Born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan, I'd never ventured beyond my hometown until university. However, a suggestion from my father during my third year—to study in Canada—proved to be a pivotal moment, setting me on a course that would reshape my life.

The stark contrast between Fukuoka and Canada opened my eyes to new possibilities, sparking a determination to expand my horizons beyond my hometown after graduation. This experience shaped my career aspirations: I wanted to work closely with international connections.

I began my career in technology at a Tokyo-based start-up with offshore development in Vietnam, working as a project coordinator. This role marked the beginning of my immersion in screen design and international team management. Later, I joined a software offshore development company, also with operations in Vietnam. This role, focused on UX, highlighted the importance of client interactions, prompting me to pursue an MBA to deepen my understanding of business.

While continuing to work remotely, I attended the University of Leeds in the UK, gaining a systematic knowledge of business and global team leadership in an international environment. This period allowed me to absorb a great deal from the international setting.

Post-graduation, an opportunity arose to establish and lead the Singapore office of the company I had been working for. Moving from the UK to Singapore, I took on the considerable responsibility of company establishment, operations management, and business strategy execution.

Drawing on these diverse experiences, I founded Synaria with the aim of supporting more businesses and individuals in their growth journey. Beyond providing professional services, I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with those considering career changes or pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. Having navigated these paths myself, I feel compelled to assist others contemplating similar journeys. Feel free to reach out via social media 😎

Connect with me 💬

• LinkedIn: Mio McFarlane