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Kay Ozaki
Global Head of HR
Professional Background
Kay Ozaki is a distinguished and forward-thinking human resources executive whose career spans a diverse set of industries, including bio technology, medical devices, telecommunications, global defense, technology, manufacturing, surgical robotics, and laser technology. With extensive experience leading human resources functions and transforming HR infrastructures, Kay adeptly caters to the needs of startups through to Fortune 500 companies. As an influential leader, Kay understands the significance of devising holistic HR strategies that address both human capital challenges and broader business objectives.
Kay’s professional journey has been marked by a strong commitment to cultivating an inclusive workforce and enhancing employee engagement. Her work is characterized by a strategic focus on leadership coaching, employee relations, and organizational development that reflects her belief in creating work environments where all individuals feel valued.
Education and Achievements
Kay’s academic credentials are a testament to her dedication to the field of Human Resources. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the prestigious Penn State University, followed by a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law. Additionally, Kay has furthered her expertise by studying Labor and Industrial Relations at Cornell University. This robust educational foundation has equipped Kay with the tools to navigate complex HR landscapes effectively.
Throughout her career, Kay has been invited to take on leadership roles at several high-profile organizations. She currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at SLD Laser, where she made an impressive impact by achieving the “Great Place to Work” Certification within an astonishing six weeks of her joining. This extraordinary accomplishment underscores her ability to quickly identify growth opportunities and implement effective HR solutions, helping organizations reach new heights of employee satisfaction and engagement.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, as the Senior Director of Human Resources, Kay focused on enhancing talent acquisition and employee engagement initiatives, leading to a significant transformation in workplace culture. Her previous role as Senior Global HR Director at Fujitsu involved aligning HR strategies with organizational goals across multiple divisions and geographies, which helped elevate operational efficiency and collaboration.
Some of Kay’s notable achievements include:
- Transforming Company Culture: At THINK Surgical, she successfully turned around a workplace with low morale and high turnover by implementing strategic career development programs and talent engagement initiatives. Her efforts reduced turnover rates to an impressive 10% and lifted employee satisfaction to an outstanding 92%.
- Unifying Diverse Teams: Kay played a pivotal role in unifying three groups at BAE Systems, enhancing collaboration and consistency across various fields and cultures, which reinforced team synergy and engagement.
- Promoting Employee Development: Kay has been especially keen on fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, ensuring that employees have access to training and resources necessary for their professional growth.
Key Areas of Expertise
Kay Ozaki’s expertise encompasses critical areas within HR management, making her a sought-after professional in the field. Her skills include:
- Organizational Development: Creating cultures that promote growth and innovation.
- Change Management: Guiding organizations through periods of transition with confidence and composure.
- Employee Engagement: Establishing programs that enhance satisfaction and retention within the workforce.
- Leadership Development: Coaching senior leaders on best practices and strategies to elevate team performance.
- Talent Acquisition and Management: Identifying and nurturing top talent while aligning them with corporate objectives.
- Labor and Employment Law: Navigating regulatory landscapes to protect the organization while promoting a fair working environment.
- HR Policies & Processes: Implementing effective policies that ensure compliance and foster workplace harmony.
Champions of Diversity and Inclusion
Kay firmly believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. She actively engages with her teams and encourages an environment of transparency and collaboration. Her commitment is not only to meet industry standards but to redefine them by instilling values that promote diversity at all organizational levels. By prioritizing inclusivity, Kay has consistently contributed to creating workspaces where employees from all backgrounds feel empowered and capable of performing at their best.
In her extensive work across various industries, Kay’s initiatives emphasize the importance of engagement, inclusion, and holistic development. This approach not only stimulates innovation but also attracts top talent looking for employers committed to personal and professional growth.
Kay Ozaki's proven track record of building fundamentally strong HR teams and infrastructures demonstrates her ability to think strategically about both people and processes, thereby driving success in diverse business environments. Aspiring HR leaders and organizations alike can glean valuable insights from her expansive experience and strategic vision. Currently, as a Vice President of Human Resources with a target-focused mindset, Kay is prepared to continue her mission of cultivating a workplace culture that not only embraces diversity but also fosters engagement and high performance.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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