Tomoko King
Operational Excellence Strategist
The Best of Both Worlds, Rooted in Lived Experience
I’m Tomoko King (友子), an Operational Excellence Strategist.
Born in Canada and raised in Japan, I’ve lived and worked across cultures my entire life, shaping how I see people, leadership, and collaboration.
After more than 15 years at Toyota, I built a strong foundation in operational excellence, problem solving, and strategy execution. Over the past decade, I’ve applied these transferable principles across municipal government, healthcare, non-profits, and higher education, helping organizations align strategy with people and culture.
My work blends Japanese operational discipline with Western business agility to help organizations achieve clarity, flow, and authentic synergy, where people feel empowered, strategies come to life, and collaboration thrives across borders.
In addition to consulting, I teach project management and serve on the Board of Directors for PMI–Canada’s Technology Triangle (PMI-CTT).
The Story Behind the Logo
The logo symbolizes the harmony between Japan and Canada, the two cultures that shaped who I am and how I work.
The sakura (cherry blossom) represents Japanese mindfulness, simplicity, and the spirit of renewal, while the maple leaf reflects Canadian inclusivity, collaboration, and openness.
Together, they signify how different cultures can grow side by side, each enriching the other through respect, curiosity, and shared purpose.
Their intertwined form embodies authentic alignment and flow, the essence of my work helping organizations bring clarity, connection, and synergy across teams and borders.
Qualifications
I bring over two decades of cross-sector experience, supported by formal education and global certifications that strengthen my approach to operational excellence and cultural alignment.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Wilfrid Laurier UniversityCertified Toyota Hoshin Kanri Master Trainer
Global ToyotaPost-Secondary Teaching Certificate
Conestoga CollegeCertified Facilitator
Development Dimensions InternationalProject Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management InstituteCertified Change Practitioner
ProsciBroadening Opportunities for Leadership Development (B.O.L.D.) Certificate
Diversity Advantage International / Schulich School of BusinessDigital Lean Sigma Champions Certificate
SRA AcademyMicro-Credentials in subjects including Intercultural and International Teaching Skills Conestoga College
Certified Women Business Enterprise
WBE Canada
Consider a community where women can engage meaningfully and feel supported through positive, encouraging relationships
Thriving women in Next Chapter Circle (TWINCCL, pronounced ‘twinkle’) is an initiative I am deeply passionate about.
Envisioned as a membership-based community, TWINCCL empowers women in their mid-to-late careers to navigate change, rediscover purpose, and embrace new opportunities.
A little more…
Beyond credentials and professional milestones, my story is deeply personal, shaped by family ties that bridge Japan, Canada, and Scotland.
-
My name, Tomoko (友子 in Japanese) means “your friend” or “a child with a heart of friendship”, a reflection of the warmth and connection that I strive to bring into my personal and professional life.
-
Connection & Support
Just as my name reflects connection, my family has always been my grounding force, a source of strength, support, and inspiration.
I cherish spending time with my loved ones, whether it’s exploring new places, enjoying simple moments together, or supporting each other’s personal and professional growth.
My family’s values influence the work I do and the relationships I build.
-
Family Journey
My cultural roots continue to shape how I see the world, blending traditions, experiences, and relationships that connect Japan, Canada, and Scotland.
I was born to Japanese parents in Ottawa, during my father’s two-year research tenure at the National Research Council (NRC). We returned to Japan before I turned two, and I spent my childhood there. As the only one in my family with dual citizenship, I always knew I wanted to return to Canada.
After attending college in Hawaii, I completed my BA and made my way back to Canada. After some travel and early career experiences in resort management, I settled in Ontario where I began my long career with Toyota. It was there I met my husband, Brian, who had immigrated from Scotland. We bonded over surprising cultural similarities between Japan and Scotland and eventually got married.
Over the years, our families have become closely connected. My Japanese and Canadian family friends have built lasting relationships, and strong ties have also grown between my Japanese and Scottish families. We’ve made our home in Guelph, where we’re raising our two sons and share many special moments with my wonderful stepchildren.
These personal roots shape how I approach my work, helping organizations find clarity, connection, and flow across cultures, teams, and strategies.
“Tomoko engages multicultural classrooms with professionalism and global insight, while integrating PRME and SDG principles into the project management curriculum to prepare future leaders. She is a trusted leader in cross-cultural education and organizational excellence.”
Lil Premsukh, Dean - Continuing Education / Part-time Studies and OntarioLearn, Conestoga College
Why Work With Me
-
25+ years of leadership experience, including 15+ years at Toyota — bringing deep expertise in operational excellence and change management.
-
Bilingual (Japanese-English) strategist with deep cultural insights to bridge gaps and create authentic alignment.
-
Certified Toyota Hoshin Kanri Master Trainer, PMP, Prosci Change Practitioner, and WBE Canada certified business owner.
-
The Authentify Alignment Journey™ and Lean Mx3™ — designed to simplify complexity and drive measurable results.