ラジオビジネス英語 Interview（3-2）
8月9日(金) Brett Cline
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What was the semiconductor market like when Brett joined the industry?
-The market was advancing very rapidly.
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You've been woring in the semiconductor industry for more than 25 years. You’re almost like a walking encyclopedia in a sence. Could you briefly explain to us about the semiconductor industry and how it has grown and where it is at now?
-Thank you. Yes, actually, now it's been more than 30 years I believe, but I'm far from expert in the area. No that's okay. I benefited from the work that many of the founders of the semiconductor industry pioneered long before I was there. So while I've been doing this for quite some time, I'm still not an expert and it will take probably maybe another 30 years, but when I look back, it's amazing how much things have changed over the 30 years. At the time I joined the industry, which is in the mid 90s. The semiconductor market was advancing very rapidly. Of course I was quite young and I was only begining to learn what was possible. 30 years later I'm completely amazed at the transformation that's happened. Just think about the electronics that we're using today, and how much they've changed over the last 30 years whether it's the TV sets that we are using to watch television, or the airplanes we are fllying on, or the cars that we are driving. Uh, you know, back then there was no such thing as a smart phone or at least not a modern smartphone and there was no self-driving cars and there was no artificial intelligence at least for practical dailies/dailiy use. In 1994, we were still watching big bulky TV sets and the smart phones that we know of today, they were released 13 years later. So in many ways this change in the market is exactly what I expected. The semiconductor industry has always had great innovation that enabled incredible new products and systems. Of course I couldn't have and no one could maybe completely anticipate the products that have come. But I thinks the semiconductor market has grown in such a way that's allowed these products to be buit and the innovation is really incredible over those 30 years.
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walking encyclopedia
A walking encyclopedia is a person who has extensive knowledge, almost as if they were accessing an encyclopedia with their mind. And example would be, I can ask my teacher anything about histry and he always gives the correct information. He's like a walking encyclopedia. In the same sence, a walking dictionary is a person who has a big vocabulary. They also know the definishions of words, and can provide a linguistic perspective.
benefit from
To benefit from something means to receive an advantage or something useful from it. Benefits are advantages or things that help us. An example would be, We benefit from GPS technology. This means that GPS is useful to us and make our lives easier. In other words, GPS technology gives us benefits.
pioneer
The noun pioneer is someone who is the first to explore an area or discover something such as a new technology that opens doors for others. This also provides an opportunity for further exploration and learning. To pioneer as a verb, means to act like a pioneer in opening up new opportunities and providing the groundwork for further innovation. Brett said that he benefited from the work that founders of the semiconductor pioneered. meaing that those founders gave him a strong foundation or a head start in acquiring information on semiconductors.
bulky
Large or heavy in an incovenient way. Awkward. Clunky. Cumbersome. Brett talked about buly TVs from the 1990s and before. Compared to TVs from this decade, those bulky TV sets would seem unsightly, too big and rather heavy.
innovation
New tachnologies or developments, new ideas or methods. Innovation can also refer to new product or services that are original state-of- the-art or cutting edge.
enable
To enable means to make something possible for someone or something. To cause an effect to happen. Brett said the semiconductor industry has always had great innovations that have enabled incredible new products and new systems. This means that the semiconductor industy had great innovations or novel development of new products and ideas that have enabled or provided the basis for incredible new products and systems.
anticipate
To predict, to imagine or expect what will happen. In example would be, We've prepared extensively. So I don't anticipate any problems with our presentation. This means the person doesn't forsee any problems. Anticipate can have a nuance of optimism depending on the context. For example, We anticipate a big turnout for tonight's big event. This means, they predict there will be a big turnout and they're looking forward to it.
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revolutionize
The advent of the internet reovolutionized communication, cnnecthing people across the globe instantaneously.
change the landscape
This new e-commerce platform is set to change the retail landscape while offering greater convenience to consumers.
create a paradigm shift
Blockchain technology has created a paradigm shift for secure and transparent transacions.
paradigm
[ˈpɛrəˌdaɪm]
a paradigm shift
a radical change in underlying beliefs or theory
paradigm
例, 典型, パラダイム
A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.
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- The development of the smartphne transformed the way we access information and communicate.
- I'm completely amazed at the transformation that's happened.
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instantaneously
Instantly means at once or immediately. Instantaneously means happening so soon (in relation to something else) that no delay is perceptible.
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for quite some time
長い間It's been quite some time.
*ちょっメモ
【memo】20240811 ラジオビジネス英語 Interview（3-2） 8月9日(金)
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ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（72）
8月8日(木)
Subject:Yes! We met our sales target.
Hi all,
I'm thrilled to announce that we've met our sales target for this fiscal year. This incredible achievement is a testament to your hard work and eceptional teamwork. To show our gratitude for your outstanding efforts, we're organizing a team dinner. Please see the attached sheet for details. Let's take this opportunity to celebrate our success and recharge for the exciting challenges ahead. Looking forward to celebrating with all of you.
Yuri
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- Thank you for organazing such a wonderful event.
- Thank you for arranging such a fantastic event.
Thanks again for the invitation. See you at the dinner.
Orlando
Just a quick heads up. Our next employee training session on IT is this Friday in meeting room 406. It's super important for everyone to join and level up your IT skills. Can't wait to see you all there.
Yuri
-> This is just a reminder that ...
Any other expressions typically for chat message?
-Expressions like super important and can't wait to see you all there are typical of chat communication, aren't they?
It's all about capturing attention and getting everyone on board with just a few words.
-Yes, an effective one liner.
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- Just to confirm, we don't have any pre-work to do, do we?
=> I just want to confirme, - Just a check, we don't have any pre-work, correct?
-> Just a check is also used as is just to confirm.
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Thanks Yuri, I'll be there. Just to confirm, we don't have any pre-work to do, do we? I'd rather not embarrass myself in front of my colleagues at the session.
Jeff
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would rather not しない方がいいと思う、～したくない
<- doesn't want to ...
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- We're organizing a team building activity next month. Stay tuned for details and save the date.
*stay tuned for details
-> To inform someone that further information is coming soon.
- Let's gather for a luchtime brainstorming session on Friday. Your ideas are valuable.
- Join us for a team lunch this Friday to unwind and chat. Bring your appetite.
- Quick reminder. We're having a team dinner this Thursday to welcome our new team members.
- Remainder. We're having an internal training session on compliance happening this afternoon Be ready to learn.
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ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（71）
8月7日(水)
The meeting is coming to an end. The final topic is work-life balance.
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What's the main question about working from home?
-The question is how many days a week they should allow remote work.
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Let's move on to the final point, work-life balance. We have flexible working hours in place, and we've managed to keep over time within reasonable limits.
-Indeed. For our non-Japanese staff, over time used to be a major concern, but they're relieved to find that this isn't the case anymore.
-Excellent. The main challenge we're facing now is meeting the increasing demand for more opportunities to work from home, right.
-Yes, the question is how many days a week we should allow remote work?
-I'm currently discussing this with the marketing team.
-We'll see how it goes.
-Nicole. Thank you for your active participation. Your insights are invaluable. I'm planning to travel to London next week. so let's touch base again when I reaturn.
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flexible working hours
be relieved
work from home
work at home
insight
invaluable
touch base 連絡を取る
ｰｰｰ
invaluable 貴重な
- Your insights are invaluable.
- The feedback from customers is invaluable for improving our products.
- Your contributions to the charity are invaluable.
( incredibly, highly, extremely + valuable)
- Nicole, I want to say that I appreciate your input today.
- We had disagreements sometimes but that's also part of the process, right?
- It's those diverse viewpoints that often lead to the best outcome.
- We're committed to our shared goals. * common goals
- Let's keep the momentum going.
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ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（70）
8月6日(火)
Michio and Nicole are identifying issues related to the work process and foreign employee's relationships with Japanese managers.
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What do foreign staff really want from Japanese managers?
-They want straightforward feedback on their work in performance.
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Regarding the work process, many non-Japanese staff seem stressed about consulting with different department for example.
-Actually, I understand that well. In my previous workplace, a foreign affiliated firm, the reporting line was clear and authority was given to the head of each department. So most decisions were made quickly.
-You're on the same page as them. They may understand this cultural difference in theory, but in real life, they often find the process slow.
-I see. How about their relationship with their Japanese managers?
- They appreciate Japanese managers' politeness. But what they really want is straightforward feedback on their work in performance.
-They want comments on areas for improvement, right? This will be addressed in a training session for Japanese managers next month.
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foreign affiricated firm
reporting line
authority
be on the same page
in theory
straightforward
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in theory
- They may understand this cultural difference in theory, but in real life, they often find the process slow.
- I understand the concept of leadership in theory, but implementing it effectively requires real-world experience.
- I know the importance of exercise in theory, but it's not easy to practice it.
*exercise
They know this cultural difference intellectually.
understand .. in one's head
They understand this cultural difference in their head.
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They want comments on ares for improvement, right?
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Japanese managers tend to deliver criticism in a way that minimizes conflict.
So non-Japanese employees may interpret this as vague or unclear feedback.
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Japanese managers may not have received sufficient training in providing feedback to a multicultural workforce. They need to be made aware of the importance of feedback in improviing foreign employees performance and motivation.
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ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（69）
8月12日(月)
ラジオビジネス英語 Lesson（69）
8月5日(月)
The topic of the discussion shifts to the work environment. Michio asks how Nicole feels about it.
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In what kind of situation in particular, does Nicole feel tense?
-During meetings.
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So, on to the next topic, the work environment. The results of our recent surey left me somewhat uncertain.
-In what way?
-Despite our effort to arrange Japanese language and culture courses for not-Japanese statt, they feel pressured to conform to Japanese business customs. Can I ask how you personally feel?
-Well, I can relate to that feeling. For example, I still find myself feeling tense especially during meetings.
-Meeting make everyone nervous. You don't have many language issues, do you?
-I think the nervousness is more about my social proficiency rather than my Japnanese ability. Forein employees try hard to adapt to unwirtten rules, but they are often confused by the differences in sommunication styles. The fear of offending people is big for foregners in Japan.
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conform to
relate to に共感する <-I can relate to that feeling.
tense
nervous -> nervousness
proficiency 熟練・熟練度・習熟度
unwritten rule
offend
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leave ... uncretain
- The results of our recent surey left me somewhat uncertain.
- The ambiguous response from the manager left the team uncertain.
ambiguous
[æmˈbɪɡjuəs]
- The sudden change in plans left us uncertain.
touch?
Synonyms: feel, finger, handle, paw
These verbs mean to bring the hands or fingers into contact with so as to give or receive a physical sensation: gently touched my hand; felt the runner's pulse; fingered the worry beads; handle a bolt of fabric; fans who pawed the celebrity's arm. -> move.
feel unsure
The results of our recent srvery left me feeling a bit unsure.
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Meetings make everyone nervous.
The fear of offending people is big for foregners in Japan.
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I understand that feeling well. When I worlked in the U.S, I encountered many situations where things were done differently from in Japan. So I was always worried about whether my words and actions were making the other person feel uncomfortable.
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At one point, I thought it would be bad unless something changed. So I switched to a mindset of enjoying different cultures. Since then, I've started to enjoy discovering the differneces.
I think this mindset might be the key to working in a differnt culture. What do you think?
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ラジオビジネス英語 Interview（3-1）
8月2日(金) Brett Cline
When did Mr. Cline get the opportunity to go to Japan for the first time?
-It was when he was working for small startup compnanies.
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Thank you for joining our program. So shall I call you Mr. Cline?
- Thank you for having me and my friends and colleagues call me Brett. So that would be okay.
-Oh, Brett-san, that's a good idea. So my first question is could you please share with us about your background and about the current company you're working at?
-Yes. Thank you Shibata-san. So when I was younger I was always interested in electoronics. And I actually started programming my first computer at around 12 years old. I knew that I wanted to be involved with computers and I knew that I wanted to be involved with programming and electornics in some way, but I didn't know exactly in what way would be. And then, I eventually went to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and I have an electrical and a computer engineering degree from Northeastern and throughout the years in University, I worked for a number of different engineering firms such as general electric which is a company that's over 100 years old and I went on to working for other companies when I was in my 20s that were involved in computer design or in semiconductor design and this gave me kind of the taste for continuing down to semiconductor path. Eventually, I found myself working for small startup companies. And those startup companies gave me some opportunities to learn different aspects but also gave me my first trip to Japan somewhere around I think it was 2001. And now I work for a scale up company I'll call it, called ..ship was founded in the Czech Republic in 2014. We create computer processors and we're using a new technology called risk 5. And these processors are commonly used in semiconductor designed for many of the electooronics that you see today and probably what we're using on the internet as we talk, you can think of these computer processors as the brain of an electoronic chip or an electronic system. And codeship's unique capability is allown our customers to build custom computer processors for their specific designs, and so this helps them improve their performance or reduce their costs or even reduce power usage. And my job at the company is chief commercial officer and I'm reponsible for worldwide sales and corporate marketing.
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semiconductor
The word seminconductor comes from the prefix semi, which means partial. And conductor which is something that allows something to move or pass through such as how metal is a conductor for electrocity. So a semiconductor is a material that allows electrocity to pass through partially. A kind of part conducor, part insulator.
taste for に対する興味・を好むこと
Getting a taste for something means to get at least a basic understanding and appreciation for it. Getting a taste for something is similar to how you might want to eat something again after tasting it. Mr. Cline mentioned that his experiences gave him a taste for continuing dwon the semiconductor path. This means that his experiences gave him sufficient knowledge and sparked enough interent to continue working with semiconductors.
scale up company 成長過程にある企業
A scale up company or a scale up is a company that has achieved profitabilty and has grown in scale. Scale refers to growth or growing where revenue increasingly greater than costs. Once they demonstrate certain sustained criteria for growth.
computer processor
A computer processor is also know as a processor or CPU. It's the hardware that functions as the brain of the computer.
Risk five
Risk 5, an acronym spelled out as R-I-S-C-v stands for reduced instruction set computer 5. Mr. Cline mentioned that risk 5 is one of the new technologies his company is using to help improve performance as well as reduce costs and powr usage.
allow 可能にする
In this case to allow means to let someone do something or let someone have something. To permit. Mr. Cline mentioned that his company allows customers to build custom computer proceessors, meaning his company gives customers the option to build custome computer processors.
chief commercial officer
A chief commercial officer or CCO is an executive at an organization, who is responsible for the commercial aspects such as sales, marketing, customer outreach and so on. Mr. Cline mentioned that his job as CCO includes worldwide sales and corporate marketing.
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develop a passion
I was born and raised in Tokyo, where I devloped a strong passion for public transportation systems and large cities.
give a foundation
My liberal arts degree gave me a solid foundation in Intercultural understanding.
pursue a career
Growing up, I was always interested in cross-border trade, which led me to pursure a career in a general trading company.
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gain a perspective
Having lived in several countries, I have gained a unique perspective on world affairs.
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Eventually, I found myself working for small startup companies.