Meet Our Talent
Leonard Loo
Assistant
What were the most difficult aspects of adjusting to life in Japan initially?
For me, adjusting to the cold climate was the most difficult. Coming from a tropical country and arriving during the transition period between winter and spring (March), I wore and brought clothes which I thought were warm enough. They weren't.
How would you describe your co-workers during your initial time at work?
My co-workers were really encouraging. There were times when I thought I was being unproductive at work because I was "still undergoing the learning process". I was used to getting things quite quickly and was frustrated with myself for taking much longer than I expected. My co-workers helped my through all that by being patient and supportive as I was learning the ropes.
What work skills and habits have you learned or improved from your time here thus far?
I improved my time management. There is always a LOT of work to be done in the office and how one manages his/her time is essential on how things get done. By being placed in this environment, I am forced to adjust accordingly. While there may be some unpleasant moments, I am sure that this skill is essential for anyone to be successful.
What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?
The thing that takes the most toll on me at work is knowing that people are waiting for me to finish in a short amount of time. When I was a student, whenever my teacher/professor would give us homework, I would finish it days, if not weeks before the deadline. I was never "good" at "cramming". But now, because of the very short timeframe to accomplish tasks coupled with the knowledge of people waiting on me, the pressure sometimes builds up.
What have been your fondest experiences in Japan?
My favorite experiences of Japan would have to be the time I spent in the Fukuoka branch office. Because I was so far from all the people I knew, I had to go out by myself and discover exactly what Japan had to offer. I made a lot of friends, both Japanese and foreigners alike. The friendships and memories I made are priceless.
I am looking forward to ...
experiencing Okinawa in the heat of summer and Hokkaido in the dead of winter.
What is the most important thing that working at the Firm has taught you about yourself?
I learned how to be independent, not only with regards to work but also with my personal life. In the office, I am responsible for the work that has been entrusted to me, as well as what I produce as a result of that trust. Being given this level of responsibility taught me how to stand on my own inside and outside of the office.
What advice would you give to entry level recruits?
Be open to learn. Learning something new is rarely easy and entering a Japanese firm may be going a step further. However, if you are willing to be taught, I am sure you will do just fine.