How My Journey Started season 2 in London: Creating values and leading change

How My Journey Started season 2 in London: Creating values and leading change

The London episode of How My Journey Started 2025 features RMIT alumnus and Global People COO at KPMG International Paul Huynh in a heartfelt conversation on authenticity, impact, and embracing uncertainty.

When Paul Huynh walks into a room, it’s not with the formality you might expect from someone holding a global executive role. It’s with warmth, intention, and curiosity. Sitting down with student host Khanh Linh in a North London studio for the London episode of How My Journey Started, he greeted her not just as a fellow RMIT community member but as a peer. 

This kind of presence – humble, grounded, and focused on people – is what defines Paul’s leadership journey. He said:

Now Global People Chief Operating Officer at KPMG International, Paul is responsible for supporting the firm’s workforce across 145 countries. But before reaching this global platform, his career began with uncertainty, tough decisions, and a deep commitment to staying true to his values. 

Realigning the journey 

Paul started his academic life studying Information Technology in Australia. But as he openly admitted, it didn’t take long for him to realise he was on the wrong path. 

“I was skipping my classes and not doing really well,” he recalled. “Very quickly, I decided to change my degree to Business Studies with a major in Human Resource Management. I knew quite early on that my passion was around working with people.” 

That early pivot was just the beginning. In 2007, Paul made the move to Vietnam, drawn by both personal roots and professional opportunity. He joined KPMG Vietnam and Cambodia, where he led the People, Performance and Culture (PPC) function. Later, he enrolled in RMIT Vietnam’s Executive MBA program, encouraged by peers who had completed it and praised its practical, boardroom-focused approach. 

“They really loved the opportunity to build strategic mindsets and boardroom presence,” he said. “It was a chance to work directly with C-suite executives and sharpen my leadership skills.” 

Graduating in 2015, Paul’s career gained momentum. From regional leadership in the Asia-Pacific to his current role at KPMG International, his trajectory reflects a mix of personal clarity and professional excellence. 

But to Paul, leadership isn’t about climbing a ladder. It’s about showing up authentically, with empathy and purpose. 

Walking the talk on inclusion 

Among the many milestones in Paul’s career, one moment stands out for him: launching the Pride at KPMG LGBTQ+ network in Vietnam and Cambodia. At the time, diversity and inclusion were rarely discussed in professional settings in the region. 

“We partnered with embassies, consulates, clients, and Vietnamese businesses to foster an inclusive workplace,” he explained. “That initiative made me truly proud, not just because of its success, but because of the collaboration behind it.” 

It’s clear from his tone that this wasn’t just a workplace initiative – it was a personal mission. And it’s this consistent value-led approach that underpins Paul’s definition of leadership. 

A conversation across generations 

Hosting Paul for the episode was Khanh Linh, a Professional Communication student currently on exchange in the UK. For Linh, speaking with a high-profile alumnus in London was both inspiring and grounding. 

“I really admire alumni who’ve ventured out and built global careers,” Linh said. “This was a chance to hear from someone who’s not only successful but also grounded in their values.” 

Though nervous at first, Linh quickly found ease in Paul’s openness. The conversation ranged from early career doubts to leading on a global scale—and even getting lost on the London Underground together before filming. Through it all, Paul shared insights with honesty and care, offering practical advice for students preparing to start their own journeys. 

“First, embrace new challenges and take risks. You never know where they might lead, from Australia, to Vietnam, to London in my case,” Paul shared. “Second, build your networks. A lot of the relationships I built during my time at RMIT are still with me today. And thirdly,

Leadership with a human lens 

While Paul’s career pathway is impressive, what stands out most is his clarity of purpose. He spoke of success not in terms of promotions or prestige, but in the quality of relationships, the strength of values, and the courage to keep evolving. 

“Celebrate milestones and enjoy every step of the journey,” he reflected. “That’s when you’ll look back with pride and gratitude for your resilience.” 

In the final moments of the episode, Linh asked him what advice he would give to his younger self. His response was calm but powerful: 

“Embrace uncertainty. Surround yourself with diverse people. And remember—everyone has a role to play. When we come together as a collective, that’s when the magic happens.” 

From RMIT, with impact 

As How My Journey Started kicks off its 2025 season, Paul’s story sets the tone, not just for what it means to succeed globally, but for what it means to lead with intention. 

For current students like Linh, and for listeners across the RMIT community, his message is clear: purpose-driven careers are not found, they’re shaped – one decision, one conversation, and one act of courage at a time. 

Check out the full episode on RMIT Vietnam's Spotify and YouTube below.

hmjs-london-paul-huynh-thumbnail-creating-values-leading-change

Creating values – Leading change - Paul Huynh | How My Journey Started

This season of How My Journey Started Podcast is part of RMIT Vietnam's 25th anniversary and celebrates the remarkable journeys of our senior alumni – the pioneers who were with RMIT Vietnam from the early days and now have built careers across the world.

Whether to start a new job, get a new degree, or find one’s passion, always remember that you already have what it takes at RMIT Vietnam, and your journey is uniquely yours to create.

Available on RMIT Vietnam’s Spotify and YouTube. 

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