In our journey to “sail the high seas” of the global market, we often obsess over success formulas, management secrets, or cultural nuances to adapt. I was no different, until I met a special mentor—a leader who gave me a new “lens” through which to see the world. This perspective shattered my biases and opened a confident new chapter in my career.
1. A Question of Admiration and a Surprising Answer
At the time, I had the opportunity to speak with a seasoned manager. He possessed an impressive track record, having led over 2,000 employees across factories in both Europe and Asia. To me, he was the embodiment of wisdom and worldliness.
Driven by admiration and a touch of curiosity about the “standing” of Vietnamese people on the international labor map, I asked him a question I thought would yield a detailed analysis:
“You have managed in so many countries and navigated diverse cultures. How do you evaluate Vietnamese people? How do we differ from personnel on other continents?”
I was expecting a comparison. I hoped he would point out where we were smarter or where we needed to improve, giving me a benchmark to strive toward. But his answer defied all expectations:
“In this world, people are the same.”
I was stunned. A mix of surprise and slight disappointment crept in. How could we be “the same”? Surely differences in skin color, religion, education, and language created distinct identities?
2. The Philosophy of “Contribution”: A Human-Centric Approach
Seeing the bewilderment on my face, he smiled and added in a deep, resonant tone:
“People are all the same. Whether they are Vietnamese, German, American, or anyone else, everyone carries their own passions and interests. Above all, deep down, everyone wants to contribute something to make this world a little more beautiful before they leave.”
Those words struck me like an electric current. He didn’t view people through KPI charts, passports, or hard skills. He saw them at the most human “touchpoint”: The desire to live a life of value. This realization was life-changing for a young professional like me, who had been too focused on surface-level differences. I began to realize that if we are truly the same at our core, then all feelings of inferiority or distance are merely ghosts created by our imagination.
3. The “Amulet” for My Global Journey
Armed with that powerful inspiration, I stepped into the international arena with a completely different mindset. While working at multinational corporations and interacting with colleagues of various faiths, ethnicities, and statuses, I no longer felt small.
Instead of entering meetings with hesitation about cultural barriers, I told myself: “The person across from me is just like me; they have worries, passions, and are striving to create value.” This mindset gave me unprecedented confidence. I could speak as an equal with a French CEO, share ideas with an Indian engineer, or debate with a Japanese expert. When I stripped away the label of “foreigner” and replaced it with “human,” communication became remarkably sincere and effective. I realized that sincerity and the effort to contribute are the universal languages that everyone understands.
4. The Reunion and the Photo of Enlightenment
Five years passed, and my career had progressed across several countries. My gratitude for that “teacher” remained undiminished. I invited him to dinner along with a mutual close friend.
In the warmth of that evening, I excitedly recalled our conversation: “Your answer that ‘humans are the same’ completely changed my life and how I perceive the world.”
He smiled warmly, his eyes shining with the joy of a gardener seeing a seed finally bloom. He didn’t explain further with words; instead, he pulled out his phone and whispered, “Wait.”
After scrolling for a few seconds, he showed me a photo that left me speechless: An Iranian General standing beside him during Christmas.
The General was a devout Shiite Muslim. Yet, in the photo, this powerful military figure was wearing a red Santa hat, flashing a radiant smile next to my mentor.
He shared that even in the heart of Iran—a land often perceived as rigid regarding religious differences—the General joined in the joy of Christmas. It wasn’t about changing his faith; it was about cultural exchange and mutual respect between human beings.
5. Conclusion: The Shared Pursuit of a Meaningful Life
Looking at that photo, I saw the ultimate confirmation of his words: “Humans in this world are the same.”
If an Iranian General and a Christian manager can set aside political and religious biases to share a smile in a photograph, there is no reason for us to create distances between ourselves. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, we share a common nature:
- Everyone wants to be respected and understood.
- Everyone wants to love and be loved.
- Everyone wants to leave a positive mark on this world before they are gone.
Thanks to that story and the photo of the Iranian General, finding common ground with anyone in the world has become remarkably easy. When I meet a difficult partner, I look for their dedication. When I meet a stranger from a different culture, I look for the passion they pursue.
Ultimately, we don’t need to “outdo” others through the lens of identity. We simply need to connect through the understanding that everyone wants to live a life worth living.
Thank you to that manager from years ago for teaching me that the world is not as vast or alien as I imagined. It is, in fact, very close—because everywhere you go, there are hearts beating with the same rhythm of kindness and the desire to contribute.
Do you believe that humanity shares the same core desires regardless of borders? Share your story of cultural connection in the comments below!
