In order to succeed in international business, language skills alone are not enough. Global corporations are paying attention to “CQ”—the ability to understand different cultures and adapt effectively to different contexts. CQ Business® is a unique program developed by AtGlobal, Ltd., tailored to the Japanese business environment. It systematically builds intercultural understanding and effective communication skills.
AtGlobal has provided training programs trusted by many companies. For global talent development, we invite you to leverage our expertise and proven track record.
※CQ Business® is a registered trademark of AtGlobal, Ltd.
VIDEO Developing Future Global Talent AtGlobal, Ltd. provides CQ training programs for international students, nurturing the next generation of global talent.
Case Study : A seminar at a school of business with a diverse student body learning together
Challenges in Developing Global Talent
Employees’ language skills have improved, but communication in real global business remains ineffective. Communication with overseas offices is not smooth, delaying project progress. Developing global talent takes too much time and cost, with unclear results. Entering overseas markets but struggling with local business customs and cultural differences. AtGlobal provides the solution!
Program Our global business training is customized to your goals, participant numbers, and delivery format.
Here are some examples of training programs:
Enhancing Global Business Skills Language ability alone is not enough to thrive in global business. This seminar systematically teaches “CQ”—the ability to collaborate with diverse people—and helps turn cultural and behavioral differences into team strengths.
Training Themes:
Understanding yourself and other cultures Leadership that leverages diversity Global dialogue skills Acquiring practical skills Study Abroad & Overseas Training Preparation To ensure study abroad is more than just an “experience,” this seminar builds the communication skills needed to overcome cultural barriers and build trust in intercultural settings.
Training Themes:
Understanding the “why” behind different cultures Expressing opinions with confidence Learning adaptation strategies from mistakes Practicing real dialogue skills Achievement AtGlobal’s CQ Business Seminars are used by many clients—major corporations, Japanese government agencies, and universities—across industries and scales.
Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd.
And many more (in no particular order, honorifics omitted).
Reason 01
True Global Competence with CQ Business® AtGlobal’s training is based on CQ Business®. The curriculum prioritizes intercultural understanding and business communication—not just language skills. Through practical role-plays and case studies, participants develop abilities directly applicable in real business.
02
Building Cultural Bridges Across the World Our programs teach differences in intercultural communication styles and effective ways of sharing information. This reduces miscommunication with overseas offices and enables smoother project management.
03
Customized Training for Efficiency and Impact AtGlobal offers customized training programs tailored to each client’s needs. Designed for high impact in a short time, the programs include clear evaluation criteria to make return on investment measurable and transparent.
04
Know the Local Context, Win Globally Our training promotes a deep understanding of cultural backgrounds and business customs in target markets. Lectures from instructors with extensive overseas experience and workshops based on real scenarios support smooth business development abroad.
Voice The many real-life examples made it very easy to understand. The country-specific insights were fascinating, and I learned practical knowledge. I gave this rating because the topic isn’t relevant for everyone at our company. However, I personally gained important perspectives for engaging with other cultures.
It was highly valuable. I had a vague sense that cultures differ between countries, but this helped me recognize those differences more concretely. It emphasized the importance of correctly understanding each person’s background, instead of treating all ‘foreigners’ the same.
When faced with situations where I thought, ‘Why don’t they understand me?’ I realized that fundamental cultural differences might be at play. That broadened my tolerance and adaptability.
CQ as a concept is very interesting. Unlike IQ and EQ, which measure problem-solving or emotional intelligence, my current understanding of CQ is still knowledge-based. If we can build theories from this knowledge, CQ’s value will gain broader recognition.
I found it educational and engaging. It made me realize how unique Japanese work styles are, and how our decision-making process is very Japanese. If the handout had included more detailed explanations in Japanese, it would have been easier to share with others.
Instructor AtGlobal’s global business training is led by CQ specialists—including Martin C. Bonner—together with three Japanese instructors, depending on the program.
Martin C. Bonner
Originally from the UK. Having lived in over 26 countries, mainly in Southeast Asia, for more than 25 years, he has cultivated a deep understanding of Asia’s diverse cultures and nuances.
Leveraging this experience, he has delivered more than 600 CQ coaching and training sessions, advancing intercultural communication and fostering mutual understanding. He is passionate about bridging cultural gaps and supporting strong relationships across diverse backgrounds.
Yukiko Kageyama
At PwC China (Japanese Corporate Division in Shanghai), she worked as a senior translator/interpreter, handling conference interpreting in Japanese, English, and Chinese, and translating financial documents in accounting audits and deals. She deepened her expertise both in interpreting and in practical business operations.
Currently, as a CQ Business instructor, she provides training focusing on interpreting and intercultural adaptability, teaching the perspectives and skills needed to build trust and collaborate across cultures.
Step We provide training flexibly customized to client needs. At every step, we work closely with clients to ensure maximum effectiveness.
STEP
Preparation
Proposal of customized training materials from AtGlobal
Confirming client policies and preferred dates
Assessing participants’ current skills and challenges
Reviewing past feedback (for repeat clients)
STEP
Content Discussion (Phase 1)
Aligning training content with client policies
Selecting and proposing the most suitable instructor
STEP
Final Adjustments (Phase 2)
Delivering the final training materials reflecting client requests
Conducting a rehearsal and checking equipment
Final confirmation of the participant list
STEP
Seminar Day
Final meeting before start
Training delivery
Immediate feedback collection after training
STEP
Follow-Up
Sharing detailed feedback between the client and AtGlobal
Proposing improvements for the next session
FAQ What is CQ? Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the capability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. It enables you to understand your own culture, respect others, and communicate across cultures.
Why is CQ important? Research suggests that a large share of our actions and communication is rooted in culture. In global business, differences in language and values often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, so cultural understanding is essential.
What can be learned in CQ Training (Global Business Training)? Participants learn how their behavior and thinking are influenced by culture, and acquire communication skills to build stronger relationships with diverse clients and colleagues.
How is the training conducted? The process includes preparation, content discussion, submission of a revised draft, and the seminar itself. We assess participants’ skills and challenges in advance, align with the instructor(s), and hold pre- and post-seminar reviews.
Who are the instructors? The lead instructor, Martin C. Bonner, is from the UK and has spent over 25 years across Asia, gaining deep insights into cultural diversity. Through more than 600 coaching and training sessions, he has developed strong skills in intercultural communication.
Is interpreting support available? Yes, interpreting staff can be provided. Japanese instructors can also be assigned as needed.
Can seminars focus on specific countries or regions? Yes. Leveraging AtGlobal’s expertise in localization, we can provide authentic insights from local staff or people with first-hand experience in many countries and regions.
Contact Feel free to contact us.
