Leading with Empathy, Culture & Vision in Vietnam’s Booming Business Scene | David Jackson

In this inspiring episode of the Seven Figure Founders Podcast, host Linh Podetti sits down with David Jackson, the dynamic CEO and Principal of Avison Young Vietnam and Cambodia — a leading real estate consulting firm transforming the Southeast Asian property landscape.​
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From his early beginnings in London to building a thriving business across Vietnam and Cambodia, David shares his incredible story of leading with empathy, cultural intelligence, and long-term vision in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.​
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In this episode, you’ll hear:​
💼 How David built a successful real estate business across borders​
❤️ Why empathy, kindness, and understanding are his greatest leadership tools​
🌏 The importance of cultural awareness when doing business in Asia​
🚀 How he’s mentoring the next generation of leaders and embracing innovation, including AI​
🎬 His creative passions — from writing to film and storytelling — and what’s next at 50​
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A must-watch conversation for entrepreneurs, expats, and leaders who believe success is built on character, connection, and courage.​
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🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.​
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ABOUT DAVID
David Jackson is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Avison Young Vietnam and Cambodia, leading the firm’s strategic growth and operations across both markets. With nearly two decades in commercial real estate and 18 years based in Vietnam, he’s known for his forward-thinking leadership, deep market insight, and people-first approach. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a LEED Green Associate, David is a respected voice on sustainability, innovation, and the future of work in Asia — and a prime example of a CEO embracing AI-driven transformation to build smarter, more agile businesses.​
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🔗 Connect with David Jackson:​
Website: https://www.davidmjacko.com/
LinkedIn:   / david-jackson-ba290a25  
Instagram​:  / davidjacko  
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Current Business Overview​
02:38 Understanding Client Needs and Problem Solving​
05:17 Insights on the Vietnam Market and Future Predictions​
08:18 Personal Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit​
11:09 Challenges in Business and Cultural Adaptation​
19:59 Daily Habits for Stamina and Success​
23:13 Evolving Role of a CEO​
26:28 Building a Strong Team Culture​
34:07 Influences and Legacy​
37:14 Future Aspirations and Reflections

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ABOUT EO ​
Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 19,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings.​
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Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits.​
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If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter.
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For further information, please contact:​
General Inquiries: [email protected] ​
EO APAC: https://www.eoapac.com/​
EO Vietnam: https://www.eovietnam.org/​
EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/​
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ABOUT THE HOST​
Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs.​
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LinkedIn:   / linhpodetti   ​
Instagram:   / ​