Masaharu (Masa) Takahashi’s Post

This International Women’s Day, as we celebrate the women creators, boundary breakers, changemakers, and innovators, we explore the experiences of Yumi Kasakawa, Vice President, Research & Development, Asia-Pacific. A true innovator and changemaker, Yumi has worked in the field of R&D for her entire career and has first-hand experience of the challenges that many women face when pursuing a career in STEM and taking on a leadership role. Here’s her story: https://lnkd.in/gQFzgScT

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, where innovation thrives on fresh perspectives and collaborative ingenuity, diversity is not merely an aspiration but an imperative. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to cultivate an inclusive tech ecosystem that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience. Diversity in tech transcends surface-level differences. It encompasses the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. Each unique perspective brings a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and viewpoints that contribute to the collective problem-solving capabilities of a team. Microsoft's "Inclusive Design" team, composed of individuals with disabilities, created the Xbox Adaptive Controller that has empowered gamers with limited mobility to participate in the gaming community. Google's "Project Euphonia" harnessed the diverse experiences of non-native English speakers to develop voice assistants that recognize and accommodate accents. These examples illustrate the transformative power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. Beyond its impact on business outcomes, diversity in tech has an equally profound impact on the lives of individuals. When people from all walks of life feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, they thrive. Inclusion creates a sense of belonging that fosters collaboration, creativity, and a culture of respect. Technology shapes our world in countless ways. It touches our education, healthcare, communication, and entertainment. As such, it is our ethical responsibility to ensure that the products and services we create reflect the diverse communities we serve. Diversity in tech is not simply about representation; it is about democratizing technology and empowering all people to participate in shaping our collective future. To harness the full potential of our tech ecosystem, we need to make a conscious effort to cultivate diversity at all levels of our organizations. This includes recruiting and hiring practices, supporting employee resource groups, and creating mentorship and sponsorship programs that foster inclusivity. Diversity in tech is not just a trend; it is a transformative force that has the power to unlock unprecedented levels of innovation and equity. By embracing diverse perspectives, empowering individuals, and representing our communities, we can create a tech industry that is as vibrant and inclusive as the world we inhabit. Let us all come together to build a truly diverse and equitable tech ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. #DiversityInTech #InclusionAndInnovation #TechForAll

Today I had the chance to take part in #inkonferencia organized by Iniciatíva Inakosť. The main takeaway is that there is still so much work to do, plenty of obstacles to be tackled and many fights to be won… by the only way out is through. I listened to inspiring people who have sacrificed a great deal to help bring about the change in the lives of the #lgbtqcommunity. Very importantly - we all agreed that one of the strongest players in the process of change are #employers #corporations and #companies as they keep on being one of the most trustworthy sources of information for communities and individuals. They shape cultures and provide personal experiences with diversity to their employees. This is why #culture is so important and why #inclusion #diveristy and #equity play such crucial roles. At #kyndryl we live and breathe culture and #dei and we build an environment for everyone to be their true and authentic self. And I am #proudkyndryl to get to be a part of it.

"note" article updated related to International Women's Day! I'm happy to announce that we have posted a blog article about promotion activities of women on the "International Women's Day". You can learn how the corporate is promoting diversity at HQ from below. https://lnkd.in/gbF_qbmi

Google's Initiative: Empowering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Google is a leading example of a company that has made significant strides in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Through initiatives like unconscious bias training, diverse hiring panels, and employee resource groups (ERGs) for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups, Google has worked to create a more inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. One notable example is Google's Women@ program, which aims to support and empower women at all stages of their careers. Through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and networking opportunities, Women@Google provides women with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the tech industry and advance into leadership roles. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion and implementing targeted initiatives to support underrepresented groups, Google has created a workplace culture that values and celebrates diversity, driving innovation, creativity, and success. #DiversityandInclusion #DEIatWork #InclusiveCulture #EquityandJustice #BelongingAtWork #FutureofWorkplace #RouanakSHah #trainer #culture #corporate #management #business #motivation #corporattrainer #corporatetriner #Google #SundarPichai #Amazone #Apple

Inclusion isn't always about grand gestures; it can be simple. While the world is undergoing significant changes to foster inclusion, on a personal level, it's the small acts that count, especially in day-to-day interactions with people. There are practical, time-efficient ways to include others at work, driven by empathy and mindfulness rather than authority. When you include others, you're more likely to be included too, which then leads to inspiring inclusion. Inspired by this ethos, here’s a series that reflects the inclusive ways of doing things at Marico. We hope you relate to it or carry it forward to inspire inclusion in your network. Do comment and tell us more such scenarios that can inspire everyone. . . #IAM #InclusionAtMarico #InternationalWomensDay #MaricoLimited #MakeADifference #MakeItWithMarico #GrowBeyond #InspireInclusion

✨ Had an inspiring panel discussion on working parents! 🌍 Grateful for the diverse perspectives shared today. Let's continue the conversation and drive positive change together! 💬 #DEI #InclusionMatters #PanelDiscussion #PostEvent#WorkingParents#AppliedMaterials#AppliedParents#ItStartsWithMe”

I was recently working on some training content for inclusive interactions, and I needed a picture representing “conversation”. I wanted something light and relatable for a transition image – a simple image of people talking. So, I went to one of the big image marketplaces and searched for “group talking together”. Seems logical, right? The results made me laugh… one of those sad ‘is this really what we’ve become?’ laughs that leaves you a little empty inside. The results of the search were a series of images of people staring at devices – phones, tablets, a scattering of laptops. In image after image, no one was talking to each other, or even to the devices. They were just staring. Sometimes the image showed a bunch of people staring at the same device. Some showed a group of people staring at their own individual devices, and some had people paired off so small clumps stared at the same device. But no one was interacting with each other. … is this really what we’ve become? Inclusion starts with understanding. The more we understand and celebrate one another, the better we are able to create inclusive, healthy environments that enable us all to thrive. To understand one another, we must always be listening, sharing and learning about one another. And it is when we share our personal journeys, desires, loves and fears that we build these human connections and understandings. So, tip 1 – put down that device and interact! Or, at the very least, use that device to interact one-on-one, human to human. As for that image… it took several more search attempts before I found images where people were actually interacting with each other. The search that finally worked: “Talking in a meeting”. #NoBIas #Humanresources #Inclusion

🌈💡As the year wraps up, I've been reflecting on the transformative power of community, especially within the workplace. Being a part of PRIZM (Zapier's LGBTQIA+ employee resource group) as both a member and as a leader has been so powerful for me. This isn't just a feel-good sentiment, it's backed by research. A study by Catalyst (2020) found that employees who participate in ERGs feel more included, engaged, and have a higher job satisfaction.📚 One of the highlights was our recent live class via Zoom with TeamClass. 🔦🎨 We celebrating the end of 2023 with a Year-End Prizm Social: Shadow Lamp Crafting event! Light is celebrated in many cultures due to its symbolism of hope, positivity, and renewal; we see it centered in many traditions in the form of candles, lanterns, fairy lights, and stars, which is why PRIZM was excited to provide the opportunity to create our own beacons of light. TeamClass shipped all of the supplies right to us, and we got the opportunity to meaningfully connect with other Zapiens while sharing an experience to brighten the start of 2024. We laughed, we learned, and most importantly, we connected. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of such community-building events. They don't just make us feel good, they make us better at our jobs. According to a Harvard Business Review study (2017), employees who feel socially connected are more productive and more likely to stay with their company. 🚀 How have community-building events impacted your work life?🤔💭 --- References: 1. Catalyst. (2020). Employee Resource Groups: Driving Inclusion and Business Success. 2. Harvard Business Review. (2017). The Importance of Social Connections at Work. #employeeresourcegroups #dei #diversityequityinclusion #lgbtqia #virtualevents #remotework #zapier

In the realm of new beginnings, it's often a leap of faith that sets us on our path. This was true for me when Peter Arpin of the Arpin Group, Inc. saw potential in me. Peter, an entrepreneur with a vision for a better world, leverages innovative projects & businesses in clean energy and relocation to shape his life mission. His support for my relocation to the US was not just a nod to my professional growth but a door to a world of possibilities. This move wasn't merely about changing locations or advancing my career; it was the key to fulfilling a deeply held dream—building a family in a place where my and my husband's rights are fully acknowledged and celebrated. I am profoundly thankful. This experience laid the foundation for my own entrepreneurial journey, to create a company that is a beacon for those in transition. Born from my own experience, BetterGo has evolved into a comprehensive tool designed for the new generation of relocating families. We are a tapestry woven from diverse threads—each mentor, each story enriches our mission. From San Francisco to Singapore, across continents and cultures, we stand as a testament to our shared humanity. We champion a global body of voices, cultures, beliefs, values, and lifestyles, reflecting the multifaceted beauty of the world we live in. As I step away from Arpin Group to dedicate myself fully to BetterGo, I'm excited for the next chapter. Our mission is clear: to create healthy environments for employees and their families amidst global transition. Through the unmatched and unrivaled diversity of our Mobility Mentors™, we are not just navigating logistics; we are nurturing communities, understanding, and belonging. The face of relocation is changing and that talent is coming from every corner of the globe. BetterGo is here to illuminate those paths, embracing every color of the human spectrum treating everyone equitably. Together, let's redefine relocation as a journey of growth, acceptance, and community. Our core values are Diversity, Equity, Wellness and Evolution. #BetterGo #DiversityandInclusion #GlobalTransition #LGBTQ #NewBeginnings