Success in business is always a human story

DNHN - Those were the insights shared by Ms. Lirone Glikman, a global expert in strategic networking, in her conversation with Enterprise and Integration Magazine during her Asia tour and the launch of her book The Super Connector’s Playbook in Vietnam.

Innovative entrepreneurship is not merely about technology or capital, but about a culture of bold thinking, daring to act, and a readiness to integrate globally. The lessons from Israel serve as a valuable compass for Vietnam to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. Enterprise and Integration Magazine had an engaging conversation with Ms. Lirone Glikman, a global expert in strategic networking.

Journalist: Israel is called the “Startup Nation” for its constant spirit of innovation. What is it in the cultural “DNA” that makes Israelis so willing to challenge limits and create new things?

Lirone Glikman: Originating from hardship and conflict, Israelis were forced to innovate to survive. Without natural resources, we placed human intelligence at the core.

Israel’s success proves that the road to prosperity is not paved only with victories but forged through failure, the courage to take risks, and a steadfast belief in human intellect as the most essential resource. Ranked second globally in the number of startups, after the United States, leading the world in R&D expenditure (over 6% of GDP), attracting $25.6 billion in venture capital in 2021 alone, and with 41 billionaires recognized by Forbes in 2025, Israel has demonstrated that it is not only the “Startup Nation” but also a global intellectual powerhouse, one well worth learning from as Vietnam fosters a new generation of business leaders.

What began as innovation in the defense sector has now expanded into all areas of life, becoming a part of the national culture. Israeli startups raised over $9 billion in just the first six months of 2025. With more than 20,000 startups and a fourth-place global ranking in startup ecosystems, Israel continues to lead the world through creativity.

Journalist: Could you share the secret behind Israel’s startup success? What are the unchanging principles that make Israeli relationship-building so unique?

Lirone Glikman: The five core pillars that shape Israel’s startup ecosystem are: flexible thinking to foster continuous innovation; conscious leadership that is authentic and connected; a mindset that embraces failure as an inevitable part of the journey; a spirit of lifelong learning; and a culture of deep, intentional connection, even with competitors.

In my view, the difference doesn’t lie in resources, but in mindset and the way communities are built and connected.

In building relationships, Israelis have a habit of helping one another, even without knowing each other. If someone needs advice, a connection, or an introduction, most people are willing to help. It’s a give-first approach that comes from the collective sense that “we are all in the same boat.”

A key principle is direct and informal communication, wasting no time on bureaucracy or pleasantries, but going straight to the point to build trust, test ideas, and collaborate quickly.

Military service also plays a significant role: many Israeli entrepreneurs come from elite units where they develop not only technical and leadership skills but also build tight-knit networks. This becomes a valuable foundation for launching and scaling startups.

Compared to many parts of the world where relationship-building takes time, in Israel, it is based on speed, trust, and action.

This has also been the inspiration for my book, "The Super Connector’s Playbook", in which I examine how people in different countries build relationships instinctively, and discovered that it always begins with giving.

Journalist: Israel is known for its model of “practical leadership” leading from experience. What lessons does this model offer to the world in the age of AI and globalization?

Lirone Glikman: Israeli leadership is defined by acting on values, rather than detached theory. In the age of AI and globalization, this is a vital lesson: technology must be built on a foundation of values that reflect our humanity and our mission.

Core values are deeply embedded in Israeli culture: no one is left behind, there’s always a solution, and people come first.

Journalist: Despite being globally recognized for its technological success, could failure itself be the key factor behind the resilience and deeper philosophy of renewal that defines Israel as the “Startup Nation”?

Lirone Glikman: In Israel, the failure rate for startups can reach up to 96% and is considered a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. We don’t shy away from it, we learn, share, and rise again, not to return faster, but to come back stronger and better, with the support of a community that is always ready to help. It is our willingness to take risks and the way we perceive failure that truly shapes the resilience of the “Startup Nation.”

It’s the willingness to take risks and the way we perceive failure that truly shapes the resilience of the “Startup Nation.”

Journalist: With your experience working in over 20 countries, what do you think gives Vietnam the strength to become the “next Israel”? And as it builds national centers for technology, digital assets, or AI alongside an innovation ecosystem, where should Vietnam begin?

Lirone Glikman: Vietnam has an incredible ability to learn and adapt, especially in the post-COVID era and during the wave of AI. Combined with a strong sense of community and remarkable resilience traits that also powered Israel’s rise, I believe Vietnam is well-positioned for innovation.

My advice is very clear: always start with people. Policies and data only matter when they are created to serve, empower, and ignite human intelligence, curiosity, and the courage to embrace failure. That’s the foundation for Vietnam to build a sustainable and unique innovation ecosystem.

Journalist: It is known that during this visit to Vietnam, as part of your Asia book tour, you are introducing your bestselling book The Super Connector’s Playbook. Carrying the message of distilling Israel’s leadership experience into a “global formula,” what would you like to convey to young startups, especially in today’s highly volatile context?

Lirone Glikman: A startup’s success depends on how you connect with yourself, with others, and with the unknown. That means cultivating flexible thinking, conscious leadership, a willingness to fail, lifelong learning, and building an unlimited, authentic network.

The Super Connector’s Playbook is not just theory; it provides a step-by-step roadmap for turning relationships into a fast and sustainable growth strategy.

In these volatile times, begin with clarity of purpose. Build your community. Walk with others. And connect with sincerity. With their adaptability and collaborative spirit, Vietnamese entrepreneurs can absolutely transform these qualities into powerful personal brands and global influence.

Thank you very much, Ms. Glikman.

Dr. Nguyen Thuy Lan