October is Financial Planning Month, we're thrilled to spotlight Lam Nguyen, a financial professional who's redefining what it means to bridge cultural heritage with modern wealth-building strategies. While many in the Asian American community were raised to view stock investing as too risky—a departure from traditional saving habits—Lam has embraced this "unconventional" approach to unlock long-term wealth for his clients. When he's not on the pickleball court perfecting his game, he's helping clients find their own balance between risk and reward. His journey from discovering the power of networking to creating downside-protected investment strategies reflects a unique blend of cultural wisdom and financial innovation. Join us as Lam shares how he's breaking through barriers, mentoring the next generation, and bringing peace of mind to investing—one genuine conversation at a time.

1. Financial Planning Kickoff: It's Financial Planning Month, what's one unconventional financial habit from your Asian American upbringing that you now swear by for long-term wealth building?
   • I would say that older Asian parents shy away from stocks investing because of the risk. It sounds common to someone that grew up in America to invest in stocks, but in the Asian community, it is unconventional. It is high risk because of the potential high reward. 
2. Cultural Lens on Money: How have traditional Asian values around saving and family obligations influenced your approach to personal financial planning, and what advice would you give to young Asian Americans navigating those expectations today?
   • Honor values, not obligations. Support your family meaningfully but define boundaries that preserve your own long-term financial health.
   • Encourage open dialogue by breaking generational silence around money. Discuss expectations so financial planning becomes a shared plan, not an unspoken burden.
3. Networking Breakthrough: Can you share a pivotal networking moment early in your career—perhaps at a conference or community event—that opened doors in the finance industry, and what made it so impactful?
   • Networking early in any career helps to kick-start your experience by meeting other professionals in your business that have gone through what you will go through. They can provide mentorship and guidance. You will also get to meet other professionals that are not in your business so that you can exchange referrals that help both of your clients. It took me half a year to realize that networking connects me with other like-minded professionals and build a trusted circle of influence. 
4. Overcoming Barriers: Asian Americans often face the "bamboo ceiling" in finance. What strategies have you used to break through, and how does intentional networking play a role in that or maybe you haven't experienced this?
   • I proactively seek high-impact projects and opportunities to showcase my skills and motivation. Taking leadership in cross-functional initiatives or volunteer roles increases visibility within the professional community.
5. Planning for the Future: In honor of Financial Planning Month, what's your go-to framework for helping clients (or yourself) create a resilient financial plan amid economic uncertainties like inflation or market volatility?
   • Implementing complex structured investments to have downside protection but also uncapped upside growth. 
   • Though complex, I can explain in simple terms where it is a perfect start for someone that has never started investing and is too afraid of risk. 
   • Conversely, it can be implemented for seasoned investors amidst economic uncertainty, to protect their growth. 
6. Community Connections: How has networking within Asian American professional groups—and any finance networks—helped you mentor others or uncover hidden opportunities in the industry?
   • By volunteering as mentors within Asian American professional groups, you reinforce your own leadership skills while helping mentees build confidence, navigate career paths, and set financial goals aligned with each of their values. Once trust is built, they will tell others about me. 
7. Balancing Act: For Asian American professionals juggling family duties and high-stakes finance careers, how do you incorporate networking into your routine without burnout, and what's a tip for Financial Planning Month?
   • Engage in community events where family participation is welcome, blending personal and professional life.
   • Focus on meaningful, purposeful networking rather than attending every event. Choose gatherings that align with both professional goals and personal values, such as culturally specific finance groups or mentorship circles.
8. Inspirational Story: Tell us about a time when a financial planning decision, influenced by your cultural background, led to a major life or career win—and how networking amplified that success.
   • I tell my life story to all my prospects, of how my parents struggled to get to America and worked 2-3 jobs. Most Asian Americans can relate, either by their own experience or their parent's experience. Don't be afraid to tell your life story, be genuine instead of making things up or telling other people's stories. 
9. Advice for Newcomers: If you could time-travel back to your first finance job, what one networking "hack" would you tell your younger self to build a stronger foundation during Financial Planning Month?
   • Think carefully about every decision that you come across. Should you go here or there, should you do this or that? Choose quality over quantity, every time. Choosing quality is like the foundation that pays dividends in the finance world. 
10. Vision Forward: Looking ahead, how do you see Asian American leaders reshaping the finance landscape through inclusive networking and innovative planning strategies—what's one trend you're excited about?
    • The expansion of mental health. In finance, I focus on helping clients get peace of mind. Taking the emotional stress out of investing provides a clear mind and allows clients to start investing, versus worrying about choosing the perfect investment, because there is no such thing as perfection. 
11. Next Steps: What's next for you? With NAAAP Tampa? Career? 
    • I am trending toward quality clients and quality networking opportunities. My time will become more valuable as time passes. However, I do want to help everyone that I can. Everyone deserves that help. I want to expand my team and mentor other financial professionals to help everyone that I can't get to. I am excited about the professionals that are involved in NAAAP and how we can help each other. 

• Join NAAAP Tampa: https://tampa.naaap.org/join
• Connect with Lam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lam-nguyen-51964433/

Ready to connect with leaders like Lam and expand your own professional network? Join NAAAP Tampa today and discover a community where your heritage is celebrated, your ambitions are supported, and your success contributes to something bigger than yourself. Visit us to meet Lam and fellow Asian American professionals who are shaping Tampa Bay's future—one connection at a time.