Mindful Leadership SS3 #6 | Khởi nghiệp bền vững từ thiện tâm và trí tuệ | TS. Nguyễn Thanh Mỹ

Key Concepts

• Thiền (Meditation): Not just sitting, but a way of life, a practice of mindfulness, focusing on the present moment, and acting with intention.
• Từ Bi (Compassion), Trí Tuệ (Wisdom), Giới Hạnh (Ethical Conduct): The foundational pillars for building a sustainable business and a meaningful life, inspired by Buddhist philosophy.
• Chánh Niệm (Mindfulness): Being fully present and aware of one's actions and thoughts without judgment.
• Legacy (Di Sản): Building a lasting impact through knowledge sharing, ethical practices, and nurturing future generations.
• Digital Transformation in Agriculture (Nông Nghiệp Số): Applying technology and data science to improve agricultural practices, increase efficiency, and address farmer's pain points.
• Data Science (Khoa Học Dữ Liệu): The crucial element in AI and digital transformation, requiring interdisciplinary teams (math, programming, agriculture).
• Innovation (Sáng Tạo): Continuously developing new solutions, especially in areas where existing solutions are lacking or inefficient.
• Purpose-Driven Business: Starting with a genuine desire to solve problems and benefit the community, rather than solely focusing on profit.
• Inner Peace and Happiness: Achieved through fulfilling one's dreams, contributing to others, and living a life aligned with one's values.

Summary

This transcript features a conversation between Quốc Khánh and Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Mỹ, a renowned scientist, entrepreneur, and author, on the podcast "Mindful Leadership." The discussion delves into Dr. Mỹ's philosophy on life, business, and the practice of meditation, particularly as it relates to leadership and innovation.

The Philosophy of Mindful Living and Business

Dr. Mỹ likens building a business to planting a tree, where compassion (từ bi) is the branches and leaves, wisdom (trí tuệ) is the trunk, and ethical conduct (giới hạnh) is the roots that ensure longevity. He emphasizes that consistent meditation practice profoundly impacts decision-making.

He shares his personal journey, starting his entrepreneurial ventures in Vietnam at the age of 60 with R&D Technologies, focusing on digital agriculture solutions. Dr. Mỹ holds over 700 patents in printing materials and high-tech agriculture, embodying a relentless spirit of innovation.

The Genesis of "Người Ngoài Khung Mà Thiền Giữa Đời Thường"

The conversation highlights Dr. Mỹ's latest book, "Người Ngoài Khung Mà Thiền Giữa Đời Thường" (Out of the Box, Meditating in Everyday Life). He explains that the book was inspired by his "Legacy" group, a team of young engineers at Mỹ Lan Corporation. During their weekly meetings discussing Buddhist philosophy, Dr. Mỹ's simple act of sitting quietly led to a discussion about meditation. The engineers' curiosity prompted him to write the book, sharing his long-held, yet previously unspoken, practice of meditation.

Meditation as a Way of Life

Dr. Mỹ defines meditation not as a complex religious ritual, but as finding peace and happiness in everyday actions. He recounts his early experiences in Canada in 1984 while pursuing his studies. Facing immense pressure from academic demands and working multiple jobs, he found solace and focus by simply paying attention to his breath during lectures and breaks. This practice, he later realized, was a form of mindfulness, aligning with the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh. He stresses that meditation is about being fully present in whatever task one is undertaking, whether it's studying, washing dishes, or working.

Decision-Making, Focus, and Ethical Conduct

Dr. Mỹ advocates for a deliberate and cautious approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of weighing pros and cons and considering the impact on others. He acknowledges that this can sometimes lead to delays, but believes that a well-considered decision is ultimately more beneficial. He shares his experience of quitting smoking and drinking, demonstrating his strong willpower and ability to make decisive choices for long-term benefit.

He explains that maintaining focus, even amidst distractions, is a learned skill. When faced with competing thoughts, he advises to acknowledge them without dwelling and to return to the task at hand. This discipline, he believes, stems from his early life experiences and a conscious effort to prioritize long-term goals over immediate discomfort.

The Influence of Buddhism and its Application in Business

Dr. Mỹ's connection to Buddhism began in childhood, accompanying his mother to the pagoda. He recounts a poignant memory of his mother crying while praying for his father's return, a moment that instilled in him an early understanding of life's impermanence. His brief period of temporary ordination during his youth further shaped his perspective.

He firmly believes that Buddhist philosophy provides a robust foundation for entrepreneurship and business sustainability. The principles of compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct are crucial for building trust and long-term success. He criticizes businesses that prioritize short-term gains over ethical practices, citing examples of corporate failures. Mỹ Lan Group and R&D Technologies, he states, are built on this philosophy, fostering a culture of integrity and employee well-being.

Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Integrity

Dr. Mỹ shares a significant personal challenge when he stepped away from Mỹ Lan Group in 2015 due to conflicts with a new shareholder. Despite holding a majority stake, he chose to leave to avoid a personal battle, recognizing that his value lay in building and innovating. This decision led to the establishment of R&D Technologies. He later returned to Mỹ Lan Group in 2020 when the company faced significant losses under new management, demonstrating his commitment to its foundational principles. He emphasizes that leaving a company or letting go of employees, even when necessary, is painful but sometimes unavoidable for the collective good.

Innovation and Problem-Solving in Agriculture

Dr. Mỹ's work with R&D Technologies focuses on addressing real-world problems in agriculture. He describes how his observation of a simple insect trap led to the development of AI-powered insect monitoring systems for the Mekong Delta. He highlights the critical issue of farmers' lack of purchasing power, advocating for business models where government, NGOs, or businesses sponsor solutions, with farmers as beneficiaries.

He stresses the importance of creating a supportive environment for innovation, particularly for private enterprises in Vietnam. He criticizes the current bidding processes that often favor price over quality and long-term sustainability, hindering the growth of domestic technology companies. He advocates for a more equitable system that encourages the development and adoption of Vietnamese-made technologies.

The Role of AI and Data Science in Agriculture

Dr. Mỹ sees immense potential for AI and data science in revolutionizing Vietnamese agriculture. He explains how AI can be used for precise pest monitoring, predicting insect populations, and optimizing resource management. He emphasizes the importance of data science, requiring interdisciplinary teams to develop effective solutions. He also highlights the need for domestic development of smart devices and data collection systems to ensure data sovereignty and security.

The Power of Stillness and Inner Wisdom

Dr. Mỹ emphasizes that true innovation often arises from moments of stillness and reflection. He describes his morning routine of meditation and enjoying coffee, which allows his mind to process information and generate ideas. He likens this to a "meditation of observation," where insights emerge naturally. He shares his experience of developing the CTP offset printing plate, where prolonged meditation allowed him to perceive the molecular structure of the materials.

He believes that the human mind already possesses the knowledge; stillness simply helps to access and understand it more clearly. He cautions against the over-reliance on AI, stressing that human wisdom, ethical grounding, and clear goal-setting are essential for guiding AI effectively.

The Future of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Mỹ expresses optimism for the future of private enterprises in Vietnam, particularly in the digital agriculture sector, given recent government policies. He believes that with a more open and supportive environment, Vietnamese entrepreneurs can contribute significantly to the nation's development. He reiterates the importance of starting with compassion and ethical conduct, rather than greed, for sustainable success.

Personal Reflections and Legacy

Looking back at his 70 years, Dr. Mỹ wishes he had embraced meditation and Buddhist philosophy earlier to cultivate inner peace and make decisions with greater equanimity. He defines happiness not by material wealth, but by fulfilling his life's purpose of contributing to his community and seeing his employees thrive. He believes that a strong family support system is crucial for achieving one's goals.

He is actively building a legacy by nurturing the next generation of leaders within his companies, instilling the values of compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct. He believes that creating a positive and supportive work environment is as important as the technology itself. He encourages young entrepreneurs to focus on their core values and to contribute to the collective good.

The conversation concludes with an emphasis on the broad meaning of "thiền" as a practice of focused attention and stillness, applicable to all aspects of life, and the importance of starting with good intentions.