An Interview With Dina Aletras
Be authentic: Share your personal experiences and viewpoints. Authenticity resonates with people and helps build trust. I often share behind-the-scenes stories of our design process and company culture.
As part of our series about how to become known as a thought leader in your industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Huy Nguyen.
Huy Nguyen is the founder of Trendy Aloha, a fashion brand known for its unique Hawaiian sets. Passionate about fashion, he stays ahead of trends and understands consumer preferences. Not only is he dedicated to understanding consumer preferences and creating clothing that looks great and resonates deeply with his customers, but he is also a thought leader who provides deep and valuable insights on specific topics, building trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders within the organization.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Our readers are eager to learn more about you. Could you provide some background information about yourself?
Sure! I’m Huy Nguyen, the founder of Trendy Aloha, a brand known for its unique and fresh takes on Hawaiian shirts. I’m passionate about fashion and have built a career around creating standout designs and leading high-performing sales teams to ensure Trendy Aloha meets customer needs and preferences.
What establishes you as an authority on thought leadership? Could you briefly share your expertise with our readers?
As someone who has successfully founded and led a fashion brand, I believe my authority in thought leadership comes from my ability to innovate and inspire within the industry. My expertise lies in understanding consumer preferences, creating unique designs, and effectively managing sales teams to drive business growth.
Can you recall a funny mistake you made when you were first starting out? What lesson did you learn from it?
Absolutely! When I first started Trendy Aloha, I once printed an entire batch of shirts with a design that was mirrored by mistake. It was a hilarious oversight, but it taught me the importance of attention to detail and the value of a good quality control process.
What are the most significant disruptions you foresee in your industry over the next five years, and how can businesses adapt to these changes?
I foresee significant disruptions in the fashion industry due to advancements in technology and shifts in consumer behavior. Businesses can adapt by embracing sustainable practices, leveraging data analytics to understand consumer trends, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience.
Can you explain the benefits of becoming a thought leader? Why is it valuable to invest time and resources into this?
Becoming a thought leader enhances your credibility and visibility, opening doors to new opportunities like speaking engagements, collaborations, and media features. It helps build trust with your audience and positions you as a go-to resource in your industry. Ultimately, it can lead to business growth and personal fulfillment as you see your ideas impact others and drive change.
Can you share an example of a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you leveraged innovative thinking to overcome it?
One significant challenge I faced was a major supply chain disruption that threatened our production schedule. By leveraging innovative thinking, we quickly pivoted to local suppliers, streamlined our processes, and introduced a limited edition “Made Locally” collection, which turned out to be a huge hit with our customers.
Now that we have covered that, we’d love to hear your advice on becoming a thought leader. Can you share five strategies that someone should follow to gain recognition as a thought leader in their industry? Please include examples or stories from your own experience for each strategy.
1 . Deepen your expertise: Continuously educate yourself and stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your industry. Your knowledge base is the foundation of your thought leadership. For example, I regularly attend fashion expos and read industry reports to stay ahead.
2 . Create valuable content: Share your insights through blogs, social media, and webinars. The goal is to provide value and provoke thought. I started a blog on my LinkedIn, where I discuss fashion trends and styling tips.
3 . Engage with your community: Participate in industry events, join relevant discussions online, and network with other professionals. Being active in the fashion community has helped me build valuable connections and stay relevant.
4 . Be authentic: Share your personal experiences and viewpoints. Authenticity resonates with people and helps build trust. I often share behind-the-scenes stories of our design process and company culture.
5 . Mentor others: Guide and support others in your field. Mentorship not only helps others grow but also reinforces your position as a thought leader. I mentor young designers, helping them navigate the industry.
How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization, and what practices have you found most effective in encouraging creative thinking among your team?
I foster a culture of innovation by encouraging open communication, celebrating creative ideas, and providing opportunities for professional development. Practices like regular brainstorming sessions and design workshops have been effective in encouraging creative thinking among my team.
Who do you think is an outstanding example of a thought leader? What specific qualities impress you about this person?
I admire Virgil Abloh for his innovative approach to fashion and design. His ability to blend street wear with high fashion and his commitment to diversity and inclusion are qualities that impress me the most.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?
I stay informed by reading industry publications, attending fashion shows, and following influential designers on social media. I incorporate this knowledge into my strategic planning by continuously adapting our designs and marketing strategies to align with emerging trends.
Some people feel that the term “thought leader” is overused and has lost its impact. What are your thoughts on this?
I understand why some people might feel that way, but I believe true thought leadership is about substance and impact. It’s not just about having a title; it’s about genuinely contributing valuable insights and driving positive change in your industry.
How do you balance short-term business goals with long-term strategic vision, especially in a rapidly changing market?
Balancing short-term goals with long-term vision requires flexibility and foresight. I focus on setting clear, achievable short-term objectives that align with our long-term strategic goals. This approach helps us stay agile and responsive to market changes while keeping our long-term vision in sight.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant in your life?
One of my favorite quotes is, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote reminds me to stay resilient and persistent, regardless of the challenges I face.
Many influential figures in business and entertainment follow this column. Is there someone you’d love to have lunch or breakfast with? They might notice if we tag them.
I’d love to have lunch with Anna Wintour. Her influence and insights in the fashion industry are unparalleled, and I would be thrilled to learn from her experiences.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work online through Trendy Aloha’s website, as well as on our social media channels like X, and LinkedIn. We regularly share updates, fashion tips, and behind-the-scenes content.
Thank you so much for your insights. This was very insightful and meaningful.
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.
Huy Nguyen of Trendy Aloha: 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.