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
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!
The Philippines may be a developing country, but it’s surprisingly progressive when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community. A 2013 survey comparing seven countries in Asia-Pacific declared the Philippines to be the most “gay-friendly” country in Asia. The country also made CNN’s list of top Asian tourist destinations for gay people and ranked tenth-most LGBTQ-friendly country in the world.
Tolerance, however, is not the same as acceptance.
A recent survey showed that, statistically, acceptance of homosexuality in the Philippines has not changed between 2013 and 2019. Approximately 73% of Filipinos, who are primarily Catholic, believe that society should accept homosexuality—yet around 65% also believe that homosexuality is immoral. While embedded in mainstream culture and the entertainment industry, being gay in the Philippines is still traditionally viewed as an illness, a phase, or even a personal failure. Stories of people being shunned or abandoned by their families as a result of coming out are all too common.
These contrasting public sentiments are what make the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) movement such a dynamic and thriving one in the Philippines. Organizations like non-profit Rainbow Rights Philippines and LGBT umbrella network LAGABLAB are pushing for gender equality via anti-discrimination legislation. But the country’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill remains one of the longest-running bills awaiting approval since its inception two decades ago.
Change, however, is certainly on the horizon. The only way toward social inclusivity and diversity is forward. The Philippines has made great strides in promoting freedom of sexual identity and gender expression over the last few centuries—yes, centuries. The following iconic LGBTQIA+ personalities and groups are just a taste of that change.
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TAPAR, ELOFRE, AND LAMPINO
Gender-bending babaylanes: mystics who defied the Spaniards
Cross-dressing and gender experimentation date back to pre-colonial times in the Philippines. Before the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, native shamans known as babaylanesassumed positions of authority as spiritual leaders and healers in their communities. They handled matters of agriculture, literature, medicine, ritual practices, and science.
Though traditionally associated with females, there are plenty of historical accounts of male babaylaneswho wore female clothes, acted like women, and publicly engaged in homosexual relations. Their unconventional status as both genders carried a potent symbol of reunification—a number gained popularity forresisting Spanish rule.
Among famous male babaylanes who were killed for their patriotism were Tapar, Ponciano Elofre, and Gregorio Lampino.
Tapar led an early revolt against the Spaniards in 1663 and was condemned as a heretic for founding a modified version of Christianity. More than 200 years later, skirt-wearing Ponciano Elofre rallied 2,000 followers against the Spaniards under the name Dios Buhawi(Whirlwind God). Gregorio Lampino amassed around 15,000 followers to fight against Spain under a religious cult called Pulahan or Dios Dios,known for their striking red outfits.
UP BABAYLAN
First LGBTQIA+ student organization in the Philippines
UP Babaylan was founded in 1992 after a hate crime committed against a student at the University of the Philippines revealed a clear need to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
Before it became the largest, longest-running, and most recognized LGBTQIA+ student support group in Asia, UP Babaylan struggled to find the minimum accreditation requirement: fifteen members willing to expose their sexuality publicly. The organization also faced financial difficulties and ridicule.
Nevertheless, UP Babaylan refused to compromise on its mission of upholding LGBT+ rights and gender-diverse inclusivity. In 1996, the group joined the Philippines’ first Metro Manila Pride March. Today, the organization has its own campus headquarters and chapters and is a key resource in LGBTQIA+ matters for panel discussions, television shows, radio programs, and publications.
GERALDINE ROMAN
First transgender politician elected in the Philippines
Despite the Philippines’ generally progressive attitude, there are no openly gay Filipino politicians. But in 2016, forty-nine-year-old Geraldine Roman made history as the first publicly transgender Filipino congresswoman advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The scion of a political family, Roman has served as the Representative of the First District of Bataan since 2016—a position previously held by her mother. She was included in Time Magazine’s list of “13 Inspiring Women of 2016” and named one of the “100 Leading Global Thinkers” of 2016 by Foreign Policy magazine.
Apart from championing the SOGIE Equality Bill, Roman has also filed several bills on agricultural improvements, eco-tourism, education, health, and livelihood development. Among these are House Bill 6595, which seeks to legalize civil unions regardless of gender, and the Regional Investment and Infrastructure Council Act to create special economic zones in Luzon.
DANTON REMOTO
Founder of Ladlad, the Philippines’ (possibly the world’s) only LGBT political party
Multi-award-winning writer, educator, and media personality Danton Remoto brings many accolades to the Filipino Pride movement. A Fullbright Scholar and recipient of numerous international scholarships for literature and creative writing, Remoto was a full-time professor of English and Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University from 1986 to 2009. He also worked as a reporter and columnist for the Philippine Free Press, became a radio commentator, and starred in a music video depicting the life of a gay man mistreated by his father.
In 2003, Remoto founded Ladlad—the Philippines’ first political party for LGBT. The party has progressed slowly over the years due to its low popularity among the country’s more traditional Catholic voters. Twice, in 2006 and in 2010, the party was prevented from registering with the Commission on Elections on the grounds of low membership and immorality. While these grounds have since been overturned by the Supreme Court, Ladlad has not yet won a seat in congress.
Nevertheless, Remoto continues to play a significant part in the growing visibility of LGBTQIA+ in Philippine media, business, and other fields. His coming-of-age novel, Riverrun—a story about a homosexual young man growing up in a military dictatorship—broke ground as the first gay novel published in the Philippines in 2015. A global edition was released by Penguin Random House SEA in 2020.
METRO MANILA PRIDE
One of the biggest LGBTQIA+ events in the Philippines
On June 26, 1994, the Philippines made LGBTQIA+ history when more than thirty members of LGBTQIA+ groups gathered to hold the first Pride march in Asia-Pacific. Dubbed “Stonewall Manila” after a 1969 protest for global LGBT+ rights in Stonewall, New York, the landmark event sparked an annual gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community in Manila. In 2019, Metro Manila Pride was attended by a record-breaking 70,000 people.
A volunteer-based, non-partisan, and non-profit organization, Metro Manila Pride is committed to educating and empowering the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community by creating safe spaces where members feel affirmed and included. Apart from its annual Pride March, the group’s core programs run year-round and focus on human rights education and research, policy advocacy for non-discrimination and equality, and LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, and expression.
An Empowered, Inclusive Future for the Philippine LGBTQIA+ Community
The Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017–2022 (the first medium-term plan outlined by the Duterte administration) recognizes the need for a gender-sensitive paradigm in nation-building moving forward. Although government initiatives and programs in this regard mainly revolve around women’s rights (connected to poverty and domestic abuse), it seems that the LGBTQIA+ community is not far behind on the agenda.
During the campaign season of the 2022 Philippine elections, then-presidential candidates Marcos and Robredo both publicly expressed support for the LGBTQIA+ community at public gatherings and rallies. Advocacy group LGBT Pilipinas has openly declared its support for the Duterte administration and family since 2016, as well as now-president Bong Bong Marcos and his vice-running mate Sara Duterte.
While the Philippines has its fair share of social issues, the way it has responded to homosexuality and gender diversity, particularly as an Asian country with reserved traditions of its own, is comparatively remarkable. With its track record of groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ historical moments, the country arguably has strong potential to emerge as a global role model for gender and sexuality diversity and inclusion.
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