The Game Changer Event: Transforming Organizations through People and Culture

On October 14, 2025, FranklinCovey Japan organized a remarkable seminar titled "The Game Changer - Individuals and Culture that Transform Organizational Flow" at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo. This event, aimed at executives and leaders in human resources and organizational development, attracted over 400 participants who delved into the theme of transformation in people and organizations. The seminar emphasized the fusion of timeless principles with practical wisdom derived from real-world experiences.

Keynote Address: The Legacy of Dr. Stephen R. Covey

The event commenced with a keynote speech by Sean Covey, the President of FranklinCovey Education and the son of the renowned Dr. Stephen R. Covey. Sean articulated the four essential roles of transformative leaders: to model behavior, provide direction, align the organization, and promote empowerment. In his presentation, he shared successful case studies from around the globe, emphasizing that genuine transformation starts from within. He highlighted that the only way to fundamentally change an organization is through inner transformation.

He concluded his speech by quoting his father's definition of leadership, underscoring the core of empowerment: “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” The audience resonated with his insights, with many participants expressing how they rediscovered the universality of principle-based leadership and gained actionable knowledge on fostering trust and self-awareness within their organizations.

Corporate Experience Talks: The Key to Change Lies Within People

The second part of the event featured a panel discussion with representatives from three companies that successfully integrated FranklinCovey's programs, including "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The speakers shared their authentic experiences in implementing organizational change while facing unique challenges such as rapid growth, mergers, and recovery from the pandemic. A common thread among the companies was that the change in employee mindset and behavior was the catalyst for all progress.

Key insights emerged about the gradual penetration of transformational leadership from the executive level, restructuring teamwork through human-centric educational programs, and linking individual growth with organizational execution. These initiatives led to notable improvements in customer satisfaction, decreased turnover rates, and enhanced employee happiness. As one speaker aptly put it, “Corporate culture is not about systems; it’s about habits.” Participants found the discussion enlightening and recognized their own organizational challenges through these shared narratives, affirming that nurturing people is crucial for corporate growth.

Special Guest Talk: Conditions and Development of Transformational Leaders

In a compelling follow-up session, experts including Shinobu Fujisaki from DomDom Food Service and Masahiko Yasuda from We Are The People engaged in a rich dialogue on the essence of leadership that drives change. They explored various dimensions of leadership and trust-building that can be developed as skills, emphasizing that, regardless of advancements in AI, human qualities and character remain the foundation of trust.

Fujisaki, drawing from his experience as a CEO of a small to medium-sized enterprise, argued that dialogue with frontline employees is the starting point for cultural transformation, stating that business ultimately revolves around “engaging with people.” The discussions encompassed the attributes of leaders, people management, engagement strategies, and fostering long-term visions. Many participants expressed gratitude for the empowering definitions of leadership and the encouragement to reflect on their activities in order to enhance their leadership effectiveness.

Networking and Reflection

At the conclusion of the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a networking session with speakers and fellow participants. Human resources leaders and business executives shared their challenges and initiatives, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with learning and encouragement.

FranklinCovey Japan offers a range of programs focused on developing talent and enabling behavioral change through structured learning processes and organizational consulting. Their mission is to assist organizations in overcoming challenges and achieving their strategic goals through effective execution.

Company Overview: FranklinCovey Japan

Location: 7th Floor, Izumikan, 5-7 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: William A. McIntyre Jr.
Website: FranklinCovey Japan

Through such insightful events, FranklinCovey Japan continues to lead the discourse on organizational transformation, equipping leaders with the tools to unlock the incredible potential within the workforce.