Travels from Sydney, Australia
Pauline Nguyen's speaking fee falls within range: $25,000 to $30,000
Described by Huffington Post as, “The most grounded spiritual entrepreneur on the planet”, recognized as an original ‘Rare Bird’ – Australia’s top 50 Influential Female Entrepreneurs and included in Blackwell and Hobday’s global recognition of ‘200 Women Who Will Change the Way You See the World’, Pauline Nguyen is nothing short of extraordinary. Pauline is a best-selling author and award-winning businesswoman – and her achievements are all the more impressive given she had to escape a war-torn Vietnam on a handmade boat, survive a Thai refugee camp, and endure years of tremendous physical and emotional abuse. She has overcome these adverse beginnings – what she refers to as “her training” – transforming her approach to success by re-engineering her beliefs, questioning the status quo, and hacking cultural norms to become one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs. She is the owner of Red Lantern, the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world, and author of The Way of Spiritual Entrepreneur and Secrets of the Red Lantern, which has been critically acclaimed worldwide and has appeared on numerous bestseller lists. Pauline speaks and teaches from direct experience with a unique, dramatic cadence that literally has the audience hanging on every word.
Pauline Nguyen is a best-selling author and award-winning businesswoman – and her achievements are all the more impressive for her having escaped Vietnam on a boat and survived a Thai refugee camp. She has overcome these adverse beginnings to transform her approach to success by re-engineering her beliefs, questioning the status quo and hacking cultural norms to become one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs.
As the owner of Red Lantern the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world, in 2012 Pauline won the Australian Telstra Business Award for Medium Business. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Pauline’s achievements; her memoir, Secrets of the Red Lantern, has been critically acclaimed around the world and appeared in numerous bestseller lists. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Technology, Sydney, and in 2008 won Newcomer Writer of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards.
Pauline has achieved outstanding success as an entrepreneur, author, businesswoman and acclaimed speaker with the unique ability to connect with her audience in a profound way, empowering them to change their story for a better future.
Pauline is an original ‘Rare Bird’ – one of Australia’s top 50 influential female entrepreneurs – and is included in Blackwell and Hobday’s global recognition of 200 Women Who Will Change the Way You See the World.
She has a high-performing Western business background combined with an Eastern slant of spirituality – and her unique philosophy is taught with warmth and humour, telling her own story of what can be achieved through key alignment of thoughts and intentions.
There is no one working in Australia today like Pauline Nguyen. This entrepreneur is one of the country’s leading speakers signed by ‘ODE’, a direct management agency representing 20 of the world’s greatest disruptors, innovators and thought leaders. Pauline is dynamite on the stage, sharing her journey of entrepreneurial success despite all odds. Arriving in Australia as a Vietnamese refugee, Pauline overcame childhood abuse and extreme adversity to rise to renown as a business leader, coach, spiritual teacher and shaman. Combining the latest in neuroscience with spirituality, she teaches others how to design the life of their dreams and marry material success with deep fulfilment. A multi award winning best-selling author as well as the co-founder of the world’s most awarded Vietnamese Restaurant, Red Lantern; Pauline’s keynotes have her audience on the edge of their seats, blazing with new possibilities and ignited with their own potential.
UNSHAKEBALE – How to move from Transactional to Transformational
These last couple of years have proved one certainty - there is no certainty. But what if you could walk away from your event with one absolute certainty? Their unwavering internal certainty. No matter what role you play in your industry, Pauline Nguyen explains the you’re your organization can innovate, thrive, and grow, starting with the most important foundation in your business - YOU. Self-Leadership is Key. Self-Mastery is Key. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. As a gifted storyteller, working CEO, and through her lens of self-mastery, this dynamic force combines her knowledge and personal experience to provide the stories, tools and strategies to master your inner game so that you can unlock your infinite potential – Fearless, Stress-Free and Unshakable in business and in life. Because every Next Level of your life will demand a Next Level version of you. Key takeaways include:
o How to move from transactional to transformational. o How to master the process, not the outcome. o How to use Fear as a tailwind and not a headwind. o Actionable strategies and takeaways for the new business paradigm.
NAVIGATING THROUGH CHANGE AND DISRUPTION – Calm Courage, Resonating Resilience, Tacit Grit
Recent times have shown on a global scale that there are no certainties in life and that disruption is unavoidable; yet Pauline’s message shines through the chaos. As she says, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is the choice.” Pauline truly knows at a cellular level that courage is feeling the fear and doing it anyway. As a winner of the Telstra Australia Business Award for Medium Business and as an original Rare Bird (Australia’s Top 50 Influential Female Entrepreneurs), Pauline has a deep, vital understanding of what it takes to lead from the front. Speaking from direct experience, Pauline shares her invaluable skills of self-mastery, courage, resilience, and grit, and how these traits are the ultimate foundations to personal and professional success. Audiences learn:
o How to rid yourself of stress and fear to lead from a place of calm courage. o How to be prepared to learn and prepared to act. o Why you must shun the idea of competing with others, in order to rise to the top of your field. o What it takes to be a leader of power and substance in times of change and disruption. o How to create, and embody courage, resilience, and grit, at a personal and organizational level. o Why joy, fulfilment, and inspiration is the key to a recipe of success for an organization and how to get more of it.
THE FOUR PIVOTAL COMPONENTS OF EVOLVING LEADERSHIP – Diversity & Inclusion, Vulnerable Leadership, Self-Mastery, Self-Leadership
A broad and dynamic keynote, in this powerful experience Pauline explains four of the most pivotal components in becoming a successful leader. This isn’t your regular business coaching speech - dive into deep, controversial and complex topics, distilled eloquently for execution today. Pauline explains the importance of self-mastery, required before mastering anything else in life. Drawing on learnings from running the world’s most awarded Vietnamese restaurant, Red Lantern, she imparts why true leaders hold others accountable whilst being ‘compassionately assertive’. That those who want to be part of the new future of leaders must walk the walk, not just talk the talk. From her experience coming to Australia as a refugee and eventually garnering accolades including being one of Australia’s Top 50 Influential Female Entrepreneurs, and worldwide recognition as one of 200 Women Who Will Change the Way You View the World, Pauline explains why the greatest leaders of our time lead with diversity and inclusion not as just social responsibilities, but as powerful weapons for business. Find out why The Huffington Post described Pauline as “the most grounded spiritual entrepreneur on the planet”. Audiences learn:
o Diversity and Inclusion – How embracing multiple perspectives leads to more powerfully effective problem-solving skills o Vulnerable Leadership – How to lead with power and not force o Self-Mastery – How to manage your energy and your emotions to become the most calm ,and composed Leader o Self-Leadership - What do Leaders Do? They go first. How to scientifically increase your intuition and awareness to intelligently lead your team with competence, courage and charisma
“The best session I have attended at Adobe in 5 years. Hands down.” “Absolutely inspiring, each word spoken with conviction with the gravity of a rich experience. you are an awe-inspiring leader Pauline.” “Doesn’t it feel like spoken poetry? I’ve definitely gotten a second wind this evening.”
– Adobe Global
“Wow. Just Wow. Pauline is probably the most skilled and talented speaker I’ve ever seen. She’s like a little Buddha and Southern Baptist preacher in one tiny but oh-so-powerful package. Every word was not only deliberate, but inspired. I was hanging on every word.”
– Jennifer Lier, Executive Speakers
“Where do I begin, Pauline Nguyen was more than we ever expected. I have received calls from people asking how long they could replay it because they wanted to do so alone to soak up everything she had to say once more. I don’t even have words to express how good she was, for all of the 30 minutes or so she spoke and additional time spend on Q&A, she was engaging, charismatic, entertaining, riveting, candid, transparent….I’m running out of adjectives. Hands down best decision I’ve made since becoming President. She was appropriate for such a time as this and thanks to COVID she was brought forward as we never would have considered her otherwise considering the costs. So now here is the BIG problem. What in the world will we do to follow that up? She will go down in DA4S History as they best keynote we’ve ever had. Thank you for all you do and representing such great talent! We appreciate you.
I’ll let Kathy share her thoughts directly but from an overall perspective as shared with you yesterday via texts Pauline was beyond incredible. Not one person dropped offline during her keynote – the entire audience was riveted by her keynote and her story – definitely hit the jackpot with Pauline! Today still on LinkedIn people are posting about her and her story – this we have not seen before in this volume after speakers.
Thank you Arnie as always for never failing to deliver to us suggestions for keynote speakers and for only bringing the best of the best to us for all our events. We appreciate it! We appreciate you also always thinking “outside the box” and never having us go with a speaker that so many others have – we are always unique and stand out with our keynotes – kudos!”
– Dee Knopp, Executive Director, Diversity Alliance for Science
“It is rare for someone to inspire the heart and mind; almost unheard of to speak to the soul as well. Pauline manages it with ease. She combines an honesty and vulnerability with a confidence that is engaging to listen to – the audience of over 300 was captivated from start to finish. She offered practical advice but so much more; her personal story, told with humour and grace, and simple concepts that really resonated. The energy in the room after Pauline’s talk was amazing and, for days afterwards, I had people approach me to share how her talk had inspired them. A fantastic experience and she is without a doubt one of the best speakers I’ve had the pleasure to listen to.”
– Singtel Optus
“Real, raw and relevant. Pauline gave us so much to think about through her life story, sprinkled with experience and wisdom.”
– Celine Egan, CEO, The Juice Plus Company
“I had the joy of being a part Pauline’s presentation to Direct Selling Australia. Pauline’s presentation was breathtaking, mind blowing and one of the best leadership keynote speakers I have ever heard (and we hear a lot in this industry!) She was raw, vulnerable, generous, open and so insightful. I am truly blown away. If anyone hasn’t heard her speak, they need to!
I haven’t stopped raving about her and have shared excerpts of her keynote with friends in lockdown, as well as our entire company. Thank you thank you thank you!”
– Allana Hinks, Managing Director, Modere Australia
“I had the privilege of getting to see and listen to Pauline speak at our digital conference. To engage a large group when keynote speaking can be a challenge inside itself. But to also keep a group not only engaged but on the edge of our seats when it is online and digital is another challenge all on its own.
Pauline not only did this for myself, but many other people who were also part of the group she was presenting too. Her stories from growing up and how she changed her narrative brought tears to my eyes and is a true inspiration. Then moving onto business and the transformations made inside her business of 18years, not only are they also inspiring but also aligned with my values.
Finishing with her spirituality and shamanic meditation was the icing on top. Truly showing her intrinsic energy and how many people’s lives she is capable of helping.
I can’t recommend her highly enough for business owners who want to grow their business culture and team relationships.
I look forward to the future when I am able to see her in person.”
– Regional Business Initiative
“From the moment Pauline started speaking I was completely captivated into her amazing journey resonating as a female entrepreneur. I also experienced a tough upbringing, and seeing and hearing how Pauline has reframed her experiences, developing grit and resilience to continuously be reinventing the way she shows up in her business as a fearless leader, empowering other business leaders to be the example of what is possible. Pauline left me with a feeling of inspiration, and truly tapped into my core, magnifying my human potential, and that we truly get to choose how our life and business plays out. My biggest take away is that we must expect change and learn to create change and be the change to influence collaborate, and innovate and never give up, even if it feels impossible, we must find a way no matter what. I love how Pauline has a spiritual approach to business and the 3 hours that she delivered to myself and the K2 leadership group, I truly was lost in time and space, feeling now I have so much more to achieve, create and learn. Thank you so much Pauline from my heart to yours thank you… still just so grateful.”
– Rebecca Miller, The Skin Whisperer
“Excellent isn’t strong enough – outstanding!”
– NSW Bar Association
“I am amazed at Pauline’s personality and message to the world. She is an extraordinary communicator both written and verbal. Her message and keynote presentations move you. She is both professional and larger than life. She inspires anyone fortunate enough to hear her speak. Thanks Pauline for your message to the world.”
– Sam Cawthorne, International Speaker, The Speakers Institute
“Pauline was fantastic! She appealed to all delegates in our very diverse audience. There were moments in her presentation where you literally could have heard a pin drop!”
– Ashlin Fisher, Hardware and Building Traders
“I would rate Pauline Nguyen as one of the best speakers I’ve had the pleasure of listening to and working with. Her passionate delivery about her early family life coming to Australia and subsequent business success was truly inspiring and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.”
– Matthew Hourn, Lawyer Director, Neville and Hourn Legal
“Pauline was fantastic to work with and the feedback we received was consistently 9/10 or 10/10 from our attendees. I can’t praise her enough.”
– ING Direct
“I have been in the K2 business group for over 3 years, and every 3 months we have a line-up of many business speakers and mindset speakers. However nothing compares to Pauline and her story. Her stagecraft is next level and I love that. Pauline’s keynotes were presented in a way that had me captured and enthralled and learning all at the same time. I found her immensely warm, direct and intelligent. The way her story played out was so captivating and encouraging and even though we have different stories, I was able to feel her story. It resonated deeply with me and helped me to see things differently in my own life. I loved how she married business and spirituality. This resonated with me so much and it made if feel normal to be a business woman with a spiritual side. Pauline’s story was told like the ‘heroes journey’ and we were all so very captivated with her strength, determination, self-love and self-respect as well as her connection to her soul. I could watch Pauline talk 1000 more times and never get bored. Thank you so much for enlightening me, and for a beautiful shamanic ceremony to connect deeply with my own spiritual side. P.S. we have all asked to have you back!”
– Lydia Bergantino, WildMe Pty Ltd
“Pauline is an extremely inspiring individual. She captivated the audience of nearly 500 guests from the moment she took to the stage. In the over 7 years’ experience I have had arranging and viewing speakers at our events, it is the first that I could have heard a pin drop from start to finish. Pauline’s ability to engage with the audience and hold them in the palm of her hand, for 40 minutes, was nothing short of exceptional. Pauline was extremely professional and generous, both in her interactions with the committee and guests after the talk. She stayed behind long after the fact to sign books and take photos. I have no hesitation in recommending Pauline as an inspiring and engaging speaker for any event she agrees to commit to. Her ability to articulate her life story in an honourable, genuine and entertaining way was just remarkable.”
– Emma Hoolahan, President, The Association for Women In Insurance
“Pauline’s story, coupled with her mesmerizing cadence, is truly powerful. I have seen plenty of strong speakers, but she feels other worldly. Even as exhausted as I was, she had my rapt attention and I had to consume more.
Pauline’s virtual presentation is also exceptional. The sequencing of her content is some of the most skillful storytelling I have seen in a long time.
The depth of her content and how she weaves the story of courage, fortitude, pain, reinvention and deep fulfillment is brilliant.”
– Mirjana Novkovic, Co-Founder, Speaker Story Bank
“Pauline Nguyen is an energising breath of fresh air. I love her story. I love the way she thinks. I loved everything she said. She took us on a journey, she made us laugh, she made us cry and she inspired us to improve ourselves. Pauline connected with us, touched us all and left us forever changed.”
– Kerryn Atkinson, Women in Digital Programs Lead, DELL WITEM – APSC
“Immediately after Pauline’s presentation, and then for the next 48 hours, I received nothing but universally excellent feedback. People that have been to many conferences commented “Best speaker I have ever heard” or “Best part of the conference.” There was a lot more to this than I could ever have expected. Great Speaker, Great Person, Great Experience.”
– John Chapman, CEO, Airport Retail Enterprises Pty Ltd
“Pauline held the audience on the edge of their seats with a presentation that was powerful, moving and inspirational. Pauline’s messages resonated strongly within our audience as she encouraged us to embrace change, to support one another, and to develop resilience, courage and grit.”
– Maria Humphreys, Head of Engagement & Community Services, Financial Planning Association of Australia
“There goes the announcement welcoming Pauline to the Stage…and she walks in and starts off with, “Let me look at you first” Hmmm. “Let me breathe you in…” She exhales and that was the last moment I remember blinking and weight shifting. Pauline’s Keynote was so personalized that it literally felt she was looking each one of us in the eye and speaking. No one fidgeted. I looked around and no one moved.
With that Aura, she shared her life experiences and imparted such wonderful knowledge that I believe every existing and upcoming entrepreneur in that room can never let go of.
“We are what we share”
“It is not the pursuit of happiness, but finding happiness in the pursuit”
“Rest is a weapon”
Pauline’s keynote brought me joy and peace – spiritually, mentally and physically.
I look forward to reading her book and attending more of her events.
Thank you Pauline.”
– Taha Ahmed Khan, Business Development Manager, Delhi Nihari Restaurant & Delhi Catering
“I had so many AHA moments during Pauline’s keynote. The most impactful question she shared was this… “What do I need to do to feel the way I want to feel? Oh God! This is such a smart and strong question. I understand the depth here.
I would really like to thank Pauline so much for what she shared on stage.
You are a great inspiration Pauline and I am really grateful for you.”
– Karima Bokreta, Life Coach and Motivational Speaker
“I cannot believe I almost missed THE most important presentation of my life! Pauline’s webinar for Educate Plus was so powerful. I went for a walk outside, knowing that something momentous had taken place but not sure what it was.
Pauline’s words “your problems are your life’s rewards” are exhilarating! It feels as though I have been weighed down with the ‘problems’ and now, I am now equally as high with the joy that these are just obstacles that I am somehow determined to go around, through, under, over, whatever it takes.
What on earth has happened? Despondent and bordering on suicidal to… ‘Right, what’s next? Bring it on!’
Thank you and thank you 1000 times, thank you.”
– Meri Roh, Professor of Educational Leadership
“Pauline Nguyen is a powerful communicator with a unique and compelling story to share. As a leading businesswoman, creative talent and community leader she engages her audiences with insights from a life lived deeply and fiercely. Her writings – whether in her blog or in her theatrical work are a source of constant inspiration to me.”
– Indira Naidoo, Broadcaster and Author
“Pauline is charismatic and inspiring. She is full of wisdom, depth and her work displays attention to detail. When Pauline walks in a room you feel her energy. She is prepared to share her heart and her soul with the audience. This is a rare commodity in an artist. Pauline possesses the unique characteristics of what a successful speaker needs to contribute: tenacity and determination, a committed work ethic and generosity to others. I recommend Pauline to be given any opportunity to share her life experiences with audiences.”
– Darren Yap, Director, Actor, Playwrite
“Pauline was captivating, arresting our 600-strong audience the second she took the stage. Her compelling message comes from the right place, her powerful art of delivery is nothing I’ve ever seen before and her authenticity came though from her personal narrative and passion. Pauline displayed a generosity of spirit from brief to prep to execution, making our partnership a real privilege and pleasure. She’s simply one of a kind.”
– Cherry Yumul, VP Channel APAC (Foundry, formerly IDG Communications)
“What I loved most is how Pauline Nguyen expressed herself in the infinite mindset that she has as a business owner and speaker. As Pauline says, ‘We are not in competition with anyone but with ourselves.’ This tells it all where her success has come from. I would like to thank Pauline and Kerwin for such an inspirational presentation and how we can thrive post Covid-19 global pandemic.”
– Watson Ndiraya
– Emma Jensen, CEO, Director, Senior Marketing and Business Leader, OPTUS
“Pauline was outstanding. I will never forget the day I woke up and thought Pauline = Equinix.
She was the perfect fit.”
– Equinix
“Pauline was brilliant!!! No words….the team were overwhelmed”
– Allergan
“Without a doubt, Pauline is one of the most powerful, engaging, and inspiring speakers I’ve had the pleasure ever to see. In a world where change is the only constant, her compelling and heartfelt story filled with courage, innovation and self-mastery is one all leaders should hear. Additionally, the feedback that I received from my top leaders was amazing to the point that we had one of our most successful months in October, which , I feel was not pure coincidence. Thank you Pauline for fuelling the opportunity that produced amazing results. Pauline has inspired my team at Life Force and I dare say many many others. Pauline would make a classic keynote speaker at any conference.”
– David Raphael, CEO, Life Force Asia Pacific
“Without a doubt, Pauline is one of the most powerful, engaging and inspiring speakers I’ve had the pleasure ever to see. In a world where change is the only constant, her compelling and heartfelt story filled with courage, innovation and self mastery is one all leaders should hear.”
– Anna Petracca, CEO, Lorraine Lea
“From the moment I met Pauline Nguyen, I honestly sensed that this lady was very special. Her aura and energy captivates you and her story transcends you to a better place of understanding and perspective. Thank you Pauline from the bottom of my heart. My wish is for all the people on this planet to hear your story and benefit from the inspiration you have given me and my conference delegates.”
– Bridges & Associates
“Within three seconds of Pauline opening her mouth, I realise something special is about to happen. Pauline manages to create a connection with every person in the room and draw them into her presence. It’s palpable. Pauline shares wisdom, wisdom of the universe intertwined with practical applications and business-mindedness. For one hour, she had us 100% in her zone. Like it was a dinner for two, eye-to-eye, over a glass of wine. I left that lunch with an elevated soul, and the utmost respect for this incredible woman. I can’t wait to devour her book ‘The Way of the Spiritual Entrepreneur.’”
– Jodie De Vries, Owner, Tiny Hunter Branding Agency
“I was fortunate enough to attend the National Harcourts Conference in Wellington New Zealand, where the first Guest speaker was Pauline Nguyen. This was definitely a stand out performance for the conference and I heard a lot of people comment on how this was their favourite memory of the 3 day event. Pauline has a wonderful way of story telling taking you on an interesting path of the tapestry of her life, which was a mixture of devastation, desperation and determination. She captured the attention and hearts of everybody in the room as she told her story of her life. It was heart felt, relatable and she has a wonderful delivery of story telling, almost taking you back in time on the journey with her. Pauline is one of the best professional speakers I have seen, it awakens you to what’s possible even when it feels against all odds.”
– Harcourts International
“When Pauline started speaking, her words made me sit up and pay attention. She spoke words I have never heard a speaker speak before. Her words took me by surprise and I was glued to Pauline. We journeyed together throughout the keynote – the rawness, the honesty, the resilience and grit left us with plenty to digest. Not only did Pauline gift us her presence, she has also gifted us her book ‘The Way of the Spiritual Entrepreneur.’ Her words stick with me still.”
– Stella Gianotto, Creative Director, Brands for Brands Agency
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Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart
In my family, food is our language. Food enables us to communicate the things we find so hard to say.” -Pauline Nguyen
Overflowing with sumptuous but simply prepared dishes that have been passed down through generations of the Nguyen family, Secrets of the Red Lantern is part Vietnamese cookbook and part family memoir.
More than 275 traditional Vietnamese recipes are presented alongside a visual narrative of food and family photographs that follows the family’s escape from war-torn Vietnam to the successful founding of the Red Lantern restaurant.
At the heart of each recipe is the power of food to elevate and transform. From a recipe of cari de that sparks a memory to the distinctly bitter melon soup that says, “I’m sorry,” Secrets of the Red Lantern shares the rich culinary heritage of the Nguyen family and their personal story of reconciliation and success.
Recipes like Bun Rieu (Crab and Tomato Soup with Vermicelli Noodles), Goi Du Du (Green Papaya Salad with Prawns and Pork), and Che Khoai Mon (Black Sticky Rice with Taro), unlock the family’s secrets and see the family persevere through homesickness, heartache, and the upheavals of change to finally experience growth and celebration. The result is a beautiful journey through Vietnamese history, culture, and tradition.
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