Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Bui.
Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been quite the rollercoaster, starting with humble beginnings as the son of hardworking Vietnamese refugees. Growing up in a working-class family, my parents poured their blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring that my three sisters and I had the opportunity to go to college. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for our education and careers. After graduating from Notre Dame with a bachelor’s in finance, I did what any unemployed person would do and went to law school. I had a 2-year stint as an attorney but realized it wasn’t for me. I took detours into finance, embracing the challenges and learning opportunities each presented. It was a dynamic period of exploration that added layers to my professional identity. Then came a pivotal moment when I decided to take a two-year hiatus from my career to be a stay-at-home dad. It was a deliberate choice to prioritize family and experience the joys and challenges of parenting firsthand. During this time, my family and I lived in Dublin, immersing ourselves in a different culture and lifestyle. My second child was born in Dublin. Returning to the United States marked the next chapter, and through a series of twists and turns, I found myself at Meta. Managing a global legal escalations/operations team in a tech giant like Meta wasn’t something I had initially envisioned, but life has a way of surprising us.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up relatively poor in Arkansas, I was surrounded by a strong sense of care and support from my family, especially my mom. With three sisters, the influence of powerful, resilient women has been a constant thread in my life. This theme continued when I met my now-wife, Becky, who brought her strength and perspective into my world. My career journey has been a mix of highs and lows. At times, progress felt slow, and the path to advancement seemed like an uphill climb. However, despite the challenges, I’ve come to appreciate the journey for what it is—an unpredictable ride filled with valuable experiences. There were moments when I took complex steps, like quitting a job or weathering the storm of a mass layoff. In those moments, I consciously prioritized what truly mattered—the quality of time spent with my children and Becky. This intentional break allowed me to not only reconnect with my immediate family but also explore the world and rediscover old connections. As I continue on this not-so-smooth road, I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the people encountered, and the moments of clarity. Life is never easy, but it’s the appreciation for the ups and downs that make it a meaningful and enriching adventure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my most recent role, I had the honor of leading two global teams dedicated to managing high-priority legal and regulatory escalations for Meta. Reflecting on this journey, I’m incredibly proud of the trajectory we charted as a team. The challenges we faced were particularly formidable, and the circumstances surrounding my appointment as global head in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, added an extra layer of complexity. Working in a fully remote setting during one of the most stressful periods in recent history—marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, new regulatory demands, and the intensity of the US 2020 elections—required us to navigate uncharted waters. I am immensely proud of how the team rose to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and exceptional teamwork to navigate the chaos of the elections and address the most intense fires we had ever encountered.
One aspect that sets me apart as a leader is my style. I place a strong emphasis on leading through people and empowering my team. In the dynamic role of a global senior leader, trust is paramount, and I believe in equipping individuals with the tools they need to be successful. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the growth of many talented individuals under my guidance, with many transitioning into leadership, policy, and program manager roles. This leadership style is deeply influenced by my upbringing and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from my family and my wife, Becky. I’ve adopted a philosophy of challenging those around me to reach higher standards while providing the support and encouragement necessary for them to excel. This blend of higher expectations and empowerment has not only shaped my leadership style but has also contributed to the success and development of those I’ve had the privilege to lead.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
One of the most meaningful aspects of my life is my role as a board member for the non-profit organization American Gateways. Their mission, which is to champion the dignity and human rights of immigrants, refugees, and survivors of persecution, torture, conflict, and human trafficking through exceptional immigration legal services at no or low cost, education, and advocacy, resonates deeply with me being the son of refugees, this mission strikes a chord with me. The opportunity to contribute to an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for individuals facing challenges similar to those my family once endured is an honor and a responsibility. My involvement with American Gateways began when my friend, Edna Yang, contacted me about joining the board. To say I was blown away is an understatement. The alignment of their mission with my personal history and values made it an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Witnessing the impactful work of American Gateways has been nothing short of powerful and amazing. The stories of refugees and immigrants they’ve helped and supported through low-cost or free legal services underscore the organization’s commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives. It’s more than just a cause; it’s a lifeline for vulnerable people. Having my name associated with such an impactful non-profit organization fills me with immense pride. Our work at American Gateways is not just about legal services; it’s about preserving dignity, recognizing human rights, and offering hope to those who need it the most. It’s a role that continues to humble me and reinforces the importance of giving back to a community that has faced similar challenges my family once overcame.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbui/
