Influencer Marketing
Expand your reach and engage with your target audience using this trending technique that blends celebrity endorsements with social media marketing.
Leading High Performing Remote Teams
How can leaders ensure that performance remains high in remote or hybrid-work environments?
Design Thinking
Learn the 5 phases of this problem-solving methodology and switch from technology-centered to user-centered thinking.
Gantt Chart
Invented in the early 20th century, the Gantt Chart is one of the building blocks of modern project management. In this online course, you'll learn how this tool can be used effectively to monitor progress and achieve your team's goals.
Navigating Change Successfully
The working landscape is continually shifting and being disrupted, so how to employees maintain a sense of stability? Listen to CEO and president of Carl ZEISS Japan Stefan Sacre share his expertise on dealing with change in organizations and entire industries.
Halo Effect
The halo effect is often leveraged for marketing and promotion. But as a type of cognitive bias, it can also have a subconscious impact on decision-making in the workplace. Learn why and (how to overcome it) in this online course.
Anchoring and Framing
Want to increase your confidence during negotiations? Master the principles of anchoring and framing to take your negotiation skills to the next level.
ZOPA and BATNA
Understanding ZOPA and BATNA will help you become a better negotiator, create more value, and feel more confident at the table.
Content Marketing
In this course, you’ll learn how compelling blogs, videos, podcasts, and other media can reach customers and drive sales. You’ll also learn steps for creating an effective content marketing plan, and some important ways to measure its impact and success.
Content marketing is a essential digital marketing strategy for companies looking to provide relevant and useful information to support your community and attract new customers.
Get started on your content marketing journey today.
Sustainable Innovation in Times of Disruption: Choices for a Better Society
There are opportunities for progress all around us. The key is to innovate on these opportunities sustainably.
To help identify most effective path forward, you'll need to gain a global perspective to these challenges in an open discussion. How can Japan and the world take action to create a more sustainable, innovative world? Where do you fit in?
It's time to find out.
Social Media & Digital Communications: Impact on Global Public Opinion
Social and digital media have dominated the communications industry for decades. But it's no secret that social media has the power to sway public opinion, and the way in which many companies use these platforms could be seen as manipulative.
What do companies need to be aware of when utilizing social and digital media? How can these mediums be used to better communicate strategically with the world?
Discover what top media and communications experts have to say.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the most captivating technologies out there. Learn what it is and how to make use of its opportunities in this short online course.
Mehrabian’s Rule
The 7-38-55 Rule, developed by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that effective communication relies less on the words we choose than on our tone of our voice, appearance, and body language. Learn how to put this theory to use for better communication in business.
Pareto Principle
Your time and resources are limited. Efficiency means learning to prioritize. The Pareto principle (also called the 80-20 rule) can help you identify the best way to use your time for maximum results.
Country Analysis Framework
Overseas expansion requires careful planning. The Country Analysis Framework can help you look beyond an industry-level analysis and reframe your view based on performance, strategy, and context. Try this short course to learn how it works.
SECI Model
The SECI model illustrates how knowledge is created and shared. Learn how to put it to use for best practices, and how the Japanese concept of “ba” fits in to broaden your perspective.
Johari Window Model
The Johari Window Model is a self-awareness framework that helps you better understand . . . you. Learn how its four quadrants can help you identify gaps between how you see yourself, and how others see you.
Sunk Costs
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CAGE Distance Framework
Want to expand overseas? The CAGE distance framework can help ensure you're constructing a solid global strategy in four areas: cultural, administrative, economic, and geographic. Learn how to leverage useful differences between countries, identify potential obstacles, and achieve global business success.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to group pressure and the perception of consensus which together lead to ill-formed decisions—or even unnecessary risks. Learn to identify the warning signs of groupthink and apply countermeasures in this online course.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Solving problems with the best results means using two types of thinking: deductive and inductive reasoning. In this online course, learn to form a broad premise, make observations, and form conclusions from different perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
Anyone can come up with a good idea. The real challenge is putting that idea into action. In this online course, explore how to form compelling, testable hypotheses and bring ideas to life in your own organization.
Critical Thinking: Structured Reasoning
Even a few simple techniques for logical decision making and persuasion can vastly improve your skills as a leader. Explore how critical thinking can help you evaluate complex business problems, reduce bias, and devise effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a central business skill, and yet it's the one many people struggle with most. This course will show you how to apply critical thinking techniques to common business examples, avoid misunderstandings, and get at the root of any problem.
How to Dream
Join globally renowned author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Sheena Iyengar as she explains how to approach your dreams with a new perspective. Learn to reflect on what you long to accomplish and what stands in your way.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is at the heart of confident, persuasive decisions. This course will equip you with a five-point approach to more becoming a more logical thinker. Learn to classify ideas and distinguish fact from opinion.
Investing & Diversity: The Changing Faces of Venture Capitalists
Is the venture capital industry embracing diversity in investors? Watch global venture capitalists from around the world discuss the state of things and what needs to be done for a more inclusive future.
Servant Leadership
There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Ever wonder what makes a great leader? Whether your role requires leadership or not, understanding organizational behavior is useful for your career. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can set you on your way.
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are different skills, but today’s leaders must have both. Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value.
Strategy: Creating Value Inside Your Company
Have you ever wondered why certain companies are more successful than others? The answer is strategy: internal processes that control costs, allocate resources, and create value. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can give you the tools you need for that strategic edge.
Strategy: Understanding the External Environment
To plan strategy on any level, you need to understand your company's external environment. In fact, your level of understanding can impact hiring, budgeting, marketing, or nearly any other part of the business world. Want to learn how to do all that? This course from GLOBIS Unlimited is the perfect first step!
Using Japanese Values to Thrive in Global Business
Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees.
Turnaround Leadership: The Differences Between Japan and the West
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Conflict Management
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Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan
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Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier
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Marketing: Reaching Your Target
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Marketing Mix
Seeing good products into the hands of customers is no easy task. The marketing mix can help. It's a collection of strategies and tactics companies utilize to get customers to purchase their products or services, and is an essential part of the overall marketing process.
The Principles of Negotiation
With the proper skills and attitude, anyone can become a successful negotiator. But first, you'll need to learn the basics to prepare for, assess, and respond to offers for the best results. GLOBIS Unlimited can help.
Negotiation: Creating Value
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Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Want to leverage Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a leader? Try this short course to see how the theory can be applied in practical work scenarios.
Confirmation Bias
We all subconsciously collect information that reinforces our preconceptions. It's natural . . . but it does lead to a kind of flawed decision-making called confirmation bias. To become more objective and impartial, check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
An Investor's Lesson to Entrepreneurs
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Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is a powerful way to measure progress, identify problems, and meet your goals. Check out this course to learn how data-backed decisions can help you run your business.
Finance Basics: 1
For a healthy mix of quantitative planning, evaluation, and management, you need solid decision-making. And finance is the secret sauce! Get the essentials of finance in this two-part course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Basic Accounting: Financial Analysis
Want to compare your performance vs. a competitor? Or evaluate a potential vendor? Then you'll need to conduct a financial analysis. This course will teach you how to use three financial statements and evaluate financial performance in terms of profitability, efficiency, soundness, growth, and overall strength.
Career Anchors
What drives you to be good at your job?
Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey.
Try this short GLOBIS Unlimited course to identify which of the eight career anchors is yours!
Digital Marketing Psychology to Transform Your Business
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Pyramid Structure
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AI First Companies – Implementation and Impact
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Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0
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Technovate Thinking
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Product Life Cycle
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Logic Tree
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MECE Principle
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In this interview, GLOBIS Faculty Cristian Vlad discusses the impact of geopolitics on business and emerging changes and trends in the operational environment, with KPMG Romania Country Managing Partner Ramona Jurubita, offering insights for Japanese businesses and individual professionals seeking growth in Central and Eastern Europe. The discussion touches on topics of high business interest, such as regional trade integration, resource allocation, and future investment opportunities in areas of social impact, including energy, infrastructure, IT, education, and defense.
Cristian Vlad: The year 2025 began with a series of geopolitical surprises. How has this been reflected in the Central and Eastern Europe region?
Ramona Jurubita: I think that two developments, though neither would be considered a total surprise, are the most salient in this respect. First, Central and Eastern Europe has been significantly affected by the war in Ukraine, making the recent peace initiative an important development. A lot of uncertainties still surround the process at the moment we are discussing this, but the initiative itself marks a notable shift. The second key shift is the increasing probability of a gradual U.S. withdrawal from its role as the absolute guarantor of European security. As highlighted in strategic reports such as Rearm Europe and other recent initiatives, the present situation underscores the need for greater European strategic autonomy.
This transition does not mean a complete abandonment of U.S. commitments to Europe but, rather, a recalibration of expectations and shared responsibilities. At first glance, both developments are surrounded by considerable uncertainty. However, upon closer examination, if managed constructively, they could lead to a more stable region—certainly more stable than the current situation, where war is still ongoing.
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Vlad: Which role is Romania likely to play in strengthening business opportunities in the region?
Jurubita: Romania’s Black Sea access positions it as a crucial logistics and energy hub. The potential reopening of the Black Sea for trade and development could transform the region into a key transit corridor for energy, shipping, and digital connectivity. Ensuring stability in the area will be essential for unlocking these opportunities.
As an EU member, Romania offers businesses access to a stable regulatory framework and the European single market, making it a natural hub for investment and regional trade integration. Its role in aligning infrastructure and business practices with EU standards enhances economic cohesion in the region. Romania’s position along emerging trade corridors linking Europe to Central Asia enhances its role in facilitating East-West trade. Strengthening infrastructure along these routes will reinforce its significance as a transit hub for goods, energy, and technology between Europe, the Caucasus, and beyond. We should also keep in mind that Romania’s border with Ukraine places it at the forefront of post-war reconstruction efforts. Romania is likely to play a critical role in facilitating logistics, investment, and supply chains for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy. This includes infrastructure projects, energy sector cooperation, and regional economic integration. Last but not least, there is also the development of the Danube Corridor, a sustainable and cost-effective trade route.
The Danube River serves as a vital transport artery, connecting Romania and Bulgaria to Central and Western Europe in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. Enhancing navigability and port infrastructure along the Danube would increase European trade efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Given the EU’s focus on green transport solutions, Romania has a strategic opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable logistics and multimodal transport solutions. Ultimately, Romania’s ability to capitalize on these advantages depends on political stability, investment in infrastructure, and strategic diplomatic engagement. This is a great area of collaboration opportunities with Japanese organizations, ranging from energy to infrastructure, finance, IT, and defense equipment. If regional peace holds and economic ties across the Black Sea expand, Romania could emerge as a pivotal economic bridge between Europe, the Black Sea region, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Vlad: How can local, regional, and international businesses thrive under the current circumstances?
Jurubita: In an environment marked by the dynamics we have just discussed, global businesses should pursue investment strategies combining short-term operational flexibility with long-term infrastructure or capacity-building commitments. Investing simultaneously in secure EU-based hubs (such as Romania, Poland, Estonia, etc.) and in emerging post-conflict markets (such as the reconstruction of Ukraine) allows firms to hedge risk while positioning for future growth.
At the same time, global companies can leverage Romania’s expanding role as a logistics and energy corridor—especially, as we mentioned earlier, through the Black Sea and Danube regions—by aligning with infrastructure development projects. Public-private partnerships and co-investment in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure will open new supply chains and trade routes, enhancing both efficiency and market access across Europe and beyond. Building resilient supply chains is now a strategic imperative for everyone. This also offers a regional opportunity. Businesses that need to reconfigure logistics to reduce overreliance on single points of failure will benefit from enhanced flexibility and security by using strategically positioned countries, such as Romania, as a regional node. Similarly, with energy security at the forefront of regional concerns, businesses in the energy sector—especially in renewables, storage, and grid modernization—are well positioned to thrive. Again, as already noted, Romania, along with other Central and East European countries, offers a gateway to both EU energy markets and regional initiatives focused on decarbonization.
Finally, thriving under current conditions also depends on investment in human capital. Firms that partner with local universities, research centers, and specialized talent development centers (such as vocational training institutions, leadership institutions, innovation centers, etc.) can build resilient talent pipelines. Supporting education and R&D—particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, digital skills, and strategic industries—will yield long-term returns and foster innovation ecosystems anchored in regional stability. Central and Eastern Europe, with Romania at the center, offers an emerging platform for such forward-looking engagement.
Vlad: What kind of leadership do we need moving forward?
Jurubita: We are entering a period where leadership must fundamentally evolve. The challenges we face—geopolitical volatility, accelerated technological change, energy transition, and societal transformation—require a new kind of leadership, one that goes beyond operational competence or short-term performance metrics. First, we need leaders who can anticipate long-term shifts and navigate uncertainty. This means embracing complexity rather than avoiding it and being willing to make decisions under conditions of ambiguity—particularly relevant in our region, where economic and security dynamics are shifting simultaneously. Second, we need collaborative leadership. No organization or sector can solve today’s challenges alone. Whether we are talking about infrastructure, energy, or education, leadership must be increasingly ecosystem-based. Leaders must be able to build partnerships across sectors—private, public, academic, and civil society—locally and internationally. Third, we need leaders who are ethically grounded and purpose-driven.
People, especially younger generations, are looking to business not just for products and services but for meaning and responsibility. And finally, the future is being built by teams—diverse, skilled, and empowered teams. Leaders must create environments that support continuous learning, value flexibility, and promote inclusion. In short, the leaders we need now are not just managers of growth but architects of resilience, stewards of trust, and builders of shared progress.
Vlad: What do modern businesses need to do in order to establish a strong and resilient footprint in growing markets (such as Central and Eastern Europe + Ukraine) and to create significant global advantage?
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Jurubita: In my view, to establish an impactful and resilient presence in dynamic and growing markets like Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine, businesses need to think beyond traditional expansion strategies. These markets are not just zones of economic opportunity—they are spaces of transformation, reconstruction, and reinvention. Businesses that recognize this will be the ones that lead. In a sense, that means that businesses must embed long-term thinking into their regional strategies. That means investing not just in assets but in relationships, talent, and institutional trust. In places like Ukraine, where reconstruction will take decades, companies that show early commitment and consistency will be those shaping the future landscape.
At the same time, they must localize intelligently while scaling globally. This means understanding the regional context—regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, talent dynamics—and integrating that knowledge into business models. Yet global standards will continue to be crucial. Companies that build agile, locally anchored operations while maintaining global standards will outperform in resilience and reputation. Building a strong footprint and global advantage in Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine requires bold commitment, a collaborative mindset, and the humility to learn and grow with the region.
Businesses that act as partners in this transformation—rather than mere beneficiaries—will gain preferred access, stakeholder support, and long-term legitimacy. It’s not just about market entry—it’s about market shaping.
Wrapping Up
Our rapidly changing business environment requires a modern type of leadership. While reskilling, upskilling, and cross-skilling have attracted the attention of talent operators globally over the past decade, a deep and broad understanding of geopolitics, combined with visionary and transformative leadership initiatives, are needed to enhance business agility and to ensure resilience. Modern leaders need to develop global dexterity and cultural intelligence skills in order to best prepare for upcoming changes and lead meaningful and relevant transformations for their businesses.
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