NBC News anchor Vicky Nguyen: From Vietnamese refugee to TODAY Show

Description

Vicky Nguyen was just eight months old when she fled Vietnam as a refugee. Today, she's an Emmy-winning journalist, anchor and Chief Consumer Investigative Correspondent for NBC News, now seen on the TODAY Show. Her experiences inspired her new book, "Boat Baby." She joins us this week to discuss: | 00:00 — Introduction  | 02:35 — Vicky's early life, escaping Vietnam  | 04:53 — Encountering pirates at sea  | 05:55 — Taking her first steps on the beach at a refugee camp  | 07:16 — Getting sponsored to the US by churches and a family in Oregon  | 09:50 — Lessons of resilience from her parents, who never complained or used the word "trauma"  | 10:31 — Growing up between cultures  | 11:50 — Early career lessons  | 14:41 — First internship at CNN and learning to speak up in the workplace | 19:42 — Investigative reporting highlights, including probing conditions for bus drivers and food safety  | 26:16 — Reflecting on mistakes and a story about a "hot intern"  | 28:52 — Focus on avoiding comparison or jealousy in a brutally competitive industry  | 32:50 — The pressure and joys of working in live TV + setting herself up for success behind the scenes  | 34:10 — Knowing your worth and negotiating with confidence  | 35:57 — Pay transparency: The surprising moment her colleague pulled out their contract to help her advocate for herself  | 37:28 — Turning down a dream job at a top network  | 40:00 — Coming to redefine personal success  | 41:55 — Covering anti-Asian hate during Covid  | 43:53 — Writing the book, "Boat Baby," and opening up about her personal life  | 45:44 — Vicky's long-term vision  | 47:42 — Representation in media and reflections on the "American dream"  | 49:45 — Audience question from a young journalist  | 52:26 — Rapid-fire round  | About Behind the Business: Behind the Business is a video series and podcast hosted by Michelle Toh, CNN and Fortune alum, that explores the decisions and philosophies behind today's most influential leaders. Recorded in person across the US, the show is grounded in the b