Refugee journey, bike packing and career mentorship with Oanh Thi Tran | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #66

Liem sits down with Oanh Thi Tran, Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission, to share her extraordinary journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a trailblazer in the Australian legal system.

Oanh opens up about her family’s escape from Vietnam in the 1980s, their settlement in Australia, and how these formative experiences shaped her passion for social justice and workplace fairness. She also recounts her unexpected path into law and her inspiring nine-month cycling adventure through Europe and North Africa. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of migration, career growth, and making a difference in the community.

Chapters:

0:00:00 - Introduction of Oanh Thi Tran, Fair Work Commissioner

0:00:25 - Mindfulness Exercise: Breathing and Awareness

0:07:49 - Addressing Burnout in a Sedentary Job

0:08:05 - Importance of Taking Breaks

0:14:30 - Story Behind Oanh's Name

0:14:57 - Meaning of Oanh's Name

0:19:20 - Family Journey as Vietnamese Refugees

0:26:27 - Journey to the Sea: Family Trauma

0:32:45 - Nine-Month Bicycle Journey Through Europe

0:39:15 - Cycling Experience in Morocco

0:43:09 - Communication Skills in Foreign Lands

0:48:54 - Goodwill in Communication

0:57:51 - Role of the Fair Work Commission

1:12:30 - Networking Experience and Connections

1:18:18 - Reflection on Values and Career Progression

1:20:10 - Balancing Work and Personal Life

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Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.

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