Now looking back, it has been a very long journey… but an amazing one.

I will continue my assignment at IKEA Social Entrepreneur together with Virtulahan, supported by Ashoka, until December. But the IKEA Next Generation Leader program has already come to an end.

At the beginning of the program, I thought being selected—after many rejections—was the best day of my life. But now I realize: sitting together during the Finale week was even better. I had to turn off my camera for a while after reading the comments following my 3-minute Leadership Celebration speech… because I cried. Those words touched me deeply. It was a moment I felt truly proud of myself.

The organizing team even prepared a surprise video for us on the last day—so much effort went into making this journey meaningful for each of us.

That final week was full of joy, but also full of tears. I’m happy that I didn’t miss a single group or individual sharing session.

I feel so thankful for every single moment and every person I met—from the organizers and learning group, friends from DELA V, guest speakers, to participants, “sponsors,” mentors, supporters, and everyone I crossed paths with. I noticed so many talented people—those who want to grow themselves and IKEA. I hope we all land in the place we are meant to be.

I want to keep my speech and the comments and inspirational messages I received here on this page, so I can look back later. This will be my source of motivation whenever I feel down.

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This was my speech during the Leadership Celebration:

“So, this is Linh – Business Developer from the Vietnam Office. I want to take this chance to share a bit about myself.

I grew up with a lot of self-doubt and always sought recognition. Without it, I constantly felt I was not good enough.

When I applied to the program, I was rejected many times—at least four or five. My confidence dropped, and my self-doubt grew even more.

But I didn’t want to stop trying. And now, I am here.

The whole collective learning journey has taught me what Leadership Starts Within really means. I’ve learned from the program, but also from the people I met throughout the journey.

We all learned similar lessons: trust the process, embrace Inner Development Goals, value progress over perfection, and explore Appreciative Inquiry. These ideas later connected deeply with my StrengthsFinder results. Instead of focusing on my weaknesses and feeling sad about the strengths I don’t have, I can now use the same energy to grow the strengths I do have.

I believe we all have our own unique strengths—something to be proud of.

*Photos are generated by ChatGPT

This journey doesn’t stop here. And it shouldn’t be a solo journey either.

Why? Because we meet thousands of people in our lifetime. Our leadership leaves an impact—positive, neutral, or negative.

Today, I commit to one question: What footprint do I want to leave behind?

For sure, I don’t want to leave behind a negative feeling through my leadership.

I invite you to join me in this journey. And if, at any time in the future, you see me not living this commitment, I hope you’ll tell me. I will truly appreciate it. Thank you.”

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I’ve learned not to seek recognition the way I used to—but I must admit, the comments I received after the speech give me motivation. They remind me to keep trying and to believe in myself.

And the words from others—many of whom I already see as true leaders—have stayed with me.

“Leadership doesn’t need to be loud & doesn’t need to be fast.”

This was said by another INGL participant during his 3-minute speech. I’ve always admired his calmness, humbleness, and humanity.

When he said “don’t need to be loud,” I really related. He’s a great example of a quiet leader. I wish more quiet leaders had the chance to grow—especially in a world that often favors extroverts who know how to build an image and promote themselves. This helped me realize: I don’t always have to throw myself into the crowd.

When he said “don’t need to be fast,” that also hit home. I tend to respond and act quickly in everything. But this reminded me that leadership doesn’t need to be fast. We each have a different pace and a different path on our leadership journey. I don’t need to feel pressured just because I haven’t reached where others are. I don’t need to measure my worth by where my friends are. I need to focus on where I want to be.

He even sent me a message individually after my speech instead of posting in the team channel. Another participant did the same.

They are both quiet, powerful leaders—who never miss a chance to lift others up in their own gentle ways.

Thank you.