The Results of FMI’s First Corporate Training in Osaka

Earlier, FMI Japan held its very first corporate training session in Osaka. We brought together all our subsidiary companies—including FMI, COH (Chief of Homes), and PIKA PIKA—totaling over 40 employees. From our vacation rental management executives down to our receptionists, not a single person was left out. Why did we organize this training? Back in June, while on our Eastern European incentive trip with over a dozen executives from Osaka, Singapore, and Hong Kong, I noticed that our COH colleagues worked with immense dedication and responsibility, yet lacked a bit of experience. That sparked a sudden idea: why not host a company-wide event in Osaka? First, to let our COH colleagues know just how vital they are to the company; second, to boost team belonging; and third, to help colleagues identify their strengths and weaknesses so they can maximize their value at work, creating a win-win for both the company and the individual.

The workflow and content for the training were personally designed by me. A few days prior to the event, I had all employees complete an MBTI questionnaire, which was then analyzed by AI to determine their personalities and help assign roles for the activities. I divided everyone into six groups for various tasks. One of the exercises required them to use their imagination: assuming COH has a "superhero," what features must this person possess? Following that, they were asked to list the core importance of COH. What was the objective of this exercise? Many people assume that property management, cleaning, and laundering are insignificant chores. But have you ever considered that a single stray hair could trigger disastrous consequences? For instance, it could lead a client to leave a negative review on OKINI, hurting our reputation and booking rates. If a potential investor sees that, they might decide not to invest in FMI properties, and without property sales, we lose the capital to fund future developments. Every business sector is deeply interconnected; if one part falls short, it sets off a chain reaction. I wanted my colleagues to understand that they should never view COH as a mere subordinate affiliate of FMI playing a minor role—every single department and position is crucial.

Beyond recognizing their own value, I also wanted employees to understand the contributions of other departments. We invited representatives from different teams to introduce their work and held a live vote to select the best-performing group. Through these introductions, the sales department gained a deeper appreciation for vacation rental management, realizing how difficult it is to secure various operational licenses. Similarly, the design team came to understand the challenges of management and maintenance—such as what kind of furniture is truly space-saving and durable. Normally, employees across FMI, COH, and PIKA PIKA are busy with their respective routines and have few opportunities to interact. Some colleagues didn't even know who I was, so midway through the event, I introduced myself, explained the purpose of the training, and shared the journey of founding COH. During the "CEO and Partners" Q&A session, curious colleagues asked about COH's future development plans and how I made my first pot of gold, and I shared my answers openly with everyone.

The training schedule was packed and fulfilling. In addition to fostering mutual understanding, we recognized standout employees by presenting awards to six colleagues in appreciation of their contributions. Every year on my birthday, I celebrate with our Hong Kong team; there’s no reason our Hong Kong staff should get to enjoy food and fun while our Osaka team is left with only work, so we arranged a group dinner and games session where everyone had a blast. Through this training event, I felt the warmth of a true family within the company. Previously, when colleagues crossed paths with me in the lobby, they would look nervous; now, we know each other. Even if I might not remember every single name, I at least recognize every single face. I am thrilled to have finally realized our goal of holding a company-wide training session in Osaka, and I look forward to our next gathering.

FMI recently held its inaugural corporate training session in Osaka, bringing together over 40 colleagues from across various branch companies.