* This article is republished from the WIT (currently World in You) website (April 11, 2015).

Our second Learning Journey took place in Iwanuma, Miyagi, in 2015 winter.

WIT investees and Partners spent one night and two days together to know with each other, and discuss challenges and opportunities of the investees’ activities and organizations.

Day 1 was designed so that the participants get to know each other in depth, through sharing one’s passion and vision and observing others’ strengths. We spent the latter of the day discussing investees’ achievements and challenges.
Some of the exercises were taken fromORSC™ (Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching), co-facilitated by Izumi Shimazaki, PCC, and Mio, Managing Director of WIT.

We had a more diverse group of attendees than the last Learning Journey. Investees had in-depth discussion with WIT Partners with such expertise as organization management, governance, marketing, finance, business development, and leadership training. Of course, Tohoku’s delicious food and Sake completed our day. Many stayed up and talked all night!

Day 2 started a special Taiqi lesson by Jiro Atsuta! Breathing in and out against the blue sky and green mountain. So relaxing and invigorated with the planet’s power.

After Taiqi, we dove into a small group discussion on what is the real challenge (as opposed to tip-of-the-iceberg challenge) and how each investee better approaches it. For Investees, they not only gained insights from WIT Partners but also shared similar challenges and wisdom with peer social entrepreneurs. All kept discussing even during the break time.

In the afternoon, we had a kickoff and experiential workshop of a newly launched project “Organization Development Connecting People and Minds.” Every single organization faces communication challenge inside their team
or with external stakeholders. Chimichi (investee) and WIT has been co-developing this project to help the investees and their teams to excel at their team management.

Here are some of the comments from participants!

“I have rarely met this type group of people, where we can talk what we need to talk in a open and frank way.” – Investee

“We as a team built a relationship with WIT Partners and senior entrepreneurs in which we can discuss things in a safe environment” – Investee

“I have participated and led many workshops before, but this is one of the most diverse group of people.” – WIT Partner and facilitator

“Our team was able to share our view on our challenges and came up with concrete action steps. Through discussing our challenge, I learned to think through what is the root of the issue.” – Investee

“In the last appreciation exercise, I strongly felt I want to stay engaged in this community.” – Volunteer

“I finally met a community where I don’t have to over-stretch myself. I’m really glad I attended this journey.” – Investee

 

Our third Journey will be on July 18th and 19th, 2015. Excited to have new investees next time and learn from each other!

Thank you so much for those who supported and/or participated in the Learning Journey!

WIT investees
Christina Ahmedjian, Hitotsubashi University
Yuko Sasahara, NTT Docomo Ventures
Hitoshi Nomoto, Integrity
Keitaro Fujishima, RECRUIT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS CO.,LTD.
Jiro Atsuta, Forum Japan
Izumi Shimazaki, Co-acilitator
Chie Aikawa, Interpreter
Kazuyuki Sato, Volunteer
Takuaki Oya, Volunteer
Runa Okuyama, Volunteer
Hideyuki Inoue, WIT Board member
Yuki Inoue, INNO Lab International

Written by Mio Yamamoto

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World in You cultivates leaders, organizations, and communities that co-create across boundaries to better society. We have provided leadership development programs to 200+ mission-driven organizations, 500+ leaders from the business and social sectors, and students.
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