Navigating Identity, Culture & Confidence | S13 E02 Adele Doan

"Gen Z in Vietnam are so driven. They’re baristas in the morning, creators by night, and students in between." - Adele Doan

This conversation with Adele Doan was full of energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. Adele’s a TEDx speaker, community builder at Workflow, founder of Career Lab, and LinkedIn influencer with over 80,000 followers—and it’s clear she’s leading the charge in how young Vietnamese people think about work, social media, and identity.

We talked about everything from learning English through How I Met Your Mother, to why Facebook is too noisy for professionals, and how Gen Z in Vietnam are hustling in new, creative ways. She also opened up about the evolution of Saigon—what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what still needs to happen, especially in terms of art, culture, and public spaces. Adele's mission is all about using social media with intention and building meaningful careers, and this episode is packed with stories and ideas to inspire anyone navigating the future of work in Vietnam.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn is still an untapped opportunity in Vietnam – and Adele’s helping Gen Z unlock it. 
• English and confidence can come from unconventional places—even sitcoms. 
• Gen Z are balancing school, work, and content creation with incredible drive. 
• Facebook is cluttered—LinkedIn is where career-focused conversations are happening.
• Saigon is growing fast—but still lacks creative spaces, museums, and arts infrastructure. 

Chapters & Timestamps

• 04:30 – Learning English Through Sitcoms & Self-Confidence
• 06:20 – The Rise of LinkedIn in Vietnam & Building Career Lab
• 08:10 – Why Facebook Is Noisy & LinkedIn Is the Future
• 14:00 – Gen Z Hustle Culture: Juggling Jobs, School & Content
• 18:00 – Multi-Channel Networks & the Business of Influence
• 25:10 – The Cultural Shift in Saigon: Art, Museums & Identity
• 30:00 – Final Thoughts: Using Social Media with Intention