Walking the Talk of Relationships First at Work with Keiko Muramatsu and Eijiro Izumi

In this episode, Katie speaks with CRR Global faculty members Keiko Muramatsu and Eijiro Izumi about how the team at CRR Global Japan practices what they preach in their approach to business. This fascinating conversation offers insight into the value of a relationship-first approach to work. Taking time to focus on relationships can feel like a risk in our task-oriented lives, yet as this exploration shows, relationships can be the gift that keeps on giving.

This was a gorgeous example of Worldwork and the power of Relationship Systems Intelligence (RSI™) in action. Get ready to be inspired by the fabulous duo who represent the CRR Japan system in this conversation.

Keiko Muramatsu is a dynamic leadership coach who bridges East and West to help leaders and teams unlock their full potential. With deep expertise in systems coaching, a global perspective, and a background as a national athlete, Keiko empowers people to lead with courage, connection and creativity. She’s passionate about real harmony, bold conversations and inspiring transformation—especially for Asian leaders on the world stage. Keiko’s playful spirit and powerful presence helps organizations thrive together, all in service of helping people and systems flourish. This is Keiko’s second appearance on the podcast; she previously appeared in 2021, discussing how she uses ORSC tools in sports coaching.

Eijiro Izumi is an accomplished leadership coach and organizational consultant with global experience in HR and talent development. With degrees from Kyoto University and the University of Wisconsin, Eijiro has led HR initiatives across the Americas, driven transformation in major corporations, and now empowers teams at a leading automaker. He’s passionate about building workplaces where people find purpose, drive, and inspiration.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.