Career Compass: Branding and Work Opportunities for Women
May Member's Meeting
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Navigate your career and cultivate your future with confidence: join us for an empowering discussion on branding, career growth and work opportunities for women!
Career compass is an interactive event designed to support women navigating their professional journeys. Featuring expert speakers from HR, recruitment and personal branding, we’ll dive into essential topics like personal and professional branding, career building, LinkedIn strategies and overcoming career gaps.
Whether you're looking to refine your CV, strengthen your online presence or explore new opportunities, this session will provide valuable insights, resources and networking opportunities.
Join us for an engaging discussion to shape the future of your career!
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Meet the Panelists!
Starting her career as an executive assistant for a Japanese manufacturer expanding into Latin America, she now leads a high-performing team at LinkedIn, thriving in change and advocating for DE&I. She is part of the APAC leadership team and an executive sponsor for Women @ LinkedIn Japan.
Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on leadership, she thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments.
Her background spans product localization, media, business planning, and talent development, including past roles at the Wall Street Journal.
Michelle’s unconventional career path was born through seismic change and challenging environments. Sifting through government regulations, societal expectations, and unexpected natural and manmade disasters, she has blazed her own trail through multiple countries as an exchange student, spouse, and professional. With two decades of experience across women’s leadership, healthcare, anti-human trafficking, and global sales, Michelle co-founded Cranberry Leadership – a boutique firm that coaches and consults people living or working outside their home country or culture. While her focus is on Trailblazing Spouses, she also supports expat executives and the entire family.
In addition to her work with Trailblazing Spouses, Michelle is a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Connect with Michelle to collaborate and make a meaningful difference together.
With over 4 years of experience in the dynamic fields of digital marketing, social media, and influencer marketing, Anastasiia has established herself as a career coach and recruiter specializing in the digital marketing industry. She is passionate about helping expats navigate their career journeys in Japan, whether they’re starting fresh or seeking to elevate their existing careers to new heights.
Event recap
Career Compass: Tips to Navigate Your Professional Journey
Final Member Meeting of the 2024–2025 FEW Japan Program Year
Theme: Cultivating Our Future
Introduction
To close out the year, FEW Japan hosted Career Compass, an inspiring and interactive session designed to support women navigating career transitions, personal branding, and professional reinvention. With powerful insights from guest speakers Anastasiia Vydiuk, Monika Hori and Michelle Gates Roberts, the event left us motivated and ready to take charge of our unique paths.
Event Highlights
This final member meeting was not just a celebration of a successful program year, but a deep, candid, and practical exchange about the realities—and possibilities—of professional life for women in Japan and beyond. The conversation explored how to build visibility, confidence, and purpose when transitioning careers, relocating internationally, or stepping back into the workforce after a gap.
Our panelists shared not only their expertise, but their personal journeys, offering actionable strategies and heartfelt encouragement. From using LinkedIn as a visibility tool, to embracing the power of authenticity and community, the session resonated with women across industries and life stages.
Key Components of the Event Included:
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Expert Advice from Industry Leaders:
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Anastasiia Vydiuk brought expertise in recruiting and coaching for expats in Japan’s creative sector.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiia-vydiuk/ -
Monika Hori, a senior leader at LinkedIn, highlighted the value of visibility, mentorship, and showing up as your unique self.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikahori/ -
Michelle Gates Roberts offered guidance on turning life transitions—like moves or career breaks—into leadership moments.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gates-roberts/
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Anastasiia Vydiuk brought expertise in recruiting and coaching for expats in Japan’s creative sector.
- Interactive Q&A with the Audience: Members asked insightful questions around language barriers, using LinkedIn for growth, and navigating career gaps with confidence.
- Candid Stories & Lived Experiences: Panelists shared personal anecdotes on career changes, overcoming self-doubt, and thriving through uncertainty—making the advice relatable and real.
- Celebration of Leadership: We honored outgoing President Jackie Steele for her seven years of visionary service, and warmly welcomed Stephanie Napier as the incoming President, looking ahead with excitement to the future of FEW.
We also celebrated the incredible contributions of outgoing President Jackie Steele and welcomed incoming President Stephanie Napier with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.
