Quang X. Pham understands what it means to be an underdog.
As a boy, he was a refugee from the war in Vietnam, coming to America with his mother and sisters and without his father, who remained behind to defend his home country. He started his new life with nothing. He didn’t even speak English.
But with hard work, a can-do attitude and a commitment to achieving his goals, Pham went on to do things that no one expected.
He excelled in sports he’d previously never played. He served his adopted country as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. He went to college and eventually became the number one biotech rep for the number one biotech company in the world. He launched his own biotech startups and published a book about his experiences. And today, he is chairman and CEO of Cadrenal Therapeutics, which is developing an oral anti-coagulant called tecarfarin, an alternative to the dominant warfarin.
Added to all of this, he is now a two-time published author. His most recent book, “Underdog Nation,” shares the lessons he’s learned on the path to success, and it has already hit number one in six categories on Amazon. At just 200 pages, it’s a quick read, but it’s full of useful information, action plans and clarity for those who do not quite believe that, as “underdogs,” they can get ahead.
The central idea behind “Underdog Nation” is that, no matter what disadvantages we feel hinder our efforts, we Americans are in a place where opportunity thrives – if we have the will to do something about it.
This might mean not following the traditional path. It definitely means taking the initiative and doing more than is expected. For immigrants, Pham’s number one piece of advice is to learn English. After that, “underdogs,” must be willing to “go after it” and must produce results.
In some cases, it means remaining in a job you’d rather quit, always being prepared should the right opportunity arrive. As Pham puts it: “Love what you do until you can do what you love.”
Considering himself “one of the luckiest people to come out of the Vietnam War,” he acknowledges the role of luck, but says, “Luck comes to those who are prepared.”
Pham’s military background informs much of his advice, though “underdogs” without the benefit of that experience can still find resources in their own pasts upon which they can build success.
One key lesson he learned in the Marines was the importance of being decisive. “Move, attack or retreat” – one must act. The book addresses this in each chapter with what Pham calls “reflactions” – where reflection meets action.
“There are dreamers and doers,” Pham said. “Underdogs are doers. Underdogs also reflect and take action.”
“Underdog Nation” is unlike the many other books that offer advice on success. Pham believes these books make things unnecessarily complicated.
He writes in his introduction: “The mission of this book is not to further complicate how you chart a path to professional and personal success – the mission is to simplify it.”
“Underdog Nation” is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
For further information, go to quangxpham.com.
