Voices Across Borders

「あなたと働いて、日本への見方が変わった。」 この一言が、とても印象に残りました。今回のポッドキャストでは、社会変革推進財団（SIIF）のグローバルヘッド、Fumi Sugenoさんにお話を伺いました。日本、アメリカ、 中国をまたぐキャリア。異なる文化や価値観、そしてそれぞれの「正しさ」がぶつかる現場。 その中でFumiさんが見出したのは、 「社会を変えるのは、仕組みよりも人との関係性」 ということでした。英語での膨大なリーディングに圧倒された大学院時代。中国の農村部で、孤独と向き合いながら取り組んだプロジェクト。どれも簡単ではなかったけれど、その先にあったのは、誰かの価値観が変わる瞬間でした。 さらに印象的だったのは、日本の価値観の可能性。 「三方良し」や「里山」といった考え方が、今あらためてグローバルで注目されています。違いは、壁ではなく“価値になるもの”。そう感じさせてくれる対話でした。

오늘은 SIIF(Social Innovation and Investment Foundation) - siif.or.jp/en/ -글로벌 책임자 Fumi Sugeno 님과 나눈 대화를 공유합니다.임팩트 투자 (Impact Investment)라는 개념, 들어보셨나요?  단순히 수익을 내는 것을 넘어서, 사회와 환경에 긍정적인 변화를 만드는 투자 방식입니다.  예를 들어, 교육 스타트업에 투자해 더 많은 학생들이 배울 기회를 얻도록 하는 것이죠.Sugeno 님은 중국, 일본, 미국을 오가며 커리어를 쌓아온 분으로, 지금은 미국에서 일본 팀을 리드하고 계십니다. 특히 인상 깊었던 건 “문화 차이를 어떻게 받아들이느냐”에 대한 이야기였습니다. 시차 속에서 팀을 이끌며 일과 삶의 균형을 지키는 것 또한 큰 도전이라고 하셨습니다. 글로벌 커리어를 고민하는 분들께 인사이트가 되는 대화였습니다.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Fumi Sugeno, the Head of the Social Innovation and Investment Foundation, an organization dedicated to building a more sustainable and inclusive society through impact investing in Japan and beyond.Fumi has built an impressive cross-border career in the NGO and nonprofit sector, with experience spanning Japan, China, and the United States. Through our conversation, we explored what it truly means to lead across cultures—and the complexity that comes with it.

Juliana（ジュリアナ）さんは、グローバル企業で23年以上にわたり、リーダーシップ開発、組織文化、グローバル人材戦略の分野に携わってきました。 現在はHRコンサルティング会社 ViaSage（ヴィアセージ） を設立し、国際展開を目指す企業や、国境を越えて活躍するリーダーの支援を行っています。今回の対話では、Julianaさんがキャリアを通して得た 5つの重要な気づき についてお話しいただきました。今回の対話では、文化が次のような概念にどのような影響を与えるのかについて探りました。 ・国家アイデンティティ ・精密さと卓越性 ・自由の意味 ・採用システム ・公平性の概念

In this episode, I sit down with global HR leader Juliana Yi, whose career spans Korea, Belgium, Japan, and the United States. With over 23 years in multinational organizations, she shares five key lessons from working across cultures.We discuss how national identity looks different around the world, why Japan prioritizes precision over urgency, how “freedom” means something different in Korea and the U.S., the contrast between relationship-based and role-based hiring, and how fairness is defined differently across cultures.Her most powerful message: there is no single correct career path. The right path is the one aligned with your core value. In today’s tough job market, that clarity matters more than ever.

In this episode, I speak with Juliana, an HR professional who has built her career across Korea, Belgium, Japan, and the United States.We explore how organizational culture and hiring practices reflect each country’s history, education system, and social values.One key takeaway: there is no single “right” system. Each culture defines talent differently.We also discuss the invisible cultural gaps immigrants face — and why language alone is not enough to truly integrate into an organization’s inner circle.----이번 에피소드에서는 한국에서 성장해 한국, 벨기에, 일본, 미국에서 커리어를 쌓아온 HR 전문가 줄리아나 님과 함께, 나라별 조직 문화와 채용 방식의 차이에 대해 깊이 있는 이야기를 나눴습니다.벨기에에서는 “하나의 언어와 정체성이 전부가 아닐 수 있다”는 깨달음을, 일본에서는 정확성과 장기적 신뢰를 기반으로 한 조직 문화를, 미국에서는 ‘자유’가 집단적 해방이 아니라 개인의 선택권이라는 전혀 다른 의미로 작동한다는 점을 경험했습니다.채용 문화 역시 각 나라의 역사, 교육 제도, 사회 구조를 그대로 반영한다는 점, 어느 방식이 더 옳은 것이 아니라, 각 문화가 정의하는 “좋은 인재”의 기준이 다르다는 점에 대해 이야기 했습니다. 또한 특히 이민자 커리어에서 마주하는 보이지 않는 문화적 장벽, 그리고 조직의 이너서클에 들어가는 것이 단순히 능력의 문제가 아니라는 현실적인 이야기까지 나누었습니다.

In this episode, we share highlights from a Korean-language interview with Yejune Cho, a trilingual speaker of Korean, English, and Chinese. Born in Korea, raised in Beijing, and now based in the U.S., Yejune is graduating this spring with a double major in Graphic Design and Engineering Psychology, and is seeking a full-time role in UX design.We discuss identity in a cross-cultural, internet-native generation, cultural differences in communication between Asia and the U.S., and how global experiences and an art background shape Yejune's approach to design. The episode also touches on the value of internships, OPT for international students, and the importance of mentorship, feedback, and inclusive work environments.今回は、韓国語で行ったチョウ・エジュンさんへのインタビューの要点をお届けします。 チョウさんは、韓国語・英語・中国語を話すトリリンガルで、韓国生まれ、中国・北京育ち、現在はアメリカ在住。今年春に、グラフィックデザインとエンジニアリング心理学のダブルメジャーで大学を卒業予定し、UXデザイン分野でのフルタイム職を目指しています。本エピソードでは、複数文化の中で育ったアイデンティティ、アジアとアメリカのコミュニケーションの違い、インターン経験やOPT、そして成長を支えるメンターや多様性のある職場の重要性について語っています。

In this episode, we sit down with June Cho, a multilingual UX designer fluent in Korean, English, and Mandarin. Born in Korea and raised in Beijing, June brings a deeply cross-cultural perspective to her work and life. She is graduating this spring from Tufts University, where she double-majored in Graphic Design and Engineering Psychology.June shares how her early foundation in fine art led her into UI/UX design through hands-on coursework, real client projects, and internships at Equiballot and Adobe. The conversation explores how growing up across Korean, Chinese, and American cultures has shaped June’s creativity, collaboration style, and design philosophy. June also discusses the type of work environment she thrives in - one that values diversity, mentorship, open feedback, and creative growth - as she seeks a full-time UX design role.

조예준 (June Cho): 다문화 환경에서 자라며 한국어·영어·중국어를 유창하게 구사하는 UX 디자이너, 조예준 님을 소개합니다.그래픽 디자인과 엔지니어링 심리학(Engineering Psychology)를 Tufts Univ.에서 복수 전공하고 있으며, 2026년 봄에 대학을 졸업할 예정이며, Adobe 뉴욕에서 인턴십 경험도 보유하고 있습니다.예준 님의 강점은 단순한 디자인 스킬을 넘어,*  여러 문화권 사용자에 대한 높은 공감 능력 * 하나의 시선에 갇히지 않는 문제 정의 * 영어 기반 환경에서의 명확한 커뮤니케이션 입니다.미국·아시아 문화 모두에서 학습하고 적응해 온 경험은 UX에서 가장 중요한 “왜 사용자가 이렇게 느끼는가” 를 자연스럽게 질문하게 만듭니다.현재 예준 님은 * 다양성과 열린 사고를 존중하는 팀 * 피드백과 성장을 중시하는 환경에서 UX 디자이너로 풀타임 포지션을 찾고 있습니다. 글로벌 사용자 경험을 고민하는 팀이라면, 한 번쯤 주목해볼 만한 인재입니다. 링크트인으로 연락이 가능합니다. June Cho (Yejun Cho) is a UX designer who grew up in multicultural environments and is fluent in Korean, English, and Mandarin Chinese.She is double majoring in Graphic Design and Engineering Psychology at Tufts University, with an expected graduation in Spring 2026, and has completed an internship at Adobe in New York.June’s strengths extend well beyond technical design skills. She brings strong empathy for users from diverse cultural backgrounds, the ability to frame problems from multiple perspectives, and clear, confident communication in English-based work environments.Having learned and adapted across both U.S. and Asian cultures, June naturally approaches UX with one of its most essential questions in mind: “Why does the user feel this way?”She is currently seeking a full-time UX designer role in an environment that values diversity, open-minded thinking, and feedback-driven growth.For teams building global user experiences, June is a great candidate.June can be reached directly via LinkedIn.

일·영 이중언어 프로젝트 매니저 마야 커민즈님의 바이링구얼과 이중문화 배경, 그리고 일본에서 쌓아온 커리어 여정을 나눕니다. 일본 대학 진학, 일본 기업에서의 도전, 번아웃 이후의 프리랜서 전환까지.  두 문화 속에서 “어떻게 일하고, 어떤 삶을 선택할 것인가”를 고민해 온 진솔한 이야기를 담았습니다.

* This episode is in Japanese. In this episode, we speak with Maya Kominz, a bilingual IT project manager leading global projects for major Japanese manufacturers. She shares how her multicultural background shaped her career, why she transitioned from corporate roles to freelancing during the pandemic, and what she learned through that shift. Maya also offers practical advice for bilingual professionals considering independent work—understanding project markets, using networks and agents, and creating a clear roadmap.今回のゲストは、日系大手メーカーのグローバルITプロジェクトを担当する マヤ・コミンズさん。多文化環境での経験がキャリアにどのように影響したのか、パンデミックを機に正社員からフリーランスへ転身した背景、そして独立を考える人への実践的なアドバイスを伺いました。

This episode features Maya Kominz, a bilingual Japanese–English professional who studied and built her career in Japan.She shares the challenges of adapting to Japan’s exam-based university system, navigating workplace culture, and finding her voice as a young professional. Maya also explains why she left the corporate world to pursue freelance project management and how being bicultural shaped her choices.

今回のエピソードは、弟キュテとの会話から生まれた「子どもに多言語をどこまで求めるべき？」というテーマの振り返りです。ホームの言葉があることで、子どもは安心して“自分らしく”いられる。 そして、言語の数よりも、文化を深く理解し、人とのつながりを築く力の方が、ずっと大切かもしれない。そんな視点から、アイデンティティ文化理解言語を学びたいと思うタイミングについてお話ししています。AIが完璧に翻訳する未来では、「人や文化を理解する力」がより大きな価値を持つのではないでしょうか。This episode looks back on a conversation with my brother, Kyutae, exploring the question: How much multilingual ability should we realistically expect from children?Having a “home language” gives children a sense of security and allows them to be fully themselves. Perhaps what matters more than the number of languages they speak is their ability to understand a culture deeply and build meaningful connections with people.From this perspective, we talk about:IdentityCultural understandingWhen children naturally feel the desire to learn a languageAs we move into a future where AI can translate instantly and perfectly, the true value may lie not in speaking many languages, but in our ability to understand people and cultures on a deeper level.

This episode is a reflection on my recent conversation with my younger brother, Kyutae Kim. It’s an English summary of our discussion from last week about language, identity, and belonging.Though we grew up together across four countries and speak three languages, we have both come to believe that for our children growing up in the U.S., having one true home language—English—matters more than speaking many.three reasons why:Identity and expression come from deep fluency in one language.Cultural understanding creates true connection beyond words.Belonging grows when children feel at home in their community.

We often assume that being fluent in a language means belonging to its society, but in reality, knowing a language doesn’t necessarily mean being able to live in or feel a true sense of belonging within that community.*This episode is the 2nd half of the conversation with Kyutae Kim, continuing from the previous episode. The summaries in Japanese and English will be posted next week. [KOR]언어를 할 수 있다는 것은 곧 그 언어의 세계에 속한다는 뜻일까요?실제로는, 언어를 안다고 해서 그 사회의 일원으로 살아갈 수 있는 것은 아닙니다.* 이번 에피소드는 지난 회에 이어지는 김규태 님과의 두 번째 이야기입니다.  일본어와 영어 요약본은 다음 주에 업로드될 예정이에요.

English: In this episode, we explore how language shapes identity and belonging. Language is more than communication. It connects us to emotion and culture. Together with Kyutae Kim, we talk about raising multilingual children and the role of language in an AI-driven world. Ultimately, it’s not how many languages we know, but how deeply we can express ourselves in one.Korean: 이번 에피소드에서는 언어가 정체성과 소속감을 어떻게 형성하는지에 대해 이야기합니다. 언어는 단순한 의사소통의 수단이 아니라, 감정과 문화를 이어주는 다리이기도 하죠. 김규태 씨와 함께 다언어 환경에서 자녀를 키우는 경험과 AI 시대 속 언어의 변화하는 역할에 대해 나눕니다. 결국 중요한 것은 언어의 개수가 아니라, 자신을 진정으로 표현할 수 있는 언어 하나를 찾는 것입니다.

** New episode of Voices Across Borders Designer Ayumi Ostrowski shares her journey from Tokyo to San Francisco — crossing cultures, languages, and creative boundaries. We talk about studying design in the U.S., the contrasts between Japanese and American work culture, and how she blends her love for design and food through Gomashio Kitchen.Listen now and explore how creativity connects across borders.新エピソード公開デザイナーの アユミ・オストロウスキー さんが、東京からサンフランシスコへ。 文化・言語・クリエイティビティの境界を越えた旅について語ります。 アメリカでのデザイン留学、日米の企業文化の違い、そして デザインと料理 を融合させた Gomashio Kitchen への想い。グローバルに生きるクリエイターのストーリーをぜひお聴きください。

Between the Lines: A Designer’s Journey Through Culture & Corporate Americaデザイナーのアユミ・オストロウスキーさんが、東京とサンフランシスコを行き来しながら、カルチャーとクリエイティビティを融合させた旅について語ります。現在はフリーランスとして、デザインと料理の新しいつながりを探求中。アメリカでの美大進学のきっかけや、日米の企業文化の違い、そして創造性が国や文化によってどう変化するかを掘り下げます。Designer Ayumi Ostrowski shares her journey from Tokyo to San Francisco, blending cultures, creativity, and design. Now freelancing, she’s exploring how art and food intersect. We discuss her path to U.S. art school, the contrasts between Japanese and American work culture, and how creativity evolves across cultures.

In this very first episode of Voices Across Borders, host Mina Kim Mok shares why she started this podcast and her own story of growing up and building a career across cultures and boarders. Discover what it means to navigate identity, belonging, and ambition when your life stretches beyond one country