I came to Japan for an assignment of two months for a SAP (an ERP software used by companies worldwide) project. I still smile about the night when, after checking in, I went out for food in Osaka. The menu was in Japanese and I closed my eyes and pointed my finger on some picture. I had never used chopsticks. The girl on the next table saw me struggling to use them and came to my table to help.

I live with two mottos. “Think about the ‘why’ before the ‘how,’” and that “There is always a new solution to every old problem.” Don’t be afraid of change. It’s never late to change your path and not worry about how long you have walked as a better way may take you to the destination more efficiently.

I measure the success by depth of relationships. A guy who came to Japan for two months on assignment. 19 years back and who didn’t even know how to say “good morning” in Japanese is still here, with most relationships turning into hugging or patting backs from bowing at 90 degrees.

To grow ReachExt K.K., not just in business terms, but in terms of satisfaction to help our clients and candidates. I then want to expand into helping foreign startups here and Japanese companies in India. Trying to bridge the cultural gaps is something I love to do. On a more personal side, I wish to explore Japan more and more, especially all the remote places.

In two words, adopt and change. Be it a person or place, everything has good and not-so-good points. Complimenting each other is what makes things better and successful. We need to understand ourselves and others. Adopt and change ourselves and also try to change what may need improvement on the other side without being judgmental.