The Friday Morning

04.03.25

The Friday Morning 113: Wood & Paint – Reflecting on Talent and Growth with Mr. Tien Cuong Dang

Hoai Trinh

Explore the Wood & Paint event with Mr. Tien Cuong Dang, CTO & Co-founder of Tubudd. Reflect on the balance between internal abilities and external factors for personal and career growth.

As we continue to explore personal development and growth,

Mr. Tien Cuong Dang

, CTO and Co-founder of Tubudd, hosted a thought-provoking training event called

Wood & Paint

. The goal? To help attendees reflect on their personal abilities, talents, and how they present themselves in their careers.

Understanding the Nature vs. Nurture

In a world that values achievements and external validation, it can be easy to forget the foundation upon which success is built. For

Mr. Tien Cuong Dang

, the Wood & Paint event was an opportunity to dive into the core of each individual—the "wood"—and examine how external factors, like education, skills, and appearance—the "paint"—can impact one’s career trajectory.

As a visionary leader at Tubudd, Mr. Tien Cuong Dang believes that understanding one’s internal nature and nurturing it is just as crucial as polishing external factors. "People can determine their own nature and ability, but they should also consider how external factors contribute to their development," he shared during the event. Through this, the aim was to spark introspection about personal growth.

The Wood & Paint Concept: A Creative Reflection on Career Development

The Wood & Paint concept offered a metaphorical lens through which participants could explore their talents and abilities versus the external aspects that often shape professional success. The "wood" symbolizes

perseverance, discipline, and attitude toward work

—the core attributes that define an individual’s work ethic. The "paint," on the other hand, represents

university degrees, CVs, good looks, and communication skills

, things that polish and present an individual to the outside world.

In this event, employees were encouraged to reflect on their career paths: How much of their success is rooted in their internal capabilities (wood), and how much relies on external achievements (paint)? It was a space for employees to evaluate how they approach their growth—whether they focus more on developing their innate talents or enhancing their external personas.

Event Structure: Group Discussions and Insightful Dialogues

The event was structured as a discussion-based session. Mr. Tien Cuong Dang posed questions to the group, prompting employees to share their views and insights. This group dynamic created an engaging environment where everyone could explore the balance between "wood" and "paint" and exchange perspectives.

One of the standout moments was the deep discussion on the question:

Should you focus more on cultivating your intrinsic talents or should you put effort into improving external factors like your qualifications and social skills?

The lively debates sparked by this question showed how different perspectives can shed light on what matters most for personal and career growth.

Key Insights and Takeaways: Time and Nurturing Matter

A key insight shared by Mr. Tien Cuong Dang during the event was the idea that both

wood and paint

require

nurturing and development over time

. He emphasized that while both intrinsic abilities and external factors play a role in success,

time and consistent effort are what ultimately allow these qualities to come to fruition

“Whether it is wood or paint, both need nurturing,” he explained. “Time greatly determines the ability to implement and refine both your core abilities and the outer factors that help you succeed.”

Personal Development and Teamwork: The Key to Progress

The event was not just about individual reflection—it also highlighted the importance of teamwork. As employees exchanged opinions and perspectives, they learned that personal development is not a solo journey. Growth happens when we learn from others, share insights, and support each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Mr. Tien Cuong Dang also imparted a piece of advice that resonated deeply with the attendees:

Focus on developing your core values and talents

, while improving the external aspects only if they align with your authentic self. “External factors should support your growth but not define you,” he added.

A Friendly, Informative Discussion

The Wood & Paint event was a successful, insightful, and engaging discussion that encouraged Tubudd employees to reflect on their personal growth in a friendly and open environment. The dynamic conversation left everyone thinking deeply about their career trajectories and how they can continue to nurture both their intrinsic abilities and external factors.

The event also helped build stronger connections among colleagues, as they shared their perspectives and learned from each other’s experiences. It was a great reminder that, while success is shaped by many factors, it’s the continuous nurturing of one’s core strengths and abilities that leads to lasting growth.

Conclusion: A Reminder of What Matters

The Wood & Paint event was an enriching experience for Tubudd employees to reflect on their career journeys and the balance between

internal abilities and external factors

. With insightful discussions led by Mr. Tien Cuong Dang, it was a great reminder that both aspects need care, time, and attention to thrive.

In the end, the event wasn’t just about talking—it was about cultivating self-awareness, encouraging ongoing development, and inspiring employees to grow with purpose in both their personal and professional lives.