#Employee Spotlight Interview:
Fanning Success: Meet Trang Pham - A Dynamic Force of Passion, Perseverance, and Learning!
August 2, 2023 by STYL Solutions
Fanning Success: Meet Trang Pham - A Dynamic Force of Passion, Perseverance, and Learning!
August 2, 2023 by STYL Solutions
Welcome to our Employee Spotlight interview series, where we bring you the stories and achievements of our exceptional team members.
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Trang Pham, a dynamic project manager who has played a crucial role in our mission of simplifying technologies for life. Trang is the mastermind behind one of our most significant projects, Smart Buddy.
Let's dive into Trang's journey, his experiences, and the passion that fuels his success.
1. Thank you for joining us today, Trang. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role in the company?
Thank you for having me. My name is Trang Pham, and I'm a project manager at STYL Solutions. Having been associated with the company for several years, my main responsibility is to plan and oversee the development of major components for the Smart Buddy Solution. It's a contactless payment system designed specifically for schools, helping young students learn about financial responsibility and managing their savings and spending.
2. That sounds like an incredible project. Could you share more about Smart Buddy and its impact so far?
Absolutely. Smart Buddy has been a game-changer in the education sector. Since its launch in 2017, we have successfully implemented the solution in 80 primary and secondary schools, benefiting around 40,000 students. The system allows students to track their daily savings and spending digitally, empowering them to make wise financial decisions from an early age. We're currently working towards expanding Smart Buddy to 340 schools, and I'm thrilled to be leading this initiative.
3. Such impressive growth! As the Project Manager for Smart Buddy, what has been your role in its development and success?
As the Project Manager, I manage to navigate the difficulties and advised business as well as development in order to meet tight timelines and challenging demands from the customer. I work closely with a talented development team to ensure that we deliver a seamless and user-friendly experience for both the schools and the students. From coordinating tasks to managing timelines and ensuring the project stays on track, my goal is to make sure Smart Buddy exceeds expectations. It's been a rewarding journey to witness the impact our solution has on the lives of students and the education sector as a whole.
4. You were awarded the "Manager of the Year" prize in 2022. Congratulations! Can you tell us more about this achievement?
Thank you! I believe the recognition was a result of the collective effort of my team and our dedication to delivering exceptional results. We worked tirelessly to ensure that Smart Buddy was implemented smoothly, and our clients were satisfied. Receiving the "Manager of the Year" award was truly an honor and a testament to the hard work we put in.
5. What factors have contributed to your success?
Continuous learning and attention to detail have played crucial roles in my success. By actively seeking new knowledge and staying updated with industry trends, I broaden my perspectives and effectively tackle challenges. Additionally, approaching my work with seriousness and attention to detail ensures the highest quality results and inspires excellence in those around me. These factors have been instrumental in driving my achievements and contributing to the success of our organization.
6. It's clear that your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact. How do you maintain a high level of motivation and inspire others around you?
Motivation comes from within, but it's also a result of the inspiring people I work with. To stay motivated, I constantly remind myself of the purpose behind our work and the difference it makes in the lives of students. I also believe in leading by example and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. When my team sees my passion and commitment, it inspires them to give their best as well. Together, we create a culture of dedication and excellence.
7. What attracts you to work at STYL?
Firstly, I am drawn to the innovative and impactful projects that STYL Solutions undertakes, such as PA, Smart Buddy, Tilt Sensor, Farmbox, and TMS, etc. The chance to contribute to such projects and make a real difference in people's lives is both fulfilling and inspiring to me.
The positive work environment and the emphasis on collaboration and teamwork also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Additionally, the company's commitment to continuous learning and growth aligns perfectly with my own professional aspirations.
Overall, the combination of engaging projects, a supportive work environment, and opportunities to learn and grow make STYL Solutions an ideal environment for nurturing my passion and personal development.
8. Can you share something interesting or surprising about yourself that your fellow workers may be unaware of?
The name "Trang" is frequently linked with women and isn't commonly used for men. As a result, during a university exam, I found myself in a room filled with women who shared the same name. Interestingly, in some interviews, the interviewers assumed I was a female until I appeared, leading to a surprising moment.😁 However, as you can see, a name is merely a label, and what truly matters is the individual behind it.
9. That's an interesting and amusing story, Trang! It just goes to show that life can be full of unexpected twists. You're absolutely right, it's the person behind the name that truly matters, and you exemplify all the qualities that make a great employee. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to share my experiences, and I hope it motivates others to pursue their passions and create meaningful change.
10. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. We wish you greater success in the future.
👋 Hey there! Keep going, and you'll discover what other folks in the company think of Trang. Exciting stuff ahead! 😊
Chief Executive Officer
December 10, 2022
... He regularly communicates with me, seeking guidance on work matters, even during weekends and late evenings. Moreover, he actively seeks my recommendations for professional project management books to read. His attitude towards self-improvement impressed me ...
Business Development Director
January 04, 2023
"I've known Trang since he joined I think in 2018 (?) when he was the key Android developer for Smart Buddy. Since then he has been the most advanced fighter for STYL, taking up challenge after challenge.
While as a developer, he exhibited interests that's projects beyond just developing the app with special attention, highlighting areas that can be improved or how an idea can be better if he did it in a certain way. We most certainly appreciate developers that can do that!
He then stepped up towards the big challenge of becoming the PM for PA, a big government project that requires a lot of planning and discussions with highly intelligent and demanding personalities within the Singapore government team in PA. The project was a success and he managed to navigate the difficulties and advised business as well as development in order to meet tight timelines and other challenging demands (which sometimes can be unreasonable) from the customer. With Smart Buddy, I would say of all the PMs that have run SB in the past (including myself), he is the best thus far. He is well respected by the customers in DBS and NETS. I am confident that he will be able to step up to other new challenges and continue to perform well in those new projects or roles for STYL.
I personally know the challenges of managing Smart Buddy and also STYL customers and this is a very difficult task. Trang is special as he does well in both handling customer expectations as well as internal obligations (such as internal colleagues, managers, bosses etc.). I appreciate and commend his speed of thought, action and enthusiasm to learn new things throughout his entire career in STYL so far and we hope that he can continue with us for as long as he can!"