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Bringing over a decade of experience in Leadership facilitation and coaching, driven by a passion for transformative learning experiences, Linmin (Michelle) Zhang, Founder and MD of IncluSmart, is widely recognized as an accomplished facilitator in DEI with specialized expertise in Strategic Planning, Culture Shaping, Action Planning, and Leadership Transformation. Her company, IncluSmart, inspired by the Chinese pictographic characters of 容锐, represents the idea that an inclusive environment evokes wisdom for both individuals and teams.

With a background as a Global Product Manager in the Medical Equipment Industry at Mindray and GE Healthcare, Michelle leverages her 13 years of corporate experience to serve clients across various industries. Her portfolio spans across sectors and over 20 countries. Her unique approach combines facilitation, coaching, and drama-based role plays, enriching individual leadership development while fostering a sense of belonging among clients’ employees. Her diverse skill set has enabled her to adapt her facilitation style to a variety of settings, including corporate meetings, government learning programs, and organizational development for NGOs.

Michelle holds an MBA degree specializing in Strategic Planning for Leadership in Change Management, along with a medical degree specialized in Anesthesiology. A Certified Professional Facilitator, Michelle also serves on the Board of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF).

[04:41s] From medicine to sales and marketing to facilitation

[13:36s] Pivot into consulting and facilitating

[30:38s] Discovering the world of IAF

[39:09s] On the magic of facilitation #FacPower

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

Connect with Vinay on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn

What did you think about this episode? What would you like to hear more about? Or simply, write in and say hello! podcast@c2cod.com

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This podcast is sponsored by C2C-OD, your Organizational Development consulting partner ‘Bringing People and Strategy Together’. Follow @c2cod on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,

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As a kid in Colorado, United States, he grew up thinking he was part Japanese (after a playful prank from his mother). Today, he has been living in Japan for almost three decades. One could call that destiny alright! Meet Dr. David Sweet, Founder and CEO of FocusCore Group, a leading executive search consultancy in Tokyo which has consulted for top-tier companies across the region, helping them find exceptional talent and fill critical roles with the best candidates.

David holds a PhD in Leadership Development and is also a certified ICF Executive Coach. His expertise in leveraging social networking for recruitment in Japan has earned him recognition in publications such as ‘Facebook & LinkedIn: Social Media Job-Hunting Techniques That Don’t Require a Resume’. Before moving to Japan, he spent a decade working in Labor Relations and Employee Development for the U.S. Government. David is the author of ‘Sweet Sales’, ‘Sweet Success’ and ‘Recruit! Becoming the Top-Biller’ as well as two books of poetry and a children’s book! He also hosts the FocusCore Podcast. David is also an 'obsessed mid-pack marathon runner' (best time 3:09) and a musician playing the ukulele and the mandolin as a member of the Sweet Strings Orchestra.

[03:20s] Colorado to Tokyo

[11:16s] Recruitment and HR in Japan

[19:10s] Top skills in demand in Japan

[26:22s] Evolution of business culture in Japan

[35:30s] FocusCore Group’s growth, learning, challenges, opportunities

[43:17s] Future of the talent recruitment industry

[50:49s] RWL: Check out David’s books ‘Sweet Sales’, ‘Sweet Success’ and ‘Recruit! Becoming the Top-Biller’; Listen to David’s podcast FocusCore Podcast

Follow FocusCore Group’s work at https://focuscoregroup.com/

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Connect with Vinay on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn

What did you think about this episode? What would you like to hear more about? Or simply, write in and say hello! podcast@c2cod.com

Subscribe to us on your favorite platforms – Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Tune In Alexa, and more.

This podcast is sponsored by C2C-OD, your Organizational Development consulting partner ‘Bringing People and Strategy Together’. Follow @c2cod on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

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“Business for good is good business,” says our guest for this episode and we could not agree more.

Meet Marga Hoek, a three-time CEO who gained international recognition for her visionary, innovative approach synergizing sustainability, technology and strong business and financial results. Founder of Business for Good which aims to accelerate sustainable, innovative businesses around the world, Marga is a Global Voice on Imagine5, an environmental impact platform dedicated to inspiring change through the power of positive storytelling.

Marga has authored three trailblazing books that all received golden awards, like ‘The Trillion Dollar Shift’ and recently ‘Tech for Good’ which in addition was selected as one of the Thinkers50 best management books of 2024. Marga’s vision and thought leadership is featured in Forbes, Fortune, Financial Times, G7 and G20 Magazines, Huffington Post and many publications. She is recognized as one of the most influential, forward-thinking management thinkers by Thinkers50 and Thinkers360 and is a sought-after speaker on sustainable business, technology, and investment.

[03:55s] The Marga Hoek origin story

[09:04s] “Business for good is good business.”

[16:53s] Sustainability in business today

[29:08s] ‘Business for Good’ and ‘Tech for Good’

Follow Marga’s work at https://margahoek.com/

Connect with Marga on LinkedIn

Connect with Vinay on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn

What did you think about this episode? What would you like to hear more about? Or simply, write in and say hello! podcast@c2cod.com

Subscribe to us on your favorite platforms – Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Tune In Alexa, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn + Alexa, Stitcher, Jio Saavn and more.

This podcast is sponsored by C2C-OD, your Organizational Development consulting partner ‘Bringing People and Strategy Together’. Follow @c2cod on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook