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A Journey to the Future: Our Experience at the One Agent Convention in Kyoto, Japan

At Shaker, we’re always looking for inspiration to stay ahead in recruitment marketing. This year, we embarked on a journey to the One Agent Convention in Kyoto, Japan, where the theme “Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Together” sparked compelling conversations and innovative strategies.

Joe Shaker Jr., Shaker RM’s CEO and elected Board Chairman of One Agent; Derek Briggs, Chief Operating Officer; and Megan Tracy, VP of Global Relations, reflected on their experiences, sharing insights into how this convention influenced their thinking and approach. Below is a glimpse into our conversation.

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Joe Shaker Jr.

CEO

A man in a dark suit jacket and blue shirt smiles in a warmly lit room. A few round lights are in the background, casting a cozy ambiance.

Derek Briggs

COO

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Megan Tracy

VP, Global Relations

Q: What was your most memorable moment from the One Agent Convention in Kyoto? Was it something you learned, a connection you made, or an experience in the city itself?

Joe Shaker Jr.:

One of the most memorable moments for me was exploring Kyoto’s blend of tradition and modernity. Walking through the historic streets of Gion and visiting the majestic shrines was
truly unforgettable. It reminded me of the balance we need in employer branding—honoring the core values that define a company while embracing innovation. On a professional note, the meaningful connections I made with other leaders from around the world were invaluable. The exchange of ideas and perspectives was both inspiring and eye-opening. It reinforced how global collaboration can lead to breakthroughs in the work we do.

Derek Briggs:

There were so many cool moments, but if I had to pick one, it would be walking around Kyoto itself. Seeing ancient monuments, meeting our One Agent partners, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese culture — it really opened my eyes to new ways of looking at the world and our collaboration with one another.

Megan Tracy:

Every time we get together, the collaboration is memorable. This year, I was really impressed with the adoption of agile methodologies, or “sprints,” that enable greater flexibility and faster response to market changes. These sprints accelerate campaign development, enhance collaboration, and improve transparency, resulting in faster deliveries that are more aligned with client expectations.

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Q: How did the theme “Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Together” resonate with your approach to employer branding and recruitment marketing? Any key takeaways you’d like to share?

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Joe Shaker Jr.:

The theme “Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Together” aligns with the direction we’re heading in employer branding. The biggest takeaway was the emphasis on agility and collaboration. In today’s rapidly evolving talent market, we can’t rely on outdated strategies. We need to think bigger, innovate faster, and make smarter decisions with the right partners by our side. The idea of being “together” was especially meaningful—it highlighted the power of global collaboration. It’s about pooling resources and expertise to solve challenges and create solutions that work across different markets. That’s what will keep us competitive in the years to come.

Derek Briggs:

The theme really clicked, especially given the fast-paced world we’re living and working in. But navigating it isn’t just about speed, right? It’s also about working smarter, which means embracing new ways of doing things. Rewrite the playbooks, challenge your own perceptions, and work together to see how different teams and cultures are solving the same problems.

Megan Tracy:

In my mind, “Bigger, Faster, Smarter, Together” most resonated with building the strength, breadth, and depth of the network. We worked on organizing our global account management,
adding agency partners in emerging markets, and marketing strategies to more accurately tell our story. Collaboration across regions means having a united global vision while being flexible enough to adjust to local contexts, and that really came to life at the convention.

Q: From Kyoto’s rich traditions to Tokyo’s innovative energy, how did the location of this year’s convention influence your perspective on global collaboration?

Joe Shaker Jr.:

The combination of Kyoto and Tokyo was the perfect metaphor for global collaboration. Kyoto, with its rich traditions and serene landscapes, reminded me of the importance of cultural preservation and long-standing values. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s vibrant energy and forward-thinking innovation showed me how essential it is to stay on the cutting edge. The location reinforced the idea that in order to succeed globally, we need to be adaptable, respecting the unique traditions of different markets while also pushing boundaries with new technologies and approaches. This balance is crucial in building authentic and forward-thinking employer brands.

Derek Briggs:

Kyoto gave me that deep appreciation for tradition, for keeping core values intact. Then you hit Tokyo, and it’s all about innovation and pushing the envelope. The future confronts you, head-on. That contrast got me thinking about how we do business globally—respect what’s already working, but don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown and try something new.

Megan Tracy:

The incredible beauty of both Kyoto and Tokyo, coupled with our cultural differences spanning communication styles, business etiquette, and social norms, were impactful. These contrasting cultural paradigms can pose significant challenges for companies trying to establish a cohesive and authentic global employer brand. One Agent, having local,
boots-on-the-ground representation across cultures, is invaluable; it ensures that a company’s messaging and practices resonate with local sensibilities and societal expectations. Such local insight helps bridge the gap between corporate objectives and community values, fostering a deeper, more authentic connection with potential employees and stakeholders across the globe.

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Q: What insights or strategies from the One Agent Convention are you excited to implement at Shaker?

Joe Shaker Jr.:

I’m particularly looking into how a more skills-based, technology-driven approach to employer branding will help our clients achieve their goals. The conversations around leveraging AI and data to create smarter recruitment marketing strategies resonated with me. I’m also inspired by the idea of deepening our global partnerships. The convention reinforced the importance of collaboration—not just within our teams, but across regions and industries. We’ll be focusing more on combining innovation with personal connections, ensuring that we maintain a global perspective while staying true to our core values. These insights will help us continue to deliver impactful solutions for our clients.

Derek Briggs:

I left the convention buzzing with ideas about how we promote global collaboration from an operations perspective. How can we further embed it into our culture to advance innovation for our clients? For example, the use of AI and data – we’ve been talking about it for a while but seeing it in action and hearing how others are using it was eye-opening and got us thinking about additional ways to implement it throughout Shaker.

Megan Tracy:

We always bring back a host of new ideas! I think one of the most interesting was the concept of an “Employer Brand Playbook” presented by core:workers in Denmark. The descriptive, completely customized playbook describes to the client the essence of the Employer Brand and how it should be used.

Embracing The New, Respecting Tradition

The One Agent Convention in Kyoto was about reimagining how we connect, collaborate, and grow globally. The experience embodied Kaizen, the Japanese practice of continuous improvement, reminding us that even the smallest changes can lead to significant, long-term success in recruitment marketing and talent acquisition.

But we’d love to hear from you! What challenges or opportunities are you seeing in your recruitment marketing efforts? How are you embracing innovation while staying true to your core values? Connect with us on LinkedIn and join the conversation. Let’s continue the conversation and explore new ways to shape the future – together.

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