Name: Thao Tran

Title: Founder

Organisation: Ditox

Thao Tran is the Founder of Ditox, a digital wellness community that helps people scroll better online. She an Australian mental health expert on social media, who speaks about mental strength, resilience and embracing change.

Thao studied Psychology, Business & Commerce from Monash University. Her mental health lived experiences, along with her tenacity for self-investment and development makes her the perfect fit to help people become mentally stronger and find the courage to pursue their dreams.

Thao has lived and worked in Melbourne, Sydney and Qatar, has seen and experienced first-hand how mental strength leads to not only confidence and resilience, but also greater happiness and life fulfilment.

Thao is also the Marketing Lead at The Community Collective, a vibrant community for community builders in Australia and New Zealand. She is also a rapper and singer-songwriter, who is on a mission to entertain and inspire the next generation through 'real talk' music inspired by her life experiences.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Thao's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

One of the challenges of being a leader is guiding people to share the same vision as you. Helping them, motivating them, and delegating certain tasks are some things that I keep in mind as a leader.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I noticed that many people were addicted to their phones, scrolling mindlessly and impacting mental health and human connection. Since I wanted to help people improve their lives with technology, I decided to commit to the role as the Founder and CEO of Ditox, and lead the community to 'scroll better', through passion, dedication and grit.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I usually wake up around 5am. Before I check my phone or get ready, I write 3 pages in my journal about yesterday, today, or the future. I then go for my daily walk (sometimes jog) to my place of meditation, qi gong and prayer. I call it my 'radiant point'. Once I'm home, I'll usually grab a bite then head to local Melbourne cafe, library, or stay at the home office and start my work day. I'll them take some breaks, have dinner, get ready for bed and look forward to the next morning!

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Before every meeting, always do a 'check in' with your team members on how they are feeling.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a great book. Although it is not a 'leadership' book, many of its principles applies to communication, teamwork and leadership.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Always be kind and remain humble.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I have embraced the organised, and creative chaos that comes with being a startup Founder @ Ditox. Although, every day is different, my good attitude and values always remain in tact no matter what we experience in business.