Effective Communication: A Key Driver of Career Growth

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) hosted the seminar Effective Communication: A Key Driver of Career Growth at the Marunouchi Nijubashi Building in Tokyo. This seminar was organised by the Global Diversity Management Committee as part of the CCCJ’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The hybrid event welcomed professionals both in-person and online, offering practical insights into how effective communication influences leadership, collaboration, and career advancement.

The seminar featured Philippe Godbout, Managing Director at Dassault Systèmes Japan, and Sarah Casanova, Honorary Board of Advisor at the CCCJ, who shared personal experience, strategic frameworks, and actionable tips to enhance communication skills.

Philippe emphasised the philosophy of Think, Lead, Act, explaining that effective communication goes beyond output to align thought, leadership, and action. He encouraged attendees to listen deeply, noting that truly hearing others is often the most challenging part of communication. Leaders, he said, succeed by caring about others’ goals while valuing their own skills. Philippe also highlighted that communication occurs on multiple levels, from team dynamics to organisational and national contexts, and that embracing different ways of thinking drives innovation.

Sarah Casanova explored the nuances of delivering messages with clarity and impact, using the CAPABLE framework as a guide. She stressed that communication should start from the heart, with preparation and practice essential to resonating with your audience. Assertiveness, she explained, does not mean aggression, and silence and body language can be powerful tools. Attendees were encouraged to visualise interactions, manage emotions, and focus on fairness, asking whether a message will be received or ignored. Her mantra, “Be bold, be brief, be gone,” reinforced the value of concise, confident communication.

Cross-cultural communication was another key theme. Both speakers noted that when using an interpreter, audiences often focus on the translation rather than the speaker. Understanding high-context versus low-context communication styles and staying grounded in facts and goals during emotionally charged conversations are essential for success. They also emphasised tailoring communication to each audience, as there is no such thing as an average recipient.

The CCCJ thanks Philippe Godbout and Sarah Casanova for sharing their expertise and all attendees for contributing to a dynamic discussion. The seminar highlights the CCCJ’s commitment to connecting professionals, providing practical tools for career growth, and fostering a community where effective communication drives leadership and collaboration.