Seven Figure Founders

Seven Figure Founders

EO APAC Presents: Seven Figure Founders Podcast Join host Linh Podetti as she sits down with remarkable entrepreneurs from across the EO community and beyond to uncover the real stories behind building seven-figure businesses. Each episode dives into the mindsets, challenges, and breakthroughs of founders across the Asia-Pacific who are scaling with purpose. From bold pivots to quiet resilience, these are authentic, unfiltered conversations that inspire growth, connection, and meaningful success.

Episodes

  1. 7 Marathons, 7 Continents & 5 Businesses: How Raul Riveros Builds Endurance in Business & Life

    FEB 2

    7 Marathons, 7 Continents & 5 Businesses: How Raul Riveros Builds Endurance in Business & Life

    What does it really take to build businesses across five countries, adapt through massive industry shifts, and still have the mental and physical resilience to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days?In this episode of Seven Figure Founders, we sit down with Raúl Riveros, entrepreneur, engineer, EO Vietnam member, and one of fewer than 500 people worldwide to complete one of the most extreme endurance challenges on Earth.Raúl shares:- How he went from engineering to entrepreneurship out of necessity- What it takes to build and adapt global manufacturing businesses across China, Vietnam, Europe, and the Americas- Why industries disappearing didn’t break his business, they strengthened it- How endurance sports reshaped his leadership, mindset, and decision-making- Powerful lessons on consistency, identity, resilience, and playing the long game- Why focusing on the journey, not the goal, changes everything in business and lifeFrom boardrooms to Antarctica, this conversation is a masterclass in mental toughness, adaptability, and sustainable success.🎧 If you’re an entrepreneur navigating growth, uncertainty, or personal reinvention, this episode will challenge how you think about success.ABOUT RAULRaúl Riveros is an entrepreneur, engineer, and endurance athlete who has built and scaled international manufacturing businesses across five countries. Originally trained as a metallurgical engineer, he later earned an MBA in the United States, where financial pressure pushed him into entrepreneurship.Alongside leading global operations, Raúl discovered running as a way to manage stress, eventually completing over 100 marathons and ultra-marathons, including the elite challenge of 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. Today, he applies the principles of endurance, adaptability, and consistency to business, leadership, and life.CONNECT WITH RAULLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raul-riveros-50b8681b/Website: https://caseconcepts.com/--------------------ABOUT EO ​Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 19,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.​​Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.​​If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter. ​For further information, please contact:​General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au ​EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/​EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/​EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/​​

    29 min
  2. From Big Law Burnout to Building DN Legal: Dao Nguyen on Purpose, Autonomy & Fun

    JAN 14

    From Big Law Burnout to Building DN Legal: Dao Nguyen on Purpose, Autonomy & Fun

    What happens when you’ve “made it”… but you’ve lost yourself?​ In this episode of Seven Figure Founders, host Linh Podetti sits down with Dao Nguyen, Founding Partner of DN Legal, to unpack an extraordinary reinvention story—how Dao walked away from big-firm life, rebuilt her career on her own terms, and created a culture where excellence and joy can coexist.​ Dao shares the real cost of high performance without alignment, the turning point that led her to start DN Legal, and the three questions she uses to make every major decision:​ ​ Is it aligned with my purpose/values?​ Will I be happy?​ Will I have fun?​ ​ You’ll also hear Dao’s perspective on entrepreneurship in Vietnam, how she set boundaries with clients (years before remote work became normal), and why climbing the “second mountain” of contribution may be the next stage of leadership for many founders.​ ​ If you’re at a crossroads in business—or quietly asking “Is this still me?”—this conversation will meet you right where you are.​ ​ ABOUT DAO​ Dao Nguyen is the Founding Partner of DN Legal, a Vietnam-based corporate law firm advising Vietnamese and international clients across Corporate/M&A and Real Estate. With decades of experience across major projects and cross-border transactions, Dao is known for her pragmatic counsel, deep market knowledge, and values-led leadership. Her story is also one of reinvention—shifting from big-firm intensity to building a firm rooted in integrity, autonomy, and joy.​CONNECT WITH DAO​DN Legal​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105959924/admin/page-posts/published/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dnlegalvietnam​Dao Nguyen​Website: https://www.daonguyenlegal.com​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dao-nguyen-6aaa8b12/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dao.nguyen.39982​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daosdn/?igsh=d3prZ2lhOXBrc2o3​​ ​

    46 min
  3. From Nokia to Belgo: How Victor Pirmez Is Scaling Belgian Craft Beer in Vietnam

    12/15/2025

    From Nokia to Belgo: How Victor Pirmez Is Scaling Belgian Craft Beer in Vietnam

    What makes someone leave a safe global career at Nokia to bet on Belgian craft beer in Vietnam? In this episode of Seven Figure Founders, Linh sits down with Victor Pirmez, Business Development Director and investor at Belgo Belgian Craft Beer, to unpack his incredible journey: from a childhood across Africa and Asia, to 5G and corporate life in Korea, to building Belgo’s expansion and franchise strategy across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.  You’ll hear how Victor: Grew up moving from Congo, Angola, Thailand, Belgium, Singapore, Australia, Korea to Vietnam – and how that built his adaptability and appetite for risk.Walked away from a comfortable Nokia role to start an investment fund (with no money!), then ended up joining Belgo as a partner and BD lead.Breaks down the real challenges of raising money vs. finding great deals – and why he says: “Don’t ask for money. If you ask for money, you get advice. If you ask for advice, you get money.”Helps Belgo expand with franchising and distribution, from new pubs in Vietnam to building a cold-chain supply line into Thailand.Chooses the right franchise partners (and says no to the wrong ones – like pink chairs and sushi in a Belgian beer pub).Navigates working with investors, building trust, and using them for far more than capital.Balances entrepreneurship with family life in Ho Chi Minh City, raising two kids born in Vietnam and thinking about legacy, kindness and community.If you’re a founder or aspiring investor in APAC, this is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and cross‑cultural business building. About Victor Pirmez Born in Belgium and raised across Congo, Angola, Thailand, Belgium and Singapore, Victor Pirmez has built a career at the intersection of global business and local culture. After a corporate chapter in 5G and industry solutions with Nokia in Korea and APAC, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City, launched an investment fund, and ultimately joined Belgo Belgian Craft Beer as an investor and Business Development Director. Today, he leads Belgo’s expansion across Vietnam and Southeast Asia through franchising and distribution, while raising his young family in Vietnam and staying obsessed with one idea: using business to build bridges between cultures.Connect with VictorWebsite: https://www.belgo.com.vn/belgohomepageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-pirmez-1a1207ab/Email: victor.pirmez@belgo.com.vn

    43 min
  4. From Durian Bakery to Luxury Venues: How Vinh Le Built Vietnam’s Modern Hospitality Ecosystem

    12/09/2025

    From Durian Bakery to Luxury Venues: How Vinh Le Built Vietnam’s Modern Hospitality Ecosystem

    How does someone go from selling durian pastries to building one of Vietnam’s most innovative hospitality brands? In this episode of Seven Figure Founders, Linh Podetti sits down with Vinh Le, the entrepreneur behind Zumwhere, Zumstart, and Wynnley Venue & Retreats. From starting with a durian bakery to building one of Vietnam’s most innovative hospitality groups, Vinh explains how a “mini-CEO mindset” helped him survive F&B challenges, navigate COVID with cloud kitchens and SaaS, and scale into luxury venues in Ho Chi Minh City. A must-watch for founders who want real insights on leadership, people, systems, and bold innovation. ABOUT VINH Vinh TranAnh Le (Kevin) is the founder of Zumstart JSC, the group behind the beloved modern izakaya brand Zumwhere, a successful F&B SaaS platform, and Wynnley Venue & Retreats, Vietnam’s first large-scale outdoor luxury event space. With a background in finance and a decade of hands-on entrepreneurship, Vinh is known for blending creativity, resilience, and a “mini-CEO” approach to build one of Vietnam’s emerging local luxury hospitality brands. 📍 CONNECT WITH VINH https://www.zumwhere.vn/ https://wynnley.com/ https://www.facebook.com/zumwhere https://www.facebook.com/wynnley -------------------- ABOUT EO ​ Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 19,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.​ ​ Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.​ ​ If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter. ​ For further information, please contact:​ General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au ​ EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/​ EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/​ EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/​ ​ --------------------​ ABOUT THE HOST​ Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs.​ ​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti/ ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linh.podetti/​

    40 min
  5. From Lost Teen to Restaurant Empire in Vietnam | Adrian Chong Yen

    12/01/2025

    From Lost Teen to Restaurant Empire in Vietnam | Adrian Chong Yen

    From a “lost kid” who left school at 15… to leading some of Saigon’s most loved restaurants, Adrian Chong Yen has built a true founder story inside Vietnam’s booming F&B scene.In this episode of Seven Figure Founders, host Linh Podetti sits down with Adrian, Executive Chef & Founder of Sol Group Hospitality (Sol Kitchen & Bar, Taco Del Sol and more), to unpack how he turned kitchen grit into a fast-growing restaurant group in Ho Chi Minh City.In this conversation, we dive into:  How getting into trouble at school accidentally pushed him into his first kitchen job Leaving school at 15, moving to Singapore, and climbing from dishwasher to sous chef Why he realised being “just a chef” wasn’t sustainable and started thinking like a business owner The bold move from Singapore to Vietnam and seeing Ho Chi Minh City as a “blank canvas” Starting Sol Kitchen & Bar in 2018… then getting hit by COVID within the first year How he turned crisis into opportunity and spun off Taco Del Sol during lockdowns Growing from 1 restaurant to a multi-venue group with no external investors What “unreasonable hospitality” means and how he builds culture in his team His daily routine as a founder, husband and dad, and how he makes time for family & self-care The mentors, mindset and discipline that carried him through the toughest seasons His vision for Vietnam’s F&B scene and the legacy he wants to leave for his kidsABOUT ADRIANAdrian Chong Yen is the Executive Chef and Founder of Sol Group Hospitality, the team behind some of Saigon’s most loved dining concepts, including Sol Kitchen & Bar, Taco Del Sol, Bunz Smash Burgers, and the newly launched Cee’s Eatery. Starting his culinary journey at age 15, Adrian worked his way up from dishwasher to chef, spending over a decade in Singapore’s top restaurants before moving to Vietnam. Known for his bold flavours, creative concepts, and “unreasonable hospitality,” Adrian has grown his brand into a fast-rising restaurant group shaping Ho Chi Minh City’s modern dining scene.Connect with Adrian & visit his restaurants: Website: https://solkitchenbar.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianchongyen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrian.c.yen.5

    29 min
  6. From Deloitte to OKR Asia: Building a 7-Figure Consulting Firm in SE Asia | Carsten Ley

    11/25/2025

    From Deloitte to OKR Asia: Building a 7-Figure Consulting Firm in SE Asia | Carsten Ley

    Ever wondered how to turn your corporate consulting skills into a lean, seven-figure business that works with startups, corporates AND governments across Asia?​ ​ In this episode, Linh Podetti sits down with Carsten Ley – founder of OKR Asia & Asia PMO – a German consultant who left Deloitte, moved to Vietnam, and built a strategy, OKR and project management consultancy serving clients across Southeast Asia and beyond.​ ​ Carsten shares how he:​ ​ Transitioned from bank teller → Deloitte consultant → Lazada VP → founder​ Built a 10+ person consulting firm with a global network of freelancers​Uses OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) to align messy startups and fast-growing teams​Landed clients like The Oodie during COVID by going fully online​Pivoted from startup clients to corporate and government projects when funding dried up​Now blends consulting with university lecturing at RMIT Vietnam after getting an MBA at 49​​ Connect with Carsten​ 🌐 Website: https://www.okrasia.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carstenley/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carsten.ley 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carstenleyspeaker/-------------------- ABOUT EO ​ Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 19,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.​ ​ Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.​ ​ If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program. ​ For further information, please contact:​ General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au ​ EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/​ EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/​ EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/​ ​ --------------------​ ABOUT THE HOST​ Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs.​ ​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti/ ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linh.podetti/​📱

    44 min
  7. Leading with Empathy, Culture & Vision in Vietnam’s Booming Business Scene | David Jackson

    11/18/2025

    Leading with Empathy, Culture & Vision in Vietnam’s Booming Business Scene | David Jackson

    In this inspiring episode of the Seven Figure Founders Podcast, host Linh Podetti sits down with David Jackson, the dynamic CEO and Principal of Avison Young Vietnam and Cambodia, a leading real estate consulting firm transforming the Southeast Asian property landscape.​ ​ From his early beginnings in London to building a thriving business across Vietnam and Cambodia, David shares his incredible story of leading with empathy, cultural intelligence, and long-term vision in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.​ ​ In this episode, you’ll hear:​ 💼 How David built a successful real estate business across borders​ ❤️ Why empathy, kindness, and understanding are his greatest leadership tools​ 🌏 The importance of cultural awareness when doing business in Asia​ 🚀 How he’s mentoring the next generation of leaders and embracing innovation, including AI​ 🎬 His creative passions, from writing to film and storytelling and what’s next at 50​ ​ A must-listen conversation for entrepreneurs, expats, and leaders who believe success is built on character, connection, and courage.​ ​ 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.​ ​ ABOUT DAVID David Jackson is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Avison Young Vietnam and Cambodia, leading the firm’s strategic growth and operations across both markets. With nearly two decades in commercial real estate and 18 years based in Vietnam, he’s known for his forward-thinking leadership, deep market insight, and people-first approach. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a LEED Green Associate, David is a respected voice on sustainability, innovation, and the future of work in Asia, and a prime example of a CEO embracing AI-driven transformation to build smarter, more agile businesses.​ ​ 🔗 Connect with David Jackson:​ Website: https://www.davidmjacko.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-ba290a25/ Instagram​:https://www.instagram.com/davidjacko/-------------------- ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 19,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.​ ​ Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.​ ​ If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, please contact:​ General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au ​ EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/​ EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/​ EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/​ ​

    43 min
  8. From Hollywood to Vietnam: How TK Nguyen Built Skylight & GAM Esports into Global Brands

    11/04/2025

    From Hollywood to Vietnam: How TK Nguyen Built Skylight & GAM Esports into Global Brands

    What does it take to reinvent yourself — from nightlife entrepreneur in Hollywood to esports visionary in Vietnam?​ ​ In this episode, TK Nguyen, CEO of GAM Esports and Co-Founder of Skylight Nha Trang, shares his incredible journey from the clubs of Los Angeles to the top of Asia’s gaming and entertainment industries.​ Raised in San Diego and inspired by his father’s rags-to-riches story, TK took a leap of faith to return to Vietnam and build experiences that bring people together — from Vietnam’s first rooftop beach club to the country’s most iconic esports brand.This is an inspiring story about reinvention, resilience, and creating impact through culture.​ ​ 👉 Hosted by Linh Podetti | EO APAC Presents: Seven Figure Founders Podcast​ ​ About TK:​ TK Nguyen is the CEO of GAM Entertainment, host of the GAMe CHANGERS podcast, and a builder of movements across esports, hospitality, and entertainment. In 2014, he took a one-way flight to Vietnam — not because things weren’t good, but because they could be greater. It wasn’t just about opportunity; it was about identity. That leap became his mission: to help Vietnam and Southeast Asia rise from overlooked to undeniable.​ Today, TK operates between Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Taipei, leading ventures that connect culture and community across borders.​ Connect With TK:Website: GAM Entertainment: https://gam.ggSkylight Nha Trang: https://skylightnhatrang.comSocial Profiles: TK LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gamceotk/TK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tk_nguyenGAM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/GAMeSportsVN ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings. Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits. If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter. For further information, please contact: General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/ EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/ EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/

    46 min

About

EO APAC Presents: Seven Figure Founders Podcast Join host Linh Podetti as she sits down with remarkable entrepreneurs from across the EO community and beyond to uncover the real stories behind building seven-figure businesses. Each episode dives into the mindsets, challenges, and breakthroughs of founders across the Asia-Pacific who are scaling with purpose. From bold pivots to quiet resilience, these are authentic, unfiltered conversations that inspire growth, connection, and meaningful success.