Meet the Billy Crystal fan from Taiwan, who juggles travelling, fatherhood and a varied selection of hobbies, including playing the bamboo flute.
He’s also the only person in OTD to have set foot in 97 different Chinese cities. There’s only one Daniel Ka.
Where are you now?
I am at home in Taipei City in Taiwan. It’s Chinese New Year, where we have a one week holiday and would usually have family gathered together. We can’t travel again this year but we can still eat a lot!
Tell us a little about your career to date:
I began my career in public administration before taking military service for two years. I did my MBA at The City University of New York and then moved into sales. I spent 10 years in b2b sales with Swarovski, selling crystal components to all kinds of industries.
When did you move into training?
I have always really liked performing on stage and taking part in debates. I thought that maybe I could become a trainer one day. I first worked for one of Taiwan’s biggest consulting firms. I went freelance in 2012 and have since trained all over Taiwan and China. Most of those programmes had a HQ in Beijing or Shanghai but I have travelled to 97 cities in China in that time. Occasionally there’s been one or two days of sightseeing in between!
How were you introduced to OTD?
A mutual friend recommended me and told me that I needed to contact OTD. I know that the company is developing its business in China and Asia. I am happy to join the family!
Virtual training or face to face?
Virtual. Of course I do miss face-to-face training too, but if I fly to China, I will need to take a 21 day quarantine. And there’s another 21 days when I come home! It’s easier to deliver in a virtual world, I don’t need to travel. I am kind of flexible in my timing and I don’t need to work every day which means I can play with my kids and work at night.
How does training differ in Asia compared to Europe or North America?
Asia is quite different, you sometimes need to push a little harder. Most companies I deliver to are US or European but I will often have to use techniques such as asking the group to select a leader, as not everyone is always willing to take part in the discussion.
Tell us a meal from your country that we should try:
We are very famous for different snacks in Taiwan! If we go to the night market, we eat at least 10 different dishes, so it’s difficult to pick just one. And there are over 100 shops too! If I had to choose one, it would be beef noodles.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt?
To understand my style and use it. In the very early stage of my career, I tried to copy other trainers in China. I thought you needed to be very tough and firm and mean for people to listen to you. But it’s not my style. I’m not fiery red. If you really care about people and want to help them to learn something, they will be with you. We learn together.
Who or what inspires you?
There is no single person, but lots of people. When I meet with other freelancers, we don’t ‘belong’ to any one company so we have dinner and we learn from each other. They are people who are willing to challenge me and offer constructive feedback. That kind of relationship is very important, it’s not about ego. I also watch lots of good TED talks.
But if you had to choose one person …
It would be Billy Crystal! I watch all of his movies and comedy shows, and read some of his books. I don’t why but I’ve always loved him. I really like the way he delivers, I try to add a little bit of that to my workshops.
The world would be a better place if …
Better communication. There are so many issues caused by misunderstanding or not wanting to talk. We also need to have better self awareness and be aware of others.