Clāra Ly-Le, the Founder and Managing Director of EloQ Communications, a Vietnam-based public relations and marketing agency, Possesses an impressive array of accomplishments. With a career spanning over a decade in the industry, she has developed a profound understanding of business dynamics, combined with an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries and reshaping conventional norms in the field of public relations (PR) and communications.
Apart from her role at EloQ Communications, Clāra also holds the esteemed position of Vice Dean at the Faculty of Public Relations and Communications in Van Lang University. In this capacity, she dedicates herself to fostering practical learning experiences for budding professionals and contributing to the overall advancement of the PR sector in Vietnam. Her commitment to empowering aspiring individuals and elevating the industry made her a revered figure in the academic sphere.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What motivated you to joining your current position, and how did you progress to your current position at the company?
I launched EloQ Communications with the motivation to advance my career in Vietnam and elevate the PR industry’s professionalism in Southeast Asia. My aim was to place Vietnam on the global PR map and challenge industry norms. To reach my current position, I prioritized refining my skills through formal education in PR and marketing in the U.S. and Australia, recognizing the value of interpersonal abilities in building relationships with stakeholders and colleagues.
As an entrepreneur, I faced challenges in company operation and branding. I addressed these by assembling a passionate and visionary team, prioritizing exceptional client service, and leveraging my expertise to expand EloQ’s reputation beyond Vietnam, attracting clients worldwide.
Continuously striving for improvement and a positive impact, I now lead EloQ Communications, dedicated to empowering Vietnamese PR practitioners and transforming industry perceptions in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Tell us about the company.
EloQ Communications is a PR boutique agency specializing in serving multinational companies in Vietnam. Our goal is to bridge the communication gap between these brands and Vietnamese consumers, positioning ourselves as their trusted local partner. With our unique approach, we leverage our expertise in local business practices, culture, and target audience approaches to provide tailored advice and guidance to our clients.
We deeply value equality, inclusivity, and diversity in our work culture, actively promoting opportunities for women in the workplace. Over time, our services have expanded beyond traditional PR, and we have evolved into an integrated marketing communications (IMC) agency. Our versatile 360-degree campaigns combine traditional PR strategies with digital approaches, ensuring we stay at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.
How would you describe your leadership style? What are the key principles or values that guide your leadership approach?
As a leader, I maintain an approachable and communicative demeanor, fostering open communication through an open-door policy and regular team-building activities. I prioritize continuous learning and personal growth, providing training opportunities for my team to enhance their skills. I embrace new challenges and inspire my team with confidence, leading us to successful campaigns. I believe in building strong relationships, valuing everyone’s strengths, and empowering them to reach their potential. My leadership style is characterized by being approachable, communicative, adaptable, and growth-oriented. I strive to create a positive work culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and collaboration within your organization?
I foster an open and transparent communication culture, encouraging team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback openly. This creates a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard. I also prioritize regular team meetings and one-on-one discussions to facilitate effective communication. These interactions allow me to align goals, address any challenges, and provide guidance and support to individuals.
What is your vision for the company’s future? How do you see the company evolving and adapting to industry changes?
My vision for the future of EloQ Communications is centered around becoming a leading PR and marketing agency not only in Vietnam but also in the Southeast Asian region. I aim to continue expanding our reach and influence, working with more international clients and building a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results.
What are the major challenges you face as a leader in the in the sector? How do you overcome these challenges?
As a leader in the PR sector, I have encountered several major challenges in my role. One of the challenges is the constant need to adapt to the evolving landscape of the industry. The PR sector is highly dynamic, with new technologies, platforms, and communication channels emerging regularly. Staying updated and embracing these changes is crucial to remain competitive and effectively serve clients. To overcome this challenge, I prioritize continuous learning and professional development. I invest time and resources in staying informed about industry trends, attending conferences, and networking with peers to exchange insights and best practices.
Another challenge is managing client expectations and delivering exceptional results. PR is a results-oriented field, and clients often have high expectations for their campaigns. To address this challenge, I emphasize open and transparent communication with clients. I ensure that expectations are clearly defined from the beginning and provide regular progress updates. Additionally, I focus on building strong relationships with clients based on trust, understanding their goals and objectives, and tailoring strategies to meet their specific needs.
Whenever I feel tired or discouraged, I always remember why I first started. Stay true to my vision and goals, and let them guide me through challenges and setbacks.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What practices or activities do you engage in outside of work to recharge and rejuvenate?
I believe in the power of taking breaks and vacations. Stepping away from work periodically allows me to recharge and come back with renewed energy and creativity. Whether it’s a short break during the day or a longer vacation, these moments of relaxation help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.
And another important aspect of maintaining work-life balance is nurturing relationships with family and friends. I allocate quality time to spend with loved ones, whether it’s having meals together, going on outings, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations. This helps me maintain strong connections and create a support system outside of work.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders who are looking to make a significant impact in their respective industries?
Seize opportunities when they present themselves. Becoming a leader requires courage and a commitment to developing both technical expertise and managerial skills. As an incidental entrepreneur in the PR industry, I can attest to the importance of being prepared to take on unexpected opportunities and investing time in learning the ins and outs of business development, HR, and operations.
Building a strong team is crucial to success. People are a company’s greatest asset, and surrounding yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and values will drive your organization forward. Invest in employee training and development to foster growth and deliver outstanding results.
And I often remind myself of why I first started on this entrepreneurial journey. I am driven by a passion for making a positive impact and elevating the reputation of the industry. This reminder serves as a constant source of motivation and helps me navigate through the challenges I face.
Whenever I encounter obstacles or setbacks, I reflect on the quote, “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because her trust is not on the branch but on her own wings.” This powerful analogy reminds me to have confidence in my own abilities and not solely rely on external factors. It reinforces the importance of self-belief and focusing on my own strengths, rather than being overly dependent on circumstances or resources beyond my control.
Website: https://www.eloqasia.com/
