From Tokyo to Texas: Driving global talent development with Japan Consulting Office
At Japan Consulting Office, we believe that meaningful work happens not just in boardrooms and Zoom calls, but in the conversations, shared meals, and unexpected moments that unfold when we step into new environments. Last week, I had the opportunity to do just that during a work visit to Houston and Dallas, two vibrant cities that offered not only professional insights but also personal reconnections and cultural experiences.
This trip was a reminder of why I love working at the intersection of global talent, cross-cultural learning, and strategic partnerships. Whether it’s hearing firsthand how a new initiative is making a difference, or exploring new ways to collaborate across borders, these encounters fuel the work we do at JCO and reaffirm the importance of staying globally curious and locally engaged.
Houston Highlights
My first stop was Houston, where I met with a representative from Mitsui. It was energizing to hear their enthusiastic feedback about the newest JCO eLearning module in Japanese, designed specifically for expats in the Americas. Their raving reviews confirmed what we’ve been hearing, that tailored, culturally sensitive learning tools are making a real impact in global mobility and talent development. I also caught up with a representative from JERA to discuss their evolving training needs. After nearly five years of working together, our cooperation remains strong, but as the world continues to change, so do the challenges and opportunities we face. Staying adaptable together is key.
Dallas Dialogues
From Houston, I headed to Dallas for a series of exciting meetings. I sat down with Kevin Naylor from Future Manager World and Takeshi Yamagishi from Quick USA to explore potential avenues for cooperation. The conversations were rich with ideas and possibilities, a true testament to the power of international collaboration.
Of course, no trip to Texas would be complete without BBQ, and Kevin introduced me to the legendary Hutchin’s BBQ. It was my first real Texas BBQ experience, and it did not disappoint: smoky, savory, and unforgettable.
Reconnecting Over Margaritas
The day ended on a nostalgic note with dinner at BlueMesa, where I reunited with an old friend I met over a decade ago at GLOBIS University in Japan. Catching up after ten years was heartwarming, and the food was fantastic, not to mention the biggest frozen margarita I’ve ever seen!
These kinds of visits always remind me how vital it is to keep a finger on the pulse of what's happening in and around Japan, especially when it comes to supporting expats and global talent. I always walk away having learned something new, and I’m grateful for the insights these encounters bring.
Want to know more about current Japanese business practices or need training and support? At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in equipping professionals to thrive in cross-cultural environments. Whether you’re looking for group training or one-on-one sessions, we’ve got you covered!
If you want to learn more about bridging language and cultural gaps in Japanese business, why not join one of our sessions! Here’s the link to upcoming sessions (make sure to select your timezone
