As I turn 30 and reflect on 2024, this year stands as a pivotal chapter in my life's journey. Looking back at my weekly diary entries, three major themes emerged that shaped my experiences: adaptation, growth, and connection.

This milestone year brought numerous opportunities for personal and professional development. From strengthening relationships and expanding my horizons to embracing new challenges, each experience contributed to my growth journey.

The year was filled with meaningful professional achievements, extensive travel opportunities, and moments of profound personal growth. These experiences have shaped my perspective and understanding of what truly matters.

As I write this annual review, I aim to reflect on these experiences and share the lessons learned, following the template that has guided my personal growth for the past decade. Through this process, I hope to appreciate the journey while strategically planning for what lies ahead.

Notes: See my previous Annual Reviews for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Part 1: Reflection and Gratitude

What am I grateful for?

As I reflect on 2024, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the profound ways my life has evolved. This year has been a tapestry of meaningful connections, personal growth, and professional achievements that have shaped me in ways I never anticipated.

My relationship with Klara continues to be the cornerstone of my personal growth. Together, we've transformed our apartment into a home, each decoration and arrangement telling the story of our shared journey. From quiet mornings with coffee to adventurous travels across Europe, every moment has deepened our connection. Her unwavering support has been my anchor through both celebrations and challenges.

February brought an unexpected joy into our lives when we welcomed Klementine, our Shiba Inu mix. The decision to adopt her has enriched our lives in countless ways. Through the daily rhythms of walks, training sessions, and quiet moments of affection, we've learned profound lessons about patience, responsibility, and unconditional love. Watching Klementine adapt to our family has added a new dimension of warmth and liveliness to our home.

Professionally, this year at Twelve Labs has exceeded my wildest expectations. The $50M Series A announcement wasn't just a validation of our technology – it was a testament to our team's relentless pursuit of innovation in video AI. Leading the Developer Experience initiatives and witnessing the successful launch of Jockey has been deeply fulfilling. Our expanding partnerships with industry giants like Databricks and Snowflake have opened new horizons for what we can achieve.

Perhaps most significantly, I've taken a crucial step toward putting down permanent roots in the United States. With the unwavering support of Twelve Labs leadership and guidance from Matten Law, initiating the Green Card application process feels like opening a new chapter in my American journey.

What are my magical moments?

January began with a profound reminder of life's impermanence as we gathered in Santa Rosa for Klara's grandfather's funeral. Amid the sadness, I witnessed the beautiful way her family came together, sharing stories and supporting each other. This experience helped me appreciate the preciousness of family bonds and the importance of making every moment count.

February brought the joy of welcoming Klementine into our lives. The day we adopted her from the Walnut Creek shelter marked the beginning of a beautiful adventure in pet parenthood. Watching her personality unfold and adapt to our home has been a daily source of delight.

March was marked by meaningful professional growth as I participated in the Q1 offsite and NVIDIA GTC, where collaboration with colleagues strengthened our team bonds. The month culminated in exciting developments for my Green Card application process, thanks to the support of Anthony, Jae, and Meredith.

April took me to Cambridge for the MIT Imagination in Action AI summit, where I had the privilege of speaking about our work at Twelve Labs. The energy of the academic environment and the intellectual discourse reminded me of why I fell in love with technology in the first place.

May brought the joy of family celebration as I attended my brother's graduation ceremony at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Being present for this milestone in his life filled me with pride and nostalgia.

June was a month of intense professional growth, highlighted by our presence at CVPR in Seattle. Between the conference sessions and family visits with my uncle, it was a perfect blend of professional development and personal connection.

July saw us exploring new horizons as Klara and I ventured to New Mexico, discovering the charm of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The trip offered a perfect balance of cultural exploration and relaxation.

In August and September, I traveled back to my hometown Hanoi, Vietnam to spend quality time with my family. The visit allowed me to reconnect with my roots, experience the new developments in the city, and prepare for the upcoming Seoul trip. Following this, I joined my colleagues for the Twelve Labs company offsite in Seoul, South Korea, where we strengthened team bonds and aligned on strategic initiatives.

October brought exciting adventures in Europe, starting with the historic streets of Paris, followed by the coastal beauty of Dubrovnik, the precision of Zurich, and the grandeur of Brussels. Each city left its unique imprint on our hearts. The month continued with the excitement of the GitHub Universe conference in Fort Mason and the joy of celebrating Halloween, creating memories with both professional colleagues and personal friends.

November was marked by gratitude as we celebrated Thanksgiving at the house of Klara’s mother, a reminder of how fortunate I am to be part of such a warm and welcoming family.

December closed the year with two significant professional events - AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas and NeurIPS in Vancouver. These conferences not only showcased our team's achievements but also reinforced the exciting future ahead in AI technology.

What steps have I taken to maximize my well-being?

My approach to well-being this year has been holistic and intentional. Physical health has been anchored by the joy of soccer, playing regularly at various San Francisco fields. The rhythm of these games, combined with diverse workout routines including yoga sessions and ClassPass activities, has kept me energized and balanced. Our daily walks with Klementine have added a new dimension to my fitness routine, providing both exercise and moments of mindfulness.

Mental health has been a priority through consistent practices of meditation and self-reflection. I've found great value in engaging with thought-provoking books and participating in intellectual discussions that challenge and expand my perspectives. Creating clear boundaries between work and personal life has allowed me to maintain focus while ensuring time for recovery and rejuvenation.

Financial well-being has taken a more structured approach this year. I've established new investment accounts with Capital One Savings and Vanguard Brokerage, implemented a detailed budgeting system through Nerd Wallet, and made thoughtful decisions about long-term investments. This financial foundation provides peace of mind and opens possibilities for future growth.

What are my personal accomplishments?

This year has been transformative for my personal growth. My relationship with Klara has deepened through shared experiences, challenges, and adventures. Together, we've created a warm and loving home, successfully integrated Klementine into our daily lives, and maintained strong connections with family across continents despite the physical distance.

I've grown significantly in my approach to personal finance, developing a more sophisticated understanding of investments and long-term financial planning. The experience of caring for Klementine has taught me valuable lessons in empathy and patience, while our international travels have enhanced my adaptability and cultural awareness.

What have I achieved professionally?

My professional journey this year has been marked by significant leadership growth at Twelve Labs. Taking charge of Developer Experience initiatives has allowed me to shape how developers interact with our technology. Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with major technology companies has expanded our impact in the industry, while the successful launch of Jockey has demonstrated our team's ability to deliver innovative solutions.

I've had the privilege of contributing to the broader tech community through conference presentations, organizing hackathons, and fostering the growth of the Multimodal AI community. The initiation of my Green Card application process represents not just a professional milestone, but a commitment to building a long-term future in the United States.

Through consistent engagement in thought leadership around video AI and developer tools, I've helped establish Twelve Labs as a respected voice in the industry. These achievements feel like just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.

Part 2: Knowledge Gained

My top 5 life lessons

These personal lessons helped me stay grounded, build resilience, and maintain perspective throughout the year:

Life moves faster than it seems: Through the experience of attending Klara's grandfather's funeral in January, I was reminded that we must make the most of our moments and not waste the precious time we have. In our final moments, people will only share memorable stories about us.
The power of commitment and adaptation: Adopting Klementine taught me that caring for another living being requires patience, consistency, and the willingness to adapt. This experience showed me how joy often comes packaged with responsibility and learning curves.
The necessity of balance and rest: I learned that growth and gains come from periods of rest, and that hard choices lead to an easier life while easy choices lead to a harder life. Physical exercise may be repetitive, but mental exercise must be eclectic.
The value of perspective-taking: I discovered that forgiveness is for those substantial enough to move on, and that learning to ignore things is a great path to inner peace. Good manners and tenacity matter more than raw talent.
The importance of self-awareness: Through various challenges, I learned that I must never compromise my self-story, and that happiness comes from my own actions rather than external validation. Being a "juicy peach" means accepting that not everyone will like peaches.

My top 5 career lessons

These professional lessons helped me navigate through challenges and grow in my role at Twelve Labs:

Strategic thinking drives impact: I learned to think at a higher abstraction level and focus on asking the right questions. Problem identification is a sound investment of time and energy, and the practice of judgment and reasoning needs to be continuously honed.
Building partnerships takes time: Through collaborations with companies like Databricks and Snowflake, I learned that strong partnerships require patience, serendipity, and the ability to speak the partner's language. The best outcomes come from optimizing for win-win scenarios.
Leadership is about empowerment: As I took on more leadership responsibilities, I learned that giving people opportunities to share their work brings joy, and that being an effective leader means challenging assumptions and fostering diverse opinions and worldviews.
Communication is crucial: The best skill is being able to communicate effectively both in writing and speaking. Clear thinking leads to clear communication, and surfacing relevant resources facilitates better conversations.
Growth requires embracing discomfort: I learned that the best art will always be the riskiest, and that setting ridiculously high goals means even failure will be above others' success. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is essential for professional growth.

What challenges did I face?

The path through 2024 wasn't without its obstacles. Here are the main challenges I encountered:

Managing increased responsibilities: With the launch of Jockey, expanding partnerships, and leading Developer Experience initiatives, I had to learn to delegate more effectively and maintain focus on high-priority tasks.
Balancing work and personal life: The intense travel schedule, including trips to places such as Hanoi, Seoul, Paris, Zurich, and Vancouver, required careful planning to maintain relationships and personal well-being.
Green Card application process: Navigating the complexities of the immigration system while maintaining high performance at work demanded patience and attention to detail.
Building and managing a team: Hiring and onboarding new team members like Kingston while ensuring their successful integration into the company culture presented new leadership challenges.

What am I willing to leave behind?

As I move forward, these are the things I'm ready to release:

The pressure of constant productivity: I've learned that my downtime is just as valuable as my uptime. I'm letting go of the need to maximize every moment and embracing the power of rest and reflection. In fact, I’m finishing this review from a nice cabin in Sun Valley, Idaho - where I’m on a ski trip with friends.
Fear of failure: Through various challenges this year, I've learned that failure is not just acceptable but necessary for growth. I'm leaving behind the paralysis that comes from fear of making mistakes.
The need for immediate results: Building meaningful partnerships and developing strong products takes time. I'm letting go of the desire for quick wins in favor of sustainable, long-term impact.
Perfectionism in communication: While maintaining high standards, I'm leaving behind the notion that every interaction needs to be perfect. Sometimes, being present and authentic is more valuable than being polished.

Part 3: Vision and Clarity

Health and Well-Being

My physical and mental health remains the foundation for everything else in life. This year has shown me the importance of consistent routines and mindful practices. In 2025, I aim to:

Maintain my soccer practice while incorporating new forms of exercise. My regular games across San Francisco fields have been a source of joy and fitness, but I want to diversify with swimming and resistance training.
Optimize sleep quality by following proven practices: avoiding caffeine after 2 PM, maintaining a cool and gadget-free bedroom, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine that includes reading.
Continue the therapeutic daily walks with Klementine, which provide both physical activity and mindfulness moments.

Self-Growth

The lessons from 2024 have taught me that growth comes from challenging assumptions and embracing discomfort. For 2025, I will:

Practice the "scout mindset" - approaching situations with curiosity rather than judgment, being willing to change my mind when presented with new evidence, and treating beliefs as hypotheses to be tested.
Focus on asking better questions. As learned through various partnerships and community building efforts this year, the right question can unlock deeper understanding and create meaningful connections.
Continue expanding my content diet through diverse reading materials, intellectual discussions, and exposure to new ideas.

Giving and Contributing

My role in the tech community has grown significantly in 2024. In 2025, I want to increase my impact by:

Mentoring emerging developers and contributing to their growth through the Multimodal AI community.
Sharing knowledge through technical content creation, conference talks, and community events.
Supporting others in their journey by being a better listener and creating spaces for authentic connection.

Love and Romance

My relationship with Klara has deepened beautifully in 2024. For 2025, I want to:

Continue creating shared experiences through travel, home projects, and daily moments of connection.
Practice active appreciation by expressing gratitude more frequently and acknowledging the small gestures that make our relationship special.
Build new traditions together, especially around caring for Klementine and making our home a nurturing space.

Creativity and Learning

The technical and leadership challenges of 2024 have expanded my creative horizons. In 2025, I aim to:

Improve my technical writing skills to better communicate complex ideas in video AI and developer tools.
Learn Korean to better connect with colleagues and understand the culture that influences many team members.
Return to photography and visual storytelling as creative outlets beyond work.

Spiritual

This year's experiences have highlighted the importance of inner work. For 2025, I will:

Develop a consistent meditation practice to enhance focus and emotional awareness.
Create more moments of solitude for deep thinking and reflection.
Practice gratitude daily, acknowledging both challenges and victories as opportunities for growth.

Recreation

Finding joy in leisure activities has been crucial for work-life balance. In 2025, I want to:

Continue exploring San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems with Klara and Klementine.
Maintain regular soccer games as both exercise and social connection.
Discover new hobbies that challenge me physically and mentally.

Happiness

True contentment comes from alignment between values and actions. In 2025, I will focus on:

Building stronger boundaries between work and personal time to ensure full presence in both domains.
Cultivating relationships that energize and inspire me.
Creating small daily rituals that bring joy and meaning.

Financial and Investments

2024 saw significant progress in financial organization. For 2025, I plan to:

Continue maximizing retirement contributions through Roth IRA and other investment vehicles.
Maintain the disciplined budgeting system established through Nerd Wallet.
Explore new investment opportunities while maintaining a balanced, long-term perspective.

Professional and Career

Leading Developer Experience at Twelve Labs has been rewarding. In 2025, I aim to:

Scale the impact of our developer community through strategic programs and partnerships.
Develop stronger leadership skills as the team grows.
Continue contributing to the company's thought leadership in video AI.

Adventure and Travel

2024's European journey has rekindled my love for exploration. In 2025, I want to:

Plan strategic international or US trips that combine professional opportunities with personal exploration.
Explore more of the American Southwest, following up on our New Mexico experience.
Create memorable adventures with Klara and Klementine closer to home.

Theme for 2025: The Year of Intentional Impact

After a year of significant growth and adventure in 2024, I want to focus 2025 on creating meaningful, lasting impact across all areas of my life. This means being more intentional about how I spend my time, energy, and resources, ensuring that my actions align with my values and contribute to long-term positive change. Whether it's through professional leadership, personal relationships, or community engagement, every decision should be guided by the question: "How can this create lasting value?"

Conclusion

As an avid reader, I want to round up my review with the list of books that I read this year:

The Making of a Manager (by Julie Zhuo)

Psych (by Paul Bloom)
The World I See (by Fei-Fei Li)
Clear Thinking (by Shane Parrish)
The Diary of a CEO (by Steven Barlett)
Poor Charlie Almanack (by Charles Munger)
Scaling People (by Claire-Hughes Johnson)
Right Thing, Right Now (by Ryan Holiday)
Discipline is Destiny (by Ryan Holiday)
Tuesdays with Morrie (by Mitch Albom)
On Intelligence (by Jeff Hawkins)
The Untethered Soul (by Peter Singer)
The End of Race Politics (by Coleman Hughes)
Breaking Through (by Katalin Kariko)
Slow Productivity (by Cal Newport)
The Algebra of Wealth (by Scott Galloway)
Troubled (by Rob Henderson)
Not The End of the World (by Hannah Ritchie)
Never Split The Difference (by Chris Voss)
Radical Candor (by Kim Scott)
Uncanny Valley (by Anna Wiener)
Troublemakers (by Leslie Berlin)
The Code (by Margaret O’Mara)
Becoming Bulletproof (by Evy Poumpouras)
The NVIDIA Way (by Tae Kim)

Happy 2025!