Episode 98: How Underdogs Turn Their Struggles into an Advantage with Quang X. Pham
Synopsis
Episode 98. Does having privilege help or hurt you in gaining success in your career? What if being an underdog actually helped?
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Quang X Pham, a Vietnamese refugee and accomplished entrepreneur. Quang shares his incredible journey from escaping Vietnam as a child to becoming a Marine Corps veteran, a biotech entrepreneur, and an author of two books.
He discusses the challenges and motivations behind his success, from joining the military to navigating the pharmaceutical sales industry and eventually founding successful companies. Pham also provides practical advice on overcoming adversity, the importance of defining personal success, and the value of self-confidence and adaptability.
His latest book, 'Underdog Nation,' aims to inspire those who feel like underdogs in their professional and personal lives. The episode captures his inspiring story, insights on entrepreneurship, and reflections on the immigrant experience in America.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:24 Meet Quang X Pham: A Journey of Resilience
01:53 Early Life and Escape from Vietnam
04:02 Adapting to Life in America
05:54 Military Service and Lessons Learned
10:44 Transition to the Business World
13:21 Becoming an Entrepreneur
18:39 Writing and Motivating Underdogs
21:12 Presenting Yourself and Being Relatable
21:59 Lessons from Military to Civilian Life
23:53 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
25:32 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
28:21 Balancing Risk and Passion
32:19 Dealing with the Past and Moving Forward
36:15 Reflections on Vietnam and American Dream
40:41 Advice for Underdogs and Career Advancement
42:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Background and Key Links
Quang X. Pham is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author who has built and exited multiple businesses across healthcare and aviation. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics
He’s known for his expertise in scaling businesses, leading through change, and his unique perspective as a Vietnamese-American immigrant and former U.S. Marine Corps officer. Quang is the author of A Sense of Duty: My Father, My American Journey and Underdog Nation, where he explores themes of patriotism, entrepreneurship, and the immigrant experience in America.
Quang earned his degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and served as a Marine helicopter pilot before embarking on his entrepreneurial career.
Connect with Quang on LinkedIn or visit learn more about his books for more information.