Tam Pham

I’ve optimized my life around two things

Learning: I love the entire process of sharpening my craft. The feeling of challenging myself and growing 1% every day makes me feel alive.

Community: An amazing day is when I spend quality time with my people!!

I’m obsessed with Bachata

Partner dance has always terrified me. So I made it my New Year’s resolution to take an intro Bachata class in 2019 and luckily, I survived. Fast forward to today, I've danced all over the world, learned from the best teachers, and even became a teacher myself.

I created Bachata Library, a complete system to help you learn bachata fast and shine on the dance floor. Say hi to me on Instagram @tamphambachata. 😀

I’m a writer, marketer, and community builder

I'm the author of three books. Most recently, I was a Writer and Experience Designer for Hustle Fund VC. You can see my full work experience here.

While I’m proud of what I do for work, it’s no longer the one thing that truly defines me. I believe we should all be ruthlessly honest about why we work.

I’m based in CDMX and Toronto

I grew up in San Jose, California and I couldn't wait to leave the boring suburb life. I've tested out the intense "digital nomad" life but constant travel wasn't for me either.

I tried slow living in just a few places that I loved and found this to be a much better lifestyle. I get the best of both worlds: community + adventure/novelty. 🌎

I spend most of my time in CDMX and Toronto, with pit stops back home in California or short trips to other parts of the world. But I always come back to my home bases.

I used to be a chess expert

I played chess in high school but peaked at 1400 ELO (average player). It wasn’t until I embarked on a chess sabbatical that catapulted me to expert level at 2000 ELO (top 4% in the U.S).

That sabbatical pushed me to my absolute limit and I loved it—easily a top 5 life experience. But I don't play much nowadays as I'm too focused on dance.

I publish a life reflection every year

Every year on my birthday, I reflect on my highs, lows, and everything in between.

Past editions: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

This tradition is an amazing way to measure backward and appreciate how far I've come.

Here's what I'm up to right now. ✌️

My blog

This site is purely about the life experiences and ramblings of Tam Pham.

I’ll write whatever I feel like, whenever I want, with no goal of turning this blog into a full-time business. You know, like how blogging used to be back in 2008.

If you want to follow my adventures, subscribe for more.

Or don’t. Life is short – make the most out of your wild and precious life.