Link to Vodcast: https://youtu.be/jCSoN3-RxXY

Don Southerton, CEO and president of Bridging Culture Worldwide, a global consulting firm that focuses on Korea business ventures, is one of 10 companies that rents and operates from Perc. Photo by Amy Woodward
I was on a conference call last week when asked how best to describe my work—and do I provide consulting for CEO and C-level management—her organization’s international development committee made up of a number of CEOs.
My short answer was that a client and long friend, then a CMO for a major company best described my practice to others as Everything Korea… I also like having been introduced as “ a high power consultant” or Don is “the guru, the guy CEOs want to have their voice heard with, “ the later shared on Seoul’s eFM tbs Koreascape.
Pondering over the weekend on the question from the conference call much of what I do is provide context and a strategy to decision-makers involved in Korean facing business projects that range into the hundreds of million of Dollars.
In particular, I provide counsel and solutions based on my years working with Korean business—a good part in the international expansion into new markets and the challenges that surface and as a client once asked “ where are the landmines he needs to be aware of and avoid.”
So this gets to why I post weekly Vodcasts, frequent media commentaries, case studies as well as books on Korea facing topics. They all serve as channels to support and educate.
This said, in my consultancy each engagement needs to be approached on a case-by-case basis—no two situations identical.
If you feel you might benefit from my C-level insights, I’ve blocked out availability to chat and discuss….
To facilitate and with my rather demanding workload and travel, Stacey, my personal assistant at stacey@koreabcw.com can schedule us for a time.
In closing
A great book on the reshaping of the American economy and the New Order… check out Richard Florida’s The Rise of the Creative Class, Revised Edition. I prefer the hardcover.
And the music on Repeat Song listened to while drafting this week’s episode—Pink Floyd, “Wishing You Were Here” Re-mastered Available on iTunes.
Links
Seoul eFM Koreascape: Korean Corporate Culture insights
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v5siwvpyhor2uff/Copy%20of%20002%20KS%2012 14150404_1.mp3?dl=0
The Rise of the Creative Class http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Creative-Class-
Pink Floyd, “Wishing You Were Here” https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wish-
Everything Korea, December 7 Episode: Top 4 Ills
Korean global business can come with some serious challenges, especially if dis-connects between teams are left unchecked. With mentoring, coaching and a strategy, it’s possible to reduce these ills, and greatly improve morale and operations. So what are some of the common issues? I have listed 4 that surface often, and frankly I deal with and provide solutions.
1. A common perception is that the allegiance of Korean expatriates assigned to a local subsidiary is to the Korean HQ over local matters. This in turn drives their actions to the detriment of the local operations.
2. Another overarching issue is Trust, especially with the sharing of information. Many feel it is one-way (Korea requesting data and reports) but little feedback from Korea. It can even be perceived that little or poor communication exists even between HQ departments, or with their sister affiliates and suppliers.
3. Koreans assigned to local operations need to be more receptive to change, and be more 50-50/ give and take in interactions.
4. Local teams were hired with expectations “to Do something– Build something Grand. “ Seeing little progress this can lead to poor morale at local operations and can result in the high turnover of employees. Some feel it also taints the ability of local operations to recruit new team members within their respective industry.
Again, these concerns can be addressed and mitigated. It’s what I do. Would you like to schedule a time to discuss your needs?
To facilitate and with my rather demanding workload and travel, Stacey, my personal assistant at stacey@koreabcw.com can schedule us for a time.