Forbes Impact Business Summit, the untold story...

Forbes Impact Business Summit was held on September 22, at that time, LIN’s closing news was known by very few people. On the day, I still ran back and forth to greet friends, partners, and acquaintances participating in the event. Who knew it was an emotional event for me, and I believe it was also for the rest of my colleagues at LIN.??

In 2018, I joined LIN, I was part of the organizing team to organize the LIN Annual Cross-Sector Conference, which was the only cross-sector event that brings business, nonprofit leaders, experts, and philanthropists to talk about value creation for Vietnamese society. Every event completed always provided a different experience, and gradually we made the Conference become an indispensable platform for everyone to meet, connect and work together on social impact. However, each time the event was completed, the team shared a common concern, how to get as many Vietnamese companies in the room to balance the number of multinational companies that often dominated on this kind of topic. Because in the end, this is the story of Vietnam.

Despite many challenges and barriers, the team never gave up. That’s why the cooperation between LIN and Forbes Vietnam started. The guests attended the event for just one afternoon, but for this to happen, it took both sides 8 months to exchange and discuss to come to a consensus to make Forbes Impact Business Summit from idea to reality. Not to mention, countless & unnamed tasks needed to be done after that. On the event day, more than 500 people attended, the whole auditorium was full, and there was an area with no space to walk. I saw people shaking hands and cheering, because everyone finally could meet again at LIN's event, rubbing each other's shoulders, and holding hands after 2 years of the pandemic, when almost all of LIN's events went online.?

It was a happy feeling, but as one of the few who knew that LIN was going to stop, personally, this event was very emotional, I remember sitting in the auditorium, looking up at the shimmering stage, seeing LIN's logo and all seats were filled, I was both happy and sad, happy that the team's efforts finally came to fruition, sad because not so many knew it was LIN's last big event.

During the break, I went out to take pictures with the rest of LIN's team, I felt everyone's complex emotions. While in previous years, everyone was busy and stressed organizing the event. For the first time, the team didn’t need to worry about things such as logistics, check-in, taking care of guests, and so on. But I could see the poignant expression in everyone's eyes The happy smiles gathered around could not cover that sadness.?

I really wanted to hug everyone to comfort them, but as a person who rarely shows my own emotions, I decided to observe and tried to make people feel happy maybe just a little bit.?

I was really grateful to those who knew that the future will not be so joyful but still did their best to fulfill their responsibilities so that LIN achieved our goals and fulfilled the mission which each of us always believes in. I often said that anyone can say how good or amazing they are, but actions will help others see that one’s efforts and values.?

That day, sitting in the auditorium, I shed a few tears, but I do believe that silent efforts, even though no one can see them yet, will be recognized one day, and most importantly, those silent efforts, even though facing many difficulties, but when strong people and minds determined, it could really create real results. I will always appreciate and respect people who are responsible and try to do their best because they believe what they do is meaningful.?

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