Cross Talk

Three individuals from different departments will today share their experiences and personal growth within the company.

Let's begin with introductions. After starting my career in sales at a trading company as a new graduate, I joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Uganda. My previous volunteer work in Africa motivated me to revisit a similar experience.

That's a bold decision!

After spending two years in volunteer work, I transitioned into construction consulting before joining Human Link.

What motivated you to make the move to Human Link?

I was eager to leverage my skills to improve the systems and communication methods of various organizations. Human Link recognized and valued my background in the trading industry and my international experience, which motivated me to join.

I share the same passion for international opportunities. Specifically, I was drawn to two aspects: connecting with people and working globally. So as a new graduate, I started my career at a jewelry company.

Was it in customer service?

Yes, I wanted to be closer to customers. After reaching the personal goals I had set, I began considering a career change.

Shifting from customer service in the jewelry industry to HR consulting is quite a significant career change.

That's true. However, the underlying desire to make people happy has remained unchanged. Additionally, I felt that Human Link provided the perfect opportunity to pursue my interest in global work.

You joined as a new graduate, right, Tomohiro?

Yes, that's right. However, I actually practiced tap dancing during my student years and even considered pursuing it professionally for a while.

That's impressive! What made you transition from there to Human Link?

What drew me to Human Link was the incredible people I met during the interview process. Each person had a deep passion for what they did. In fact, during the final interview, I bonded with the then CEO over a discussion about movies… (laughs).

Are you still practicing tap dancing?

Yes, I submitted a side job application and am now doing live performances and teaching tap dancing.

Is there a particular project or work experience that left a lasting impression on you?

It was the first project I proposed and successfully secured on my own. I recommended a new HR system to a client during their company integration, which led to meaningful and in-depth discussions with their team.

Was it a significant change?

Yes, it was. At times, the project required me to voice bold opinions and push back on the client’s initial ideas. If I felt that the client’s requests would not yield positive results, I made sure to stand my ground until we reached a mutual understanding. HR systems are not just about implementation – they require continuous refinement. My role has now concluded, and we’ve entered into the phase where the system is actively being implemented and optimized.

My department is precisely in charge for that.

You're involved not only in creating systems but also in their integration and implementation, right? I find it fascinating that you can contribute to both the hard and soft aspects of the process in this company. How about you, Kei?

I have experience as a trainer in career development programs for clients. Until now, we've relied on external trainers for these sessions, but I believe it's crucial for us to develop internal trainers going forward, which is why I decided to take on this challenge.

That’s because you have a career consultant certification.

Although I had the certification, I wasn't sure if I could actually do it. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was to take on the responsibility of planning and creating materials from scratch. Despite the tight deadline, the client was satisfied, and I discovered a new potential within myself.

One experience that stands out for me is supporting an expatriate in the Global Mobility Department. The person was from India, and they reached out to me for assistance with everything—from paperwork to personal matters and more.

Providing support for both personal and professional aspects of life becomes crucial for sure, particularly when someone is living abroad.

The individual got married during their secondment, and I had the privilege of being invited to their wedding in India. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Later, I was seconded to Human Link Asia myself, and my time there was equally inspiring.
* Human Link Asia: Founded in 2016 with the goal of delivering the same HR solutions that Human Link provides in Japan, tailored for the Asia region.

You were based in Singapore, right?

Yes, I was. I had the opportunity to experience different cultures, systems, and work styles compared to Japan, and I’m eager to apply that knowledge in my future work.

Human Link is genuinely a company that values and respects each employee's career journey. We hold Career 1-on-1 meetings twice a year, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss career goals with our supervisors. It's a chance to share whether you want to continue in your current role or explore new opportunities. The company is highly supportive of such career-related requests.

Is it because it's an HR-based company?

That could be true. By valuing each individual's career and being attentive to even the smallest changes, we foster an environment where open communication is encouraged.

When you want to challenge yourself in other areas, it's great to have such a wide range of opportunities. Unlike large consulting firms, one of the unique advantages of being part of Mitsubishi Corporation is that as the parent company expands its business sectors and geographical reach, our own opportunities for growth also evolve, making the experience even more exciting.

This diversity reflects even in your day-to-day work, isn't it?

Absolutely! Whatever our clients' needs may be, there's always an expert within the company ready to address them!

On the flip side, it's also possible to focus on specializing in a single area, which is exactly what I've done. I've pursued certifications in career development, taken on teaching roles, and deepened my expertise. I find it extremely fulfilling.

Are there any challenges you all would like to take on in the future?

I would say balancing my consulting and managerial responsibilities. However, I also want to continue nurturing my career as a tap dancer.

Seems like you have a lot of exciting things you want to pursue!

Additionally, providing recruitment support to our clients is not our focus area traditionally, but I believe it is closely linked to the core challenges many companies face. After all, recruitment is at the very foundation of talent development and growth, isn't it?

I aspire to expand my expertise through my teaching role. My dream is to help people in the workforce feel more excited and motivated in their jobs.

I find great fulfillment in making people happy. That's why I aim to be someone others feel comfortable turning to for advice, ensuring they're glad they sought my guidance.

As services for companies having overseas offices are expected to grow in the future, your international experience will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset.

Yes. I would like to propose utilizing automation and outsourcing to improve efficiency, drawing inspiration from international work practices. The time saved can then be be reinvested into enhancing the quality of the services we provide!

I'm planning to take a sabbatical leave to thoughtfully reflect on the goals I want to pursue going forward.

It's a system that allows you to take extended leave for personal goals or to recharge yourself, right? I've personally used it before, taking two weeks off to attend a tap dance event in Chicago!

After finishing my assignment in Singapore, I took a three-month break to travel across Africa and Europe.

Oh, really? I'm also planning to visit Africa and Europe! I'll be reconnecting with the people I met while working in Africa.

Let's use those newfound insights to drive even more exciting work ahead!