I Wanted to Use My Experience to Support Someone Else’s Growth

During my 13 years as a General Director in Vietnam, I began to think that I wanted our company to be more than just “a factory of the parent company.” I wanted it to become a company with a meaningful presence in Vietnam.

However, even when we created our philosophy and mission, they did not take root in the organization, and they did not lead to the results I had hoped for. I found myself unsure of where to begin.

At the same time, my role had changed from being a manager in Japan to becoming the General Director of a local subsidiary in Vietnam. I had to face responsibilities and expectations that I had never experienced before.

“What should I truly value?”
“How should I demonstrate leadership?”
“How can I fulfill this role?”

While I was expected to deliver business results, I continued searching for answers on how to develop people and grow the organization.

I also began to think more deeply about myself.

How could I use my experience to contribute to society? After retiring from my full-time role at the age of 65, what should I devote the rest of my life to?

Around that time, I learned about executive coaching through a book. I searched for a coach in Vietnam and came across Ms. Matsumoto.

I believe that many Japanese managers assigned to Vietnam face the same kinds of challenges that I once faced. I wanted to become someone who could support them and help them achieve their goals, so I asked Ms. Matsumoto to mentor me.

At just the right timing, I learned that she was launching the Business Coach Training Program, and I decided to enroll without hesitation.

I wanted to become someone who not only achieves goals within an organization, but also supports clients as a partner in achieving their goals and growth.

That was the main reason I joined this program.

What Changed After Taking the Program

I Learned to Trust People’s Potential Instead of Trying to Change Them

The biggest change I experienced through this program was in the way I relate to people.

Before, I tended to prioritize what I wanted to say and what I believed was right. Now, I make a conscious effort to listen to the other person first.

As a result, I interrupt people less often and am better able to listen to what they truly want to express and what they are thinking deep inside.

Through my own experience, I have also realized that people are more likely to take action when they find meaning for themselves and make their own decisions, rather than when they are simply told what to do.

Because of this, instead of immediately giving answers or instructions as I used to, I now try to engage with people in a way that helps them discover their own answers.

Through the program, I experienced how a person’s true thoughts and potential can be drawn out through the right questions. I also became more future-oriented, thinking not only about solving immediate problems, but also about the kind of future I want to create.

In organizational management as well, I strongly realized that people do not move simply because of titles or positions. Trust is the foundation.

That is why I now make it a point to greet everyone without distinction and to value small, everyday interactions.

Through this program, I learned the importance of trusting the other person’s potential instead of trying to change them. This has brought meaningful changes to both my work and my relationships.

The Most Memorable Learning

Session Structure and the GROW Model Became a Strong Practical Foundation

What left the strongest impression on me was the session structure and the GROW model.

I learned that coaching is not simply about listening. It has a clear structure that supports clients in thinking for themselves and taking action.

As I practiced sessions, I realized how effective this framework truly is.

The learning around visualizing and structuring business challenges also left a strong impression on me.

Business owners and managers face many challenges every day. However, by organizing and structuring those problems, I experienced how the real issues that need to be addressed become clearer.

Having been involved in management for many years, I used to believe that a leader’s role was to provide answers and give instructions.

However, through this program, I learned that people are more likely to take action when they think for themselves and create meaning for themselves.

This learning gave me a major insight not only in coaching, but also in my role as a General Director managing an organization.

Rather than giving answers to others, it is important to support them in finding their own answers.

Realizing this was the most memorable learning for me.

The Value of the CoachM Training Program

Learning Business Growth Strategy Coaching That Leads to Leadership Growth and Results

I believe the greatest value of the CoachM Training Program is that it allows participants to systematically learn the design and flow of Business Growth Strategy Coaching.

In this program, business is not treated merely as problem-solving. It is viewed as a system for business growth.

Participants learn a practical process for supporting clients’ thinking and behavioral transformation by working backward from their ideal future state, then translating that into philosophy, goals, strategy, tactics, plans, and operations.

I myself have spent many years in manufacturing and management.

By learning this framework, I became able to understand more deeply how business leaders think, where they struggle, and what prevents them from taking action.

Another major strength of this program is that it goes beyond simple listening and communication skills. It teaches coaching that leads to the growth and results of business leaders and managers.

I can truly see the potential for this approach to lead to clients’ behavioral change and the creation of results.

For me, this “Business Growth Strategy Coaching” is one of the representative values of CoachM and a major appeal that I do not see in other coaching programs.

Who I Recommend This Program For

Recommended for Business Owners, Managers, Leaders, and Those Involved in People Development

I recommend this program for business owners, managers, leaders, and those involved in developing people.

In particular, in an era where we are required to work with people who have diverse values, such as managing foreign staff or promoting women’s advancement, this program offers significant learning for those who want to understand others, align direction, and create the future together.

It is also recommended for those who do not simply want to pass on their own experience and knowledge one-way, but want to draw out the potential of others and support their goal achievement and growth.

Of course, it is valuable for those who want to work as coaches. At the same time, I believe it is also highly practical and valuable for those involved in people development and organizational transformation within companies.

In particular, for expatriates and local subsidiary leaders who need to manage organizations while navigating differences in values and culture, this program can provide many important insights.

To Those Who Are Considering Taking the Program

If you are unsure, it may mean that part of you wants to change yourself or become someone who can support others.

I also had concerns before joining, but this program became more than just a place to learn coaching. It became an opportunity to reflect on who I am and how I want to show up.

I recommend taking the first step.

Ryoichi Kubo