Since joining Slalom 10 years ago, Cindy Tran has held four positions with the company. She assumed her current managing director role just a couple of months after the global pandemic took hold. She oversees the client account management team and fosters client and community relationships. As a first-generation Asian-American, Tran also works with young adults in the AAPI community to provide guidance on career development, networking, entrepreneurship, and more.
Education: The University of Kansas (BS-Journalism & Strategic Communications)
Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas
First Job: “I waited tables at a high-end restaurant, and I learned so many skills that translate to the business world. It’s glamorous but dirty; it’s tiring but fun. I learned to socialize ‘just enough but not too much’ and read my customers. I also learned that eating good food and seeing how it brings people together feeds not just your stomach but your soul.”
Who I Admire: “Hands down, my grandma. She cared for my siblings and me when our parents worked opposite shifts. She taught us about a parent’s ultimate sacrifice for others, how to cook, and be a good human being no matter how little you may have.”
Best Advice: “Work hard to help everyone around you achieve success, and everything will fall into place.”
Destination of Choice: “Japan. The food and culture are such a departure from what we have in the U.S., and in a span of a few hours on a train, you can go from ultra-modern to serene and traditional.”
Nonprofit Cause: “North Texas Food Bank, as my family benefited from food banks when we were growing up.”
Hobby/Passion: “My husband and I learned to golf seven years ago with friends. I thought I would hate it because it looked stressful, but it forces you to clear your mind and be fully present. It has been a great way to connect with friends, family, coworkers, and clients.”
Favorite Thing: “A picture of a small fishing boat loaded up with people, as it was the start of our family’s journey to the United States, which began a new life for us. It hangs above our dining room table and reminds me every day of our humble beginnings.”
Proud Moment: “Slalom has taken a bold stance in committing to being people-first and staying true to our core values. We put a focused effort on preserving our workforce, increased wellness programs, and took a public, bold stance for BLM and put dollars and actions for commitment to justice, humanity, and equality.”
2020 Taught Me: “We all have more grit, perseverance, and grace than we all give ourselves credit for.”
Future Forecast: “I’m excited about the progress we are making as a community around inclusion and diversity in the workplace, as well as racial and gender equity in our community. We have a lot of work to do still, but the committed action and meaningful dialogue have been encouraging.”
This Q&A is extended content from Dallas 500, a special edition produced by D CEO that profiles the region’s most influential business leaders. Visit www.dallas500.com for details.
