It’s been a week since I returned from Zurich, Switzerland, where I participated in the incredible SwissEP Woman Entrepreneurship Week (WEW23) program. Still buzzing with the energy and insights I gained, I’m eager to share my experience and the valuable lessons I learned with my fellow entrepreneurs.

WEW23 brought together over 50 individuals, a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, investors/mentors, and experts – from 8 different countries. For a whole week, we shared, learned, and co-practiced together, delving into various topics crucial for navigating the startup world. Beyond the formal sessions, we also had opportunities to bond, connect, and gain different perspectives on the startup ecosystem and the multifaceted life of an entrepreneur.

Being a female founder in a fiercely competitive and ever-evolving market comes with its own set of challenges. WEW23 served as a beautiful reminder that we’re not alone in this journey. We were not only supported by a network of successful women but also inspired by the stories and experiences shared by other founders and mentors throughout the week.

My deepest gratitude goes to SwissEP, especially Andreia Fernandes and her team, for creating this meaningful program. A special shout-out to the SwissEP Vietnam Team – Samuel Langstaff, Quynh Anh Nguyen, Tri Dung Tran, and Ngoc Dung – for their invaluable support and for giving Vietnamese founders like myself this incredible opportunity.

Key Takeaways and Shared Experiences

A Glimpse into Diverse Businesses: Through everyone’s 5-minute pitches, we gained valuable insights into a wide array of businesses, each unique and innovative in its own way.

Understanding Startup Ecosystems: We explored the startup ecosystem of each participating country, gaining a broader perspective on the global landscape and fostering cross-cultural connections.

Learning from Industry Leaders: We had the privilege of learning from SAP’s startup-support ecosystem and the inspiring story of BigThinx, a company founded by a remarkable woman in tech.

Essential Tools for Growth: The program covered various topics designed to equip us with the knowledge and skills needed to accelerate our business development journey. These included scaling simulation games, sales and finance workshops, co-founder finding strategies, and discussions on growth loops and the journey of serial entrepreneurship.

Beyond the Curriculum

Building a Vietnamese Sisterhood

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the trip was the incredible bond I formed with the Vietnamese team – Quynh Vo, Caroline Tran, Trần Mạc Vân Anh, Le Huynh Kim Ngan, Jen VuHuong, and Diep Bui. Despite meeting some for the first time, we felt an instant connection, sharing stories, and experiences, and fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcended geographical boundaries. Their stories and insights into the Vietnamese startup ecosystem further fueled my passion and provided valuable motivation to keep building impactful products. Thank you for sharing your journeys, ladies! I am confident that together, we can empower and support each other as we navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Expanding My Network

The trip wasn’t just about connecting with fellow Vietnamese founders; it was also about building a global network of incredible individuals. From mentors to fellow entrepreneurs, each connection holds the potential for learning, collaboration, and future success.

The Beauty of Switzerland

Exploring the stunning cities of Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken offered a welcome respite from the program’s intensity. Immersing myself in the Swiss culture and learning about the local startup ecosystem was truly enriching.

A Collective Effort 

During the program, we had the opportunity to present the Vietnamese startup ecosystem to the other participating groups. The positive feedback and appreciation we received were incredibly rewarding, solidifying our sense of purpose as country representatives and motivating us to continue sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the global startup community.

A Quote to Live By

One quote from the program’s first session particularly resonated with me: “Make IT happen. Shock everyone.” This powerful statement embodies the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit, reminding us that there are no limits to what we can achieve. It’s a call to action that I carry with me, inspiring me to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and create a lasting impact.

WEW23 was more than just a program; it was a transformative experience. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an inspiring group of individuals, learn from their experiences, and gain valuable insights that will undoubtedly propel my entrepreneurial journey forward.

This is just the beginning. As we translate the knowledge and connections gained into action, I am excited to see the impact we can collectively create. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and success stories!