From left: Fatima De Guzman, Ken Barona and Rodessa Marie Alivarvar of TKI Group of Companies. SUPPLIED

In many workplaces, professional growth is something employees are expected to pursue on their own. At Dubai-based TKI Group of Companies, the approach is refreshingly different: the company invests in its people first. That philosophy has helped transform the careers of several Filipino employees—among them a chef, a graphic designer and an HR supervisor—who are now holding key management roles after completing company-funded education and training programmes. TKI Group, a purveyor of premium Japanese beef in the UAE, operates a growing portfolio that includes its Saudi Arabian arm Dark Cow Trading Company and UAE restaurant brands Kimuraya, Mogiya, Hisaya and Omakaseya. Behind the scenes is an education initiative personally spearheaded by CEO Takahiro Mogi, aimed at giving employees equal opportunities to learn beyond their original job descriptions. The 33-year-old CEO, whose Japanese name is 茂木 貴洋, believes that when a company invests in education, employees' careers can grow far beyond job titles. “Employees are the heart and soul of any business,” said Mogi. “That is why it is important to support them and give them opportunities to grow in whichever field they want to excel in.”

From kitchen to boardroom

For Ken Barona, the journey began in the kitchen. He joined the company as a chef, focused on culinary precision and daily service demands. Today, he is a Regional Manager overseeing overall head office operations—a role that required a completely different skill set. “The biggest challenge was adjusting to greater responsibilities and a wider scope of work,” Barona said. “But with the right training, transitioning into a different role becomes more manageable.” Through company-supported learning and formal education, Barona gained exposure to leadership, operations and management. He believes growth works best when both employer and employee commit to the process. “Learning requires effort from both sides,” he said. “I can guide others now, but people must also be willing to help themselves. Continuous self-improvement is essential for career growth.”

From HR supervisor to decision-maker

A similar transformation happened for Fatima De Guzman, who started as a human resources supervisor and is now the manager overseeing both HR and administration. She credits the company’s inclusive culture and education support for giving her the confidence to step into a leadership role. “When employees feel respected, valued and safe to express themselves, they perform better and collaborate more effectively,” she said. “That improves decision-making and encourages innovation.” De Guzman believes education programmes should go beyond technical skills and address employee wellbeing as well. “In the long run, this reduces burnout, increases loyalty and builds a healthier, more productive organisation,” she added.

From graphic designer to head office manager

For Rodessa Marie Alivarvar, now a head office manager responsible for design and accounts, the shift meant stepping out of a purely creative role into strategic decision-making. Formerly a graphic designer, she now oversees the company’s creative processes while managing broader operational responsibilities—an adjustment that required learning new systems, understanding business operations and building confidence. “Staying humble and open to learning is important,” Alivarvar said. “Valuable ideas can come from anyone, regardless of position.” She describes the education programme as a turning point that allowed her to grow without fear of failure, knowing management support was always present. “Our company is already doing this, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more through these initiatives,” she said.

When culture shows in customer experience

For TKI Group, the benefits of investing in education extend beyond individual success stories. De Guzman notes that a strong internal culture is often reflected in how customers experience the brand. “A business becomes appealing to customers when its internal culture is strong,” she said. “Employees who are supported, trained and treated fairly naturally deliver better service.” As TKI Group continues to expand, Mogi says the education programme will grow alongside it, ensuring new team members are given the same opportunities. “There is nothing more important to me than seeing the people in my team grow in their careers,” he said. “Business is about earning, but you cannot put a price on equipping individuals with skills they can carry with them for life.” CAM/Expat Media
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