Don Southerton

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Grinergy Batteries: The Next Advancement in Lithium-ion

August 7, 2021 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

Surprising Many. Grinergy–Next Innovative Advancements in Lithium-ion Batteries Are On The Way From South Korea.

More and more vehicle owners around the world are learning to love Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and these clean-energy cars and SUVs are moving toward worldwide acceptance, However, there are troubling clouds as automakers move to a clean, sustainable future. The problem? One of the most serious technical challenges BEVs face is the need for improvements in battery technology.

While battery engineering has vastly improved, global vehicle manufacturers and the battery makers they depend on still face some key issues that must be overcome. Even as the sales of BEVs continue to increase every month, there are troubling issues around batteries that experts feel must be improved to allow for true mass acceptance of electric vehicles.

The challenges of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles include:

· The need to increase the energy density of the batteries
· Allowing recharging rates that are significantly faster than those possible today
· Improving the cold-weather performance of batteries (Some studies have shown up to a 40 percent reduction in range in severe cold weather)
· Increasing safety by reducing the danger of fire

Grinergy, Energy Company of the Future from Korea
Surprising some, the answers to these questions seem to be emerging from South Korea as the battery technology company Grinergy, which is at the forefront of developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries and has begun to reveal startling new technology.

Working in Korea since 2017 the Grinergy engineers and technicians have already filed for 10 patents in Korea and 9 international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patents with more under development.

Grinergy technology overcomes the current failings of traditional Lithium-ion batteries.

Developments in the United States
All the new Grinergy technology arrives at just the right time in the United States market. At the end of March 2021, the administration of United States President Joe Biden announced a trillion-dollar legislative package which includes a $174 billion investment in the U.S. electric vehicle market.

Industry leaders have noted that with vehicle electrification it’s all about the batteries which, until now, have faced serious challenges. Grinergy has come along at just the right time with many of the answers. Even Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume at Porsche, which made its stellar reputation with gasoline-powered vehicles now says, “the battery cell is the combustion chamber of the future.”

Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise anyone that one of the places breakthrough battery technology is being created is in South Korea. In May 2021 President Biden chose to make just the second meeting he ever held as President at the White House with a foreign leader a summit meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Technology was one of the important topics the two leaders discussed.

The Market
The rechargeable battery market has been growing exponentially with a compound annual growth rate of some 25 percent in recent years. For example, electric vehicles are a critical part of this growth as sales of such vehicles exploded at an unprecedented rate in major Asian, European, and American markets. In 2020 the market was almost a trillion U.S. dollars and is growing strongly in 2021.

Today the technology has far surpassed that of the older lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries which were once used. Lithium-ion has proven to be a superior technology as its use in almost all EVs today demonstrates. Grinergy’s battery technology now adds the next step to the dependable lithium-ion battery increasing safety, flexibility, manufacturability, capacity, and greater fast charge capability all of which foretells a future that is evolving to meet the world’s need for environmentally friendly energy.

Grinergy and the Future
Awareness of Grinergy lithium-ion technology is just beginning to emerge. In a world hungry for innovation leading to better batteries to power the current and future generations of electric vehicles and products, Grinergy is ready to speed movement toward improved worldwide sustainability, in part through the application of electric vehicles that meet the globe’s needs for mobility.

To learn more, go to: LINK

Similar Brings Us Together: Global Business 2021

March 6, 2021 Don Southerton Uncategorized Comments Off

I often say Similar bring us together

Global business requires colleagues of different cultures to work together on a daily basis.

How we see each other culturally is often in the differences, like language and in similarities such as shared values like family. I like to focus on the later; as differences can pull us apart and similarities brings us together.

Particularly for western teams engaged in all ways with Korean operations, I believe in the importance of deep learning about the workplace in Korea — the 2021 norms, practices, and day-to-day life. They do change and most often we can get fixed on what could have been tainted by here say — or an altogether lack of understanding.

The same learning goes for Korean global teams assigned to support overseas’ operations. They need to become learners — savvy in the wide range of local overseas practices. Expecting global teams to bend to Korean business norms rarely works, too. It just leads to delays and stalled projects.

As I note above, recognizing similarities is one of the most powerful cross-cultural bridges. In other words, how can you relate to the nuances in communications and day-to-day life. This requires identifying the local beliefs, values, expectations, traditions, and culture.

These insights allow us to better understand our mutual teams’ thoughts and expectations.

Outcomes

Although there is bound to be friction between home and host country cultural values, a successful model accomplishes:

1. Awareness and appreciation of both the home and host country with the ability to gain an insight into one’s own personal traits, strengths, weaknesses, attitudes, and interests.

2. Realization of shared values, along with an awareness of and respect for cultural differences.

Call to Action

So, how do you see this applying to you and your own experiences working with another culture’s teams? I’d like to know, so please share.

Dealing with better understanding Korea-facing issues, challenges, or impasses? I provide workarounds and solutions.

I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and with no COVID travel planned have set aside time to discuss one on one.

Always Private and Confidential. Please feel free to FB or Linkedin Message, Text or email to set up a Zoom time.

YouTube

Korean Lunar New Year 2021- Year of the OX

February 11, 2021 Don Southerton Uncategorized Comments Off

One popular Korean Lunar New Year tradition is 세배 (sebae), which is respect for elders and ancestors. In the ritual families often travel to the family graves to show their respect.

Also common is younger people will bow to their grandparents. They then wish them a happy New Year by saying: sae hae bok mani badeu say yo (새해 복 많이 받으세요. ) Which translates as “Please receive good fortune for the New Year.”

In turn, the elders typically reward this gesture by giving children New Year’s money, or “pocket money” called Sebaet Don, usually new crisp paper money.

To learn more, go this week’s post in YouTube

Christmas Holiday in South Korea 2020

December 22, 2020 Don Southerton Commentary Comments Off

Christmas is a popular holiday in South Korea. That said, it is also seen as a distinctly Christian holiday. As the holiday approaches, you may wish to greet Korean colleagues with a common greeting. Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo!

Hint: When speaking, break the greeting into: sae hae bok—mahne—bah deu say yo

Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! works well both in person, in a card, text, IM, or an email.

In fact, it is the best seasonal greeting for New Year’s, too.

With the time differences, plan to wish Korea-based friends and colleagues a holiday greeting no later than US/ Canada/ EU on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 …so Thursday Christmas Eve Day AM in Korea.

Questions on the Christmas holiday in South Korea business norms? Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

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Digitization of Hangul

October 9, 2020 Don Southerton Commentary Comments Off

October 9 is a National Holiday in South Korea—Hangul Day. This digitization of Hangul commentary will provide some insights into not only Korea but their native written language.

The Hidden Driver of Korea’s Economic Success

Dr. Peter Wonsok Yun and Don Southerton, October 2020

Digitization of Hangul, Native Korean Language Script

The Digitization of Hangul–we often see terms like “Miracle on the Han,” that highlight South Korea’s economic rise after decades of harsh Japanese colonial rule and then the devastation of the Korean War.

With only determination and its people as resources, Korea became one of the world’s top industrial, export-driven economies. In particular, the main contributions to this success story include the nation’s emphasis on higher education, as well as the role of government and private investment in innovation, technology, and R&D.

Looking deeper, what may be missed is the impact of digitizing the native written language Hangul. Crafted in the mid 15^th century during the reign of King Sejeong. Hangul linguistically is seen as a very logical and structured written language script.

Inspired by a vision to make Korea information independent

Jumping forward, it was in the early 1990s that a local Korean company, today’s Hancom Group, successfully developed a native word processing program for the Korean language.

As Hangul was created so that the common people could accurately and easily read and write the Korean language, so too, the word processing software allowed Koreans to communicate digitally. https://office.hancom.com/about/history/

Although the Hangul word processing software grew in popularity, by 1998, the company nearly went bust, even though it was considered a national treasure: the Asian Financial Crisis and software piracy had brought the company to its knees.

Rival Microsoft which had only about 15% market penetration in office software at the time in Korea, offered $20 million to Hancom to stop producing its software and instead resell Microsoft’s localized Word program.

For a small investment, Microsoft would have wiped out their main competitor in Korea, one of the few countries in the world that had still resisted wide adoption of Microsoft’s office suite.

When the news of the proposed deal offering surfaced, Koreans united in a national fervor and raised over $10 million through a campaign to save the company.

In addition, the company’s near-bankruptcy brought the issue of software piracy under the spotlight. As a result, Koreans began to pay for their software and more began to adopt and use the Hangul software in Korea.

An Economic Driver

With the rise of globalization, and Korea as a nation leapfrogging economically, experts attribute much of the growth to the streamlining of both government policy and regulations. This was possible with a universally accepted digitalized Hangul well suited to the E-Government transfer of information. E-Government refers to a government that uses technological communications devices, such as computers and the Internet, to provide public services in a country or region.

This has also given Korea a strong competitive advantage—data management critical in the digital age.

Looking forward, South Korea today is at the forefront of AI and Cloud-based technology. That said, one may argue that many under-developed nations, most with their own indigenous languages, too, could follow Korea’s digitalization model.

Globally, South Korea and key digital firms like Hancom are well-positioned to support this and similar new endeavors such as Mobility, EV and AI—as the Korean proverb noted—A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.

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Hammer Ready

August 2, 2020 Don Southerton Commentary Comments Off

As a trusted friend constantly reminds me, “Don, no one does what you do.”

I strive to ensure success and sustainability in dealing with Korea-facing business partnerships through well-communicated expectations and cross-cultural understanding.

It also requires a unique skill set—groomed over decades working with an ever-changing Korea.

I like the story that shortly after an engineer retires, a machine at his former factory stops working. They try everything they can do to fix it, to no avail. Finally, the boss calls up the engineer and asks him to come in and fix it.

The engineer agrees to do so as a paid consultant. He comes in, walks around the machine, looks at a few things, takes out a hammer, and whacks the machine. It whirrs into life.

The engineer presents his former boss with a bill for $5,000. The boss says, “This is ridiculous! What did you even do? I need an itemized bill.”

The engineer provides a new invoice that states:

· Hitting machine with a hammer: $5.00

· Knowing where to hit the machine: $4,995

My work is knowing when and where to use the ‘hammer’, catching issues early and then as needed providing work-throughs as projects can so easily get sidetracked. In fact, many assume when initial talks and progress seem smooth things will continue to move forward—which is rarely the case.

It’s one thing, too, for those well experienced in global business who are now engaged in Korea projects to expect past experience in the West will be enough to work through what can be escalating challenges—but in fact what many will find out is that they are poorly suited to adapting and being flexible (a very Korea business approach and norm). At the very least, working through issues can become a very lengthy learning process. Both ways it time-consuming and costly.

My long-time approach when providing work throughs is to step back and look for underlying concerns and nuances that are easily missed. Then knowing the Korean processes and mindset work for a resolution. Again, this is more art than science.

To summarize, impasses are common in all business—but what may work in the West to overcome issues will take a different approach in Korea.

The best model is to constantly be aware and sensitive to what may be unfolding. Use less direct and non-confrontational ways to gain deeper insights into any challenges and be open to alternative approaches at work-throughs.

As always, I look forward to discussing any challenges as well as any questions you may have.

I’ll have my hammer ready, too.

Don

Korean Business Protocols: Seoul 2020

July 18, 2020 Don Southerton Commentary Comments Off

I’m just back from Seoul amid COVID and Korean Business Protocols.
In my most recent book Korea 2020—A Workplace in Transition released earlier this year, I elaborate on a wide range of corporate workplace culture changes underway. These include flattening of workplace titles and hierarchical protocols as well as encouraging those junior to question the status quo.

Beyond my published writing and articles, this transition to a more open and global workplace is covered extensively in Korea media that follow changes at the top groups such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai Motor and SK Groups.

All said, in my two 2020 trips to Seoul, I had an opportunity with “boots on the ground” to again observe the extent of the changing corporate landscape. First, witnessing at one of the leading tech/ICT companies located in the heart of Korea’s Silicon Valley, and the second visiting a long-established industrial manufacturing group.

First and foremost, in my field research, I try not to be judgmental as each company follows their heritage and values—with no overarching right or wrong, but just different.

For the tech company, more flexible workplace hours and dress codes reflect my writings. In fact, it was refreshing to see widespread casual and rather cool trendy summer fashion worn by millennials—and both genders, too. The exception was middle age staff and leadership in more formal, but tie-less business attire.

Embracing other changes both management and teams addressed individuals in informal conversation by their first names instead of calling team members by the titles as was once universal.

Titles rather than names were used only when the team addressed the most senior leadership or with formal email correspondence.

Office seating however was still based on title and rank reflecting this hierarchy. This is different from some tech companies where we are now seeing open seating.

In contrast, to the tech sector, I witnessed traditional norms in the industrial manufacturing sector visit.

During introductions and exchange in business cards, we were asked to call them by either a Korean name or a western first name. Although, among the Korean team and leadership they addressed each other by hierarchical Korean title.

The use of rank and title were very hierarchical as well as seating in formal meetings. On the later the most senior leadership was positioned mid-table, flanked by their more senior staff in descending order, and with support staff positioned behind them.

In such situations it is then important that the western team follow the same protocols. This allows the Korean team to better understand the hierarchy of your company. This includes staying consistent in seating order during every meeting, and dinner event as well as how teams are introduced—most senior first and then in order of seniority and rank. BTW, The same goes for virtual meetings, too.

Again, in less formal team meetings we are finding these norms less important and more casual. I’d add in observing teams working in the office vs leadership, dress was more casual, too.

On a final note, reflecting both my research, writing and recent visits, we find that corporate norms and expectations in Korea today do vary. Not to mention, like westerners, no two Koreans are alike.

True cultural understanding and sensitivity require both recognizing the similarities and differences. More so, the key to any successful business relationship is adapting and respecting local and individual company norms.

Following norms and expectations leads to clarity and better communications vs. impasses and costly misunderstandings.

Frankly, a good model to follow is for us to be aware and adapt according to their norms vs. expecting them to change as it’s their country. Plus, change is underway in Korea amid a transition driven by globalization and millennials in the workplace.

Questions and comments welcome. All kept private and confidential.

Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Korean business protocols.
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The Worldly Marketing Podcast: Weathering COVID-19

July 14, 2020 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

In this episode of The Worldly Marketing Podcast, Don Southerton was first featured on episode #057 of this podcast. As the Founder & CEO at Bridging Culture Worldwide, he helps Korea-facing business by assisting companies in their market entry strategy into South Korea, and by helping Korean brands expand into North America and internationally.

In this Worldly Marketing Podcast interview, Don talks about how South Korea’s economy is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, how he’s seeing interesting shifts in traditional Korean corporate culture, and what those changes mean for Western companies looking to do business there.

Podcast Link

With nearly four decades of experience, Don is recognized as the definitive authority on South Korean business consulting and Korean corporate culture. In fact, he is known in business circles as “The Korea Whisperer”. His clients have included Fortune 500 companies, top Korean groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies. He has worked with a variety of industries, including automotive, golf, quick-service restaurant sectors, New Urbanism, and green technology.

In addition, in late 2019, Don became the Global Head of Corporate Communications at Hancom Group, which is South Korea’s leading ICT company. He now heads up the group’s global communications and PR, as well as its North American market entry.

Don is also a regular contributor to online publications such as Branding in Asia on the topic of Korean business, and he is the author and co-author of several books, including Korea Perspective. His latest book is called Korea 2020, A Workplace in Transition.

To contact Don about his work in supporting Korean global business. Call 310-866-3777or donsoutherton@koreabcw.com

Roxberry Juice Sales Up in 2020

June 22, 2020 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

ROXBERRY Sees 35% Growth in Sales over 2019

Salt Lake City, UT (Restaurant News Release) Although the pandemic isn’t yet behind us, Utah-based ROXBERRY JUICE CO. (founded 2008) has seen a steady growth in sales.

Brad Davis, Founder and CEO noted, “Our systemwide same-store sales are up about 35% over last year. We’ve done extremely well in spite of the pandemic.” Davis also shared that with concerns over health many now see the importance of adding nutritious and vitamin packed smoothies, juices and healthy açaí bowls to the diet.

This fast-casual smoothie concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Stores offer Drive through and offer online ordering options.

Earlier this year Roxberry Juice announced plans to expand internationally into South Korea, Asia, and the Middle East.

About Roxberry Juice Co.

There are a great number of food choices out there, but when it comes to Fresh Juices, Smoothies, and Açaí Bowls, the best choice is Roxberry. This is because Roxberry pays attention to the things that matter; the ingredients. From 100% natural juices to real fruits and veggies, Roxberry provides the best in quality products on the market.

In a classic sense, Roxberry brings you back to a simpler time. To a time when quality products and ingredients were abundant, and to a time when you didn’t feel the need to question what was in your food. Roxberry cares about you and your health. Our goal is to always provide you with the best quality juices, smoothies, and bowls possible.

More information can be found online at http://www.roxberryjuice.com

Contact:
Don Southerton
Bridging Culture Worldwide
310-866-3777
Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

South Korea Post COVID-19 Survey

June 7, 2020 Don Southerton Commentary Comments Off

Many thanks Branding in Asia Magazine for sharing our Post COVID-19 Survey article.

According to a recent post COVID-19 survey conducted by Korean business and market entry advocate Bridging Culture Worldwide in partnership with Tierra Advisors, the mood is upbeat in the South Korean food and beverage industry as the country looks ahead to life after COVID-19.

The bilingual survey, which was conducted from April through mid-May 2020, polled a mix of domestic Korean F&B teams and leadership as well as Korean foodie influencers and business entrepreneurs, asking their views on opportunities for F&B growth and expansion over the next year. According to the findings, in a lead question on the general mood, a 60 percent majority surveyed shared an overall positive feeling toward the F&B market for 2020-21, said the two organizations.

Additionally, the survey found 38 percent responding “Very Likely” or “Likely” to expand their business in 2020-21. In contrast, only 10 percent responded Very Unlikely.“The study was conducted to gauge the overall market mood and more specifically future F&B growth plans in response to the uncertainty and disruption of COVID-19,” said BCW Founder and CEO Don Southerton.

BCW and Tierra Advisors pointed out that Korea appears to have reined in the outbreak. Still, the economy and businesses like restaurants and coffee shops have suffered. “Although Korea never experienced mandated widespread closures, Koreans pro-actively stayed away from eateries, bars, and cafes,” according to a statement to Branding in Asia. “The restaurants did remain open, eagerly waiting for customers who seldom came.”

Fast forward to today and Korea’s everyday life today is now resembling something closer to normal. There are lines outside restaurants during lunchtime; malls are bustling, and the streets are busier. As a positive indicator, major Korean food brands like SPC have also recently announced plans to open new locations as well as add additional western fast-casual brands, said BCW and Tierra Advisors.

Fast Casual Tops List of Opportunities

Also, highlights of the survey found that among F&B concepts, ‘Fast Casual’ tops the list in the study when looking ahead at where the industry sees the most opportunity for growth in the local Korean market. QSR-Fast Food, Sandwich, Coffee cafes, Juice Bars, and Bakery concepts, too, were popular picks.In open polling questions at the end of the survey, the top F&B criteria for 2020-2021 food brands included delivery and take-out service, healthy food options, and a value-added menu offering both high quality and affordable pricing.

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Smart City, Songdo International City and the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).

Don Southerton Insights on Korean Business