Dream Big. It’s Time to Shine!

In this blog post, Nhung Phung, Rank’s 2024 Time to Shine Leader, reflects on her transformative journey throughout the Time to Shine programme.

Almost a year ago, I embarked on an incredible journey as a Time to Shine Leader with The Rank Foundation, stepping into the role of Communications & Impact Officer.

Back then, I could never have imagined how much this experience would transform me, not just professionally, but personally too. Today, as this chapter comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey, the growth, and the lessons I’ll carry forward. 

If you’ve read my first blog post, you’ll remember I wrote about my apprehensions and self-doubt. At the time, I felt unsure of myself, overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, and unsure if I belonged in a space filled with such accomplished leaders. Looking back now, I stand as a much more confident and capable version of myself, enriched by the incredible opportunities I have been given to try, learn, and thrive in ways I never thought possible.

Through my role, I’ve had the opportunity to actively contribute to Rank’s external and internal communications: producing communications & marketing materials, managing communications platforms, supporting communications for the Fellowship, and marketing and event organisation for our coworking space—Rank’s first social enterprise. These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop a multidisciplinary skill set.

One of the proudest moments for me was stepping onto the stage at Rank’s Annual Conference in Manchester, doing the showcase alongside my Time to Shine team to over 300 guests. A year ago, public speaking seemed far beyond my reach, but thanks to the support and learning sessions, like the one led by Jen Mackay during the Review Conference, I found the courage to face this challenge.

But perhaps the most profound lesson I’ve learned is about leadership itself. Before this programme, I never thought of myself as a leader. I was timid, and thought leadership meant having followers or wielding authority. Rank showed me otherwise.

For me, leadership is about leading by example: staying true to your values, uplifting others, and embracing humility. This journey allowed me to reflect on my roots and the example I hope to set. Coming from a small, mountainous area in Northern Vietnam, I was the first in my family to pursue higher education. I dreamt of becoming a communications practitioner in the social sector, working for social impact organisations as inspiring as Rank. Today, I see how my journey has (somehow unknowingly) inspired others, especially young Vietnamese girls, to dream big and pursue the seemingly impossible.

Although the Time to Shine programme has come to an end, my journey with Rank continues. I’m ready to embrace new opportunities, challenges, and moments of growth. This is not an end—it’s a new beginning.

I want to say thank you, to The Rank Foundation for believing in me, to my incredible line-manager, colleagues, facilitators, and my fellow Time to Shine cohort for walking this journey with me. And thank you to my younger self for daring to dream and never giving up.

To anyone reading this, especially those wondering if they’re capable of something bigger: Dream big. You might surprise yourself.