Editor's note: Tran-Thanh Huong (pictured), ACMA, CGMA, and Business Controller/ESG Principal at Nokia has a balanced life. In today’s A Day in the Life interview, she shares with FutureCFO audiences her work day, how her daily routine and experiences outside work help maintain her wellbeing, and how a CGMA designation helps reinvigorate her career.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Tran-Thanh Huong: My day starts with a peaceful routine that sets a positive tone: meditation, followed by a drama talk, music, and a walk in the park.
Working mostly from home, I start my workday by checking emails, reviewing my calendar, planning my day, and completing online learning.
To maintain my network, I occasionally have lunch appointments with colleagues, customers, or friends.
Afternoons are filled with project calls with international teams. I take 10-minute breaks every hour for a social chat, walk, or a short meditation. My workday usually ends at 6:00 PM, with occasional evening calls with European teams.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most in your current work?
Tran-Thanh Huong: My mission statement is “To support others' success.” It’s exciting when someone I have taught, mentored or coached becomes successful in their work or life.
I love implementing ideas to help my colleagues work more efficiently and enable them to focus their efforts on value-added activities. Collaborating with colleagues and customers to resolve business issues and achieve business targets is rewarding.
It’s exciting when my comments and ideas on company strategic decisions and programmes are well-received by our leaders.
I am glad to work in a company with high mobility, flexibility, and strong support from the leaders, which enables me to work effectively, learn, and grow while maintaining work-life balance.
My mission statement is “To support others' success.” It’s exciting when someone I have taught, mentored or coached becomes successful in their work or life.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
Tran-Thanh Huong: I was experiencing a “mid-life crisis,” unsure what to do next for my career development. I felt discouraged, incompetent, and outdated as a professional.
The achievement of a CGMA designation by completing the AICPA & CIMA CFO Programme was a turning point in my career.
The study period and challenging exams boosted my confidence and motivation and I became more driven.
In addition, my career was revitalised. As a CGMA designation holder, company leaders have recognised my efforts, leading to nominations for strategic projects. I also lecture in Vietnam, supporting the growth of other professionals.
FutureCFO: Is there anything outside work—such as a travel experience, a book, participation in a sport event or any volunteering experience—that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life? Can you tell us more about it?
Tran-Thanh Huong: I love travelling, especially exploring the beauty and culture of my country. Every year, we take a one-week trip to different places in Vietnam.
The book No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. completely shifted my perspective on life and showed me how to live, love, learn, and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations.
Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston inspires me as an ESG Principal, promoting awareness and strategy of environment, social and governance in my company.
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at local pagodas on weekends. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces while volunteering warms my heart and motivates me to strive to be a better person in life and at work.
I believe balancing a demanding profession with personal activities helps lay a strong foundation for my career success. It’s important for me to continue to learn while building meaningful connections and giving back to the community.
