Dr. Pham Ha and LuxGroup: An Inspiring Leader, Not Just a Boss
In the world of business, the difference between a “boss” and a “leader” is not about titles, but about mindset, vision, and the way influence is created. For LuxGroup®, Vietnam’s leading luxury travel corporation, its 20-year journey is proof that true leadership is what transforms a company into a movement. Behind this transformation stands Dr. Pham Ha – Founder, Chairman, and CEO of LuxGroup.
1. From Boss to Leader
A boss commands with orders and authority. Dr. Pham Ha chooses to coach, mentor, and inspire.
• Instead of driving employees by pressure, he coaches and empowers them.
• Instead of relying on authority, he builds everything on trust and goodwill.
• Instead of spreading fear, he sparks enthusiasm and pride.
This approach turns every Luxer into a cultural ambassador of Vietnam, not just an employee.
2. “We” Over “I”
While bosses often say “I,” Dr. Pham Ha always says “We.”
At the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025, when Lux Travel DMC® was honored as “Vietnam’s Best International Tour Operator,” he declared:
“This award does not belong to me alone. It belongs to all Luxers, to our partners, clients, and the community that has journeyed with us.”
That collective spirit has made LuxGroup a corporate family where success is shared, and trust is multiplied.
3. No Blame – Always Solutions
Bosses often look for someone to blame when problems arise. Leaders fix the problem.
During the COVID-19 crisis, when tourism collapsed, Dr. Pham Ha restructured LuxGroup: shifting to the domestic market, retraining staff, and upgrading products. This resilience made LuxGroup the first Vietnamese company to welcome back international guests on March 15, 2022.
4. Leading by Action
Bosses know, leaders show.
Dr. Pham Ha is present on the ships, at CSR projects, and in cultural events. From the “Lighting Up the Stone Plateau” solar program in Ha Giang to dialogues with international media, he proves LuxGroup doesn’t just talk about ESG—it practices and lives it.
5. Developing People – Not Using People
A boss uses people. A leader develops people.
At LuxGroup, employees are empowered to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. This is why the company was recognized among the Best Companies to Work For in Asia 2025.
He believes: “A company can only be great when its people are happy and proud of where they work.”
6. Giving Back the Credit
Bosses take credit. Leaders give credit.
In every event, Dr. Pham Ha lets captains, chefs, artists, and staff step forward to be recognized. This fosters a culture where every contribution counts and every success is collective.
7. “Let’s Go” Instead of “Go”
A boss commands: “Go.”
A leader inspires: “Let’s go.”
This spirit is reflected in Vietnam Waterways® – a national brand on rivers and seas. It is not a personal dream but a collective mission, inviting the entire tourism industry, local communities, and the nation to sail forward together.
8. The Philosophy of National Entrepreneurship
At a deeper level, Dr. Pham Ha embodies the philosophy of “Doanh Chủ Dân Tộc” – National Entrepreneurship.
Like Bach Thai Buoi, the legendary “King of Ships” a century ago, he sees business as a mission of service. Profit is important, but true values, human development, environmental protection, and national pride form the real foundation.
Conclusion
After 20 years, LuxGroup is not just a company. It is an ecosystem of heritage, art, ESG, and happiness.
And behind it stands a true leader—not just a boss.
Dr. Pham Ha proves that the difference between a boss and a leader is not just theory—it is the very force that turned LuxGroup into an inspiration for Vietnam’s tourism industry and a symbol of sustainable leadership for the world.
