OCG Consulting’s Post

The single most important lesson to learn before expanding internationally – what worked at home is not going to work abroad. At least, not without some tweaks. Attitudes and values differ between cultures – but we all share something in common. We all appreciate feeling listened to and understood.  Having outside approaches imposed upon you usually breeds resentment and pushback. I’m not saying you have to go back to square one with every new market you break into. But maybe rewind to square 3 or 4.

This summer, I made a point to slow down and spend some time exploring the incredible places closer to home. Visiting the Painted Hall in Greenwich was a standout moment—a stunning reminder of the beauty and history that's right on our doorstep. With all the travel I do around the world for work, it's easy to forget just how much there is to appreciate in our own backyard. This got me thinking about the talent within our own company. While it’s great to look for new opportunities and talent externally, sometimes the next superstar is already with us, making an impact in ways we might not always notice. Let's not overlook the amazing people we already have on our teams. There's so much talent here, just waiting to be recognized and developed. Sometimes, what we’re searching for is closer than we think. #Appreciation #EmployeeDevelopment #TalentWithin #GrowthMindset #PrinovaGlobal #PeopleFirst #NAGASE

Thinking about making an international move Down Under? In this article, we share our Top 10 Reasons to consider Sydney as your next destination to live and work. Sydney offers not just stunning beaches, but also a vibrant culture and entertainment scene. Read our complete article here: https://lnkd.in/ePwS3q2A . #sydney #downunder #internationalmove #international #accountants #thinkglobalrecruitment

One of the most important decisions for your career is choosing where to work! Whether it’s in a big city (Tier I) or a smaller city (Tier IV), it matters. Tier I cities offer more opportunities and higher pay, while Tier IV cities have less opportunities. Moreover, the city's environment, people, and culture will also have a big impact on you. If you are from a small city and work there, you already know that not everything is about money. Being close to friends and family, spending time with them is priceless. At the end of the day, it's your life. If you want to grow in your career, you might need to move to a different city or even a different country. There are exceptions—some people do excel in their hometowns—but they are few. To reach new heights, you might have to leave something behind! It's about finding the right balance between professional aspirations and personal well-being.

I’ve officially been working in London for just over three months now, and what a journey it has been so far! A few thoughts and reflections… Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone Before my move, I was comfortably settled in NZ, and slightly hesitant to get out of my safety bubble. Yet, life is about growth, and that often means stepping out of our comfort zones. Trying something new is often scary but I have chosen to adopt a mindset of taking risks and embracing the journey, rather than living with regrets. An Exciting Journey with Its Share of Challenges Navigating the transition to life in London can often be glamorized, particularly across social media platforms. However, the reality is that it hasn’t been without its challenges. From figuring out the Tube system to trying to decipher British slang, it's been anything but smooth sailing (I learnt the hard way that the word ‘pants’ has a different meaning in the UK!) Jokes aside, this journey has made me realise that nothing worth having comes easy, the importance of resilience, and remaining optimistic through the challenging times. Embracing what makes you unique  Being true to yourself is key. Embracing my quirks and celebrating what makes me stand out has been a game-changer, especially with my strong Kiwi accent. It's not just about fitting in; it's about standing out in the best possible way. If the idea of relocating to London or exploring new career avenues in the city intrigues you then please reach out! We currently have some great opportunities within the incredibly tall EMJ marketing team (pictured). Here's to embracing the journey, seizing growth opportunities, and making the most of every experience. 

As I look down the runway at Baguio International Airport, in the beautiful Philippines, I'm reminded of the journey that lies ahead. Like this runway, the path may appear straight and defined, yet it’s fraught with uncertainty and challenges. This expanse of concrete isn’t just a strip of land—it's a metaphor for the numerous #CareerJourney takeoffs and landings we experience in our professional lives. In recent times, finding meaningful work in my industry has been as daunting as staring down this lengthy runway. But every runway offers a chance to take off toward new #NewBeginnings, a fresh start, or a momentary escape to recharge. It's a place of welcomes and farewells, arrivals and departures—each one marking a significant chapter in our lives. I am currently #OpenToWork and eager to connect with anyone offering opportunities. With a versatile background in Hospitality, F&B, Retail, NGOs, and even running my own consultancy, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. My extensive knowledge of business development across Asia is tailored to deliver substantial growth. Connect with me here to explore how my expertise can benefit your organization: [Damian Flynn's LinkedIn](https://lnkd.in/g2PDwRcu). I'm committed to maintaining momentum in my #JobSearch, remaining relevant in a swiftly evolving marketplace. It’s crucial not only for me but for many of us across various fields where our skills can make a mark. Let's navigate these challenging #IndustryChallenges together, embracing each opportunity to ascend, and supporting one another through each descent. Here’s to finding strength in new beginnings and enduring hope in each farewell. #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #CareerOpportunities #JobHunt #Hiring #Recruitment #CareerChange #EmploymentOpportunities #WorkReady #SkillDevelopment #Philippines #HongKong #Retail #Hospitality #Hotel #Asia

I am NOT a city girl In fact, although London is fun and full of people I love I hate being there. My whole body noticeably relaxes and feels immense relief when I'm back in Yorkshire; slow, slinky days out to tiny towns (like Ripon, in the pic), that are quiet and empty, even on sunny weekend days, are my idea of bliss. This doesn't sound like a big deal. In fact it's a pretty boring fact. But it was a huge deal for me to recognise that I didn't want Big City Living and give myself permission to not pursue that. It has helped me drop a big 'should' and expectation that being successful = a life & career in a major global city (London / New York, Singapore, Hong Kong etc) It's help me get instant clarity for so many decisions about where I want to fully be, work and spend most of my time. Sometimes, acknowledging to yourself what small, seemingly insignificant things you like or don't like can make the biggest, most significant difference to your career and life and how much you get to relax into that life as being JUST RIGHT for you. What small, 'insignificant' thing do you feel strongly about (that other people may disagree with or discourage)? What would be different - or BETTER - if you let that 'small thing' inform your decisions?

This month it’s 25 years since my first overseas posting began in Cape Town! 🌍 As a recent graduate trainee and (very) green Account Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi, London, my life took a leap into the vibrant heart of South Africa. An offer to relocate to Cape Town became the ticket to a global career journey. 🔥 I left my friends and family in the UK and left for South Africa. I rented a minimalistic apartment with views of Table Mountain (I owned very little - my TV sat on an upturned GUINNESS crate that I liberated from a shoot, an old door on trestles for a dining table and a futon mattress on the floor for a bed) and I got my first "office" on wheels (a beat up old red BMW), life was a blend of hard work and 'braais' on the fire escape of my apartment. 🛣️ That two-year stint was just the start, leading me on to Malaysia (where I met my better half!), Indonesia, The Philippines, Singapore, and now, the Big Apple. Here's my takeaway for young professionals eyeing a global path: 1. Embrace the Fringe: The margins are where innovation thrives. Take the opportunity to make mistakes, learn and grow. 2. Be a Sponge: Everywhere I've lived, the local wisdom surpassed my own. Stay humble and absorb. 3. Small Teams, Grand Feats: Limited resources, boundless optimism, and teamwork can achieve wonders. 4. Unity in Diversity: Our commonalities overshadow our differences. The world is your neighborhood. Shoutout to the 'bandits' of 125 Buitengracht for the lifelong lessons: Eric Frank, SallyAnne Lewendon, Deon Robbertze, Andrew Durkan, Cheryl-Ann Doveton, Annabel Broom ~ Skilful Resilience, William Leach (GAICD), Simon Strong FRSA, Scott Paton and everyone else who time and my own forgetfulness has separated me from. 📢 I invite you to share your first overseas work experience or what you've learned from diving into new environments. #CareerJourney #GlobalExperience #WorkAbroad #LifeLessons #Anniversary

Living close to the Central Business District (CBD) comes with a multitude of benefits! Here’s why you should consider making the move: Convenience 🚶♂️-Enjoy shorter commutes to work, reducing travel time and stress. Access to Amenities 🛍️-Be within walking distance of shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. Vibrant Lifestyle 🎉-Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, with easy access to events and festivals Networking Opportunities 💼-Proximity to major businesses and professional hubs can boost your career prospects and networking opportunities. Public Transportation 🚇-Benefit from extensive public transport options, making it easier to get around without a car. Higher Property Values 📈-Properties near the CBD often appreciate faster, offering better investment returns