Tra My Hoang
Performance Marketer

When Tra My joined the team as a performance marketer, she was looking for a role where data, ownership, and impact come together. After working in larger organizations, she found exactly that in a smaller team—along with more space to grow, contribute, and see the results of her work firsthand.

You joined the team as a performance marketer. How did your background lead you to this role?

I currently work as a performance marketer and joined the team over a year ago. Before this, I also worked in performance marketing, focusing on data-driven growth and optimization. This role felt like a natural next step, allowing me to deepen my expertise while being closer to the impact of my work.

You moved from a larger organization to a smaller team. How has that shift changed the way you experience your work?

In a larger company, I often felt more distant from the bigger picture. There was less ownership and fewer opportunities to see how everything connected. In a smaller team, I feel much closer to both the work and the results. I’m more involved, and it’s easier to see the direct impact of my contributions.

You were born and raised in Vietnam. How has that background influenced the way you approach both work and life?

Growing up in Vietnam and moving to the Netherlands has opened my mind. I’ve learned a lot about different cultures and ways of living. I’m grateful that I get to experience it all. It taught me to be more adaptable. I can adjust to different ways of working and communication at work. I feel like I can settle in many places and pick up new things and habits quickly.

How would you describe yourself outside of your role, and how does that show up in your daily routine?

I’d describe myself as calm, and I think that also reflects in the way I work. I enjoy balance and tend to appreciate small moments throughout the day that help me recharge.

What are those small moments?

Small creative moments, especially around food and baking, like trying new recipes and cooking. I also like to do movie nights every now and then. It’s nice to do little things that feel special to end a busy day or week.

Food clearly plays an important role for you. Are there dishes that feel especially close to home or that you really miss?

Bò kho, a Vietnamese beef stew, feels especially close to home for me. It’s rich, comforting, and very nostalgic, and every time I make it myself, it brings me right back.

Another dish I really miss is bánh gối, a Vietnamese fried pastry with a savory filling. It’s the Vietnamese version of an empanada. It’s hard to find in the Netherlands, and I crave it so much that I sometimes even text my mom about it—it’s just that good.

Your role is very data-driven, yet you also mentioned more intuitive interests. How do those sides come together for you?

I think I’m somewhere in between. I really enjoy working with data, numbers, and facts—they’re essential for my role. At the same time, I’m also drawn to more intuitive and creative topics, like Chinese zodiac and astrology readings. My family in Vietnam sometimes go to a fortune teller to get their readings. It’s just so interesting. It’s not meant to be serious but more like a lighthearted advice. I like having both sides in my life.

Where does that curiosity for less tangible topics come from?

I think it comes from a general curiosity about how things connect beyond what you can directly measure or explain. I enjoy stepping outside of logic sometimes and exploring ideas that leave room for interpretation. It’s a nice contrast to my very data-driven work and helps me stay open-minded and inspired.

Is there something small that can instantly improve your day?

A funny or relaxing podcast. I like to listen to a podcast on my bike ride to work. I look forward to the new episodes of my favorites every week. I save them for my commute so that in the morning, I feel more excited to start the day. Right now, some of my favorite podcasts are the Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya, Dead Meat Podcast, and Today, Explained.

When things get hectic, how do you like to reset, and what does an ideal day off look like for you?

Taking naps really helps me reset— even a short one clears my head and brings back a sense of balance. A perfect day with no responsibilities would be all about good food, snacks, naps in between, and no schedule at all. Just taking the day as it comes and enjoying the moment.

What ultimately motivated you to join this team?

I was drawn to how data-driven the team is. When I was applying for this position, I saw how much the company valued data and that resonated with me. And I still feel that to this day.

You travel back to Vietnam regularly and enjoy exploring new places. What destination is next on your list?

South Korea is high on my list. I’m very curious about the culture and definitely the food. I’d love to experience it for myself. There are no concrete plans yet, but it’s definitely something I’d like to plan when I have the time.

Looking ahead, if you had more time just for yourself, what would you love to explore or learn?

I’d love to try something creative that’s very different from my work, like pottery or another hands-on craft. Just creating things for fun, without pressure or expectations.