Beyond the award: Learning to lead in my own way

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Beyond the award: Learning to lead in my own way

When Ngoc Phuong first arrived at RMIT, she was an introverted student unsure of her future. Three years later, unexpected challenges and leadership experiences have taught her that finding her own path isn't about having all the answers, but about having the courage to explore, make mistakes, and grow along the way.

What if finding my path starts by saying yes to the unexpected? From an introverted girl who knew little about myself to becoming a leader, my journey at RMIT has been shaped by new experiences, unexpected challenges, and the courage to keep trying, even when I wasn't sure where they would lead.

If I could tell my 18-year-old self one message, it would be:

Say yes to every opportunity until you find your path.

My story began when I first entered RMIT in 2023. At that time, I was an introverted 18-year-old coming from Trà Vinh, who knew almost no one and had no clear direction for my future.

Yet my curiosity began long before university. In high school, I found myself interested in creativity and event planning. I loved working behind the scenes and watching our ideas come to life. However, amid a mix of feelings between shyness, self-doubt, and uncertainty about my ability, I had a growing desire to step outside my comfort zone and explore what else I could achieve.

That curiosity led me to RMIT Experience Day in Year 11, where I was allowed to join a trial class and observe student life. The dynamic atmosphere encouraged me to picture a different version of myself: someone more confident, creative, and open to new experiences. For the first time, the person I wanted to become felt a little closer to the person I was.

Student led CB - 14

The experience that changed myself

When I entered university, I began saying yes to opportunities that helped me discover more about myself. Therefore, I decided to take on different roles in design, marketing, student support, and operations. Each experience brought me new skills and eventually led me to an unexpected challenge: becoming Project Leader of RSUIT, RMIT's annual Ultimate Frisbee tournament. During that time, as a perfectionist, I believed good leadership meant having everything under control. I often took on responsibilities myself to maintain quality and prove my capabilities. However, unexpected expenses and vendor issues happened, and they threatened the tournament's budget. At that time, I was trying to solve everything alone, and that behavior led to rushed decisions and burnout, which left a big disconnection from my team.

Reflecting on the experience, I realised that when I carried everything by myself, I unintentionally overlooked my teammates' strengths, which limited their opportunities to contribute. Therefore, I began trusting my team, listening to different perspectives, and making decisions together, which helped us successfully deliver RSUIT Tournament 2026.

For the first time, I understood that leadership was not about proving what I could achieve alone, but discovering what we could achieve together.

Student led CB - 15

Discovering new perspectives on leadership and impact

Carrying the lesson learnt from previous experiences, I wanted to keep challenging myself beyond what I already knew, so I applied for the Global Impact Student Leadership Program. Being selected as an Impactful Leader gave me the opportunity to take the next step in Singapore, where I would discover new perspectives on leadership and the kind of impact I want to make.

Through visits to Li & Fung, Ocean Purpose Project, ACE.SG and Google, I discovered different approaches to career development, leadership, and creating meaningful impact. Yet, what stayed with me most was a conversation with RMIT alumna Cat Tuong. Her career across different industries showed me that I don’t need to define my future around one title, just be open to learning. Besides, her story also reminded me to believe in myself, be confident, and allow myself to explore different paths. Beyond my personal growth, the trip also reshaped how I understand meaningful impact. At Ocean Purpose Project, I learned that impact does not always require a large campaign: it can come from small, consistent decisions in how we run events and communities. Meanwhile, Mr Patrick Lim's insights into entrepreneurship at ACE.SG reminded me of the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and persistent when turning ideas into reality.

Looking back on these experiences, I realised that I do not need to have my entire career figured out yet. By allowing myself to explore new possibilities, embrace uncertainty and learn along the way, I can gradually discover the path I want to pursue. More importantly, these experiences taught me that meaningful impact is not just about having good ideas, but about understanding people's needs and turning those ideas into thoughtful action.

Student led CB - 16

My biggest win: Finding my own path

Looking back, the biggest lesson I've learned is: Finding my own path isn't about having a clear destination, but understanding who I am, what I value, and how I want to contribute along the way. I've realized that leadership doesn't always mean taking charge or having all the answers. As an introvert, I may not always lead from the front, but I can still make an impact by listening, connecting people, and helping others recognize their strengths.

When I first told myself to “Say yes to every opportunity until you find your path,” I thought I would eventually discover one clear direction. Now, I understand that every opportunity is part of shaping that path, even when I cannot see where it leads.

If there's one lesson I want to share with other students, it must be:

You don't need to have everything figured out at the beginning, and you don't need be alone to succeed.

Keep saying yes, stay curious, and allow yourself to make mistakes. Sometimes, the biggest win isn't about finding all the answers, but it’s all about discovering yourself along the way.

Story by: Do Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, an RMIT Vietnam student. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam as an institution.

21 October 2026

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