Celebrating One Year of chilink WORK SITE MINATOMIRAI: A Night of Cross-Boundary Dialogue
On May 28, 2025, the first anniversary of the chilink WORK SITE MINATOMIRAI was celebrated in Yokohama with a special event titled "K越境Night - A Night of Sharing Future Insights Beyond Organizational Walls." This community-building initiative was co-hosted by ATOMica, a startup specializing in social co-working, and the NAIS (Nissan Alumni Innovation Salon), a network of former Nissan employees who have ventured into various industries to foster innovation and social contribution. The event featured notable speakers such as Toshiyuki Shiga, Chairman of INCJ and former COO of Nissan, Keiko Kaji, Chairman and CSDO of Cinnamon AI, and Yuko Nakani, Manager at Shiseido's Brand Value Development Research Institute. Both co-CEOs of ATOMica, Mizuki Shimada and Kazuki Minuhara, facilitated the event.
With 53 participants from various backgrounds, including corporate professionals, young employees, and students, the evening fostered lively conversations and shared experiences related to cross-industry talents. The panel discussion centered on the theme of "crossing boundaries," with industry leaders reflecting on their journeys and the nature of innovation in today's complex landscape.
During the discussion, the panelists shared their unique insights into how individuals can navigate and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Toshiyuki Shiga detailed his transition from Nissan to INCJ at the age of 61, describing it as a pivotal moment of "crossing boundaries." He reflected on the contrasting company culture, where his voice was often challenged more in his new role, fostering an environment rich with innovative ideas. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional hierarchies and valuing personal integrity and character over titles. In reminiscing about the launch of the Nissan Leaf, Shiga highlighted the novel marketing strategy that encouraged consumers to envision their future with electric vehicles, generating a ripple effect of enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability.
Keiko Kaji discussed the concept of "weak ties" — connections formed with individuals outside one's usual circle. He posited that new ideas often emerge at the intersection of unexpected interactions. Kaji further remarked on how modern tools like generative AI enhance the speed at which innovative concepts can be transformed into tangible outputs, demonstrating that even in a fast-paced environment, collaboration and exploring diverse perspectives can lead to significant breakthroughs.
Challenging the prevailing trends of workforce polarization, Shiga observed that while many ambitious individuals seek new opportunities outside their organizations, it is crucial not to undervalue quiet contributors within companies. He asserted that environments lacking motivation for growth pose a dire risk to organizational health.
Kaji expressed similar sentiments on the evolving landscape post-COVID-19, advocating for community spaces like chilink to be crucial platforms where diverse individuals can connect and collaborate on societal challenges. Yuko Nakani underscored the benefits of flexible working arrangements and their alignment with contemporary lifestyle needs, citing the importance of adaptability in workforce management.
The event concluded with a shared vision of cultivating a rich communal space that not only serves as a co-working hub but also facilitates innovative exchanges and personal connections. ATOMica and chilink continue to prioritize nurturing such environments, embodying the spirit of collaboration necessary for sustainable development in today’s fast-paced world.
For more details about chilink and its community initiatives, visit the official website.
With 53 participants from various backgrounds, including corporate professionals, young employees, and students, the evening fostered lively conversations and shared experiences related to cross-industry talents. The panel discussion centered on the theme of "crossing boundaries," with industry leaders reflecting on their journeys and the nature of innovation in today's complex landscape.
Insight Sharing from Industry Leaders
During the discussion, the panelists shared their unique insights into how individuals can navigate and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Toshiyuki Shiga detailed his transition from Nissan to INCJ at the age of 61, describing it as a pivotal moment of "crossing boundaries." He reflected on the contrasting company culture, where his voice was often challenged more in his new role, fostering an environment rich with innovative ideas. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond traditional hierarchies and valuing personal integrity and character over titles. In reminiscing about the launch of the Nissan Leaf, Shiga highlighted the novel marketing strategy that encouraged consumers to envision their future with electric vehicles, generating a ripple effect of enthusiasm and commitment to sustainability.
Keiko Kaji discussed the concept of "weak ties" — connections formed with individuals outside one's usual circle. He posited that new ideas often emerge at the intersection of unexpected interactions. Kaji further remarked on how modern tools like generative AI enhance the speed at which innovative concepts can be transformed into tangible outputs, demonstrating that even in a fast-paced environment, collaboration and exploring diverse perspectives can lead to significant breakthroughs.
The Future of Work
Challenging the prevailing trends of workforce polarization, Shiga observed that while many ambitious individuals seek new opportunities outside their organizations, it is crucial not to undervalue quiet contributors within companies. He asserted that environments lacking motivation for growth pose a dire risk to organizational health.
Kaji expressed similar sentiments on the evolving landscape post-COVID-19, advocating for community spaces like chilink to be crucial platforms where diverse individuals can connect and collaborate on societal challenges. Yuko Nakani underscored the benefits of flexible working arrangements and their alignment with contemporary lifestyle needs, citing the importance of adaptability in workforce management.
The event concluded with a shared vision of cultivating a rich communal space that not only serves as a co-working hub but also facilitates innovative exchanges and personal connections. ATOMica and chilink continue to prioritize nurturing such environments, embodying the spirit of collaboration necessary for sustainable development in today’s fast-paced world.
For more details about chilink and its community initiatives, visit the official website.
Topics People & Culture）
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