Latest news with #AdaptivelyEducation
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
From Refugee To CEO: 5 Hard-Earned Skills For Success
Hao Lam, entrepreneur, author, speaker, founder of Adaptively Education and Best in Class Education Center. Behind every business is a story, and mine started long before I ever opened an education center. When I escaped communist Vietnam and arrived in Canada as a refugee, I didn't speak the language and had very little to my name. What I did have was a fierce determination to rebuild. I put myself through school, moved to the United States, became a teacher and eventually built a national education franchise. The journey came with a lot of twists and turns and taught me more than just how to grow a business—it taught me how to lead one. Success isn't just about having the right idea at the right time. It's about developing the mindset, skills and habits that carry you through the uncertainty that comes with every stage of growth. Here are five hard-earned skills that shaped my journey from refugee to CEO—skills I often share with other entrepreneurs working to build a company grounded in purpose and growth. 1. Grit And Resilience: Keep Going, Especially When It's Hard I wish I could tell you there's a stress-free path to success. There isn't. You will be underestimated. You will frequently feel stretched thin. You'll need to find harmony between work and the other integral parts of your life. You'll face moments of self-doubt. Entrepreneurship, while a rewarding career path, is certainly not an easy one. What enables entrepreneurs to build something lasting is the ability to keep moving forward when things get uncomfortable or uncertain. Grit is about persistence, but resilience is about how you recover when something doesn't go as planned. I didn't get here because I avoided hard things—I got here because I faced them, got knocked down and kept showing up. Resilience is built every time you choose to keep going when quitting would be easier. 2. Vision With Execution: Don't Just Dream—Deliver It's easy to get excited about the big picture. Entrepreneurs are full of ideas. But vision execution is where the real work begins. The entrepreneurs I admire most are the ones who can see where they're going and also put a plan in place to get there. They don't just talk about growth—they map it, test it, revise it and make it real. At my company, our growth wasn't accidental. It came from defining our 'why,' putting systems in place and ensuring our teams knew how to translate our vision into results, center by center and student by student, to achieve a collective win. If you're seeking sustainable growth, start with a clear vision and the operational discipline to carry it forward. 3. Connection-Centered Networking: Lead With Value, Grow With Others In the early days of growing my business, I made it a point to show up to conferences, local events and networking groups—anywhere I could learn and connect. But I wasn't there just to hand out business cards or gain a referral. I came to ask good questions, offer insight where I could and build relationships that mattered. The best networkers I know are subject matter experts who lead with generosity. They don't just ask, 'What can I get?' They ask, 'What can I offer?' When you build relationships based on trust and shared values, referrals happen naturally. Those same relationships often lead to mentorships and meaningful peer accountability. Opportunities open up because people know you're showing up with intention, not ego. 4. Humble Leadership: Lead By Listening One of the most underrated skills in entrepreneurship is humility. The moment someone assumes they know it all, growth stalls, especially when they become daunted by others who know more instead of learning from them. When I've been open to listening to other leaders, I've gained insights I might never have uncovered on my own. Some of the best ideas we've implemented at Best in Class came from team members, franchisees and parents who saw something I didn't. Being the CEO doesn't mean I'm always right; it means I'm always responsible for building a better company for those we serve. When we lead with vulnerability, invite honest feedback and create space for others to shine, we foster a culture of growth and success. This kind of leadership is foundational to a team that's engaged, resilient and rooted in shared values. 5. Accountability With Optimism: Know Where You're Headed, And Keep Believing It's Possible Entrepreneurship is full of detours and unknowns. But as I discussed in my previous article, if you're clear about your defined goals, you can course-correct without losing momentum. Setting SMART goals and reviewing them regularly—with mentors, my team and myself—has been instrumental in ensuring that my steps toward growth are intentional and never left to chance. At regular intervals, I ask myself, 'Am I moving toward the outcome I want or away from it?' But alongside structure, you need optimism. Optimism isn't blind positivity but a grounded belief that your work matters and that growth is possible, even in tough times like economic uncertainty or the kind of disruption we all experienced during the pandemic. An optimistic mindset doesn't just inspire, it sustains. It keeps you moving forward, even when everything else tells you to stop. Leadership Is Earned And Always In Progress I didn't set out to become a CEO; I set out to survive. But in the process, I discovered that the same inner drive that helped me rebuild my life could help me build something meaningful for others. Success doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen alone. It comes from cultivating the right habits, owning your story and growing through every challenge you face. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your next one, focus on the skills that stand the test of time: grit, vision, connection, humility and accountability. These are more than traits—they're tools. And when you use them with intention, you'll create more than a business. You'll build a legacy. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
From Refugee To CEO: 5 Hard-Earned Skills That Helped Me Succeed
Hao Lam, entrepreneur, author, speaker, founder of Adaptively Education and Best in Class Education Center. Behind every business is a story, and mine started long before I ever opened an education center. When I escaped communist Vietnam and arrived in Canada as a refugee, I didn't speak the language and had very little to my name. What I did have was a fierce determination to rebuild. I put myself through school, moved to the United States, became a teacher and eventually built a national education franchise. The journey came with a lot of twists and turns and taught me more than just how to grow a business—it taught me how to lead one. Success isn't just about having the right idea at the right time. It's about developing the mindset, skills and habits that carry you through the uncertainty that comes with every stage of growth. Here are five hard-earned skills that shaped my journey from refugee to CEO—skills I often share with other entrepreneurs working to build a company grounded in purpose and growth. 1. Grit And Resilience: Keep Going, Especially When It's Hard I wish I could tell you there's a stress-free path to success. There isn't. You will be underestimated. You will frequently feel stretched thin. You'll need to find harmony between work and the other integral parts of your life. You'll face moments of self-doubt. Entrepreneurship, while a rewarding career path, is certainly not an easy one. What enables entrepreneurs to build something lasting is the ability to keep moving forward when things get uncomfortable or uncertain. Grit is about persistence, but resilience is about how you recover when something doesn't go as planned. I didn't get here because I avoided hard things—I got here because I faced them, got knocked down and kept showing up. Resilience is built every time you choose to keep going when quitting would be easier. 2. Vision With Execution: Don't Just Dream—Deliver It's easy to get excited about the big picture. Entrepreneurs are full of ideas. But vision execution is where the real work begins. The entrepreneurs I admire most are the ones who can see where they're going and also put a plan in place to get there. They don't just talk about growth—they map it, test it, revise it and make it real. At my company, our growth wasn't accidental. It came from defining our 'why,' putting systems in place and ensuring our teams knew how to translate our vision into results, center by center and student by student, to achieve a collective win. If you're seeking sustainable growth, start with a clear vision and the operational discipline to carry it forward. 3. Connection-Centered Networking: Lead With Value, Grow With Others In the early days of growing my business, I made it a point to show up to conferences, local events and networking groups—anywhere I could learn and connect. But I wasn't there just to hand out business cards or gain a referral. I came to ask good questions, offer insight where I could and build relationships that mattered. The best networkers I know are subject matter experts who lead with generosity. They don't just ask, 'What can I get?' They ask, 'What can I offer?' When you build relationships based on trust and shared values, referrals happen naturally. Those same relationships often lead to mentorships and meaningful peer accountability. Opportunities open up because people know you're showing up with intention, not ego. 4. Humble Leadership: Lead By Listening One of the most underrated skills in entrepreneurship is humility. The moment someone assumes they know it all, growth stalls, especially when they become daunted by others who know more instead of learning from them. When I've been open to listening to other leaders, I've gained insights I might never have uncovered on my own. Some of the best ideas we've implemented at Best in Class came from team members, franchisees and parents who saw something I didn't. Being the CEO doesn't mean I'm always right; it means I'm always responsible for building a better company for those we serve. When we lead with vulnerability, invite honest feedback and create space for others to shine, we foster a culture of growth and success. This kind of leadership is foundational to a team that's engaged, resilient and rooted in shared values. 5. Accountability With Optimism: Know Where You're Headed, And Keep Believing It's Possible Entrepreneurship is full of detours and unknowns. But as I discussed in my previous article, if you're clear about your defined goals, you can course-correct without losing momentum. Setting SMART goals and reviewing them regularly—with mentors, my team and myself—has been instrumental in ensuring that my steps toward growth are intentional and never left to chance. At regular intervals, I ask myself, 'Am I moving toward the outcome I want or away from it?' But alongside structure, you need optimism. Optimism isn't blind positivity but a grounded belief that your work matters and that growth is possible, even in tough times like economic uncertainty or the kind of disruption we all experienced during the pandemic. An optimistic mindset doesn't just inspire, it sustains. It keeps you moving forward, even when everything else tells you to stop. Leadership Is Earned And Always In Progress I didn't set out to become a CEO; I set out to survive. But in the process, I discovered that the same inner drive that helped me rebuild my life could help me build something meaningful for others. Success doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen alone. It comes from cultivating the right habits, owning your story and growing through every challenge you face. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your next one, focus on the skills that stand the test of time: grit, vision, connection, humility and accountability. These are more than traits—they're tools. And when you use them with intention, you'll create more than a business. You'll build a legacy. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Built To Connect: What Small Businesses Do Better—And Why It Matters
Hao Lam, entrepreneur, author, speaker, founder of Adaptively Education and Best in Class Education Center. In a world where national brands scale fast and automate faster, those of us in smaller organizations have a unique advantage—we stay close to the work. We build trust through our stories. We listen, adapt and serve in real time. We thrive not by doing everything, but by doing a few things really well—and doing them with heart. For small businesses, this kind of connection is a competitive edge. Many times throughout my career as an educator and through my education centers, I've heard moving stories from parents—some excited, some tearful—sharing that since starting our programs, their children are walking into school with confidence. They're overjoyed by their child's progress and eager to tell others whose children might also need an academic boost. More often than not, our marketing didn't bring these raving fan families through our doors. And it certainly wasn't a polished sales pitch. It was another parent's story—shared in a car line, at a birthday party or over coffee—about how their child found support, encouragement and a renewed belief in themselves inside our center's walls. Every time one of these referrals comes through, I'm reminded: When you build a business rooted in connection, people feel it. And when people feel your passion, they tell others. Even if the sky is the limit for growth, there's something worth protecting in the size we are today: the intimacy, the agility, the soul of what gives us an edge big brands simply can't replicate. People aren't just buying what you offer—they're investing in who you are and why you care. I've learned this firsthand. My journey began as a refugee. I came to the U.S. after escaping Vietnam and found stability through education. That experience defined my path and ultimately inspired how I built my business. Best in Class was never just about tutoring. It was—and still is—about giving every child a chance to discover their potential through the power of education. When you share your origin story, something powerful happens: You humanize your brand. Customers connect emotionally, and that connection turns into loyalty. Vulnerability becomes an asset that says, 'This matters to me. Let me show you why it should matter to you, too.' No fancy ad campaign can replicate that kind of authenticity. One of the most underappreciated advantages of running a small business is agility. Responsiveness isn't just a crisis tool—it's a business advantage. Small businesses can pivot quickly, test ideas, adjust services and try new approaches without layers of approval standing in the way of implementation. We can bend the rules when it makes sense for the customer and enact changes today that impact people tomorrow. My company experienced this during the pandemic. When schools shut down and families needed learning solutions fast, our team transitioned hundreds of students to online tutoring in a matter of days. We didn't wait for a large corporate directive to pass through various meetings and approvals. Instead, we listened to our parents, rallied our staff and built a solution from the ground up that all of our centers could adopt. In big systems, agility is often a dream. In small businesses, agility like this is what turns challenges into momentum. Being small doesn't mean cutting corners. In fact, it raises the stakes. When you're local, reputation travels fast—and so does trust (or the lack of it). At Best in Class, we regularly ask ourselves one simple but very telling question as a quality barometer: 'Would I come back here as a customer?' The answer to that one question keeps us honest. It reminds us to pay attention to customer service details—the tone of a phone call, the layout of a classroom and the clarity of a progress report. Customers may forget what we say, but they never forget how we made them feel. And the truth is that consistency is a powerful form of marketing. When families know they can count on you to show up, deliver results and treat them well, they become your ambassadors. They talk about you at PTA meetings, in group chats and at soccer games. That kind of word-of-mouth is earned, not bought. And it's often what keeps small businesses thriving in competitive markets. Whether donating to a fundraiser, mentoring a young entrepreneur or simply showing up where your customers are, every interaction deepens your connection. And the more connected you are, the more resilient your business becomes. One of the most fulfilling parts of building a business has been staying rooted in the community. I've spoken at local schools. Our centers have offered free SAT prep sessions, organized math competitions and partnered with small businesses in their localities to host events. These aren't marketing tactics—they're extensions of who we are and why we do what we do. When you support the community, the community supports you. As entrepreneurs, we're wired to grow. But growth doesn't mean giving up what makes you unique. It means expanding without losing your center. The longer I lead Best in Class, the more I believe this: Being small isn't something to outgrow—it's something to protect. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Every Executive And Entrepreneur Needs A Mentor
Hao Lam, entrepreneur, author, speaker, founder of Adaptively Education and Best in Class Education Center. Success doesn't happen in isolation. No matter how skilled, ambitious or experienced you are, there will always be moments when you need perspective from someone who's already been where you are or want to go—someone who has weathered the storms, figured out the tough decisions and learned lessons the hard way so you don't have to. That's the power of mentorship. While the business world is full of paid coaching programs and leadership seminars, I don't think anything compares to the impact of having a real mentor—someone invested in your growth instead of seeking any monetary gain from you. Whether short-term or long-term, mentorship provides guidance, clarity and the kind of wisdom that you typically can't learn elsewhere. Not all mentors are the same, and not every entrepreneur or executive needs the same type of guidance. Here are three key types of mentors you might seek: These are the seasoned veterans in your field—people who have walked the exact path you're on. For example, if you're in franchising, that person might be a multi-unit franchisee or a successful brand founder. I've found their insights are often specific and tactical when it comes to industry trends, common pitfalls and business growth strategies. These mentors help you refine the softer skills of business—management, communication and decision-making. Maybe you're great at strategy but need to improve how you deliver communication or vet your hires. A leadership mentor helps bridge that gap, guiding you to build trust, handle conflict and lead confidently. Sometimes, the best mentorship doesn't come from someone ahead of you but from those alongside you. Peer groups, mastermind circles and business communities can provide a transformative space to exchange ideas and problem-solve. You also get to learn from others facing similar challenges. These connections can be just as inspiring as having a one-on-one mentor. Finding the right mentor takes initiative—it's not something that just happens by chance. But that doesn't mean sending an out-of-the-blue LinkedIn message to a high-profile CEO asking, 'Will you be my mentor?' is the way to go. Instead, mentorship develops organically through shared conversations, mutual respect and a genuine interest in learning from one another. Here are some ideas to consider for where to start: • Attend trade shows, conferences and industry events. Look for opportunities to connect with experienced professionals who align with your values and goals. • Leverage business networks and communities. Surrounding yourself with the right people—whether through local business groups, entrepreneurship programs or networking organizations—increases your chances of finding a great mentor. Organizations like SCORE help connect business owners with mentors in their area. • Consider reaching out to retired entrepreneurs. Many seasoned business owners are eager to share their wisdom, especially those who have stepped away from day-to-day operations but still want to stay connected to the business world. Once you find someone, don't be afraid to ask. If there's someone you respect and admire, be direct—but be respectful. Rather than requesting a formal mentorship arrangement right away, start with a simple request, such as, "I really admire how you built your business. Would you be open to grabbing coffee and sharing a little about your journey?" Having a mentor is about accelerating your growth while avoiding costly mistakes. Learning from someone else's missteps can save you years of trial and error, providing reassurance and peace of mind. I've experienced firsthand the power of mentorship. Over the past several years, I've been fortunate to have two incredible mentors who have stood by me through the ups and downs of both business and life. They've celebrated my wins, kept me grounded and offered unwavering support during the toughest moments. Their guidance has been invaluable—not just for the insights they've shared but also for the steady encouragement that reminded me I wasn't alone on this journey. When you invest your time with a mentor, you'll learn from experience, not just theory. A good mentor has lived through your challenges and can offer real-world solutions. And a great mentor doesn't just give answers—they ask the right questions, helping you see solutions you might have overlooked. Additionally, you can make decisions faster. Instead of second-guessing every move, you get clarity from someone who's been there before. You can also expand your network as mentors can introduce you to investors, business partners or key industry players who can open new doors. As much as you might need mentorship, you also have knowledge that others can benefit from. Extending yourself to other business owners or leaders in your community can pay dividends. As I've mentored others, I've discovered that giving my knowledge and experiences to another is not just for the person I'm helping but for my own growth as well. Consider these benefits: • Teaching sharpens your skills. When you mentor someone, you reinforce what you've learned and gain a fresh perspective on leadership. • You build your own network. Helping others builds goodwill. It can also strengthen your professional connections and keep you engaged in new ideas and innovations. • It's a way to give back. If you've benefited from mentorship in your career, paying it forward can create a lasting legacy of leadership. I've noticed the most successful executives and entrepreneurs all have one thing in common: They didn't get there alone. They sought guidance, learned from others and built meaningful mentor relationships that shaped their paths. So, if you're looking to grow, improve or tackle a new challenge, find someone who's been there before. And when you're in a position to help someone else—do it. I think the best leaders aren't just the ones who succeed; they're the ones who lift others along the way. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
