journey taught me what is possible through determination, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, and watching them build success from the ground up shaped my understanding of hard work and perseverance. Their courage and perseverance inspired me to reach beyond my comfort zone, pursue opportunities with confidence, and maintain a strong work ethic throughout my career. To this day, I view my parents as my greatest role models and the living example of what can be achieved through vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to intentionally research industries, companies, and brands that align with my interests, values, and long-term goals, and to pursue opportunities with confidence rather than self-doubt. I’ve learned that many people hold themselves back by feeling underqualified, when in reality, growth often comes from applying anyway and trusting that the right organizations invest in potential, passion, and a willingness to learn. A major influence on my mindset has been my parents, whose resilience and hard work after immigrating to the United States in 1975 shaped my understanding of perseverance and success. Through their determination, they built a strong foundation for our family, including purchasing homes and opening six restaurants, and their example continues to inspire me to stay disciplined, take risks, and pursue opportunities with confidence and purpose.

I would advise young women to do their own work and research. Look for a company or a brand that you feel confident to work for. I feel that you should always apply and not have the fear of that company hiring you or not, because a lot of times I believe that we feel we don't have the experience or the knowledge. For certain positions, especially social media or marketing, if anyone is graduating, apply for the big companies. Don't feel that you don't have the experience. They will reach out to you, they will take you under their wing, and the sky's the limit. Too many people allow fear, self-doubt, or a perceived lack of experience to prevent them from pursuing opportunities that could significantly change the course of their careers. Many organizations are willing to invest in talented individuals who demonstrate passion, work ethic, and a desire to learn. Don't underestimate your potential or disqualify yourself before an employer has the opportunity to evaluate you. Remain open to unexpected opportunities, because career paths are rarely linear and some of the greatest opportunities emerge from circumstances that initially seem uncertain. Above all, believe in yourself and pursue opportunities without fear of rejection.

I think one of the biggest challenges and opportunities is really opening up the doors for equal opportunities. I'm one of the few that have made it in my industry, and I could say it's a very dominant industry by women, but the talent pool is unlimited. I'm surprised that we're not opening these doors for women who feel like, I'm second generation or third generation, am I even adaptable? Am I even something that they would acknowledge? I feel and I hope this opens that door for everyone. When companies invest in people from different backgrounds and perspectives, they strengthen their ability to connect with broader audiences and adapt to changing markets. The challenge is ensuring that opportunities are visible and accessible to those who may not always see themselves represented in leadership positions. The opportunity lies in helping individuals recognize their potential and encouraging them to pursue roles they may have once believed were out of reach. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences, and by continuing to open doors, invest in talent, and create inclusive environments, industries can unlock an unlimited pool of future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

The most important values in my work and personal life are passion, authenticity, and integrity. Early in my career at Shiseido, I was inspired by a training executive whose leadership demonstrated that true impact comes not only from expertise, but from the ability to genuinely connect with and inspire others. Her energy, purpose, and care showed me that when leaders communicate with authenticity and conviction, they build trust and encourage growth in those around them. I’ve carried that lesson throughout my career, striving to lead and engage others in a way that is both meaningful and impactful. I also draw strong influence from my parents, who modeled perseverance, hard work, and leading with heart. Their example reinforced my belief that passion and dedication are powerful drivers of success, and I continue to apply these values by showing up with sincerity, staying committed to growth, and striving to positively impact the people and teams I work with.