The Cost of Freedom: Bao M. Nguyen’s Story from Saigon to Cincinnati

In this episode of Roots, Routes, Voices, Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Bao M. Nguyen to explore his transformation from the vibrant streets of Saigon to the serene neighborhoods of Cincinnati. Bao shares his enduring memories of life in Vietnam, the upheaval of immigrating to the United States, and his quest for a sense of belonging in the Midwest. His story highlights his family's resilience amid war and separation, his rise and subsequent departure from Procter & Gamble, and how redefining success inspired him to foster community through initiatives like Cincinnati’s Asian Food Fest and Asianati. Through Bao’s experiences, the episode examines the true cost of freedom, the challenges of establishing a new home, and the intricate layers of identity formed between cultures.

Driven by his grandparents’ tales of snow, Bao moved to Dayton, Ohio from Vietnam at fifteen. After graduating from Miamisburg High School, he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Bao began his career at Procter & Gamble as an automation engineer and advanced to become the North America Sales Manager for Swiffer. Despite his success, he felt compelled to pursue a path that aligned more closely with his values and experiences.

Bao emphasizes that his achievements are a product of his family and community support rather than being self-made. Recognizing the numerous individuals who aided his journey, he chose a career in financial services to help guide multi-generational and under-served families through their own challenges. Bao is committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, building on the foundation laid by those who supported him.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction
00:40 – Adjusting to Isolation in California
08:29 – Family Reunification Journey
15:52 – "Many Moms Shaped My Childhood"
17:01 – Self-Made or Community-Built?
26:07 – Conflicting Leadership Realizations
31:04 – "Empowerment Through Financial Impact"
34:29 – Financial Guidance: A Reluctant Mentor
39:26 – "Asian Food Fest Celebrates Community"
43:45 – "Family Mealtime: A Sharing Negotiation"
52:01 – "Global Belonging Among Asian Identities"
55:40 – Evolving Through Struggles
01:02:05 – Cultivating Legacy and Self-Worth
01:04:41 – Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments
01:05:20 – Outro

Quotes:

"Sometimes the ladder leans on the wrong tree. Find your roots and create a sense of belonging for others."- Bao M. Nguyen

"We never truly arrive; we're always evolving. Building a community is as powerful as finding a home."- Clara Matonhodze

"Every journey shapes our landscape. By sharing our roots and supporting each other, our community grows stronger."- Bryan Wright

Key Takeaways

The Sound and Soul of Home
From Displacement to Reunion
Redefining Success and “Making It” in America
The Power of Pivot: Owning Your Path
Building Bridges and Community Roots
The Ever-Evolving Meaning of Belonging
Legacy, Responsibility, and Planting Seeds
Inspiration for the Next Chapter

Connect with Bao M. Nguyen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bao-m-nguyen/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bao_down4what/
Website: https://www.asianati.com/

Call To Action:

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