Your New Year’s Resolutions 2015 Will Fail, Unless…

You can either beat the odd of 100:4, or think and act differently about achieving your NYRs.  According to the Statisticbrain.com website, of the 45% Americans who make NYRs, only 8% achieve them.  So, if you belong to the absolute 4% achievers, then pat yourself on the back.  For the other 96% of us who keep making the list over and over, let’s approach the problem differently, shall we?

Here are the Top-5 resolutions of 2014, and we can expect a very similar list for 2015:

1.       Lose weight

2.       Get organized

3.       Spend less, save more

4.       Enjoy life to the fullest

5.       Stay fit and healthy

We can see each of these five addresses a health, a wealth, a time management, or a combination to create a better quality of life for a desired “new and improved” us!  However, most of us fail because we try to correct the outcomes rather than solve the root cause of these intertwined resolutions.  Consider this mind-boggling information:

A.      The US News & World Report claimed nearly 67% of Americans are categorized as overweight based on Body Mass Index indicator.  This explains why losing weight is number 1 on the NYR list.  Moreover, we spend north of $60B a year on weight loss products and services, or roughly $300 per person who tries to lose weight.  For a typical family of four, that’s $1,200 that can be used for more productive family activities.  But wait, there is more.

B.      Based on Gallup.com, an average family of four in the U.S. spends $151-200 per week on groceries.  That equates to $600-800 per month, or $7-10K per year.  Now, here’s a crazy idea… cut that bill in half!  Spend less money on food, eat less calories, save time on cooking and cleaning.  Now, we solve numbers 1, 3, and 5 on the list with $3,600-4,800 savings annually.  After teaching cardio kick-boxing at the YMCA for six years and 9,000 members, trust me when I say this cliché, “We are what we eat.” So, eat less and we will have save more money and time for the next point.

C.      The Washingtonian reported we adults exercise less than 17 minutes a day or 2 hours combined in a week.  That’s less than a third if we aim for in items 4 and 5.  My suggestion is to start with taking a leisure walk after dinner with the spouse or family 3 times a week and then slowly adds a weekend hike or bike ride.  Eventually, adopt a lifestyle of daily fitness routine with cardio, dance, walk, swim, or bike options.  Everyone I trained enjoy it.

In summary, would you like to have $4.8-6K in savings every year with a radical way to solve an old problem?  Yes, cut that grocery bill in half for the next 30 days, and you will like what you see in the mirror and in your wallet.  Best of luck to you in 2015, and let me know if you decide to think and act differently today.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Who Are Best Trainers: Vietnamese, American, or Vietnamese-American?

11 Best Managers and Officers of Bayer VN in Saigon with Coach Jimmy Thai, DTM

Last month, I had the privilege to train and learn from a talented group of Bayer VN when they invited me to travel from California to conduct my 2-Day "Mastering the Art of Project Management" workshop at their wonderful facility in Phu Nhuan District.  To my surprise 10 days later, I received a detailed comparison from a very bright Marketing Officer, who earned a Master's degree from Europe, after she finished taking back-to-back training from mine and a local Vietnamese instructor for "Marketing Management & Communication Strategy" course.  So... instead of trying to capture her insights, here is the snapshot of her table with 9 criteria:

A Professional's Comparison  Between an USA Trainer and a Local Vietnamese

As you can see, from training manual to techniques to contents, she gave me the assessments that I expect myself to deliver.  I just don't understand how a local trainer can still be in business?  Especially with item #8, these Bayer folks are professional with some have advanced college degrees, wouldn't they be treated with the most respect regardless of trainer-trainee status?

What do you think?  As HR, Talent Development, Training professionals, please share your experiences and observations.  When you take all the techniques, styles, and knowledge into consideration, would you consider collaborating with a local Vietnamese, a native American, or a Vietnamese-American?

Blogger Bio

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

5 Minutes to Avoid 3 Common Mistakes in Your LinkedIn Profile

Having a digital profile in social media is a must for today professionals, especially with career-oriented site such as LinkedIn.  HR professionals and Executive headhunters can learn a lot about your accomplishments, and many employment inquiries and business referrals have happened.  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true when decision makers passed on your profile due to one of these three common mistakes:

1. Bad Appearance – Do you really want to join an organization “where leaders are mad”?  As a veteran Toastmaster myself, I can assure you that our leaders are extremely nice and friendly. Somehow this tagline got cut off one letter too soon.  While it seems to be harmless, but in a world that dozen other clubs are recruiting a same pool of prospects, your bad appearance may be the difference of losing one instead of gaining a new member.
2. Conflicting Body Language – Do you know what your profile say silently with your profile image?  We’d all like to be “liked” as Dave Kerpen described in his bestseller “Likeable Social Media” and two other books “Likeable Business” and “Likeable Leadership”.  However, a latest selfie taken before you go to bed may not project the professional image that you convey in your summary.  Instead, ask a friend to take a few pictures of you in business attire with proper lighting and neutral background should be good enough.
3. Confusing Context – Do you at least run spellchecker or ask a friend read through your profile?  With the globalization of social media tools, millions of users are English as a Second Language (myself included), or third, or even fourth.  Nevertheless, please check for spelling errors and any potential “lost in translation” from your native language to English.  I’m sure in this example the profiler meant “social interaction” instead of the mentioned illegal activity.

There you have it!  In less than five minutes, you can do a quick ABC check on the Appearance, Body language, and Context of your profile.  If you think it has any of these common mistakes, you can update it with a professional picture of your appearance that conveys your “brand” with appropriate body language and validated context.  Best of luck to you and contact us if you need help.  Please feel free to comment or subscribe to our blog for practical tips to improve your leadership, managerial, and communication skills.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Quick Quiz: Are You A Game Changer or Just a Player?

In the game of life, we are all participants.  While most of us are just regular players of the sports; however a few are definitely game changers.  After spending a week talking to over a hundred young adults in Saigon, I started to see a pattern of characteristics that strikingly differentiated one group from the other.  If you have a moment to reflect, see how you respond to this Quick Quiz and eventually your future:

1.       Do you think ahead of what will happen in 3-5 years?

2.       Do you act decisively now to guide your life to a different path in 3-5 years?

3.       Do you clearly live life with a purpose beyond your own happiness?  

If you answered “yes” to all three questions, then congratulations… you are a game changer!  Let’s examine three case studies and see how much you can relate to these individuals.  Ready? 

Case 1: Vision

Let’s begin with Hai Nguyen who quit after first year at the University of Economics (UEH) and attempted to take his study abroad.  In our conversation, Hai confined not wanting to repeat the trend of his two older brothers who graduated in consecutive years at the same university with no employment offer.  According to Hai, 60-70% of Vietnam graduates are unemployed, and he didn’t see any reason to believe his fate would be improved.  With this clear vision, he made a bold move to quit school and pursue a better education overseas.  Keep in mind he has neither offer nor guaranty from the alternative.  To beat the odd of being unemployed 2:1 upon graduation, he changed the way he plays the game.

Case 2: Action

I first met Tom Le in November of 2013 when I spoke at his Saigon Toastmasters Club.  Later he shared that my “D.R.E.A.M” speech gave him a stronger belief of what a Vietnamese can do.  So, he quit an engineering firm and pursued his dream job.  When we met again last month, his first remark to me was, “Like you, I quit my job.”  All I know is now he seems much happier, and isn’t that what we're all striving to achieve: happiness?  Note the similarity in Tom and Hai’s decision in Case 1, they both quit what was not working for them.  This action set them apart from the majority of folks that I conversed – most of them did nothing.

Case 3: Purpose

The most fascinating person I met on this trip was Cuc “Cu” Nguyen who quit UEH in favor of the University of Architecture.  I was invited to be a judge in a Toastmasters humorous speech contest, and Cuc easily rose above other four contestants.  While others were hilarious with the typical college-life conundrum of “Boys from Mars and Girls are Diva” plot, Cuc made us laughed so hard with her “Cuc-cu-pedia” of being true to herself.  Her body language is so natural for her carefree personality that the thought of her having Attention Deficit Disorder (not true) crossed my mind.  Once I had a chance to interview her for this blog, and learned her desire to become an Art teacher and use creative thinking to educate kids; I knew this gal is special as a game changer under proper mentorship and with the right opportunity.

In conclusion, should you rush out of college or quit your job now?  Maybe if it doesn't fit in with your “Vision – Action – Purpose”. I know we aren't Bill Gates or Steve Job, but we don't know that if we don't even try.  Once you find the courage to do what Hai, Tom, and Cuc did, you will never look back.  I also talked at length with many working professionals on the subject of change, and three persons helped me seeing three more virtues in their thought process and daily actions: Leadership with Phong Huy Tran of Intel, Passion with Chau Hong Anh of Choson.com.vn, and Compassion with Lan Pham of Bayer.

Action Plan: You can focus on the Vision-Action-Purpose in your late teen/early 20’s, then develop Leadership-Passion-Compassion in late 20’s/early 30’s, and you will change the game in VN soon.  Best of luck.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

The A-B-C Secrets of Networking

Leadership Foundation Academy's graduate Faith T. scans the horizon for networking

+TR Garland, claimed #1 Best-selling author of “Building the Ultimate Network”, shared with me this weekend the 3 common mistakes that networking folks tend to make.  With a little spin on his sharing and my simplified signature “The A-B-C Secrets of…”, you can certainly be a star at the next social event.

1. Assume - That they know everything about networking. Here’s a good story to ponder: Michael Jordan is the NBA star with couple championship rings, but he struggled with a transition to baseball even at a minor league level.  The point is just because you are great at project management, business development, and have 1,000 “likes” on Facebook, Instagram, Tweeter, or even public speaking, you can’t assume you are good at networking (yet).

2. Buy < sell – If everyone at a Network After Work event is looking to make a sale pitch for her product, her resume, her charity, but not intend to buy anything, then what will happen to a room full of sellers and not enough buyers?  Remember Econ101 “supply and demand” principle?  If you want to standout in that environment, be a Buyer!  Imagine now everyone in the room wants to talk with you, Mr. Buyer…

3. Connection – Not enough of it, that is.  All over the world, business deals are made based on chemistry and relationship (i.e.: I like you + I know you well = I’ll do business with you.)  How many follow up meetings, lunches, social events have you connected with from the list of new contacts at the last networking event that you attended?  Go ahead, make that phone call or take a contact to lunch.  Everybody loves to eat! 

Author Rita Mae Brown once wrote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.”  If you want your next networking event to yield different result, maybe you can try this action, “I will talk to 10 people, buy from one of them, and develop a real connection.”  To start our connection, please share your result in the comment below.  Good luck.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Are You a Leader of Change?

Ashley's Before and After

Yesterday my 13 years old daughter Ashley left the house with a waist-length, full flock of hair and came home with a… radical, pixie cut.  Needless to say, I remained in silence and let my mind wondered of her new look.  For all the ladies out there with long hair, may I ask, “Would you cut yours?”  As I overcame the initial surprise, I realized 3 things that we, as leaders and parents, can learn from this story:

1.        Ashley will start her high school life in a week, and her physical change signals she will not be in the shadow of her older sister Faith who is a junior at the same school.  (Yes, if you guessed Faith has long, silky hair… you are correct.)
2.        With her interest in drama and theatrical arts, Ashley defines her independence from the stereotyped Asian girl of wearing glasses, playing the piano or violent, and having long hair. (And yes, if you guessed Faith plays the piano as butterflies float on a breeze summer day… you are correct.)
3.        Lastly, she has always wanted to donate her hair to Locks of Love - a charitable organization whose mission is to provide prosthetic hairpieces to disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.  Ashley’s change of her look sprouts from a commitment from her heart to help others.

As leaders, we tend to be the ones initiate change, not to receive it.  However, to keep up with all the changes from our organizations, our staff, our family, and our children… maybe we need to change us first.  So the question is simple, “Will you change your look, your thinking, or your heart today?”  
Please share your opinion in the comment section below.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

3 Secrets YOU Can Become a Successful Leader

1. Confident Communicator - Master your basic
Appearance-Body Language-Content/Message every time you speak in front of your
clients, bosses, or a camera.

2. Compassion - Care for less fortunate people than
you.  People won't care what you know
until they know you care about them.

3. Coaching - Every good leader once was a follower to a
coach, mentor, or teacher.  Who is
coaching you to go from "good" to "GREAT"?

Send us your question to

info@leadershipfoundationacademy.com if you'd like to attend our FREE
Leadership Seminar in Sept.  Go for the
Love, Happiness, and Success that you always DREAM about.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Do You Still Believe in the American Dream?

Julie Bos of the Toastmasters International magazine Toastmaster interviewed Jimmy Thai, DTM in the July 2014 issue.  After three decades of struggling to learn a new language, to adapt a new culture, and to start a new life, Jimmy candidly shared his stories and passion for helping others with Julie and 300,000 members around the world...

URL to "From Nightmare to American Dream" (click here for a full article)

“I used to live with the guilt of a survivor, and nothing I accomplished was good enough for the price of freedom that my brother dearly paid.”

How do you describe the American dream?
To me, it is the ideology of a free society where any hard-working individual can be whatever he or she wants to be. I think people can accomplish everything they want in America with their brain, and help the less-fortunate people in the world with their heart.

The topic of the American dream is near and dear to my heart, and I’ve proudly spoken about it during my 14 years as a Toastmaster. I’m also collecting stories and writing a book called Who Killed the American Dream—Stories of the Firm Believers.

How did it feel to reach the semifinals of the International Speech Contest?
When I first came to America, with no ability to speak or understand English, if you had told me that I would someday speak in a 2,000-seat arena, I would have asked for whatever you were drinking (smile). I truly am living the American dream.

What advice can you give about overcoming adversity and maintaining a positive attitude?
Think about the less fortunate more, and think about your own happiness less. As a Toastmaster, you can be a voice for the voiceless. If you are unclear about your life’s goal or purpose, remember this: Have fun, have faith and make a difference in the future.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

Westview High School Student Placed First in Leadership Foundation Academy’s “Speak for Charity” Contest

The June winner of the "Speak for Charity" contest was Faith Thai of Westview High School, and Leadership Foundation Academy donated $100 to her charity Doctors without Borders.  Elizabeth Giap of Canyon Crest Academy and Ashley Thai of Mesa Verde Middle School tied for 2nd place with supports for their Club Strive/Innovacion Ortopedia and National Eating Disorder Association charities, respectively.

Faith Thai won $100 for her charity Doctors without Border

Kayla Nguyen of Good Shepherd Catholic School San Diego was the most improved contestant as she advocated for St. Vincent De Paul.  Tammy Thai and Tina Thai of Mt. Carmel High School competed for San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation and National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated.  Jason Lam and Nicole Lam of Black Mountain Middle School raised awareness for Charity Ball and World of Children organizations.

Students of Leadership Foundation Academy present the $1,000 check to One Body Village

Collectively, all contestants and Leadership Foundation Academy will donate $1,000 to One Body Village (OBV) to combat child sex trafficking in Southeast Asian countries.  Contestants spent a week long to hone in their skills to become compassionate leaders with:

• Master the Art of ABC

      Appearance

      Body Language

      Communication

• Think Fast – Decide Faster

• Make Money with Your Talents 

• Charitable Credits for College

Next "Summer for Success" session will be Aug 4-7, 2014.  Please contact www.leadershipfoundationacademy.com at info@leadershipfoundationacamedy.com or 858-769-9090 to register now.  Seats are limited.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

VNTV Bạn Có Biết: Leadership Foundation Academy with Coach Jimmy Thai, DTM

Leadership Foundation Academy founder's Jimmy Thai was interviewed by anchor Van Anh of Viet News Television (VNTV) on 6/13/2014.  The Academy offered "Summer for Success" course to train future leaders in four fundamental aspects of a compassionate leader:

• Master the Art of ABC

      Appearance

      Body Language

      Communication

• Think Fast – Decide Faster

• Make Money with Your Talents 
• Charitable Credits for College

• Final Project

      Develop a business plan

      Present a speech

      Compete for $100 prize

      Donate for a good cause

The June winner of the "Speak for Charity" contest is Faith T. of Westview High School, and Leadership Foundation Academy will donate $100 to her charity "Doctors Without Borders".  Elizabeth G. of Canyon Crest Academy and Ashley T. of Mesa Verde Middle School tied for 2nd place.

Next "Summer for Success" session will be Aug 4-7, 2014.  Please contact info@leadershipfoundationacamedy.com or 858-769-9090 to register now.  Seats are limited.

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

San Diego Wildfires and 3 Life Lessons

When police car’s siren blasts your street “This neighborhood is in danger” and officer bangs on your front door “You all must evacuate now,” what will make the cut from your house onto the trunk of your car… in 5 minutes? 

Last Tuesday, with the inferno blazes roamed through the Black Mountain’s hillside with a 40-mph tailwind toward us, our feet were literally against the fire.  As I frantically raced through the 2-story house full with accumulated “stuffs” after a dozen years, I grabbed the kids’ photo books, wedding’s album, citizenship documents, some clothes; and threw them all in the back of a Prius.  Together with my wife and daughters, we joined the rest of our neighbors’ convoy of cars leaving the community without a clear destination in mind or a possible date of return.

Fortunately, thanks to the heroic efforts of our firefighters, we were allowed to go back home yesterday.  As we unpacked the car, we noticed 3 lessons that are worth sharing:

1.   The kids packed tons of heavy school textbooks because in their minds, “We don’t want you to pay school library fines, and we need to do our homework still.” In their world, library fines and homework are important because we’ve conditioned them to think that way. Children will learn from parents, and we need to teach them well.

2. We filled the car mostly with photos, a lot of photos. In that crucial 5 minutes of time and precious 5 cubic-feet of space, we didn’t have time nor room for any material “stuffs”. And yet, for the next 5 days to 5 years, will we spend time to create more memories or accumulate for materials? We need to prioritize what makes us happy… either memories or materials.

3. We found a black garment bag in our packed clothes. Interestingly, as we untied the zipper, we found nothing on the coat hanger but empty space… stared at us! That left us with an empty feeling of this “important” item that we tried to save in the last 24 hours. This begs a question of what other perceived “important” things in our lives that maybe just as empty as well.

Whether it’s a 5-minute evacuation or a lifetime journey, do you know what matters to your children, your happiness, and your life-purpose?

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.

What Is Leadership Foundation Academy?

We inspire future leaders to develop themselves in 3 complex aspects:

1. Mind (Think fast - Decide faster - Articulate well)
2. Body (Look good - Feel better - Eat healthy)
3. Heart (Care more for others - Concern less for self)

How are we different?  We mentor/coach future leaders to:

1. Learn (gather data)
2. Practice (process information)
3. Teach (internalize knowledge)

Are you ready to make a difference today?  Please contact us:

www.leadershipfoundationacademy.com

info@leadershipfoundationacademy.com

phone: 1-858-769-9090

Blogger Bio

Jimmy Thai, DTM founded the Leadership Foundation Academy to develop future leaders with passion and compassion.  He speaks and coaches Fortune500 companies to re-infuse the American Pride in corporate America and the American Dream to the world.  He went to prison twice before turning 17, and today lives in American Finest City – San Diego, California.  Jimmy earned 2 Master’s degrees MBA and MSEE from California State University, and BSEE degree from the 20^th best university in the world - University of California San Diego.  He welcomes your comments and loves to collaborate with you on Change Leadership, Motivational Management, Decision Analysis, the ABC Secrets of Appearance - Body language - Conversation, and Asian Business Development. 

In 2015, Leadership Foundation Academy has donated over $10K USD to its Build a School – Leave a Legacy program, which built 2 kindergarten schools in Ha Giang and Yen Bai provinces.  Our 3^rd project is to construct a 30-m bridge in Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau to save little students from drowning on their way to school.