The Lotus Talks: Recent Episodes
Granger Whitelaw
Welcome to The Lotus Talks!
Hi, let me introduce myself: I am Granger Whitelaw, CEO of the Vietnam Group and I host THE LOTUS TALKS podcast along with my Co-Podcaster Cameron Lynch, and various members of our team from time to time. Our message is about the People and the Companies in Vietnam and S.E. Asia that are making a difference, or “Doing good while doing well” as I like to say.
https://www.thevietnamgroup.com/the-lotus
The S.E. Asia (ASEAN Market) is the fastest growing region in the world right now, and Vietnam is at the center of it all. Just watch any news channel, any day, and you will hear about the growth, the people, the opportunities and the excitement. As we introduce you to the interesting people we meet, the wonderful things they are doing, and the great companies they are building, we hope it can encourage you and perhaps help with your planning, as you join the “golden Age of S.E. Asia”. The truth is discovered in the stories of people working day-to-day from hard times to joy, failure to success, and all that happens in between when you are running ahead in fast paced, high growth environment. We are here to take this ride with you, curves, bump, (pot-holes) and all!The more we can learn about how people and companies get through the tough decisions, the better equipped we are to make smart choices and find our own success
The Lotus Talks Podcast | Schedule
We will have a few different things going on over here to help get our messages out and let you participate.First, we will be featuring One-on-One Profiles with Notable Business People in Vietnam and the ASEAN market. These will be shared with you twice a month, and we are excited about the experiences they will bring to us all.
Next, we will have a short Podcast & Blog at the start of each week: ‘Monday Morning Coffee’ – Where we will discuss topical issues of the week – and pose a question to start each week time called - “Thought for the Week” - to open conversations on issues we all face in business.We will end each week with the “Friday Notes” podcast & blog where we check in on the progress of the week and share brief profiles on people and companies making a difference. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list and you won't miss out! The Lotus Blog
Granger Whitelaw Interviews Betty Tran on Part 3 of the series; Textiles: Manufacturing,m Retail & Fashion In Vientma and S.E. Asia. Betty has found Global success and awareness with her Fashion Brand and Is now living In Vietnam again, sharing her expertise with the Community and looking to build more for the Future. Please join us In Listeing the Betty on The Lotus Talks!
Granger Whitelaw and Carey Zesiger discuss Retail In Vietnam. Part 2 of our 3 part series on Textiles: Manufacturing, Retail, and Fashion In Vietnam and S.E. Asia. Carey Is the Co-FOunder of Shooz, Geox, Furla, and Gosumo.vn - all success full retail and e-commerce brands In Vietnam. His Insight both Online & Offline gives him a unique view of the Consumer industry In Fashion Retail. Sit back, turn up your speakers and Enjoy!
Granger Whitelaw begins his 3 Part Series on ' Textiles: Manufacturing, Retail, and Fashion In Vietnam and Asia with Bill Watson of Coates Group. Bill has been living In Asia for 27 Years, From Hong Kong to Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and now China. Bill's fascinating journey has seen him ride the "tip of the Wave" and he has enjoyed a great sense of learning, and success along the way. Listen In! We hope you enjoy!
Granger Whitelaw Is back with The Lotus Talks after a 3-month Hiatus. Today he speaks with Dr. Mason Cobb on the return of COVID-19 In Vietnam, what the current facts are with the Disease - and what Individuals and Employers can do to help stop the Spread In Vietnam again - and get back to work. This Is a Serious Issue we all need to come together on - so please listen and think about how you can help.
Today on Monday Morning Coffee, Granger Whitelaw discusses the biggest question on every business owner's mind - "How Do We Get Back To Work" In this "new normal" we now face with Coronavirus still ever-present In our lives? So grab your coffee and let's Go!
Good Morning! Its Monday, April 6th and we are In the 2nd week of the Recommended "stay at Home" guidance from Hanoi. It seems to be having great results. But business Is slow - so what can we do to Help the Country and the World at large. Grab your coffee as Granger Whitelaw discusses one Big potential market. Let's go!
Friday, April 3rd, hopefully, one month closer to the end of COVID19 - but we must stay Vigilant! Today Granger Whitelaw discusses the latest update on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement -- and A 'Shout-Out" AMCHAM for their great support of Health Care Workers In Ho Chi Minh! We hope you enjoy!
Good Morning! March 30, 2020, and today Granger Whitelaw discusses working from home - and how to do It right. It's not always as easy as you think, so grab your coffee and let's go !
March 27, 2020. Today Granger Whitelaw at The Lotus Talks updates us on a few things affecting us all In Vietnam - and Reviews the $2 Trillion US Stimulus Package. Grab your coffee and listen In.
March 23, 2020. Today Granger Whitelaw discusses Workplace Planning & Business continuity, with a focus on communicating with employees. Its Monday, so grab your coffee - and let's go!
March 20, 2020: Join Granger Whitelaw as he reviews Online Applications, and looks at a variety of games you can play online for Team Building, or just to have fun with friends & family - while we are all at home working and getting through this difficult time. Grab a coffee, wine or beer - we hope you enjoy it!
Monday March 16, 2020 and the Corona Virus Is In full swing. Let's look at the tools and tricks that make them "buzz" - to better help your company stay on track and ahead, in these difficult times. Grab your coffee and, Let's go!
Friday the 13th! Always an ominous day, and one we happen to enjoy at The Lotus Talks. Today Granger Whitelaw profiles a business in S.E. Asia that helps Individuals, Families and Companies choose the proper Health & Life Insurance for their needs. Meet Asia Summit Consulting. Grab your coffee and, Let's go !
On todays Monday Morning Coffee Granger Whitelaw discusses Health Insurance In Vietnam & S.E. Asia. What should you look at when considering a private or group Insurance plan for your self or your company? Grab your coffee - we hope you enjoy.
Friday March 6, 2020 - the markets are still feeling pressure globally and we all all looking for solutions. Following on our Monday Morning podcast, Granger Whitelaw features MOPO, a company leading Vietnam's renewable energy market - and partnering along the way. Grab your coffee and turn up the volume, we hope you enjoy !
Today on MOnday Morning Coffee, Granger Whitelaw addresses the current market decline, the Impact stemming from the Corona Virus, and general fear In the Markets. Granger discusses ETF's and Emerging Market Investments - with a quick overview of Energy In Vietnam. Grab your coffee, sit back - and Let's go!
Today on Friday notes we follow up on our discussion regarding Tax Structuring In Vietnam and SE Asia. Granger Whitelaw Is joined back Jack Nguyen, partner at Mazars Vietnam, as we profile his company and the multiple Integrated services they offer for small companies and global leaders as well. We hope you enjoy the show!
Today Granger Whitelaw reviews Corporate and Tax structures everyone should be aware of In Vietnam and SE Asia. Granger Is joined by Jack Nguyen, an expert In Tax and accounting. Grab your coffee, sit back..and Lets go!
On this episode of Friday notes at The Lotus Talks, Granger Whitelaw Is joined by returning guest Keith Schulz, EVP of Motul & Vilube who oversees 16 Countries, and has seen great success with the brands. Keith shares his experience with us, and what the Companies are doing In the ASEAN markets and beyond. We hope you enjoy this profile on an exciting company, that Is not only successful, but giving back to society.
In this Monday Morning Coffee, Granger Whitelaw sits down to discuss the Supply Chain Impacts from the Coronavirus outbreak with his guest, Keith Schulz. What Is the current status of Demand, Disruption and resolution - and what can we learn from history - to try and lessen the effects to our businesses, and perhaps create opportunities. Grab your coffee, sit back - and Let's go.
Today we join Granger Whitelaw and his guest (again), Caroline Nguyen as they follow up on their Monday talk about "Business Lunch" and where to go In Ho Chi Minh. A little twist, Instead of the 'usual suspects and place', they are going to share two non-profit Restaurants that not only serve great food, but are helping kids create skills and their futures! So sit back, relax - and enjoy!
For our February and first edition of 2020, join Granger Whitelaw and the Lotus team as we honor one of Saigon's finest. Albin Deforges, Co-founder of successful F&B projects Bia Craft & Quan Ut Ut, to name only a few - What is he up to now? Read below to find out - We hope it suits your taste buds :)
Granger Whitelaw visits with Vietnam Celebrity Judge, cook and all around Foodie, Caroline Nguyen to discuss "Business Lunches". How do you pick the right restaurant for your client or meetings? Is It different for 1st time guests? And what should you consider when choosing the venue. We hope you enjoy our conversation today, and get a "bite" of Information to use for your next Business Lunch! SO - Let's go!
Join Granger Whitelaw and Brian Letwin as they discuss the Saigoneer in Vietnam, listen to the interview and get your "culture on". We hope you enjoy this latest edition of The Lotus Talks!
Granger Whitelaw looks a the coming year of the rat, 2020 - where Asia Is now economically, How the World views us, and some thoughts on how to Improve your business as we continue this exciting growth!
Join Granger Whitelaw and Dan Gray as they discuss the recent gold Medals won by the Vietnam men & Woman's football teams at the SEA Games 2019! They also talk Formula 1, as It Is fast approaching the Hanoi 2020 inaugural race and a few other tid bits. We hope you enjoy this late edition of The Lotus Talks!
Join Granger Whitelaw as he Interviews Minh "Ben" Nguyen, the CEO of MOPO, a quickly Growing energy company In Vietnam. Renewable energy Is a critical Issue globally, and Ben Is on a path to make some major Impacts, starting right here In Vietnam. Gran a coffee, sit back and enjoy!
In this episode Granger Whitelaw discusses Business travel In Asia and Vietnam. The travel Industry Is growing along with the hyper-excellerated growth of the ASEAN Region. Let's look at how It Impacts business, and personal travel as well. Grab your coffee and let's go!
Granger Whitelaw Salutes AMCHAM (The AMerican Chamber of Commerce) In Vietnam on their Silver Anniversary (25 years). He Is joined by Rayssa Barroso as they look at the positive Impact AMCHAM makes In Vietnam, and the benefits of membership. Grab your coffee, sit back- and enjoy!
Today, Granger Whitelaw and guest host Rayssa Barroso talk about Cyber Monday, Black Friday, "Thanksgiving Day" , Small Business Saturday, Alibaba , 11/11 and Airline Tuesday. What is all this about, it seems there is no end to the Biggest Shopping Weekend in the USA or others aroud the World. Grab your coffee, we hope you enjoy!
Granger Whitelaw discusses effective strategies for retaining employees with Dan Gray. In this episode he features Dreamplex, who not only does a great ob for their employees, but offers solutions for the members of their Co-Working spaces. Grab your coffee and listen In!
Granger Whitelaw Interviews Warren Eng, one of the great Coaches In SE Asia on his life, his work, his dreams and his legacy. Grab your coffee, and enjoy our E- Magazine & Podcast Profile of ' The Leader Maker".
In this episode: Granger Whitelaw looks at employee retention In Asia with guest host Dan Gray. Employee retention Is a major Issue In Asia, with massive growth and near 2% unemployment In Vietnam and other countries, what can you do to keep your employees happy and engaged? Grab your coffee and let's talk!
Granger Whitelaw discusses Teachers Day In Vietnam with Dan Gray. Teachers are highly respected and Honored In Vietnam and contribute greatly to the economy of the country. Let's celebrate them together.
In this episode Granger Whitelaw pays tribute to Mark Allan, a friend and employee at The Lotus Talks, who passed away this past week. We all miss him dearly.
In this episode, Granger Whitelaw sits down with James Wolf to discuss more on sustainability, "green products" and his companies In Vietnam Bamboo Master, Boohugger and "Boo Bikes". James Is a legend In Vietnam, and one of the great craftsman of our time. We hope you enjoy It as much as we did making It!
Granger Whitelaw sits down with Marco Civardi, Area Manager of Maersk Shipping SE Asia, to discuss life, business, friendship, family and football.
This mondays episode Granger Whitelaw Is joined by Rayssa Barroso for a discussion on sustainability In Cosmetic products. The conversation Is part of the Green Trail event month on how to better protect our environment as business owners & leaders.
How can you “save face” and still address business issues in a Vietnamese (or Asian) business culture? Granger & Cameron follow up on Monday Morning Coffee's episode 'Meeting Protocol' with a discussion on 'Saving Face' through their personal experiences, and a few more "Do's and Don'ts" to remember.
A discussion of how to conduct meetings in Vietnam and across Asia. Granger and Cam discuss some key points and reflections on previous meetings they have sat in, and some do's & don'ts to remember.
The discussion about MOPO, the leading company and product in the movement of green energy and The Green Trail, the first-ever long-distance road rally race performed exclusively by electric motor-scooters to spread the message of fighting pollution.
The fifth Profiles interview of The Lotus Talks with Dr. Mason Cobb, the American surgeon who came to Vietnam 22 tears ago with one mission in mind: to develop an international standard of healthcare in the country. Since then, he has set up Columbia-Gia Dinh Clinic Joint Venture, the first American-based clinic since the war ended, and Victoria Healthcare, the flagship brand with the vision to become “the best healthcare, done at an affordable price.”
The Monday Morning Coffee discussion about the state of pollution in SE Asia. How does it affect businesses? What can we do to address and solve the problem?
The discussion about Zalo, the homegrown messaging app that dominates the Vietnam market, and a deep dive into the use of social media for business.
The Monday Morning Coffee discussion about the use of social media in Vietnam. Which platforms are the most popular? How important is social media in business? How can businesses manage them efficiently?
The discussion about Vietnamworks, the longest-running and largest recruitment company in Vietnam.
The fourth Profiles interview of The Lotus Talks with Ha Anh Vu, the renowned supermodel, entrepreneur, activist and dedicated mother whose refreshing intelligence and endless desires to learn and to grow make people wonder: Is perception everything?
The discussion about recruiting in Vietnam. How do you recruit? Where do you recruit from? What are the talents like? What are the challenges?
The discussion about Shark Tank Vietnam and its contribution to the startup ecosystem of the country.
A Monday Morning Coffee episode on the startup ecosystem in Vietnam. What are the advances and challenges? How can Vietnam overcome those challenges?
A Friday Notes episode on Ricons & the growth of Vietnam's construction industry, featuring special guest Uli Feldsieper.
The third Profiles interview of The Lotus Talks with Lam Tran, the co-founder of the fascinating Wisepass. In this interview, the young entrepreneur talked about his background in France, his sense of belonging to Vietnam, his perseverance in starting and driving his product to success as well as the legacy he would like to pass on.
A Monday Morning Coffee episode on the growth of the construction industry in Vietnam. What are the advantages and challenges? How can Vietnam improve the industry?
A Friday Notes Episode on the inclusion of Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) network | Why Ho Chi Minh City? What are the objectives of GIA?
What is the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)? How does it affect your business?Let's discuss it today, on Monday Morning Coffee.
A Friday Notes Episode on Apple in Vietnam and some other major players in technology making more moves | Google and Samsung: What will happen?
The second Profiles interview of The Lotus Talks with Vincent Mourou, the co-founder of the flagship Marou Chocolate. In this interview, the adventurous entrepreneur talked about his childhood in a French fairytale setting, the influence of Willy Wonka, the places that mark his life, and the philosophy behind his astounding products. Listen to Mourou's stories and feel the sweet world of magic, enchantment, and true fantasy unfolding before your eyes!
A Friday Notes Episode on TIKI - the fastest-growing retail E-Commerce company Vietnam, and a reflection of E-Commerce growth potential in the country.
A Monday Morning Coffee discussion on E-Commerce in Vietnam, one of the fastest growing markets in the Country and ASEAN.
A Friday Notes Episode on TIMO - Vietnam's first digital bank, and a reflection on e-banking in Vietnam.
An interview with Sesto Vecchi - "The Godfather of Law" in Vietnam. Having served in the Vietnam war, and returned to Hanoi in 1988 to help write and guide legislation with the Government, has gone on to create an international Law firm serving multiple countries, was an original founder of AMCHAM Vietnam and a mentor to many successful business & individuals.
A look at e banking in Vietnam and the rise of e wallets - and the Vietnamese Government's decree to have a 100% cashless economy by the end of 2020.
A discussion on Why it is the right time to invest, and grow your business in Vietnam. A look at the business Climate in Vietnam.
For more information, visit our Lotus Magazine.
The very first episode of Monday Morning Coffee where you will meet our cast, Granger Whitelaw & Cameron Lynch - and hear a little about what is ahead in the coming months and weeks!
So Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and sit back, relax and Turn up your Speakers!
Enjoy!
Granger & Cam
For more information, visit us at The Lotus Magazine.