Last week, I wrote about facilitating an HRBP transformation session in Tokyo and how rewarding it was to discuss the role of HR Business Partners in Japanese. At the time, I thought it would probably be my last trip to Japan this year.
Apparently not.
This week, I found out that I'll be heading back to Tokyo in mid-November for another round of client meetings, workshops, demos and discussions. The schedule is still coming together, but I was genuinely excited when I heard the news. Ten days in Japan wasn't nearly enough.
One of the things I enjoy most about consulting is that the work rarely stops when a workshop ends. The best sessions usually generate more questions than answers. People leave with new ideas, different perspectives and a clearer picture of what might be possible. The follow-up conversations are often where things become really interesting.
That's especially true for the kind of work we're doing at JCO. Whether we're helping clients think differently about HR, leadership, talent, employee experience, AI or broader transformation challenges, the goal isn't to present a perfect answer. It's to help organizations connect the dots between where they are today and where they want to be tomorrow.
What I enjoy most is seeing that moment when a discussion shifts from theory to reality. A framework becomes a practical solution. A demonstration sparks a new idea. A challenge that seemed complex suddenly feels manageable. Those are the moments that create energy, and those are the conversations I'm looking forward to continuing in November.
Of course, there is also a personal side to this.
My recent trip was so busy that I barely managed to catch up with friends. Every evening seemed to disappear into another meeting, workshop, dinner or train journey. There were quite a few messages along the lines of "let's meet next time," which is always slightly disappointing when you don't know when next time will be.
Now I do.
One of the reasons I still enjoy travelling to Japan so much is that it never feels like just a business trip. Having lived and worked there for several years, every visit is a mixture of professional opportunities and personal connections. There is always a familiar station, restaurant, street corner or conversation waiting for me.
A few years ago, I never would have imagined that I would still be returning regularly to facilitate sessions, demonstrate new solutions and support clients in Japanese. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. Looking forward from that point in my career, I would never have predicted it.
Sometimes the most interesting opportunities come from conversations that continue rather than projects that end. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next round of discussions leads and, if all goes well, finally finding time to catch up with a few friends as well.
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