?? Breaking Barriers: How PATI Group Transformed into a 100% English Environment ???
Quang Nguyen
?? Recruiting for 8-figure global supplement DTC brands. ?? We don't have such fancy culture as hybrid/remote working or from Mon to Fri so DON'T APPLY if you are not willing to work on-site + Saturday morning.
At PATI Group, we operate two successful supplement brands with our primary market in the United States. Based in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we’re powered by an incredible team of 100% Vietnamese employees. Their adaptability, resilience, and strong sense of teamwork have been the backbone of our success in the cross-border eCommerce industry.
However, as we’ve grown, we identified a pivotal opportunity: transitioning our workplace to a 100% English-speaking environment.
While Vietnamese is the language of our hearts, it was clear that embracing English wasn’t just about communication—it was about unlocking the future.
Why Make the Shift to English?
When PATI Group made the decision to transition to a 100% English-speaking environment, it wasn’t just a language shift—it was a strategic move to prepare our business and workforce for a global stage. Here’s why this change was vital to our growth:
1. Attracting Global Talent
The world’s brightest minds are not bound by geography, and neither should our team be. By adopting English as our operational language, we’ve laid the foundation to welcome talented employees from around the globe who share our vision and values. Whether it’s collaborating with international experts or onboarding employees from diverse backgrounds, this shift positions us as a truly global organization, capable of attracting the best and the brightest.
2. Scaling with Confidence
Our primary market is in the United States, but our ambitions extend far beyond. Operating in English ensures seamless communication with international partners, vendors, and customers. It eliminates the barriers that often slow down cross-border collaboration and allows us to expand with confidence, knowing our team is prepared to navigate the complexities of global eCommerce.
3. Empowering Our Workforce
This transformation is more than a business decision; it’s an investment in our people. By improving their English proficiency, we’re equipping our team with a vital skill that enhances their professional growth and personal confidence. It’s not just about speaking a new language; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, both within PATI Group and beyond.
The Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
Change, especially one of this magnitude, is never easy. The idea of moving from our native language—a source of comfort and familiarity—to operating entirely in English was daunting. The journey was filled with obstacles, both practical and emotional.
1. Initial Resistance: The Fear of Change
When the transition was announced, the silence in the room spoke volumes. For many, the idea of communicating in English felt intimidating. What if they made mistakes? What if they couldn’t adapt? For some, it felt like stepping into unknown territory, leaving behind the safety of their native language. The fear of falling behind or being judged for errors loomed large. Employees even gossiped their complaints about of using English as broken language. I listened actively, but I never doubt on my commitment of upgrading my people. I believed in my motto and wanted to bring my people along with me to global leadership or industrial events in some days.
2. The Daily Struggle: Breaking Old Habits
The practical challenges were even more apparent in the early days. Imagine drafting an email, only to be halted mid-thought as you search for the right words in English. A task that once took minutes now stretched into hours. Meetings became longer as everyone struggled to express ideas clearly. Slack messages were rewritten multiple times before being sent, each revision filled with self-doubt.
Brainstorming sessions, once dynamic and fast-paced, slowed down as team members grappled with forming their thoughts in a new language. For some, it felt like going back to square one—like relearning how to communicate entirely.
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3. Overcoming Mental Barriers: Embracing Imperfection
Beyond the linguistic challenges were the emotional hurdles. Fear of making mistakes held many back from participating fully. A simple greeting or a minor error in phrasing felt monumental, creating hesitation. The phrase, “Can I just say it in Vietnamese?” became a common refrain in those early weeks. Breaking free from these mental barriers required immense courage.
How We Overcame It Together
This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering commitment from our leadership team. They understood that real change requires more than directives—it demands empathy, patience, and a clear vision.
The Results: Six Months Later
Today, PATI Group operates entirely in English. This transformation has been nothing short of remarkable, and the results speak for themselves:
? Our team collaborates more effectively with global partners.
? We’ve built a workplace ready to scale internationally.
? Our employees are thriving, with newfound confidence and career prospects.
What started as a daunting challenge has become one of our proudest achievements.
The Heart of Change: Our Team
This journey would not have been possible without the exceptional qualities of our Vietnamese workforce:
???? Adaptability & Resilience: They faced challenges head-on, proving that no goal is too ambitious when approached with determination.
???? Hard Work Ethic: Their diligence ensured that even the steepest learning curves were conquered with grace.
???? Team Spirit: Together, they created an environment of support, growth, and mutual learning, turning an intimidating change into a shared success story.
Wanna join PATI Group? Inspiring Lifestyle Changes and Driving Innovation in Wellness
At PATI Group, we’re not just building an 8-figure, fully bootstrapped company—we’re on a mission to inspire transformation. As Vietnam’s future leader in dietary supplements, we’re committed to offering innovative, high-quality products that empower people to change their lifestyles and unlock their full physical, mental, and intellectual potential.
Our success is a testament to the resilience, passion, and ingenuity of our team. Built from the ground up without outside funding, PATI Group thrives on bold ideas and ambitious goals. If you’re excited by challenges, eager to grow, and want to be part of a dynamic, English-first workplace driving real impact, we want to hear from you. ??
Join us in shaping the future of wellness and redefining what’s possible. Explore opportunities with PATI Group and take the next step in your career today: www.patigroup.com/p/careers ??
Chief Client Officer. Executive Coach. Passionate about Being, Learning & Transforming
3 个月Congratulations Quang Nguyen and your amazing team!