Lukas Beech 🔍

In my recent article in TOPICS, I address the challenges local Asian companies have in recruiting global leadership talent. The situation in Taiwan is reflected in many regional markets. Here the government has taken important, supportive steps. But in the end, it is the companies that are doing the recruiting and it is the companies that need to consider their recruiting processes. #leadership #executivesearch #taiwanbusiness #boyden

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<English follows> 海外Biz4-13　海外展開に必要な情報を日本に居ながら収集する方法は多様です。最も安価で有益なのは、経済産業省が所管する独立行政法人のジェトロ（独立行政法人日本貿易振興機構／JETRO：Japan External Trade Organization）のサイトです。外国の一般事情、ビジネス制度や手続きのこと、受けられる支援のこと、各種調査レポートなどなど。私たちの税金で運営される公的機関ですので、使わなきゃ損。まずは日本で海外展開に必要な情報を収集し、検討し、複数の仮説を立てる、これ重要です😎🖥️ There are a variety of ways to gather the information necessary for foreign expansion while in Japan. The most inexpensive and useful is the website of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), an independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The site provides information on general conditions in foreign countries, business systems and procedures, support available, various research reports, and more. JETRO is a public organization that is funded by our taxes, so if you don't use it, it's a loss. First of all, it is important to collect information necessary for foreign expansion in Japan, examine it, and formulate multiple hypotheses. #海外展開 #海外進出 #グローバル #市場調査 #無言フォロー大歓迎 #相互フォローします #フォロバ絶対 #global #trade #japan #follow #followback #followforfollowback #f4f

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Kaizen—a Japanese term meaning continuous improvement—has become a buzzword in many industries today, but few embody this concept better than Toyota Motor Corporation. When I sold my search business to Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., later rebranded as RGF Executive Search Japan , Kaizen became a cornerstone of our new Vision, Mission, and Values. John Tucker led the overhaul, and Kaizen was the value that leaders across Asia most readily embraced. I’m passionate about the idea of all staff contributing to continuous improvement. However, recruitment companies often remain too top-down, with the best they can offer being the ill-fated suggestion box (even we had one in the early days). These suggestion boxes tend to become repositories for anonymous complaints and impractical ideas, making it difficult for management to act on them. This often leads to frustration and distrust among employees, as their suggestions rarely lead to tangible changes. In contrast, Toyota’s approach empowers employees by embedding continuous improvement directly into their daily work. I recently listened to The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett on Audible, where he discusses how Toyota has institutionalized Kaizen by transforming managers into "ideas coaches." At Toyota, every employee is encouraged to propose at least one idea per month. If accepted after moderation, the employee who suggested it is responsible for its implementation, ensuring the practicality and feasibility of the idea. This is known as Teian. There’s a valuable lesson here for recruitment companies. Embracing this approach could foster innovation and engagement by making continuous improvement a shared responsibility across the organization.

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Hong Kong's Economic Revival Initiatives (August 2024) Hong Kong government's efforts to revive the city's economy have centered around several key initiatives. Notably, the government has continued to prioritize economic diversification, with further investments in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, which has attracted new research and development centers focused on cutting-edge technologies. Alongside these efforts, the government has also placed a strong emphasis on revitalizing the tourism industry which has gained momentum, drawing in more visitors from around the world, while investments in upgrading tourism infrastructure, such as the expansion of the Hong Kong International Airport and the development of new cultural and leisure attractions, have also been a priority. Furthermore, the government has maintained its focus on strengthening Hong Kong's position as a global financial hub, with the expansion of the Stock Connect scheme with mainland China and the city's emergence as a leading center for green and sustainable finance. #HongKong #HKEconomicRevival #HKGrowth #HKBusinessInitiatives #HKEconomicPolicy #AsianEconomy #EconomicDevelopment #EmergingMarkets #BusinessInnovation #FutureOfHongKong Drake International Hong Kong

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Talent remains crucial for Japan’s economic success Richard Katz From the excellent article: “Historically, SMEs with high growth potential have faced great difficulty recruiting workers, especially veterans with technical and management skills. The lifetime employment system made it too risky to leave a secure job to join a startup, most of which fail. The risk is ending up in low-paid, non-regular work. Fortunately, the best and the brightest of today’s adults in their 20s and 30s are more willing to take that risk because they know their skills are in demand. Unlike 10 or 15 years ago, graduates of Tokyo, Waseda, Keio and other top universities rank among the founders. One of Japan’s newest billionaires founded a web platform matching skilled employees looking to upgrade jobs with employers looking for mid-career hires.“

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Our annual event is now only 3 weeks away, details ⬇ Do you know how to competitively compensate your executives in Japan? At FocusCore, we dive deep into the market. Every year, we conduct comprehensive research, engaging with both clients and candidates to gather critical insights on the factors that most impact hiring and retention in Japan. This effort culminates in our Annual Salary Guide. To celebrate the release of this year’s guide, we’re hosting an exclusive networking event featuring a panel discussion with prominent business leaders: Karsten Michaelis – President, DHL Japan Forwarding Shoko Nagayama – HR Director, Philips Japan Mario Stein – President, Red Bull Japan Key topics we’ll explore include: • Remote Work Strategies • Driving DEI Initiatives • Enhancing Diversity • Work-Life Balance Trends • Succession Planning • Attracting New Talent • Employer Branding • Integrating with Global Teams • Retaining Talent in a Competitive Market • The Economic Outlook for Japan This event is designed for Country Managers, CEOs, CFOs, and senior leaders in Supply Chain and HR. Beyond valuable insights, it’s also an opportunity to expand your network over great food and drinks. Date: October 16th Venue: L’Espace CCIFJ, Nihonbashi-honcho Tickets are limited. Don’t miss your chance to connect with top professionals and gain fresh perspectives. We look forward to seeing you there. Sign-up is in the comments section below!

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Strategic Partnership Over Compliance: A Case Study in Effective Headhunting大乙方靠专业,小乙方靠跪舔客户 Several years ago, while leading overseas recruitment at S.F International, I was tasked with finding a business head for our franchise project in Japan. Due to the urgency, we engaged headhunters immediately. One vendor, ABC Recruiter, initially stood out during our selection process. When I inquired if the candidate could be under 35, the representative diligently noted it and confirmed it was possible. He responded similarly when I asked if the candidate should come from a local tier-one logistics company with franchise experience and when I mentioned the requirement for the candidate to report in Mandarin. Finally, I asked about the market distribution of such talent, and he continued to take notes, affirming each point. This unwavering compliance without any critical feedback made me uneasy, leading me to decide against collaborating with them. Despite ABC Recruiter's unconditional compliance—a trait favored by many Chinese clients—this approach concerned me. My questions and suggestions were treated as directives. We engage headhunters precisely because we lack expertise in new markets and specific roles; thus, the chosen headhunters should possess market insight and significantly outperform us. If their response to every request is compliance without critical thinking, it undermines my trust in them. I feared they might blindly follow my directives, ultimately failing to deliver results and potentially blaming me for any shortcomings. Subsequently, I engaged with CZF Search. When I specified the age and industry experience requirements, their response was reassuringly comprehensive. They detailed the typical age range for candidates who meet our maturity criteria and clarified that the logistics industry in Japan, unlike in China, does not operate on a franchise model. They proposed two types of candidates, outlining the profiles, advantages, and disadvantages of each. Drawing from their expertise, they recommended the second type as more aligned with our company’s current developmental stage and the CEO's communication style. Our discussions with CZF Search were thorough and confidence-inspiring, leading to the CEO adopting their recommendation. We interviewed three candidates they suggested and extended an offer to one of them. This experience highlights the critical value of strategic partnerships over simple compliance in professional services such as headhunting. Through meaningful dialogue, insightful market analysis, and tailored recommendations, CZF Search demonstrated how headhunters can significantly enhance the recruitment process. Therefore, selecting partners who bring strategic value rather than mere compliance is essential for achieving long-term success.

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JP contagi Managing Partner Hsiao J. Chiu and me Kristine N. were honored to be a guest writer in the new issue of the "Ticker "magazine, of the German Chamber of Commerce. We could contribute an article where we tried to give practical advise for International companies recruiting in China and for Chinese companies that search personnel in Germany. We are happy to have an unbinding exchange with you at any time, to tell you more about these impacts. Special Thanks to @Daniel Menges and @Nora Feige for your fantastic support and organization. Please see here the original introduction of the Ticker and latest issue, taken from the German Chamber of Commerce Page and links for reading the whole magazine : The Ticker is the business journal of the German Chamber of Commerce in China. This free English language magazine is published four times a year and features quality content from member companies and those with Sino-German Expertise. Readers benefit from practical and in-depth cover stories, features and op-eds on a range of economic, social, technological, environmental and governance topics. Welcome to the summer edition of the German Chamber of Commerce in China | East Ticker! In this issue, contributing writers explore and identify insights from and opportunities in these changes and challenges. We have curated articles on a range of topics of relevance to #GermanCompanies in China and for #ChineseCompanies who partner with German companies. This includes sharing opportunities in #CorporateRealEstate, detailing the rise of local brand reputation, adapting marketing and recruitment for #CrossCultural success, explaining generational and regional differences, as well as detailing the requirements of the new #ChineseConsumerProtectionLaw. Last yet not least, our writers illuminate important aspects of China’s #Eyuan currency, #GenZ’s fondness for experiences, #EUDeforestationRegulation, as well as cross-border M&As. Understanding these key changes and challenges can support businesses to adapt to, and thrive in, China. To read more, click below. Website: https://lnkd.in/eYqTDrnK WeChat: https://lnkd.in/em23VNHA

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Ignition K.K. I thought it would be helpful to share some information about the main commission system types that exist in the Japan recruitment market. One of the prominent systems is the Personnel Draw Based Commission System. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 This system typically works as follows: • 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲: You are paid a percentage of the revenue you     generate over a specific period. • 𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: This percentage could be a fixed rate or an     increasing rate that applies to different revenue thresholds as they are     reached or surpassed. • 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀: The higher percentage may be calculated either solely for     the revenue within different bands or applied retroactively to all the revenue     generated to date in a quarter once the threshold is hit. • 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Payments are usually made quarterly or monthly. • 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺: Your monthly base salary is used as the mechanism    (Draw) to calculate the commission owed to you. Two common ways this system is applied are: 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Percentage of quarterly revenue generated minus your quarterly cost (draw) = your total gross commission payout. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Quarterly revenue generated minus your quarterly cost (draw), then the percentage is applied against the remaining revenue amount to calculate your gross commission payout. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀: 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy to understand and calculate. 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: No politics or personality involved; you earn based on your performance. 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Percentages can be very good and profitable, depending on the company. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰e: Drives individual high performance and establishes a high-performance culture. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: May include increasing percentages at higher levels of revenue. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: The percentages may be too low to cover your draw (cost). 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Can create a more individualistic and less collaborative internal environment. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Less sharing of knowledge and information within teams. 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝘀: Rolling draws (costs) that extend too long or have no limit can lead to always playing catch-up if you have a bad quarter. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀: Overly long wait for actual payouts. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: More difficult to develop long-term people management layers. Understanding this system can help you navigate the Japan recruitment market more effectively and choose the right company and commission structure that aligns with your career goals. If you are interested to find out more then please reach out directly to myself Michael Craven #rec2rec #japanjobs #drawsystem

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Taiwan, a vibrant island with over 23 million residents, including approximately 851,000 foreign nationals, has become a significant hub for global businesses 🌏 With its strong manufacturing and technology sectors, Taiwan attracts professionals worldwide. However, navigating the process of hiring or relocating employees to Taiwan requires thorough understanding and compliance with local immigration laws. In this guide, we'll explain how to get a work visa in Taiwan, explore the different long-stay visa options available, and explain how partnering with an Employer of Record like NES Fircroft can simplify the process >> https://lnkd.in/gP3Jan9t #NESFircroft #Taiwan #GlobalTalent #EmployerOfRecord

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Inflation and lack of succession planning driving bankruptcies for SMEs in Japan. Succession planning is key. From the Nikkei article ⬇ TOKYO -- Bankruptcies among Japanese businesses that are over 100 years old jumped 95% on the year to a record high in January-June, according to a report Friday by Teikoku Databank. A total of 74 were in court-led bankruptcy during the period, the largest number for the first half in data going back to 2000. The full-year tally could top the 120 seen in 2008, during the global financial crisis. Fourteen companies' troubles were blamed on the rising cost of doing business, while 11 said they did not have anyone to take over management from aging owners. Manufacturers and retailers each made up about 30% of the total. Longtime manufacturers are struggling to pay for upgrades to their equipment. https://lnkd.in/gE7Q3Dmp

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In Japan, competitive pay is not enough anymore. If you're among the 68% of businesses struggling to retain talent, dive deeper with our Talent Trends 2024 report to uncover trends in this evolving landscape 🤝   Get more insights about the Japanese market from the below links: English: https://lnkd.in/gaZ-Uz2v Japanese: https://lnkd.in/gqN-AGbz   #TT24 #TalentRetention #Employment #TheExpectationGap

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Ignition K.K. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 It is commendable that the Japanese government continues to increase protections for contract workers employed in Japan. However, there is an urgent need to address legislation that supports contractors in their broader living environments, where discrimination is still widespread and outdated. Contractors in Japan often face difficulties renting properties, obtaining mortgages, securing loans, or accessing credit. With the aging workforce and growing skills gaps, the government should make every effort to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with contract employment. By facilitating the acceptance of contracting as equal to permanent employment, Japan can better support its workforce, bridge the skills gap and bring more stability and happiness to the lives of the many contractors in Japan. #rec2rec #ignitionkkconsulting #consulting #contracting

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Labor market reforms hit the realities of demographic decline and labor market shortages across various segments of Japan. A perfect storm is brewing in Japan that will result in accelerated changes in Japan Inc. Recently Uniqlo announced an initiative to have 80% of their middle management being foreign in the next several years, companies like Toyota have launched new companies to tap into global talent markets and your average convenience store in Tokyo is basically run by at least 50% foreigners (big change for those of us who have been here for 10+ years). With the right mindset and approach, Japan (and Japan Inc.) is one the most interesting B2B opportunities globally right now in my opinion. #talent #reform #japan

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Looking forward to hearing the details on this once decided in June. Tax incentives perhaps? From the Nikkei ⬇️ TOKYO -- Japan is assigning four cities -- Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo -- as special financial business zones to attract investment managers and startups from abroad with simplified administrative procedures, Nikkei has learned. The heads of the four cities are set to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at his office on May 31 to discuss the new "special zones for financial and asset management businesses." The Japanese government will then decide in early June on the details of the zones and support measures for them. It is expected that the zones will allow for administrative procedures to be completed purely in English, and simplify some of the procedures for foreign investors to apply for visas. https://lnkd.in/gxDCwtR4

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国産みかんにチャンスが？！🍊 個人的にオレンジジュースが好きなのですが、最近見かけないと思っていたらブラジルやアメリカでの自然災害等によるオレンジの不足と価格高騰で主要ブランドの販売休止が相次いでおり、、 代わりにみかんとオレンジのブレンドのジュースなどを見かけるようになり国産みかんに目をつけるところも。日本でも多く生産されているみかん。最近の円安の影響を考えても国産みかんを活用するのはなかなかのチャンスなのではないでしょうか。 Have you noticed orange juice has seemingly disappeared from the market? Well, it's not just your imagination. A global shortage of orange juice is underway, driven by factors like adverse weather conditions and the impacts of climate change. This has led to poor harvests and soaring prices for oranges, contributing to the diminishing availability of orange juice. In response, I've noticed Seven-Eleven is offering mandarin-orange blends, leveraging Japan's abundant mandarin orange harvest. This innovative approach addresses the scarcity of pure orange juice, showcasing adaptability amidst global challenges in agriculture and climate. Reference: Japanese News: https://lnkd.in/gVhYXBkC English News: https://lnkd.in/gt5Q6Rjz #SupplyChain #国産みかん #EconomicSecurity #JapanBusiness #worldnews #economy #経済 #日本経済 #物流 David Sweet, Ph.D. Simon Jelfs Jonathan Cant Jack Stone Jamieson Paling Ed Chynoweth Jonathan Yuki Fujinari Thomas Bangert David Chong FocusCore Japan

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Happy Golden Week to all our friends and partners in Japan!🎉 This week, amidst the celebrations, we are reminded of the unique economic dynamics at play in Japan. The current global economic climate, coupled with a weakening Yen, presents an intriguing scenario for international businesses. Operating in Japan during these times is akin to sailing in stormy seas - challenging but rewarding if navigated well. It's a great opportunity to embrace diversification, optimise operations and build robust strategies that can withstand global economic shifts. The key is to stay informed, adaptable, and resilient. Understanding the local market as well as the global market, incorporating cultural nuances, and embracing change. For anyone who hasn't already ready it "Who Moved My Cheese" is a good quick little read and offers great lessons on anticipating and enjoying change. Navigating the international business landscape isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about knowing when to sail with the wind and when to anchor down. What are your thoughts on the impact of the weak Yen on your business? Are you adapting your strategies to the current political/economic climate? #GoldenWeek #Japan #InternationalTrade #BusinessStrategy #EconomicClimate Feel free to share your insights! 🚀

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