In early September, I had the extraordinary honor of traveling to Austria to meet with our international partners at ISG in Austria. While our U.S. team was unable to attend; I carried the privilege and responsibility of representing the United States of America at the table.
This moment was deeply personal for me. I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States as a child, carrying with me both the struggles and the hope of a new beginning. Growing up, I learned early that freedom, opportunity, and resilience are gifts not to be taken for granted. My journey has been anything but easy; from surviving cancer, raising my son as a single mom, and building my career from the ground up. Each challenge shaped me into the woman I am today. I was reminded that every seat I’ve earned, every door I’ve walked through, has been paved with perseverance; not just for myself, but so I can hold the door open for others.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sense of unity in diversity that defines ISG. Sitting among executive and consulting leaders from across the globe, I felt both humbled and inspired. Each conversation reminded me that although our backgrounds, languages, and markets may differ, our shared mission is clear: to transform lives and businesses through world-class talent solutions.
Representing America was not just symbolic; it was personal. As a first-generation immigrant who has lived the American dream, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from multiple countries was a moment of deep gratitude. I was reminded that leadership is not only about expertise, but about courage, trust, and the willingness to carry the voices of others.
One of the greatest highlights of this journey was meeting Guido Leissinger, the visionary founder of International Services Group. Guido’s mission from the very beginning was bold: to build the top executive search firm across Europe and beyond. Over the past 25 years, he not only achieved this goal but expanded ISG’s reach into 43 countries worldwide. What struck me most was not just his success, but the heart behind it; a mission rooted in people, purpose, and service with over 1,200 talent acquisition professionals globally.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across industries and business stages: from ambitious startups and high-growth pre-IPO ventures to established Fortune 500 corporations. My search work has spanned pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, manufacturing, real estate, and technology, allowing me to see firsthand how transformational leadership can ignite growth at every level. Whether guiding a founder-led company or aligning senior executives in a global enterprise, my work has remained steadfast: to connect leaders whose impact reaches far beyond the boardroom.
When I place leaders into roles, I don’t just see a position filled. I see ripple effects; families supported, communities strengthened, industries transformed. Every introduction, every search, is an act of impact.
And this mission is expanding at an incredible pace. In just the past three months, ISG-Americas has grown and opened 30 offices nationwide. This growth is not only proof of momentum, it’s a reflection of the trust our clients and partners place in us to deliver transformational leadership solutions at scale.
The Austrian landscape provided the perfect backdrop for reflection. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and rich cultural history, I felt a renewed sense of purpose for the work we are doing at ISG. Our collective commitment is bigger than recruitment; it is about building bridges across borders, creating opportunities where there were none, and ensuring that talent has no limits.
As I return to the U.S., I bring back not only insights from our global colleagues, but also the conviction that we are writing a powerful story together. A story of unity, service, and transformation. Representing the U.S. in Austria was not only a professional milestone, but also a personal reminder that when we show up with heart, we don’t just take a seat at the table; we help shape its future.
Contact:
Cathy Trinh, B.A.
Managing Partner – ISG-Americas®
Office Location: California
Executive Search
+1 714 376-2178
cathy.trinh@isg.com
This is a publication of ISG-Americas®. All rights reserved.
Mail: americas@isg.com
Phone: +1 347 501 6813