Joy of the Journey: How James Liu Mapped a Global Career Path at BIC World

 

When we talk about the "Joy of the Journey" at BIC World, we aren’t just talking about a daily commute or a static career ladder. We’re talking about exploration, learning, and the freedom to completely re-imagine what your professional future looks like.  

At BIC World, we actively invest in our team member passions, skills, and ambitions through our dynamic learning and development and mentorship programs, continuous feedback and upskilling in BIC Learning.  

To see this culture in action, look no further than James, Industrial Projects Manager whose career journey with BIC World has literally taken him across oceans.  

From Canada to France: A Journey of Borderless Growth 

James’ story is a masterclass in how taking a lateral leap or raising your hand for a new challenge can open doors you didn’t even know existed. James initially joined the organization in 2022 through an acquisition in Toronto, Canada, supporting manufacturing engineering and industrialization initiatives. Over the next few years, he expanded his impact by leading process optimization, scaling manufacturing development, and eventually earning a promotion to Head of Industrialization for Skin Creative.  

But he harbored a bigger ambition: to experience global business firsthand and immerse himself in a completely new cultural landscape. At many organizations, moving across the world requires leaving the company. At BIC World, it just required a conversation about growth.  

Reflecting on his decision to explore a path abroad, James shares: 

"I was motivated by the opportunity to broaden my experience and gain exposure to a different part of BIC's business... The opportunity to relocate internationally, work with new teams, and contribute to large-scale industrial projects was particularly exciting. I saw it as a chance to continue developing both professionally and personally while gaining a deeper understanding of BIC's global manufacturing network." 

Recognizing his talent and drive, BIC World worked alongside James to facilitate a massive milestone in his career: a transition from our Canadian operations all the way to our headquarter in France, where he is stepping into a new chapter as an Industrial Projects Manager for BIC Technologies based at BIC Ecriture 2000. Today, James is bringing his unique perspective, regional insights, and collaborative spirit to a brand-new environment—proving that when you work at BIC World, your office can be as global as your mindset.  

What the Journey Looks Like on the Ground 

Transitioning to a new country and a new office culture is an adventure filled with both excitement and incredible professional development. For James, the shift has been a powerful way to expand his skill set and completely expand his business perspective.  

When asked about the contrast between his early days and his current day-to-day reality, James notes: 

"When I first joined, my focus was primarily on technical problem solving and manufacturing execution. Today, I work across functions, cultures, and geographies, balancing strategic thinking with operational execution. My perspective has expanded significantly, from focusing on individual manufacturing challenges to understanding how industrial projects, operations, and innovation come together to support BIC's global business." 

This level of borderless transition requires a deep ecosystem of support, and James emphasizes that he wasn't navigating the map alone: 

"Through my journey, I've had leaders who trusted me with increasingly complex challenges and encouraged me to pursue opportunities outside my comfort zone. My peers provided valuable mentorship and collaboration across functions, while the HR team played a key role in supporting my international relocation and career transition... I was also fortunate to be nominated for BIC's Global Mentoring Program, which connected me with an experienced leader from another part of the organization. The experience helped broaden my business perspective, strengthen my leadership skills, and gave me valuable guidance as I prepared for the next stage of my career." 

James’ relocation and evolution isn't a rare exception. It is a direct reflection of how BIC World designs career paths around people, not just open headcount. By prioritizing internal mobility, we ensure that our team members never have to look outside the organization to find their next big challenge.  

Where Will Your Journey Take You? 

Your career is yours to write, but you don't have to map it out alone. As James reflects on his time so far, he notes that "the most rewarding part has been discovering how many different career paths exist within a single company," proving how deeply interconnected our global organization is.  

For anyone looking to take their next step, James leaves this piece of advice: 

"Be curious and stay open to opportunities that may not look like the next obvious step. Growth doesn't always mean moving straight up. Sometimes it means moving across functions, joining a new team, or even relocating to another country... If you're willing to embrace challenges, build relationships, and continuously learn, BIC offers many opportunities to shape a unique career path." 

Whether you want to master a new skill, change departments, or move across the world like James, the resources, mentorship, and opportunities are here to make it happen.  

Are you ready to discover where your skills can take you next? Explore opportunities.