Welcome Corinne Trang
LEVEL Malmö has a new Head of Operations and Business Development
Corinne Trang is head of operations at Level, and we’re so glad to have her on the team. Corinne, can you please tell us a bit of your background? – My background is multi-faceted and multi-cultural. I was born in France and moved to Cambodia immediately after, living there for almost three years, before moving back to France and eventually to the United States. Since childhood, traveling has always been a source of inspiration, meeting people from different walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds. In addition, the diversity of Asia and Europe and their ethnic communities have always informed me in my private and professional life.
What made you apply for this job at Level? – I was very interested in this job for many reasons. As a consultant, I provide business development, branding, communications, and marketing services, with experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors; understanding both gives me an advantage. Level is a non-profit. Yet, the majority of people walking through our doors are for-profit. Our objective is to serve culturally diverse communities to increase their presence in the marketplace and provide a consistent revenue stream with growth opportunities while creating jobs. I have the elements required to develop a successful program and a trustworthy source for entrepreneurs of all ages and stages.
What is your vision with Level? – My vision with Level is to provide a service that gives ethnically diverse entrepreneurs the same opportunities as everyone else. In general, these folks are hardworking. They’ve known hardship, including war. They are survivors. They need a place to set aside the past and move forward openly and positively. Level will be a haven for them to create a bright future for themselves. In helping them step out of their comfort zone, we create a colorful Malmö that is not just another Swedish city but an international one that is easily accessible to all.
Which role do you want Level to take in Malmö? – I would love for Level to be known as the incubator that bridges cultures together, regardless of socio-economic background, creed, gender or race. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we are all in this together. That statement has never been so true.
How are you going to reach the diversity in Malmö? – Language, cultural perspective, and understanding are important. We, at Level, need to educate ourselves about the cultures that we are serving. We need to do our due diligence so that we may approach these folks intelligently, authentically, and transparently. It’s not enough to say, “how can I help you?” We must learn about them and their way of life to build trust and do the best job in supporting them. In respecting their culture, we create a path for mutual respect and understanding.
We have a strong outreach program in development, which will be implemented in phases over the next few months. I can tell you that there will be engaging hands-on business workshop series. As a teacher once said to me, “10% theory, 90% practice.” You can read all the books in the world, but you will never learn if you do not put theory to practice. It’s all about building confidence.