Sharing Experiences, Building Connections:
Inside ANA's Global Stretch Training
ANA's GST program unites global teams in Japan
to embrace diversity and drive growth
As Japan's largest airline, ANA serves over 50 international routes worldwide and is continuing to expand, with three new routes coming to Europe this year. With local offices at each gateway, ANA Group colleagues around the world connect and come together to share ideas and expand their mindsets.
To foster globalization among ANA colleagues, ANA hosts training programs in Japan for employees around the world. Overseas gateway staff train alongside colleagues, sharing their home cultures and values while gaining new skillsets to implement when they return to their respective stations.
In the first installment of this two-part series, we sat down with five Global Stretch Training (GST) members:
● Ting Wang, from Shanghai, works as a flight operations manager. Wang currently handles international flight schedules at the Operations Management Center (OMC).
● Aleksei Khaidukov, from Moscow, dispatches international flights. Khaidukov now works at the OMC where he serves as a NOTAM (notice to airmen) officer for route and crew dispatch.
● Wandong Guan, from Dalian, handles cargo operations. Guan currently works at ANA Cargo Narita Airport as a cargo handler.
● Ninda Rachmawati, from Jakarta, is an assistant manager for administration. She works in the Corporate Branding and Public Relations Department.
● Youssef Ghassouli, from Chicago, is an assistant manager for passenger services. Ghasaouli is now stationed at the Operations Support Center (OSC) where he handles overseas contracts and safety audits.
What challenges you in your career? What makes you waku-waku (excited)?
Wang: My day-to-day typically requires a lot of quick thinking and decision-making. Initially, handling the abundance of phone calls was a challenge, but over time, I've learned to understand and anticipate the needs of others. I have to consider not only individual flights but also their impact on surrounding flights to ensure seamless coordination and information sharing with the OMC.
Khaidukov: When I first started, I struggled to match my colleagues' speed and quality of work. Now that I have developed the necessary skills, I'm motivated to push forward and continue learning and growing.
Guan: The language barrier in Japan posed a challenge for me, especially at work when communicating with colleagues. Despite that, I found the operations fascinating during training and am particularly excited for the newly constructed Cargo Building No.8 at Narita.
Rachmawati: Initially, I was anxious about working in PR since I had no prior experience in the field. By communicating with my team and asking questions, I was able to overcome these challenges. Now, I participate in media events, write articles like this one, and an English tour guide at ANA Blue Base, ANA's largest training facility. These new tasks have not only provided me with growth opportunities but gave me the chance to meet and work with new people.
Ghassouli: The work style in Japan is different compared to back home. In Chicago, my job also consisted of operational tasks, but at the OSC, it's all office work with occasional audits, which was a change. At first, it was a challenge not knowing anyone, but over time I built new relationships and felt more comfortable.
How has living in Japan been so far?
Wang: This is actually my first time being stationed abroad, which has been exhilarating. The transition from my previous role in China to this new one in Japan was demanding but the similarities in time zones and incredible food have made changes in daily life easier.
Khaidukov: I enjoy living in Japan, especially with all the Japanese food. The language barrier was a bit difficult at first, but I thankfully was able to overcome this with the use of translation apps.
Guan: I actually had the opportunity to climb Mt. Fuji during a holiday and experienced the breathtaking sunrise at the summit. These experiences have brought me happiness and a deeper appreciation for my time in Japan.
Rachmawati: I am fulfilling my bucket list, including many domestic trips, trying new food and experiencing traditional culture. Though it can be challenging to live in a new country, I was able to adapt thanks to great mentorship from my manager.
Ghassouli: I found the cultural differences intriguing moving from the U.S. to Japan. Nothing can prepare you for the changes. However, I admire the politeness and respectfulness of Japanese culture, making it easier for me to adapt to life here.
What do you hope colleagues can take away from your experiences so far?
Wang: I believe the GST program is beneficial for learning and growth. It helps me better understand airport operations and enhances my perspective on these operations. Despite the short one-year duration, I am committed to learning and improving as a schedule manager to strengthen communications between China and Japan.
Khaidukov: The program is a great opportunity for staff worldwide to hone their skills by working in different departments outside their home office. I find that networking with colleagues and new individuals is the key to future collaborations and support.
Guan: The program for overseas employees is beneficial for understanding the Japanese work environment, witnessing the standard of high-quality work, fostering community among staff, conducting research and contributing to company development. Personally, I'm looking forward to continuing to improve, further overcoming language barriers and achieving our set goals for the year.
Rachmawati: Through this program, I'm able to gain business knowledge and valuable professional skills by experiencing the Japanese work environment. I can take these experiences and act as a bridge between Japan and my home office in Jakarta. By connecting with colleagues from all over the world, I am broadening my understanding of the ANA Group.
Ghassouli: The program is essential for staff development. Currently, only two of the members are from the Americas, but I hope more will join in the future for the valuable learning experiences and insight into Japanese culture. I aim to continue learning, sharing knowledge, supporting others and building stronger relationships on the team.
In the second part of this series, we will hear more from each GST member's respective managers and this collaborative program plays an important role in globalizing their departments.