Warren Arbuckle

Communication Intelligence | Optimizing Asia’s Natural Diversity

Asia/Tokyo (UTC+9)

English, Japanese

Warren Arbuckle

Communication Intelligence | Optimizing Asia’s Natural Diversity

Asia/Tokyo (UTC+9)

English, Japanese

About

With over 30 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, I have developed a unique methodology to harness the natural diversity of Asia's business teams—where meetings typically involve 3-6 cultures. My research across five Asian countries has identified key challenges: 52% of participants struggle to engage in discussions, 56% find it difficult to disagree diplomatically, and 92% feel uncomfortable speaking up in the presence of executives. My work transforms these challenges into opportunities for competitive advantage by optimizing multicultural collaboration. Introducing the Communication Intelligence Framework, my approach addresses the dynamics of multicultural meetings by empowering quieter participants to speak up confidently and teaching vocal participants how to facilitate inclusive discussions. This framework is specifically designed for Asia-Pacific's multi-cultural reality, providing universal techniques that are effective regardless of varying English proficiency levels. My refined methodology, trialed through demanding sales teams, has been shaped to deliver immediate results—offering practical solutions that enhance collaboration across cultures. Two core solutions form the backbone of my approach: 1. Speak Up with Confidence (The 5 Skills) - Techniques that enable participants to engage in discussions, disagree diplomatically, and contribute with confidence. 2. Confidently Facilitate Meetings (The 4 Frameworks) - Utilizing the PLAN-FLOW-WRAP-CALM system to manage diverse communication styles effectively. Proven results have been achieved with over 50 organizations, including Applied Materials and MetLife, with 93% reporting a strong job impact, 94% noting a strong ROI, and 92% applying skills immediately. My proprietary Friction Point Analysis™ diagnoses invisible communication issues to provide customized solutions tailored to team dynamics. As a member of the CCCJ Global Diversity Management Committee, I continue to contribute research on optimizing Asia's multicultural environment as a competitive advantage, ensuring that communication intelligence serves as a cornerstone for success in multicultural business settings.

Key Skills

Experience

Committee Chair and Governor (former) | Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Jan 2013 - Present

Tokyo, Japan Working with the Canadian embassy and businesses in both Japan and Canada to strengthen bilateral relations and create opportunities between our countries. Golf Committee Chair: - Organize the annual CCCJ Gold Scramble, attended by executives from leading companies and Canadian embassy officials - One of Tokyo's most sought-after business networking events—sells out every year - Create engaging business connections in a relaxed, fun environment Global Diversity Management Committee Member: - Contributing research on optimizing Asia's natural multicultural business environment - Sharing insights on how organizations can leverage naturally diverse teams as competitive advantage - Collaborating with business leaders on practical diversity implementation strategies Building meaningful relationships across the Canadian and Japanese business communities while advancing conversations around diversity and business development.

Senior Consultant | Force Management

Jan 2007 - Present

Tokyo, Japan Facilitate Force Management's sales methodology training across Asia and EMEA, applying multicultural facilitation expertise to help diverse teams master sales effectiveness skills that work across cultural contexts simultaneously. Program Delivery: - Sales messaging frameworks that resonate across cultural boundaries - Aligning sales approach with customer buying cycles in diverse markets - Competitive differentiation strategies for multicultural account teams - Driving measurable results through coaching and instruction Leverage 30+ years of Asia-Pacific business experience blending Western sales concepts with Asian business realities to help account teams and managers increase proactive customer engagement and communicate strategic change effectively across multicultural organizations. Key Strengths: - Facilitating sales training for teams spanning Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Australian, and Western professionals - Adapting sales methodology delivery for varying cultural communication preferences - Supporting account teams in navigating complex multicultural customer relationships - Bridging Western sales frameworks with Asian business execution

Founder & Principal Consultant | Focus Cubed Inc, Communication Intelligence Solutions

Apr 2006 - Present

Tokyo, Japan Developed Communication Intelligence methodology—behavioral skills based on human patterns that work across multiple cultures simultaneously rather than navigating each culture separately. Helps diverse teams across Asia optimize natural multicultural advantage in sales, strategy, and collaboration. Impact Across 50+ Organizations (Applied Materials, MetLife, Fortune 100): - 93% job impact - 94% ROI - 92% immediate application Programs across Japan, China, India, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan Created Friction Point Analysis™ (FPA) for Japan + 5-Stage Influence Rubric for Asia-Pacific—no competitor has both Two Core Programs (Only provider addressing both participation + facilitation): Speak Up with Confidence (The 5 Skills) - For contributors/sales professionals: Jump into discussions, disagree diplomatically, structure responses (VCR), control pace, adapt real-time ("Communication Chameleon": Read → Adjust → Bridge)—works at any English level. Confidently Facilitate Meetings (Meeting GPS Framework: PLAN-FLOW- WRAP-CALM) - For meeting leaders: Designed for multi-cultural meetings: AI-assisted agendas, manage diverse participation styles, handle difficult situations—virtual and in-person. Executive Coaching: Communication transformation for senior leaders navigating multicultural business environments. Business Outcomes: Employee engagement increases through confident participation, improved decision-making through diverse perspectives, reduced turnover, enhanced sales confidence. Skill Spy Methodology: 85% retention, 2x faster skill building—learn during regular meetings at zero additional cost. Sales Training Facilitation: Exclusive partnerships with sales training organizations, facilitating their programs across Asia and EMEA with multicultural expertise.

Change Management Consultant | RGP

Apr 2017 - Dec 2018

Tokyo, Japan Together with clients, I developed & coordinateda conituous communication strategy of change for organizations & teams undergoing transformation.

Partner | New & Improved, LLC| Creating growth through innovation

Jan 2008 - Aug 2018

Innovation facilitation

Instructor | Fuji Xerox Learning Institute

Jan 2004 - Jan 2013

Facilitated workshops in project management, innovation and intercultural communications.

Sales and tool training development for medical device company | Given Imaging

Jan 2003 - Jan 2006

Consulted for medical device manufacturer, Given Imaging Ltd., and its Japanese partners for the launch of the first-ever wireless, capsule endoscopy (CE) product in Japan. Developed a consultative, solution sales process along with tools and training programs for the core team of 28, while providing an additional training the national sales team of 3600 reps.

Senior Manager, Medical Education | Integrated Medical Advancement, K.K., Tokyo

Jan 2000 - Jan 2003

• Transferred from previous company, CGI to implement IMA business plan. • Developed and managed medical education department. • Established resource network in the USA, India, and Japan to outsource the following: design, programming, network engineering, medical copywriting, editing, medical illustration, animation, narration, and professional medical review. • Designed and developed web based LMS that currently tracks and reports the data of over 20,000 healthcare professionals. • Led a 35-member, multi-cultural project team to produce over 20 hours of fully animated and narrated CME programs. Coordinated the development of professional relations between the world’s largest infection control and epidemiological organizations, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the one of the leading infection control associations in Japan, the Environmental Infection Control Association.

Senior Manager, Medical Accreditation Services | Colby Group International Inc, Tokyo

Jan 1998 - Jan 2000

• Oversaw all aspects of projects for Japanese medical facilities to gain and maintain global standards (CAP/ISO) certification for Quality Management Systems (QMS). Coordinated project teams of 200-400 clinical laboratory members over periods of 12-14 months. Duties included advising on standards, planning, scheduling, budgeting, process management and interpreting for foreign inspectors and auditors. • Implemented business development projects for overseas firms aiming to locate or partner in Japan. Duties included facilitating brainstorming sessions, strategic planning, risk analysis and the development of business plans. • Integral part of the corporate team that raised US$8,000,000 to fund the capitalization of IMA. Reworked and simplified initial concept from an 86-slide presentation down to an easily comprehensible, visual 12-slide presentation. Conducted over 150 presentations in English and in Japanese to potential investors.