- The decision to leave VTV in 2022 is a big turning point. What gave Mai Trang the courage to give up her stable job to pursue a new path?
There is a saying that I really like: " Old ways won't open new doors ". Entering my 30s, I clearly feel that no matter how many feelings and achievements I have, it is time to close them to make room for new things.
The decision to leave VTV was not a sudden turn but the result of many years of thinking. I had stopped working at the age of 25 to find myself. At 30, that journey repeated itself but more deeply. From the outside, the decision may have seemed reckless. But for me, it was a way to be honest with myself and a necessary path to maturity.
- "Morning Coffee with VTV3" has been associated with 7 years of your youth. What is the most unforgettable memory of Mai Trang's role as MC?
Morning coffee with VTV3 is like a familiar cup of morning coffee - hard to give up and always has a special taste. The program has been with me since I was a young student until I became an adult, and I was trusted to lead many big programs.
The most unforgettable moments were waking up at dawn to be on time for live recordings at the studio. To prepare breaking news (we call it "the best cup of coffee") for the audience, the editorial team often stayed up almost all night. Whether early in the morning or late at night, the working atmosphere at VTV was always full of excitement.
I still remember the messages from Mr. Lai Van Sam after the broadcast. One day, just 5 words "The coffee is delicious today!" were enough to make the whole crew burst into tears. It was not only encouragement but also the feeling of doing something meaningful and being recognized by predecessors.
The most precious thing is to live with the news beat every day, contributing to the connection between the audience and life. My time at VTV taught me about integrity and professional standards - the guiding principles for all future jobs.
- With "Road to Olympia" or "7th Wish", what pressure did you face and what good memories did you have about these programs?
The happiest thing about working on television is being able to live with the emotions of each character and story and convey those emotions to the audience.
6 years of being an Olympia bridge point means 6 times going to new schools, meeting excellent students and hearing proud stories. With the 7th Wish, the emotions are even greater - each broadcast is a journey of listening and retelling real stories, full of challenges but also full of determination.
The most stressful thing is the feeling that there is never enough time to learn deeply about the characters, the land, the story. When I don't understand enough, I'm afraid that the narration will become superficial, not strong enough to touch the audience's heart like the story deserves.
- Moving from MC to CEO and then senior manager, what challenges did you face in the business and management environment?
When I first started taking on the challenge of a management position, I had a big fear: fear of not being good enough, fear of being judged. The first time I joined a business group as a CEO, I confidently introduced myself like a professional MC. Everyone applauded, but I felt a scrutinizing gaze: "This person is an MC, can he talk well and do well?"
That doubt haunted me for months. I used to be confident in front of thousands of people, but when I stood in front of a few dozen people to introduce my business, there were times when I felt like I couldn't breathe.
Only when I removed the flashy shell, accepted my shortcomings, was willing to accept feedback, and was not afraid to admit my "ignorance" in order to learn, did I truly begin to become a business leader.
It is never easy to accept mistakes and weaknesses. But when I have the courage to accept and love my imperfections, I learn many good things and open the door to new knowledge.
- You used to spend 9-12 hours/day on your education startup, how do you balance work with personal life?
Looking back at my startup days, my life was completely unbalanced. Work took up all my time - both when I was awake and when I was asleep. There were nights when I would wake up in the middle of the night just to jot down ideas, putting all my energy into my work and then I would burn out without realizing it.
I fell into a state of lack of motivation, often having negative thoughts and confusion. It was not until my trip to a monastery in Thailand that I was able to "disconnect" and look back at myself. There, I learned to breathe, slow down and feel: a balanced life is not a luxury but a necessity.
When I returned, I decided to stop starting up to become a "professional employee" - where there was a group of like-minded people, no longer shouldering all the pressure alone. I had more time for myself and my family, and that helped me become more stable.
Luckily, I have a partner who is always there for me. Together, we practice gratitude and come back to the present every day - a solid foundation for maintaining balance.
- What about your partner made you decide to get married?
If you ask 10 close friends, all of them would probably be surprised when I married him - because we are complete opposites. I also thought it would be difficult to go far. But his patience, listening and persistent gentleness convinced me that this is the person who can become a real "backer".
My husband doesn't often create surprises or grand romantic memories, but he always takes care of the little things every day - a cup of coffee prepared in the morning, the hot water turned on before I come home, late night conversations, delicious food he learned to cook to nourish his wife. Those simple things are a sweet reminder every day: I am loved.
Wedding of MC Mai Trang and her husband Tin Le:
- Video : FBNV
- How does marriage affect your outlook on career and life?
Marriage has helped me realize that I am no longer alone. When I started my business, I always had to be strong and lonely on the journey of choosing. When I have a true companion, I understand that I can pursue success and live happily at the same time.
Marriage also helps me reconnect with my inner "femininity" - softness, emotion, listening... things that were temporarily put aside when I was a start-up. Now life is more balanced, I don't always need to be tough or perfect, but can be myself completely.
- How do your parents and husband support you in making big decisions in life?
As an only child, before getting married, my parents were the biggest motivation for me to try to succeed early. After having a small family, I clearly felt the value of companionship.
My husband has never asked me to choose between work and family. On the contrary, he makes me feel that I can commit and try anything, because no matter what happens, he is always there to share and support me. Every time I face a big decision, I feel secure, steadfast and dare to try and make mistakes because I know that I always have my family to return to.
- You used to be in a position where you appeared in public every day, then you left and registered to donate your organs to medicine after your death... It feels like Mai Trang always prepares carefully for every step in life. So for you, what does it mean to live a meaningful life?
When we do education, we often ask students before the end of class: " When you die, are people gonna say that the world is better because of you?"
The question sounds like an inspiration but has become a guiding principle in my life. There are times when I have absolutely no idea what to do with my life or see clearly the destination of the path I am taking. At times like that, I remind myself: living a meaningful life does not necessarily mean doing great things.
Not everyone can choose to do extraordinary things, but we can always choose to be kind. When enough kind things are done every day, the world can become a much better place because of our presence.
Design: Hang Tran
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/mc-mai-trang-vo-oa-vi-tin-nhan-cua-nha-bao-lai-van-sam-nghet-tho-khi-roi-vtv-2424117.html
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