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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.

Reciprocity

Learn what reciprocity is and how it can motivate people and boost sales.

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

Wondering if you should continue an investment or look for something new? Sunk costs can have a powerful psychological impact on decision-making. Learn how to recognize them to ensure rational decisions.

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

What's the best way for leaders to communicate a shift in corporate strategy? How do you even know when it's time for such a change? This course explains how Japan might have one answer, Western companies another.

Conflict Management

Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable. But they can lead to positive outcomes if they’re managed well. Check out this online course for a two-step process that can help you manage conflict successfully.

Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan

Can startup models from Hollywood and Silicon Valley succeed anywhere? Phil Libin, cofounder and CEO of startup incubator All Turtles, explains how AI can solve everyday problems to bring products to market.

Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier

How can women overcome gender inequality and reach their leadership goals? Cartier Japan CEO June Miyachi shares her secret in this special course from GLOBIS Unlimited.

Marketing: Reaching Your Target

Every company works hard to get its products into the hands of customers. Are you doing everything you can to compete? In this course, you’ll find a winning formula to turn a product idea into real sales. Follow along through the fundamentals of the marketing mix and see how companies successfully bring products to market.

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

Want to create more shared value between yourself and your negotiation opponent? Discover how cognitive bias affects the judgment of others. Try this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to master the value of negotiation.

Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai

Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Listen to Japanese brain scientist Ken Mogi explain why and how.

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

Entrepreneurs have the power to transform societies for the better. But how do you attract investors to start or grow a business? Or to sell one? Check out this seminar for the answers to these and more, straight from a master venture capitalist!

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

How does digital marketing really differ from traditional marketing? How is social media changing things really? And what's going on in Asia?

Pyramid Structure

Having the pyramid structure in your communication toolkit can not only help you approach a problem, but convince others that your solution is valid. Break away from linear thinking and test your logical thinking with this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!

Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi

The key ingredient to success? Passion.

Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.

AI First Companies – Implementation and Impact

AI is changing the way companies operate. How do you structure teams to increase efficiency?

Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0

Is Industry 4.0 is the next step of human evolution human civilization? Dr. Jorge Calvo seems to think so. Join him to learn how the past can help you set goals for an exciting future of digital innovation.

Technovate Thinking

Business leaders of tomorrow need to harness the power of technology and innovation. That means understanding algorithms and how they drive business results. Discover opportunities to make technology work for your competitive edge.

Product Life Cycle

Every product takes a natural course through the market—there's a how, when, and why customers adopt products at different stages. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to find out how a product you use every day is part of this cycle.

Logic Tree

Logical thinking is the most valuable asset any business professional can have. That's why logic trees are such a valuable tool—they can help you identify a problem, break it down, and build it back up to a solution.

MECE Principle

Using the MECE principle can help ensure you categorize without gaps or overlaps. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited for a practical demonstration of how it works!

New hubs of entrepreneurship are popping up across the world, driven by advancements in technology and innovation. Daisuke Kudo is a Ph.D. candidate at Romania’s Babes Bolyai University, a sister university of GLOBIS. Mr. Kudo shared his observations on the rising tech savvy society in Transylvania—inspiration for more than Bram Stoker’s imagination!

CV:      How do businesses in Transylvania innovate?

DK:      Ah, the golden question. Let me put it this way. Innovation doesn’t just come when you press a button. You don’t just become innovative overnight. You need to consciously invite inspiration from all sides—meeting people, reading, traveling… For me, it’s a combination of these, as well as the environment in which I work. Here in Transylvania, I feel inspired by everything—all the opportunities I have had the honor to be part of.

CV:      You sound busy.

DK:      Yes, busy and constantly inspired. There is so much conversation about innovation, about technology, about just making things happen around here. It is really contagious! Downtown Cluj is full of digital cafés, ateliers, and innovation projects. I attribute most this to the get-up-and-go mentality Transylvanians seem to have.

iStock photo/Rainer Lesniewski

CV:      Tell me a little about your experience in Romania.

DK:      This is a country where all politics and commercial opportunities were heavily centralized until 1989—only 29 years ago. Then all of a sudden, right after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Romanian Revolution of 1989, the local people woke up and realized they had to start making a living with whatever was left after the communist regime.

My first visit to Romania was in 1999, ten years after the revolution, but I was still impressed by the creativity and survival skills of the people I met here. Back then, even the global business scene was unfamiliar with the terms “innovation” and “transformation.” Now, Transylvania is becoming a strong tech hub for the region with an ecosystem of innovation. It’s just packed with creativity studios, acceleration programs, R&D centers, design laboratories, and such.

CV:      How does the country approach diversity?

DK:      I travel a lot for my work, and I must confess that I have not encountered a more inclusive mindset than I have here in Transylvania. Everyone is so genuinely humble and eager to learn from diversity.

There are three local languages spoken in Transylvania: Romanian, German, and Hungarian. English only comes in on top of that. Nowadays, students come to study at local universities or work at local technology startups from practically all over the world. Although everyone is different, everyone is welcome.

CV:       How does this experience compare to Japan?

DK:      Coming from a generally homogeneous society in Japan, I have been inspired by the way Transylvania has managed to turn diversity into opportunity. I personally have learned here that diversity is a key competency for innovation, transformation, and meaningful growth. Many foreigners have come here, settled down, and made Transylvania their home. There were three main factors that helped me decide to do so:

The first and the most obvious one is related to geopolitics. Located right next to the Hungarian border, Transylvania is the gateway to the central and western European markets. This geopolitical advantage drives investments and international businesses to the region, especially in the manufacturing sector.

Second, the people played a tremendously important role. There are some prestigious national universities located in this region, and these universities are constantly sending digitally savvy and highly competitive fresh talent into the medical sector and, more recently, the technology sector. Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s leading smart city and is nearing the completion of a seven-year development strategy. The economic momentum and impact created by the medical, technical, and service sectors here have been enormous. In fact, Cluj-Napoca has the same GDP level per capita as the capital city Bucharest, although it is nearly three times smaller, which is a clear indication of the amount of development going on here.

The third factor is timing. People who have succeeded here tend to tell us that they were in the right place at the right time, and they all like to keep their recipe for success a well-kept secret. As for me, I’m still working on many different recipes, so I don’t mind sharing my perspective. Being one of the few Japanese people living in the area, daily life isn’t always convenient. Sometimes, it can be very challenging. However, this turned out to be a good thing, as it has been easier for me to connect with the local representatives of the Japanese government and businesses, as well as key players in the local business scene, local authorities, students and public employees. Sometimes it helps to be different from everyone else, to be coming from a country that everyone wants to know more about.

Photo credit: Cristian Vlad

CV:       What advice do you have for finding business opportunities in Transylvania?

DK:      There are hundreds of different ways, if not thousands. Sometimes you just need to connect some dots. For me, as an independent Japanese businessperson with international experience, some are obvious. I am now working with local startups and venture companies in Transylvania to create new collaboration opportunities with Japanese organizations, such as internships for students from Japan who are interested in experiencing a truly multicultural work environment.

CV:      What differences have you noticed in the approach to the digital age between Japan and Eastern Europe?

DK:       I myself am not a digital professional. Perhaps because of that, it is fascinating to witness the rise of East European digital tech hubs. While Japan is still admired worldwide as a technologically advanced nation, modern technological innovations are currently taking place faster in other countries. Many Japanese businesses, unfortunately, are still stuck in the manufacturing age and face problems such as employees lacking in basic digital skills. Without an immediate and strong commitment to revamp education and develop globally minded and technologically savvy generations of modern talent, new businesses in Japan will suffer. To my mind, what is absolutely necessary for a business to grow is a healthy growth mind set, not the perfectionist mindset that is still the default for many businesses in Japan.

What I find constantly mind-boggling here in Romania is seeing elderly individuals proficient with smartphones. They’re active on Facebook, Skype, WeChat, and even LinkedIn. You can have a basic tech conversation with almost anyone, from the postman to a grad student at Babes Bolyai University about to join a global tech giant.

iStock photo/RossHelen

CV:      How do you see the future of Japanese-European relations?

DK:      The Japanese-European business corridor seems to focus mostly on geopolitical impact and macroeconomics. Japan and the European Union have recently signed the EPA and SPA agreements—the kind of move that will definitely make a positive impact in the near future. These are examples of innovation conducted by government authorities.

Now, micro figures are more relevant and interesting, if you ask me. If you have ever run a business or acted as a manager, you’ve probably realized that business is all about people. For example, it was people in Japan who decided that American products were “different” and “cool,” then later turned around and attached those labels to Italian, French, and Scandinavian creators. Meanwhile, the perception of Japanese culture in Europe have recently come to be associated with terms such as “premium” and “unique.” With this in mind, despite our geographical distance, European and Japanese people will be nurturing closer and closer relationships, including more intimate business collaborations.

CV: So what message do you have for GLOBIS students in Japan?

DK: Don’t follow digital trends—start them! Learning is only valuable if it is connected with a social reality and serves a practical purpose. Go out and explore! Try new things, and don’t be scared of failure. I am interested to hear how GLOBIS students see the world. I believe that learning can happen every single moment, at any occasion, and depends only on our curiosity and personal interests. Just get up and go!

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