In the week’s episode I recommend some books, as well as discuss Korean Foreign Investment, Tennessee and car tires.
A common question I get from Korean executives is “what books are you reading Don?” Two books stand out from my current bookshelf. [Both titles are listed in the video].
Before I share why these two books are on my reading list, I need to step back the past several months. Prior to my March trip to Seoul, I picked up a new iPhone 6 (and yes, I plan to get an iWatch Sport soon). Anyway, while in Korea and to take advance of the high speed Internet I planned to do the software update. Mid download, the phone locked up.
Luckily I was heading back to the US the next day, and would be in-flight for much of the next day, so I “survived” without phone, text and constant email updates. In the meantime, I was re-reading Tim Ferriss’ 4 Hour Workweek, and although cognitive to my addiction of constantly checking email, I finally came to recognize the time chewing up keeping an eye on emails, most all non-urgent, was impacting the quality of my work and life. In particular, my creative thought stream was disrupted with a mix of updates, alerts and promotions. I wouldn’t even mention how many times I would check emails during the night.
So what’s the relevancy, well, after now implementing some rather cool email filter processes, and earmarking times to follow up on emails, I have carved out noticeable blocks of time I am now devote to additional reading and research…. And I’ve found “Those who read, have something to share.”
Moving to my next topic, I’m in NYC at the Korea Society next week. I’d happy to say the presentation will be recorded, available on YouTube and I’ll be posting the links.
BTW I have some time still available while in New York, so let me know if you have some thoughts who I should meet with while in the City.
One more thing-
In late May I will be in Tennessee as part of a panel discussing local foreign investment. Specifically I was asked to discuss Korean foreign investment in regard to Hankook Tire’s new $800 million car tire plant. Frankly, I’ve supported Hyundai and then Kia Motors’ manufacturing plants in Alabama and Georgia as well as teams from their other plants globally. I have also worked with Hyosung, which in their diverse product lines manufactures tire cords—the key component in tires.
I’ve been followed news of the Hankook plant since last fall, and hope to learn more about their plans for the US plant as well as help the local government and community support the new plant.
In turn it’s these experiences that provide the insights I share with you and others—all of us benefitted from this work across and supporting the many legs of Korean business: Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, research and design.
So until next time…
Quotes
“Those who Read, have something to share.”
Hankook Tire
http://
4 Hour Workweek (updated)
http://www.amazon.com/
A Curious Mind
http://www.amazon.com/
Questions? Go to questions@koreabcw.com
This Week’s Episode of Everything Korea – Watch Now!
Two topics, first I’ll be working from NYC this week. I’ll be sharing the Korea Society presentation once their very professionally team produces the video series and uploads to YouTube. Please Stay tuned.
That said, much of my professional work is providing strategy and consulting to the top Korean brands globally.
This includes working with non-Korean firms, leadership and audiences to explain the dynamics and nuances in Korean business. During a long day that can often extend into the evening, I tackle client issues.
A common question both in media interview and by clients is “ Don, how did you get interested in Korean business?”
My Korea focus and experience are actually rooted in Korean martial arts. I began martial arts in the early 1970s, receiving my Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) by the mid 1970s, opened my first school in 1976 and tested for Sabom Master Instructor in 1987. In 2013, I was inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame.
Outside my public image today of business consultant, coach, trainer, strategist, social commentator, and author. I’ve continued to be a life-long student of traditional Korean martial arts– now for 43 years.
I have added several complex Chinese forms to my repertoire of over 35 hyung—the traditional sets of combative movements martial artists’ practice to hone their bodies and minds.
I have always seen martial arts as not only a way of staying in shape through a wide range of stretching, kicking, and hand movements, but also a demanding mental regiment.
All said, I attribute my success in Korean business much in part to the discipline, “meditation in motion,” self-control, patience, and focus sharpened over a lifetime in the martial arts—not to mention the strong rooting in the cultural dimension of a traditional Korea art.
Just one more thing, in addition to my Korean facing Facebook pages, I just added a new martial arts Page. It includes some articles I have written for both academic and the martial arts industry.
So until next time, this is Don Southerton wishing you all the best.
As in past Everything Korea, I will share links on topics discussed in the accompanying copy.
1. The Korea Society
http://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/korea_perspective.html
Please Follow and Like:
2. My Facebook Page ( lots of posts I see as timely and relevant)
https://www.facebook.com/dsoutherton
3. Bridging Culture Worldwide Facebook Page (Korea facing)
https://www.facebook.com/BridgingCultureWorldwide
4. My Martial Arts Page (cool videos and articles)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Southerton/846237712136423
Questions, Comments, Thoughts? Go to questions@koreabcw.com
#Koreasociety #NewYorkCity #strategy #Korea #Koreanbusiness#martialarts #personaldevelopment #mentaldiscipline #patience #focus#Koreanculture