Happy New Year: A Time for Fresh Starts and Big Dreams
I hope 2025 is off to a good start for all of my readers. As someone who grew up in warm, sunny Southern California, I’m still adjusting to not being able to wear shorts at Christmas time. The colder winters here in Japan have taught me to embrace new traditions, like the annual New Year’s house cleaning, which feels like a symbolic way to start fresh.
During this ritual, you might stumble across an old journal entry or a note you wrote as a child about your dreams for the future. Have you followed that path, or have new dreams emerged? Whether you’re chasing something new or revisiting a long-forgotten goal, the New Year is a perfect time to reflect, reset, and move forward.
Having lived in Japan for 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how this culture values fresh beginnings. My own journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve had the good fortune of learning from excellent mentors—and a fair share of trial and error. What I’ve realized is that setbacks aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. Failure, I’ve come to believe, is the fertilizer for future success. The key is to keep going, one step at a time.
Now, as I enter my 25th year as an MBA/Grad School Admissions Consultant, nearly 20 years as a corporate trainer, and three years as a university instructor, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless Japanese students and professionals prepare for global roles. These experiences have taught me that success often means stepping outside your comfort zone, adapting to change, and staying committed to growth.
This article shares lessons I’ve learned through the years—strategies to help you thrive in the global workforce and inspire you to dream big, whether you’re pursuing new goals or rekindling old ones.
1. Skills for Global Success
Success in today’s interconnected economy goes beyond technical expertise. It’s about adaptability, communication, and relationship-building.
Adaptability: Moving to Japan taught me to adjust to different rhythms and expectations, much like one of my clients who worked in Southeast Asia and had to adapt to flexible deadlines. It wasn’t easy for them, just as it wasn’t easy for me to learn how to navigate Japan’s unspoken rules. But patience and persistence helped us both thrive.
Language Proficiency: Growing up in multicultural California gave me an edge, but living in Japan showed me how much nuance matters in language. One client in the U.S. shared how improving their English allowed them to confidently participate in meetings and share ideas, leading to career growth.
Networking: Building relationships can feel daunting, especially in a new culture. A Japanese MBA graduate I worked with in Germany found that informal gatherings like Friday barbecues helped them build trust with colleagues. Similarly, I’ve discovered that grabbing coffee with a colleague often leads to the most meaningful connections.
2. Deepening Cross-Cultural Leadership
Leadership is about more than managing tasks—it’s about connecting with people. Leading across cultures adds another layer of complexity but also offers incredible opportunities for growth.
Empathy in Leadership: One Japanese manager in China shared how celebrating their team’s cultural holidays, like Lunar New Year, built camaraderie and trust. I’ve learned to apply this lesson myself, taking time to understand and appreciate the unique backgrounds of the people I work with.
Bridging Hierarchies: Having grown up in the U.S., I was used to more direct communication and merit-based recognition. Learning to navigate Japan’s seniority-based work culture was a challenge, but it also helped me guide clients adjusting to Western norms. One client in Silicon Valley shared how focusing on individual contributions helped them lead effectively in a meritocracy.
3. Professional Etiquette in Cross-Cultural Contexts
Cultural awareness is critical for avoiding misunderstandings and building rapport in international settings. Understanding workplace norms and etiquette can bridge communication gaps and foster positive working relationships.
Feedback Etiquette: Small adjustments in how feedback is delivered can have a significant impact. A Japanese manager working in the UK initially struggled with the directness expected in feedback sessions. By incorporating elements of appreciation and framing feedback constructively, they improved team morale and dynamics while maintaining a respectful approach.
Meeting Styles: Meeting norms vary widely across cultures. For instance, a Japanese professional working in Canada observed that Canadian meetings tend to be more collaborative and agenda-driven compared to Japan’s detailed, consensus-focused discussions. To align with Canadian expectations, they started preparing concise agendas, setting clear objectives, and summarizing key takeaways while still valuing thorough preparation from their Japanese background.
Workplace Formality: Cultural contexts around workplace formalities can differ greatly. A client in Singapore learned to navigate the balance between formal business etiquette and the informal communication style preferred by younger colleagues. Adjusting their tone and language based on the audience helped them build rapport across generational and cultural lines.
Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal cues like eye contact and body language can vary significantly. A Japanese engineer working in Brazil noticed that maintaining eye contact during discussions was crucial for establishing trust, even though it felt less customary compared to Japanese norms. Similarly, adopting open and expressive gestures helped them connect better with colleagues.
Social Contexts: Understanding informal workplace customs can strengthen relationships. A Japanese professional in Australia shared how participating in team lunches and casual conversations helped them break down cultural barriers and build trust with their team.
4. The Power of Global Networking
Networking often feels unfamiliar to many Japanese professionals, as it involves a level of personal outreach and casual interaction that may not be emphasized in traditional Japanese workplaces. However, networking is a skill that can transform careers, opening doors to opportunities and fostering lasting professional relationships.
LinkedIn for Networking: LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for building global connections, yet many professionals underutilize it. One client in Europe discovered the platform’s potential by engaging with industry-related posts, sharing insights, and participating in professional discussions. These activities not only increased their visibility but also led to meaningful collaborations, such as being invited to co-author a report on market trends.
Alumni Networks: Alumni networks provide more than just career opportunities—they offer a sense of belonging in foreign environments. For instance, a Japanese MBA graduate in Singapore shared how joining their university’s alumni network helped them find mentors and navigate their industry more effectively. The shared bond of attending the same school created a foundation of trust, which was especially comforting while adjusting to a new cultural and professional landscape. Alumni networks can also be a source of lifelong friendships, turning a professional resource into a personal support system.
Informal Interactions: Beyond formal networking platforms, informal interactions like coffee chats or attending local professional events can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Why This Matters
Success in the global workforce goes far beyond expertise. It requires resilience to overcome setbacks, adaptability to thrive in ever-changing environments, and a willingness to continuously learn and grow. Challenges will inevitably arise, whether it’s adjusting to a new culture, learning a new skill, or rebuilding after failure. However, each obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger, refine your approach, and move closer to your goals.
As we step into the New Year, take a moment to reflect on your dreams. Are there aspirations you’ve put on hold, or new goals you’re ready to pursue? It’s never too late to challenge yourself, whether that means taking the first step toward a long-term ambition, rekindling a forgotten dream, or daring to aim higher than you thought possible.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, setbacks are not the end of the road—they are part of the journey. Every stumble is a lesson, every delay a chance to reassess and strengthen your resolve. By staying open to learning and remaining persistent, you can transform even the toughest challenges into stepping stones for success.
Make 2025 the year you dare to dream big, push beyond your comfort zone, and take bold steps toward your aspirations. Whether your goals are personal or professional, local or global, the journey you embark on this year could be the foundation for something extraordinary.