Today we’d like to introduce you to Lian Nguyen Pham.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, where my parents settled after immigrating to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1975. I moved to Houston after middle school, where I watched my parents work so hard in their tailoring business. Out of necessity, they discovered creative, intelligent solutions to make their business a success. I was there in the midst of it all, helping out and paying close attention. This served as a foundation for my perspective on the work as a whole — and what it takes to drive business goals.
Today, I’m involved with multiple dynamic projects and ventures. From Bravery Chef Hall to other future-forward ideas in the pipeline.
I am a single mother of two, which has significantly changed my thinking about the world and what role I can play to make it better. Being a mom, made it clear that as parents, we have a responsibility to create an environment for our kids and others to thrive and be inspired. Becoming a single mom only emphasized my need to ensure this idea was deeply embedded into my day to day work and mission. I am always seeking new ways to create positive change.
As global challenges seem to continue to compound, business leaders have an opportunity, a responsibility, to create solutions to improve our communities. I’m very excited about our new large-scale projects, Railway Heights, which, among other things, targets the subject of food waste and supports local farmers/producers.
Anh Mai, my business partner of 18 years, and I recently launched Company of Nomads, to manage our various ventures. Company of Nomads is a talent and entrepreneurial incubator. As market leaders creating trends that engage, excite, and empower —we lead diverse, large-scale projects that nourish innovation. Grown from a fertile foundation of ideas that promote connectivity, strength, and well-being, we exist to help communities thrive.
As Co-founder and CHO (Chief Heart Officer) of Company of Nomads, I consider myself the heart and hustle of the company. I believe mentorship in a workplace is essential and is the company’s responsibility as leaders to teach, train, and inspire.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey is never a smooth ride. Over the course of 18 years, we have owned and operated multiple businesses. It has been a roller-coaster ride – there were peaks of pride and happiness, along with low points of frustration and doubt.
It took a lot of micro failures to get where we are today. Even now, we deal with the same type of micro failures. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to know the difference between a “micro” failure versus a “macro” failure. Macro failures are detrimental to the company, but micro failures are the constant mistakes and fires you put out daily, which are actually healthy. If you learn how to navigate the fast-moving landscape in today’s age, the micro failures actually prevent you from reaching the macro failures.
Company of Nomads – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our new venture, Company of Nomads’ shared purpose is “BE THE CHANGE” It is a space to create meaningful social changes. We are a mission-driven company and aspire to scale our businesses in a way that maintains and strengthens its social contribution alongside revenues and profits. There is a critical need to support businesses committed to creating lasting social and economic value.
With the force of our purpose, we are working towards the launch of our new ventures — and we are constantly seeking the convergence of creative minds, community-driven investors, and diverse business professionals to achieve breakthroughs that create opportunities and change lives. We combine enthusiastic disruption and a globally-minded consciousness to drive opportunity and stimulate the economy of Houston and beyond.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It’s hard to pick a moment. Creating something from nothing is always something I’m proud of. I was at a show last weekend at Prohibition Theatre and it still gives me the same proud feeling it did when we first opened. I have the same feeling eating lunch at Conservatory or dinner at Bravery Chef Hall.
It’s actually the “overcoming the process”, is what makes me proud. It always seems impossible until it is done. I’ve learned to embrace and honor the journey. If it was easy, it wouldn’t make me proud. If you learn to enjoy the process it allows you to win before you even play.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://companyofnomads.com/
- Email: lian@companyofnomads.com
- Instagram: the_peak_performer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannguyenpham/
Image Credit:
Kelli Nicole Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
