In the dynamic and ever-evolving beauty and wellness industry, the role of a Managing Director is crucial in steering a company towards success. One individual who exemplifies these qualities is Ha Tram, the Managing Director of Oriflame Vietnam. From a young age, Ha Tram harbored a fascination with the intricacies of the business world and its potential to bring about positive change. Her journey began as the Chief Financial Officer at Otis Elevator, where she honed her skills in financial management and strategic planning. This experience laid the foundation for her subsequent professional endeavors.

Tram’s journey within Oriflame VN began in 2002 when she joined as the CFO. Her remarkable trajectory led to her appointment as the CEO in 2015. Her impact on the company was profound, particularly in the realm of direct sales. Under her leadership, Oriflame Vietnam witnessed an impressive turnaround, experiencing three-digit sales growth percentages over three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. Ha Tram's strategic decision-making, adept team leadership, and innovative approaches were instrumental in achieving these remarkable results. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how a Managing Director can not only drive financial success but also foster a holistic approach to business that prioritizes people, innovation, and excellence. Let’s read on.

Tell us about the key areas of expertise that you have developed as a business leader.

In my journey as a business leader, I have cultivated expertise in pivotal areas that have significantly contributed to my success. A cornerstone of my skills lies in Strategic Planning and Execution, where I excel in developing plans that align with an organization's mission and effectively executing them. This proficiency stems from a comprehensive understanding of the market, competition, and the unique value proposition, translating these insights into actionable strategies.

"Throughout my career, my success mantra has been encapsulated in the phrase 'leading is serving'"

As a former CFO, Financial Management is a forte, with a keen focus on ensuring the financial health, sustainability, and growth of the company. My skills encompass budgeting, financial forecasting, and a strategic eye for identifying opportunities for both cost savings and revenue growth.

Embracing a servant leadership philosophy, Team Leadership and Development represent another area of strength. I am committed to supporting my team's growth, empowering them to take ownership of their work, and fostering a collaborative and open communication environment. Motivating and inspiring my team is a key aspect of my leadership style.

A Customer-Centric Approach underscores my commitment to understanding and fulfilling customer needs. Finally, I champion Continuous Improvement within the organization, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Regular evaluation of processes and feedback helps identify areas for improvement, and I actively apply innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall customer satisfaction.

Introduce us to Oriflame Vietnam and elaborate on the diverse responsibilities you undertake as the company's Managing Director.

Oriflame Vietnam stands as a prominent player in the direct sales industry, specializing in beauty and wellness products. Holding the position of Managing Director at Oriflame Vietnam involves a multifaceted range of responsibilities.

At the core of my role is the oversight of all company functions, ensuring the alignment of our operations with strategic goals while maintaining smooth and efficient processes. This encompasses the management of various departments, including sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, among others. My role as the Managing Director of Oriflame Vietnam revolves around ensuring the continual growth and prosperity of the company, striving to maintain a workplace that radiates positivity for our employees and steadfastly supporting our distributors while delivering top-quality products to our valued customers.

Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter as a business leader? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

My recent accomplishment of completing my first 21 kms in the ‘VPBank VnExpress Marathon 2024’ signifies more than physical endurance; it reflects my unwavering dedication. I aim to inspire my team and brand partners with a never-give-up attitude. Much like the marathon's challenges, the business world presents hurdles. Market volatility demands swift adaptation, resource constraints require optimization, and competition fosters growth. Leadership fatigue is countered by effective delegation and self-care, while risk management entails calculated decisions. Approaching these obstacles with a runner's mindset involves focusing on milestones, learning from setbacks, and embracing community support. Overcoming these challenges underscores our team's resilience, emphasizing adaptability, communication, and a clear vision in navigating uncertain terrain.

In your view, what do you consider as the most significant accomplishments in your professional journey? Could you share the guiding principles that have led to your success over the years?

A pivotal achievement in my professional trajectory was orchestrating the remarkable turnaround of Oriflame Vietnam, achieving three-digit sales growth percentages consistently from 2016 to 2018. This success can be attributed to strategic decision-making, effective team leadership, and a commitment to innovation.

Throughout my career, my success mantra has been encapsulated in the phrase 'leading is serving’. Embracing the philosophy of servant leadership, I firmly believe that a leader's primary role is to serve their team. This guiding principle permeates every responsibility I undertake, emphasizing a spirit of service. Whether catering to the needs of customers, employees, or stakeholders, I prioritize service as the foundation of my approach. This philosophy has been a guiding light for my decisions and actions, proving instrumental in building robust relationships and attaining business success.

Practically, this involves fostering the development of the team, empowering them to take ownership of their work, and cultivating a culture of collaboration and open communication. Such an approach has played a pivotal role in creating a positive work environment and driving a culture of continuous improvement within the organizations I have led.

How do you foresee women’s representation in Vietnam’s business landscape evolving in the near future? What steps must be taken to strengthen women’s representation in top leadership roles?

I anticipate the ongoing growth of women's representation in Vietnam's business landscape, signaling a shift from its traditionally male-dominated nature. Women, with their inherent nurturing qualities and heightened emotional intelligence, contribute significantly to leadership and problem-solving. To strengthen their representation further, breaking down barriers is imperative.

Ha Tram, Managing Director, Oriflame Vietnam

Ha Tram, Managing Director of Oriflame Vietnam, is a visionary leader with a passion for business and positive change. With a background in financial management and strategic planning, she spearheaded Oriflame Vietnam's impressive turnaround, achieving three-digit sales growth consecutively from 2016 to 2018.