As Senior Consultant & USA representative at Japan Consulting Office, I deliver customized training programs and consulting services to help global professionals succeed in Japan’s unique business environment. My focus is on bridging cultural differences, enhancing communication skills, and fostering leadership in Japanese workplaces.Key Responsibilities:- Cultural & Leadership Training: Facilitate workshops and webinars focused on Japanese business culture, cross-cultural communication, and leadership development.- Business Development: Drive business growth by identifying client needs, developing tailored training solutions, and managing client relationships to ensure long-term partnerships.- Executive Coaching: Provide one-on-one coaching to senior executives, helping them navigate Japanese corporate culture and improve team performance.- Program Design: Develop customized training programs for clients

I collaborated closely with the co-founders to establish a dynamic and scalable Operations & HR department, strategically positioning The Workplace Wellness Project for sustained growth. My responsibilities included a diverse range of areas, encompassing:● Proficient management of payroll and HR functions, ensuring seamless employee experiences throughout their journey with the organization.● Championing process enhancements aimed at optimizing efficiency and resource utilization across all operational facets.● Expert oversight of vendor relationships, contract negotiations, invoicing processes, and meticulous tax and accounting compliance.● Diligent management of IT infrastructure and data security protocols to safeguard organizational assets and uphold confidentiality standards.● Driving recruitment initiatives and nurturing talent pipelines to sustainably fuel the company's growth trajectory while actively managing and enhancing its brand reputation.Notable achievements under my purview include:● Selection and implementation of a Learning Management System for a better end-user experience and enhanced data collection, a huge change from years of Gcal invitations & emails. ● Implementation of innovative software solutions resulting in significant time savings and enhanced operational effectiveness.● Introduction of automated session scheduling and client reminder systems, leading to notable increases in usage rates and client engagement.● Successful integration of platforms such as Monday.com and Harvest, facilitating improved data tracking and analytics capabilities.● Deployment of Rippling HRIS to streamline employee management processes and elevate overall employee experience.● Strategic improvements to benefits selection processes for the years 2023 and 2024, aligning offerings with employee needs and preferences.● Overhaul of the leave system to incentivize and promote the utilization of paid time off, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

My responsibilities encompassed:● Overseeing Payroll & HR management, ensuring accurate and efficient processing.● Streamlining general operations and workflows to optimize productivity and effectiveness.● Elevating the recruiting cycle and brand management strategies to attract top-tier talent.● Proactively managing talent pipelines to sustain organizational growth and success.● Comprehensive documentation and updating of training manuals, alongside the implementation of structured training schedules.● Conducting staff investigations and facilitating mediation to resolve workplace conflicts effectively.Some notable achievements include:● Introduction of innovative internal communication methods, resulting in expedited patient check-outs and heightened satisfaction.● Strategic recruitment of key personnel, including a CSR Manager and a Customer Service Coordinator, alongside the addition of three additional CSR staff, significantly bolstering customer service capabilities.● Substantial reduction in meal penalties paid to staff for tardiness during lunch breaks, demonstrating improved adherence to schedules and operational efficiency.● Achievement of the highest-ever average rating and Net Promoter Score (NPS), underscoring enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Japan Consulting Office (JCO) specializes in improving efficiency in the workplace and communications between Japanese and non-Japanese colleagues. My role involves delivering public courses and customized in-house training programs, covering areas such as cultural awareness, leadership, and post-merger integration.

Some of my achievements:● Established the US HR department from inception, including research and implementation of payroll & HRIS software, benefits administration, and conflict mediation.● Successfully expanded team size from 1 to 10 within a six-month period, attracting and retaining diverse talent globally.● Served as Administrator and Helpdesk for various software applications (Concur, Xero, Rippling platform, Zendesk, etc.) for both employees and vendors.● Managed CEO's schedule and performed other executive assistant duties.● Orchestrated office relocation and oversaw local vendor management, including lease contracts and procurement of furniture and office supplies.● Directed complex localization projects involving 50+ languages for tech clients.

As the first non-native member of the HR Department, I focused on understanding and addressing the needs of the diverse workforce. I developed and presented a targeted action plan to senior management, resulting in immediate improvements in employee engagement and retention.Additionally, I undertook a multifaceted approach to further bolster inclusivity and foster cultural understanding within the organization:● Conducted extensive training sessions and facilitated group discussions across various locations nationwide, imparting crucial skills in cross-cultural communication, storytelling, and global business practices.● Spearheaded the creation of a dynamic Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) platform from inception, leveraging AEM to develop engaging content including original English articles and Japanese translations, thereby amplifying accessibility and relevance.● Functioned as a mediator in resolving conflicts and fostering constructive dialogue between non-native employees and their superiors, promoting harmony and mutual understanding.● Designed and executed comprehensive bilingual onboarding programs tailored to the unique needs of newly hired bilingual staff members, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with organizational culture.● Played a pivotal role in orchestrating global events and seminars, including contributions to the prestigious Deloitte University APAC, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on an international scale.● Initiated and managed an internal language buddy system, facilitating cross-language exchange and enhancing camaraderie among employees.● Acted as a proactive Brand Ambassador during the rollout of the new Deloitte brand in 2016, leveraging the opportunity to reinforce employee engagement and commitment within the non-native Deloitte community through targeted initiatives and communication strategies.

Assisted in business development, cross-cultural communication & change management.

• Developed and wrote a full 1-day diversity program, focusing on age, gender and nationality• Developed an unconscious bias workshop• Delivered these programs to internal clients

• Developed plan on how to improve Globis brand awareness in South-East Asia.• Improved traffic to Globis.jp site, improved English level of websites and MBA program syllabi• Launched the English division of the Globis MBA alumni Association, including a mentorship program and planned and coordinated events in Japan and local chapters in South-East Asia.

Co-founded the Japan Cultural Center NPO to bring authentic Japanese culture to Belgium; managed to become the go-to npo for Japanese events - recognized and frequently employed by the Belgium-Japan Association as well as the Japanese Embassy in Belgium.- Planned and executed a 12-month celebration for the 20th anniversary of the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, including media deals and over 40 events in the Garden and at other venues around Hasselt city (29'000 USD budget). Some of these events are still being repeated every year.- Built and managed a community of up to 100 volunteers who assisted at events- Played concerts and executed Japanese drumming workshops at hundreds of schools

From a lean start-up, went from small events to planning and executing incentive days & events for up to 100 participants, consisting of Japanese-themed activities and concerts, including gifts and catering.- Built a fast growing business relying on word-of-mouth, networking, and internet presence only- Executed on-site cross-cultural training and problem solving for Sony, Fuji, ...- Developed and executed a 1-day cultural training program to be a part of Nitto Denko’s “Nitto Way” training for new hires

Expanded business into the Japanese market and effectively organized the Belgium office during its start-up phase. Helped build the foundation for a steady sales growth of 20% per year. Lead a close- knit team of 10 sales and technical staff.Interim Director 2007-2008• Assisted in worldwide planning of future direction (offices in Belgium, South-Africa, Canada)• Conducted HR management of Belgium Office, including wage negotiations and incentive managementOffice Manager to Senior Office Manager 1998-2007• Reduced outstanding customer payments from 6 months to under 30 days within the first 6 months• Organized booths and attended European Motorcycle Parts shows• Reduced worldwide delivery delays from 50% to 10% thanks to more effective factory planning

• Translating and interpreting Dutch, English, French and Japanese.• Teaching English and French language classes.• Tour guide and responsible person for official city visitors from sister cities and Fulbright program.• Writing and delivering speeches about Europe and Belgium, and organizing other international activities.