Member Voice vol.4：Flexibility is the keyword for Zenport’s working style. Brian, former secretary to the president and current PM, reveals Zenport’s working environment.

Member Voice vol.4: Flexibility is the keyword for Zenport’s working style. Brian, former secretary to the president and current PM, reveals Zenport’s working environment.

At Zenport, we are committed to “connecting data, people, and economies to create a sustainable and collaborative world. We want to create an undivided world where people around the world collaborate and prosper sustainably through global supply chains, starting with data collaboration.

This is the fourth in a series of articles about our diverse members and their work styles. In this instalment, we interview Brian, who learned coding during Covid-19 and is now working as a PM, about how he works at Zenport.

Q. First of all, please tell us about your previous job.

Brian：My previous job was assistant to the president/secretary at the Haier Group’s Japan regional headquarters. It was a low-key job overall, but it was a job that required a quick response anyway.

Q. You had a completely different job experience. What made you switch from the consumer electronics industry to the IT industry?

Brian: While working in the consumer electronics industry, I had a firsthand sense that consumer electronics were evolving slowly. Gradually, I began to think that I wanted to be involved in work that could evolve with the changing times.

Then, my friend was studying coding at Covid-19, which led me to enrol in a coding school. Coincidentally, one of the graduates of that school was Eliot, the current Head of Engineering, and we hit it off at an event. At that time, Eliot introduced me to Zenport, and I joined Zenport as a PM two years ago.

Q. You have had a unique career. By the way, your Japanese is very good. How did you learn it? 

Brian：I first studied Japanese in high school in the US. After that, I graduated from an American university and started working in Japan. I first came to Japan through the JET program. At that time, my Japanese improved remarkably. It may seem unusual, but I have no experience working as a full-time employee in the US. However, after working in Japan for many years, I feel that working  at “The Japanese company” is not fit for me.

Q. I see. Next, please tell me about the main theme of this interview, “How do you work at Zenport?

Brian: All of us at Zenport work from full remote locations. Working fully remotely, there is a common understanding among the members that it is not easy to communicate with each other. For this reason, we are very particular about communication and try to be polite and easy to get across.

This is a unique part of our company, but Zenport conducts daily morning and evening meetings online. Since our team is small, we have a style of meeting bodies and initiatives that are decided by consensus, and we have an attitude of thinking about solutions to issues with the whole team.

Q. Full remote work seems like an easy way to work, but what are the advantages and disadvantages of full remote work, in your opinion?

Brian：First, to start with the disadvantages, there is the communication cost. I feel that communication is difficult, especially when there is a difference in the level of mutual understanding. The other thing is that it is difficult to have small chats with each other, and it is difficult to turn my mind on and off. I switch my mind off by closing my PC.

The advantage is that I don’t have the stress of commuting, and I can use the time I would normally spend commuting or travelling for the benefit of my clients and the organisation. In addition, my family is overseas, so being able to work while visiting them is a big advantage.

Q. Being able to work from anywhere is one of the advantages of full remote work. Could you describe the atmosphere and characteristics of the Zenport team?

Brian: It’s not too passionate in a good way, but it’s rather calm. Of course, there is an inner passion for the product and the desire to make it better, but as a startup with limited resources, priorities are always changing. I think “flexibility” is a key word that describes the organisational atmosphere at Zenport, because our members understand that this is a normal part of life, and they are flexible in their responses.

Q. Flexibility in dealing with change is especially important when working at Zenport, isn’t it? On the other hand, change can sometimes be stressful. Is it an environment where you can share your feelings of stress or discomfort with your team?

Brian: Yes, basically the business side is 1-on-1 communication between me and the CEO, so we try to talk openly about anything. Communicating allows us to work smoothly and without stress. Also, all members have 1-on-1 meetings with the CEO every other week, and we have a dinner meeting every month.

At those meetings, we talk not only about work, but also about personal and casual life. We are a multinational group, with members hailing from England, Canada, and the U.S., so our conversations are often international in nature. While there are still many imperfections, I feel that it is a valuable opportunity for our members to spend time together offline and face to face.

Q. You hold weekly dinner meetings! I guess that makes the conversation even more stimulating, since you usually work remotely. By the way, how do you spend your day off?

Brian：On indoor days, I play video games, drink wine, and relax at home. On outdoor days, I sometimes go hiking and get some exercise. I’m able to relax on my days off. I once went hiking with Zenport members.

Q. It’s good that you are able to refresh yourself! Finally, please give a message for new members.

Brian：Our job is not easy. We have clients that are big companies that everyone knows, and we are a startup and still imperfect in some areas. It is a big challenge, especially for someone like me who has never worked in the IT industry before. However, if you have the attitude to boldly solve complex problems, the ability to contribute to clients and organisations, and the flexibility to change, I would love to work with you. We look forward to receiving many applications!