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Japan Consulting Office
Japan Consulting Office (JCO) specializes in improving efficiency in the workplace and communications between Japanese and non-Japanese colleagues. JCO does this through a range of public courses and in-house training programs addressing culture, leadership and management and other specialized programs such as post-merger and acquisition integration.
I first joined JCO in October 2019 as one of their US representatives. After a break because of the pandemic, I'm excited to get back to interacting with people about working in a Japanese business environment. That I get to work with someone I have known for over 25 years is just icing on the cake. If you'd like to know more, please contact me at this email address for more information.
- USA
- Japan
- Belgium
My career in the USA
OverviewThe Workplace Wellness Project
(8/2021-03/2024)
Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital
(6/2020-7/2021)
Bureau Translations Inc
(9/2018-
9/2019)
The Workplace Wellness Project
(8/2021-03/2024)
Setting up HR and Operations Management at The Workplace Wellness Project.
I partnered with the co-founders to build a scalable Operations and HR department that set The Workplace Wellness Project up for future growth. I supported a team of excellent coaches who teach teams and individuals strategies to help bear the cost of keeping us all safe from disturbing online content. My work here is done, so I'm moving on to the next challenge.
Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital
(6/2020-7/2021)
Pivoting to Operations Management at Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital (part of the PetVet Care Centers Group) in Berkeley.
Working at a pet hospital was a great experience! I loved interacting with the staff (and patients!) every day and got to build their operations to a level where the hospital manager could finally focus on actually managing the hospital.
Bureau Translations Inc
(9/2018-9/2019)
After moving from Japan to California in the spring of 2018, I was fortunate enough to encounter Bureau Translations just when they were setting up their new office in Lafayette, the town where my husband and I decided to settle.
Community & HR management
While I started working for Bureau as a Project Manager, it soon became apparent that my skills as HR and people manager were desperately needed in this fast growing company, so I pivoted back into HR. I loved the challenge of building the US HR department from scratch, setting up structures & doing everything from people & performance management to payroll benefits. The SHRM-CP I acquired in December 2018 has been invaluable to do this job, and I keep myself up-to-date with the latest HR rules & regulations even now. I also enjoyed being in close contact with global talent, as I love languages it was easy to connect to linguistic talent worldwide. I made some great new friends
My career in Japan
Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC (1/2015-12/2017)
Tsunago Consulting
(9/2014-01/2015)
Link Global Solution Inc.
(8 and 9/2014)
Globis Corporation (6 and 7/2014)
Komatsu City Hall (1997-1998)
Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC
(1/2015-12/2017)
In January 2015 I entered Deloitte Tohmatsu in Tokyo, where I was able to deepen my knowledge as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion team as well as experience working in Global Talent Development.
Diversity & Inclusion
I am supported D&I in Deloitte Tohmatsu Group LLC, mainly developed a policy for nonnative hires support and planned and assisted roll-out of bilingual support measures. Some of my favorite work consisted of building networks to connect nonnatives and Japanese throughout all Japanese member companies, which included organizing networking parties and setting up SNS connections.
Global Talent
I also assisted in the roll-out of the new Deloitte brand in Japan, helped develop communication strategies which involved the new brand & inspired current and new hires to become a part of the Deloitte family. Other work included but was not limited to developing and executing programs to build Global Talent Pool members' global skills: for example Business English skills such as global presentation & preparing and hosting conferences. I also determined English conversational levels in new hires and current talent; gave advice on at least maintaining or acquiring better Business English skills.
Tsunago Consulting
(9/2014-01/2015)
I spent 5 months working as an external consultant for Tsunago, developing and teaching cross-cultural communication workshops.
Link
Global Solution Inc.
(8 and 9/2014 Tokyo internship)
During my two months at LGS I developed and wrote a
1-day diversity program, focusing on age, gender and
nationality. I delivered this program to HR-related
clients, and the contents I developed will be
integrated into other LGS programs.
Back to overview
Globis
Corporation
(6 and 7/2014 Tokyo internship)
My internship at Globis Corporation took place in
the Global Brand Communication Department, my brief
was to develop a plan on how to improve Globis brand
awareness in South-East Asia and improve consumer
raffic to the Globis.jp site. I voluntarily added
improving the English level of certain company
websites and MBA program syllabi to that list.
The program culminated in planning to launch the
English division of the Globis MBA alumni
Association, including a mentorship program and
planning and coordinating events in Japan and local
chapters in South-East Asia.
Back to overview
Komatsu City Hall
(1997-1998 Japan)
During my final year in the Japanese Studies
department at the University of Leuven I was able to
participate in an exam held at the Embassy of Japan
in Brussels, which determined that I was to be one
of three laureates to participate in the JET (Japan
Exchange and Teaching) Programme as a Coordinator in
International Relations (CIR).
I was detached to Komatsu City in Ishikawa
Prefecture in August 1997. Komatsu City is twinned
with Vilvoorde, a city close to Brussels, which is
the hometown of a Belgian branch of Komatsu
Engineering. Never having spent a long time from
home or ever having boarded a plane at this stage,
leaving home for 12 months was quite daunting.
However the support of the JET community and also
the warm welcome at Komatsu City Hall made me soon
feel right at home.
My work as a CIR consisted of translating incoming
and outgoing communication from and into English,
French, German and Dutch. Also interpreting for
foreign visitors and being their tour-guide,
visiting local kindergartens to introduce myself and
play with the children, teaching English and French
to elderly citizens, organizing cooking classes and
giving speeches in Japanese about Belgium and
Europe, and many more fun and interesting
activities.
My year in Japan passed very quickly, and I have an
ongoing love for the city which I have visited
several times over the past 15 years. I have many
fond memories and am still in contact with friends
from the region.
Back to overview
My career in Belgium
Japan Cultural Centre (2010-2012)
It's Art bvba (2008-2012)
TecMate International NV (1998-2008)
Japan
Cultural Centre
(2010-2012 Belgium)
Over the years it became apparent that the general
public was more and more interested in Japan and in
our events, which led to the founding of the Japan
Cultural Center npo in 2010. My background as Master
in Japanese Studies was fundamental in its
conception and it was decided I would become the
first director of the Center.
The Center's success was immediate, resulting in
several commissions to yearly represent authentic
Japanese culture on youth-oriented fairs like Made
In Asia, Japan-Expo Brussels and Atsusacon. More
suited to its non profit nature, the Center also
took the successful Tatake!-Taiko school under its
wing and continues to expand the number of locations
and students.
In 2012 the Japan Cultural Center npo was hired by
Hasselt City Council to design and carry out all
events centered around the 20th year anniversary of
the Japanese Garden of Hasselt. In total we carried
out over 40 events from April until October 2012,
including a media campagne with website, FaceBook
page and tv- and radio coverage. Due to the success
of these events, the Japan Cultural Center npo was
hired again to continue organizing certain events in
2013 and beyond.
Back to overview
It's
Art bvba
(2008-2012 Belgium)
In 2007, I met Bart Gits, and our mutual interest in
the Japanese art of drumming - Wadaiko- led us to
found the group Tatake!-Taiko (Japanese for "hit
that drum !). Under the leadership of Bart the band
quickly evolved into a professional Wadaiko band,
the first Belgian band to play on a Wadaiko festival
in Japan Kyoko in Kumano in 2009.
In January 2008 I became co-founder & partner in
It's Art bvba, founded first and foremost to promote
the highly successful Wadaiko band Tatake!-Taiko for
company events and concerts. We managed to become a
permanent fixture in the "Youth and Music" program
of the Belgian government in 2008, which has led to
performances and workshops in schools all over the
country. It has been a great joy to be able to
introduce Wadaiko to the Belgian youth.
Receiving more and more requests for complete
company events, It's Art bvba developed into a
dynamic young company in the cultural events sector,
introducing Japanese culture during company events,
workshops, incentives, designing and organizing
events from set building to courtesy gifts as well
as managing the professional Taiko (Japanese
drumming) band Tatake!-Taiko.
I was mainly responsible for accounting, logistics
& planning as well as on site building of
decoration, playing in Tatake!-Taiko, and the giving
of cross-cultural communication workshops and
seminars in companies and schools. We worked for
many well-known companies, e.g. Sony Europe, Honda
Europe, Nitto Denko Europe, and many more.
Back to overview
TecMate
International NV
(1998-2008 Belgium)
Newly returned from Japan in the autumn of 1998, I
wasted no time in looking for a job and was rewarded
with being hired almost immediately by TecMate
International NV, a company designing and marketing
battery chargers for motorcycle and car batteries.
In spite of having no relevant working experience
for the job, I was hired by the then CEO Tim Wisdom
because of my international experience. We developed
a successful working relationship which has evolved
in a friendship maintained even today.
The company consisted at that time only of 3
full-time workers, myself, my boss and one technical
worker responsible for repairs and packing orders.
In the ten years I worked for this company, the
number of full-time workers grew to 10 people in
2008, and I grew into managing a growing team of
colleagues. I evolved from mainly paper-related work
like accounting, processing of orders and invoicing,
to live customer contact on trade fairs and in
meetings. Even today I remain in contact with some
of these customers from all over Europe.
In 2003 I organized a trip for my CEO and myself to
a trade show at Tokyo's Big Sight Exhibition Center,
and using my Japanese language and culture skills
managed to introduce our company to several Japanese
companies. Out of these contacts grew very
successful relationships with companies importing
and distributing TecMate products even today.
Having years experience in seasonal product flow, it
was only natural I also became envolved in the
production planning of the company's factories in
South-Africa and China. Successfully planning
production and worldwide shipping was a very
interesting and rewarding experience.
My years at TecMate International reinforced my
belief in several attitudes I inherited from my
parents : carefulness, planning ahead, team-work ,
respect for every step of any process and most of
all respect for every human being in my work and
life environment.
Back to overview
- Mission
- Free Time
- Education
Mission and Kokorozashi
During my MBA studies at GLOBIS University in Tokyo, I learned about Kokorozashi. Kokorozashi is more than a mission, it's what really drives you deep down.
It helped me understand what really inspired me in my life, and why I felt I needed to
pivot after a successful career in Belgium.
In my entire career, connecting and helping people has always been the most
important ingredient. Delivering quality on time as
an Office and Operations Manager, providing a one-stop solution as
an independent entrepreneur, and now finally really
helping people work better together and feel like they belong at work.
I have been given so much over the years, now it's
time for me to give something back. Using my people
skills and the varied experiences in my working
life, I'm dedicated to help employees in Japan and
abroad reach their utmost potential, so that they
can thrive in this new global environment.
Because GLOBIS has given me so much, I volunteer to help whenever I can. A little thing I can do
to give back and pay it forward.
Free Time
The Great Outdoors
I used to love cycling (not so strange if you know that was born in Flanders, where so many professional cyclists are from) but I really discovered walking and hiking in the Bay Area.
There are so many wonderful regional and national parks nearby, that I often can't decide where to go next. I walk to the Lafayette Reservoir and around town daily, and I love taking pictures of all the wonderful flora and fauna I encounter.
For me, this is the best way to decompress and relax both body and mind after a busy day.
Education
OverviewHR Certificates (2018-present)
MBA (2013-2014)
Master in Japanese Studies (1995-1997)
Bachelor in Japanese Studies
(1992-1995)
HR Certificates
(2018-present)
I gained the SHRM-CP in 2018 and recently passed the SHRM-SCP exam (02/2024). Staying current with HR and People Operations laws and practices is very important to me. Earners of the SHRM Certified Professional credential (SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP) have demonstrated their mastery of HR proficiency standards as defined by the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), formerly the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®). Earners of the credential are recognized for their ability to effectively perform HR duties and responsibilities in an operational capacity. Link to SHRM-SCP Credential
SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty
Earners of the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty Credential have demonstrated their ability to shift organizational culture by fostering a positive work environment rooted in inclusivity and belonging. Earners are able to bring together knowledge and application to advance the transformation of workplace cultures where many talents come together to serve a common purpose. Link to SHRM-DEI Credential
MBA
(2013-2014)
I thoroughly enjoyed the case-study method and the interations with my 27 classmates from 16 different countries.
I was able to practice my cross-cultural communication skills as well as acquire the business knowledge I thought necessary to further my career. My focus during the MBA was on leadership and communication, and I decided to help launch the English MBA program alumni association during my internship at Globis Corporation.
Back to overview
Master in Japanese Studies
(1995-1997)
From October 1995 until June 1997, I continued to
walk along the path of Japanese Studies. I chose to
focus on culture and history rather than economics.
However, the curriculum did contain classes like
e.g. Japanese Law, Politics and Economical
developments in Japan. As dissertation I chose to
research the spread and influence of the movement of
Soka Gakkai in Belgium.
This subject meant I was able to broaden my horizon
from pure paper research to a more sociological
approach by contacting and interviewing the Belgian
Soka Gakkai community. I was able to meet the
community and participate in activities, which
helped determine the differences with the original
Japanese movement. This dissertation was written in
Dutch, the original title : Soka Gakkai
International : Tussen pacifistische organisatie en
agressieve boeddhistische sekte.
Back to overview
Bachelor in Japanese Studies
(1992-1995)
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven
has been a centre of learning for almost six
centuries. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V, KU
Leuven bears the dual honour of being the oldest
extant Catholic university in the world and the
oldest university in the Low Countries. The history
of Oriental Studies (in the broad sense of the term)
in Belgium reaches much farther back in time than
the history of the country itself, which in its
present form won its independence as late as 1830.
People often ask me why I decided to study Japanese,
which was not an evident choice growing up in a
small village near Tienen (well-known for it's sugar
factory). I think the brushes I had with Japanese
culture from a young age were monumental to my
growing fascination with the subject. I remember
counting the days until we could watch the next
installment of Oshin and Shogun. When the time came
to decide what to study, I narrowed my choice down
to "languages" and "something different". Japanese
was the obvious answer.
I started at the Japanese Studies faculty in October
1992, and I immediately felt at home at the small
faculty of only a few hundred students (including
bachelor and master students). I graduated as a
Bachelor in Japanese Studies in 1995.
Back to overview
Contact Details
Saskia Rock
Lafayette, California 94549
saskia@saskiarock.com
Tel: +1(628)243-2731
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