Dr. Mykim Tran, a respected figure in humanistic psychology, is renowned for her expertise in motivating individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Wake-Up Foundation, she has dedicated herself to empowering youths and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Dr. Tran’s journey began in 2010 as a speaker, inspiring young individuals to embrace personal growth. Her encounters in the South Sacramento area led to the establishment of the Wake-Up Foundation in 2013, where she became a leader for social change. Driven by her belief in continual learning and growth, Dr. Tran encourages others to realize that anything is possible when they strive to improve daily.
With Dr. Mykim Tran at the helm, the Wake-Up Foundation represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in communities. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals, making a lasting impact and leaving a remarkable legacy.
From the American Dream to Inspirational Leadership
Dr. Tran is a Vietnamese-American woman born in Vietnam and immigrated to America in 1992 along with her family. Discovering the concept of the American dream ignited a deep fascination within her. Motivational speakers making a positive impact on society became a source of inspiration. From them, Dr. Tran learned two crucial principles: personal development and passion. Understanding that holding onto these foundations would pave her own path to inspire others, she recognized their relevance not only in her professional life but also in her personal endeavors.
Driven by the belief that personal development and passion are essential in all aspects of life, Dr. Tran embarked on a continuous journey of self-improvement within and outside the workplace. She approached every task, be it eating, sleeping, playing, communicating, or working, with unwavering passion. These principles transformed into a way of life for her, permeating through both professional and personal spheres. By applying personal development and passion, she harnessed the energy and strength necessary to excel in her career.
As Dr. Tran embraced personal development and passion within the workplace, she found herself continually inspired to enhance her own abilities.
Journey to Success and Impact
Dr. Tran acknowledges that personal development and passion have been instrumental in shaping her current achievements. She acquired an understanding of the significance of personal development early on, drawing inspiration from respected individuals she encountered through various mediums such as television, events, and books. Continuously seeking avenues for learning and self-improvement became a constant pursuit across all aspects of her life, encompassing career, relationships, and health. Driven by the belief that personal growth equips her with the capacity to progress, she remains committed to this journey.
Additionally, Dr. Tran understands the importance of identifying and nurturing her passion to attain success in her own life while aiding others. Actively exploring her interests and purpose, she recognizes that harnessing her passion is instrumental in realizing her aspirations and making a positive impact. She holds a deep appreciation for the transformative journey individuals undertake as they transform their passion into tangible reality. Embracing personal development and passion, Dr. Tran values the growth process and remains dedicated to turning her own passions into meaningful contributions.
Unlocking Potential and Embracing the Future
Wake-Up Foundation offers comprehensive personal development services that empower individuals to unlock their potential, discover their passion, and engage in meaningful work. The company focuses on six key areas of personal development: personal transformation, self-esteem building, career development, goal development, stress management, and maintaining good health.
To gain a competitive edge, Wake-Up Foundation anticipates and adapts to the future direction of society, tailoring their services to align with emerging trends. The company is driven by two core purposes: personal development and cultivating meaning and purpose in individuals’ lives. Recognizing personal development as an essential element of human potential, they ensure it remains a central aspect of their offerings, supporting individuals in their journey towards success.
Moreover, Wake-Up Foundation recognizes that society is rapidly progressing up the hierarchy of meaning and purpose in the 21st century. Successful companies are embracing a greater mission to improve society, and individuals are similarly seeking deeper fulfillment. In order to thrive, individuals must adapt and grow alongside society, or risk being left behind. To address this need, Wake-Up Foundation’s services are designed to equip individuals with the skills and mindset necessary to meet the demands of a changing society, enabling them to reach their full potential and avoid being left behind.
Nurturing Mentorship and Fostering Creativity
Dr. Tran emphasizes that mentorship and creativity are the cornerstone of Wake-Up Foundation’s company culture. The company places great value on mentorship, fostering positive relationships among all members, including staff, interns, and volunteers. This extends to upper management, allowing everyone to benefit from mentorship opportunities. By encouraging such relationships, Wake-Up Foundation promotes growth, learning, and the exchange of knowledge within the organization.
Creativity is another vital element in the company’s culture. Wake-Up Foundation empowers individuals to bring their unique personality and character into their daily work. The company recognizes the importance of individual contributions and provides an open platform for sharing ideas and innovations. It values the notion that ideas should be shared promptly, as delays may lead to a loss of enthusiasm and inspiration.
By cultivating a culture of mentorship and fostering creativity, Wake-Up Foundation ensures that every individual has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact within the organization.
Innovative Models for Personal Development
As the founder and executive director of Wake-Up Foundation, Dr. Tran has introduced two innovative models to support individuals in their personal development and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.
The first model, known as the “Life Purpose Pyramid,” offers a step-by-step framework for individuals to discover and leverage their passion. It guides them on a journey to utilize their passions to benefit themselves, others, their community, society, and the world while simultaneously experiencing a sense of meaning and purpose. What sets this model apart is its unique approach in providing worldwide guidance for individuals seeking to uncover and utilize their passion.
The second model, called the “Life Success Formula,” focuses on establishing a solid foundation to overcome challenges. It recognizes that individuals often possess the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve success but face obstacles that hinder their progress. This model assists individuals in building resilience and developing strategies to navigate and overcome these challenges. By addressing these barriers, individuals can maintain focus on utilizing their passion and creating a meaningful and purposeful life.
Formula for Organizational Success
Dr. Tran believes in the importance of both individual heroics and team processes in organizations. Individual heroism allows individuals to discover their passion, while team processes help spread their ideas and impact. Dr. Tran emphasizes that individual heroism and team processes must work in harmony, acknowledging that they are two different components but intrinsically connected. They are two sides of the same coin, with individual heroism fueling the initial spark and team processes propelling it forward to reach a wider audience and achieve significant outcomes. By leveraging the power of both individual heroics and team processes, organizations can maximize their potential and create meaningful change.
Advice for First-Time Leaders
Dr. Tran’s advice to someone stepping into a leadership position for the first time is that if they aspire to be a leader, they already possess leadership qualities within them. Becoming a leader begins with setting an example for others, starting at the individual level and applying leadership traits in personal life. Traits such as initiative, risk-taking, and being a role model can be practiced in personal contexts, thus becoming a guiding example for others. When others observe and learn from these qualities, it signifies the emergence of a leader.
