Contact
Sam Fuller, i3Works Consultant, shares his experiences of international business travel to Rome and Tokyo, and explains how his recent trips have both enhanced his professional expertise as well as broadened his understanding of diverse cultural environments.
Unveiling new horizons
Over the last six months, I’ve had the privilege of travelling across continents with i3Works, to deliver on client projects. These journeys have taken me from Japan to Italy and given me a wealth of experience and insights that have proven extremely valuable for me personally, as well as professionally.
When I was told I was going to be travelling abroad, I was initially excited but also slightly apprehensive. I’d not worked abroad before and knew it would push me out of my comfort zone.
The client, involved in supporting a high-profile and complex portfolio, combines UK and international stakeholders within the Defence industry and required support in its Italian and Japanese offices. The Programme I’m working on is in the early days of its project lifecycle and is expected to mature significantly over the coming years. Given its importance and that fact it is in its early stages, I was required to travel to attend international engagements to deliver Scheduling and Risk workshops to help lay a solid foundation for the project’s progress.
Crossing cultural borders
Upon arriving in both Japan and Italy, I couldn’t help but notice the stark differences in cultures and business etiquette compared to the UK. One thing that stood out was the commitment to longer working hours, surpassing the typical work hours of counterparts in the UK. In both countries, there is a culture of putting in extra hours and effort, reflecting a strong work ethic.
Working abroad also highlighted potential challenges, particularly when I was dealing with language barriers as a non-Italian or Japanese speaker. In these situations, a combination of sign language and adapting spoken language to cater to individual needs seemed to prove effective. My key take away from this is the importance of applying this same flexibility and patience when communicating in our own culture, in scenarios where information needs to be relayed to people who aren’t subject matter experts or require the communication in a different format.
The experience of working abroad also highlighted the critical importance of effective planning and execution required for business travel. Being punctual or early is not only essential to meet client needs but also imperative for the whole delivery team to efficiently progress toward achieving the project goals. This emphasis on timeliness started from the very beginning — from catching a flight from the UK to booking transport in advance, and scheduling pre-meeting discussions with clients. I was well aware that a well-executed travel and delivery plan not only demonstrates our commitment to professionalism but also establishes a strong foundation for successful business interactions and positive outcomes going forward.
Face-to-face collaboration
Over the past year I’ve also come to appreciate the significant benefits of international collaboration for both our clients and myself. These face-to-face interactions during my trips have proven instrumental in establishing foundations for lasting business relationships and have presented opportunities for networking with new teams and consultants.
I’ve also observed that in-person meetings not only provide clarity and understanding on complex subjects but also help avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunication. During the focus groups and workshops, I was able to ensure that questions and answers could be understood quickly, resulting in effective decision making by the SLT, myself and the team.
My advice to anyone considering working abroad
My advice would be to embrace every opportunity that crosses your path; each one offers a unique perspective and invaluable experience. I strongly advise planning well in advance, considering the tasks and responsibilities that accompany your daily role. Make the most of your time in each country by immersing yourself in its culture; if given the chance, go and explore national landmarks.
Conclusion
Working abroad has not only shaped my professional experiences but has significantly impacted my personal life as well. The process of organising international travel has been both highly informative and occasionally challenging. These challenges, however, have proven instrumental in honing my skills to effectively plan and execute international trips to meet the needs of our clients.
Outside of working hours, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and appreciate the cultural wonders of the countries I’ve worked in. Visiting national landmarks such as the Colosseum in Italy and Tokyo Tower in Japan has been truly memorable along with the cultural immersion that comes from spending any length of time in another country.
In summary, working abroad has not only been about meeting client needs and professional accomplishments but has also become a catalyst for personal development. The lessons in time management, adaptability, and resilience have seamlessly transitioned into the way I organise all aspects of my personal and professional life. My aspiration is to continue travelling around the world in the future, so all these factors will be extremely valuable.
