We’re proud of the outstanding contributions our employees make to Thomson Reuters, so we asked them to share their stories about their work, their teams and their colleagues.  Whether supporting customers or colleagues, or managing our systems and information our employees put the right information in the hands of the right people so our customers can achieve amazing things. Each week we will feature one of these stories to show their passion, collaboration, creativity and how they drive our business forward.

25 Jan 2012Thomson Reuters

My Colleagues, My Inspiration

By Gerald Joson

March 11, 2011.  It was a day that we’ll not soon forget and yet one that showed the true meaning of how a tragedy, though daunting at the time, can help you realize things about yourself and your colleagues and even help bring people closer together.  For me, this was the case after the catastrophic earthquake hit my hometown of Tokyo, Japan last year.

My memories are as clear as if the tragedy happened yesterday.  The office building was shaking and, although they were afraid, our customer representatives still managed to speak calmly and courteously to our clients, asking if they could call them back later.  I realized at that very moment how incredibly brave they were and was amazed at the team of wonderful frontline agents that I work with.  Of course, as soon as they put down the phone, they were back to ordinary human beings, afraid and trembling.

For days after the earthquake, even with fear of aftershocks, power shortages, and the catastrophe of nuclear radiation, this team still somehow walked into to the office, ready to serve our clients.  This commitment to our clients, along with our focus and dedication to ensure excellent service was so strong it was, and continues to be, an inspiration to me.

Gerald Joson is a Senior Technical Customer Support Executive for Thomson Reuters and is based in Tokyo, Japan.”