The FocusCore Podcast

In this Focus Core podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Steve Bleistein, CEO of Tokyo-based Relansa, Inc., and author of Dauntless Leadership, about rapid growth and leadership for international companies in Japan. Steve argues Japan is “no enigma” because value and leadership fundamentals are universal, and “we can’t do this because this is Japan” is an excuse that abdicates agency. He cites skincare company Takami’s fast growth by bucking department-store conventions, using limits to drive innovation, and focusing on direct customer acquisition and lifetime relationships. On leading change, he advises leaders decide the “what” while teams help with the “how,” cater to the vanguard, take action before buy-in, and ignore or remove naysayers. He also discusses hiring leaders who speak truth to power and think strategically, building internal leadership benches, poaching external talent, keeping HR from pre-vetting executives, understanding real decision-making dynamics, defining empowerment, and adapting to demographics through customer/market shifts and productivity-enhancing technology.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Why universal business values succeed in Japan and beyondBusting the myth of Japan’s business market being 'slow' or 'encrypted'The role of innovation in breaking traditional market normsHow to implement industry-defining leadership strategiesAddressing and adapting to the needs of an aging Japanese marketOvercoming the ‘Japan barrier’ in multinational corporationsAbout Steve:Steve is the CEO and founder of Tokyo-based Relansa, Inc., and a recognized expert on rapid business growth for international companies in Japan. He works closely with CEOs and senior leaders to help organizations achieve faster and more sustainable business results in complex cross-cultural environments.A fluent Japanese and French speaker, he is known for bridging Western and Japanese business thinking, advising global brands including Adidas, Godiva, Novo Nordisk, Danone, BMW, LVMH, L'Oréal, Lenovo, and Michelin, among many others.He is the author of seven business books, including Strategy On Your Own Terms, Disrupt or Be Disrupted, Dauntless Leadership, Indomitable Selling Capability, Rapid Culture Change, Charismatic Disruption, and Rapid Organizational Change.He has appeared on Bloomberg News as a commentator on Japanese business issues and has contributed articles to all three of Nikkei’s leading business publications in both English and Japanese.In addition to his consulting work, he serves as President of the Entrepreneur Committee at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, where he leads the popular “Conversation With” leadership series featuring senior executives from companies such as Danone, Lenovo, BMW, Unilever, Cartier, and Domino's Pizza Japan. He has also served on the board of Tsukuba International School since 2014.He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales, an International MBA from the University of South Carolina, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.Connect with Steve:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbleistein/Website: https://stevenbleistein.net/Newsletter: https://stevenbleistein.net/#newsletterregoGrowth Zone podcast: https://stevenbleistein.net/feed/podcast/the-growth-zoneApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-zone/id1892800069.Podcast: https://stevenbleistein.net/podcast-2/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with FocusCore Business Director Jonathan Cant, who has spent 22 years in Japan. They chat about why global firms struggle with Japan market entry and leadership hiring. Jonathan says failures are often not the product but poor positioning and underestimating loyalty to incumbents, citing Tesco’s and Burger King’s early missteps and the importance of partnerships and carefully chosen niches. He argues a common day-one hiring mistake is over-weighting near-native English versus Japan market understanding, noting expat leaders without Japanese can create costly misunderstandings. He advises HQ to educate itself on Japan’s nuances, align stakeholders early, avoid excessive “non-negotiables,” and run confidential retained searches that build trust. For first hires, he favors a “builder” with energy, storytelling ability, networking skill, and emotional intelligence, plus clarity on investment roadmaps and realistic expectations.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Common pitfalls global firms face when entering the Japanese marketThe critical balance between global headquarters and local market needsThe significance of emotional intelligence in today's leadership rolesWhy English proficiency shouldn't overshadow market experience for C-Suite candidatesThe evolving landscape of executive search and the importance of a human touchInsights into building and maintaining successful business operations in JapanAbout Jonathan:Jonathan Cant is a seasoned executive search leader specializing in senior hires across Japan. Originally from Newcastle in the UK, he has been living in Japan since 2004 and brings over two decades of on-the-ground insight into what makes leadership succeed in this market. He’s drawn to the people-oriented, results-driven nature of executive search, where relationships and outcomes go hand in hand.He works closely with global SMEs to identify and place Country Managers and CFOs, partnering with senior leaders across a wide range of industries. Over the past five years at FocusCore, Jonathan has built a strong reputation for bridging the gap between global expectations and the realities of doing business in Japan.Known for his practical perspective on leadership from emotional intelligence to the complexities of bilingual hiring, Jonathan has seen firsthand how misalignment between headquarters and Japan teams can make or break a business.Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young sons, as well as following Newcastle United, cricket, cooking, and photography.Connect with Jonathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancant/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this FocusCore podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Matt Best, a Japan-based global talent acquisition leader with 25+ years’ experience across executive search, in-house TA, and transformation. Matt argues that the TA function should be a core business discipline tied to revenue, not an administrative HR function, and describes recurring “master–servant” dynamics in both agencies and in-house teams that prevent consultative advising. He explains his hybrid offering of retained executive search and “Talent Acquisition as a Service” (TAaaS), a temporary internal headhunting model that combines delivery with advisory work, capability-building, and direct sourcing, distinct from traditional RPO’s process-heavy “extra hands.” They discuss Japan-specific hiring realities requiring trust, networking, and softer outreach rather than LinkedIn-driven approaches, guidance for SMEs scaling fast, and the TA traits he hires for, especially business inquisitiveness and solution selling. Matt predicts AI will rapidly automate transactional TA work, shifting value toward strategic, high-touch stakeholder advisory and TA operations governance.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The unique challenges and solutions in talent acquisition across global marketsTransitioning talent acquisition into a core business disciplineThe role of culture and relationship-building in Japan's recruitment landscapeHow Talent Acquisition as a Service (TAaaS) is shaping hiring strategiesNavigating the complex dynamics between agencies and internal teamsProfiling innovative recruitment frameworks used by top financial firmsAbout Matt:Matt Best is a global talent acquisition leader with over 25 years of experience across agency executive search, RPO, and transformation roles. He believes talent acquisition is not an admin function, but a core business discipline closer to go-to-market sales than HR, as hiring decisions directly shape revenue, opportunity, and growth. Originally from North England, Matt has been based in Japan on and off since the early 2000s, beginning his career in London before moving to Tokyo.He has built high-performing recruitment teams serving firms such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and later moved in-house at Morgan Stanley, scaling technology hiring across Japan and Asia. He then joined RBS, recruiting across 11 countries from Australia to India, before helping design a trailblazing internal executive search function for Corning Inc. across APAC, which was later rolled out in the US.In 2014, Matt founded Best Practices to help organizations run talent acquisition as a revenue-enabling function. Now back in Japan, he advises on retained executive search and project-based talent acquisition as a service, supporting projects ranging from FinTech scale-ups to APAC market entry and post-acquisition C-suite builds.Matt is also a father of three, which he describes as his most complex operating model to date.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbest/Best Practice: https://best-practice.co/Gig RPO: https://gigrpo.com/homeConnect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Brent Conkle (President and CEO) and Dan Ring of Global Leadership Solutions about the high cost of leadership mishires, especially their impact on morale, engagement, and turnover. They discuss Japan’s tight talent market and introduce their Second Opinion Service (SOS), which uses the Garuda AS suite of assessments to measure universal leadership competencies, stress sensitivity, and role fit with reliable, evidence-based results that can be customized to company and local culture. The conversation covers common hiring biases (prestige, likability, referrals), the value of data to align local and HQ decisions, and how the same methodology can support selection for management programs, succession planning, and onboarding through transition coaching. They also discuss AI’s role in hiring and share advice on making better critical hires.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The underestimated impact of leadership on team morale and engagementThe critical role of the Second Opinion Service in improving recruitment outcomesStrategies for successful onboarding and reducing turnoverThe relevance of stress sensitivity in high-pressure work environments like JapanThe future of strategic HR and how AI could reshape candidate assessmentAbout Brent:Brent Conkle is the President and CEO of Global Leadership Solutions Co., Ltd., bringing over 25 years of global experience in HR leadership, consulting, talent acquisition, and executive coaching across North America, Europe, and Asia. A certified HR professional and executive, leadership, and career coach, Brent is known for helping leaders cut through complexity, lead transformational change, and elevate performance with a strong focus on measurable ROI and long-term impact.Throughout his career, Brent has supported startups, corporate turnarounds, and major APAC transformation initiatives, consistently driving sustainable growth by enhancing employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance. His approach centers on developing stronger leaders and building highly engaged, high-performing workplaces.In addition to his role as CEO, Brent has served as a Regional Global Employment Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he supported foreign service officers and eligible family members with career strategy and professional development across international postings. He also works as a Transition & Executive Coach with Randstad RiseSmart, guiding professionals through strategic career transitions both within and beyond their organizations.Brent is the co-author of The Practical Leader: A Guide to Creating Highly-Engaged and High-Performing Organizations, offering practical tools and insights for workforce development. His mission is to coach global leaders to achieve outstanding results in their careers while creating organizations that are exceptional places to work.About Dan:Daniel Ring is an experienced Human Resources professional with over 12 years of expertise across Europe and Asia. He has a strong background in strategic HR initiatives, particularly in change management and talent development, and is passionate about leveraging technology to improve workplace practices and enhance employee experiences.In his role as a consultant with Global Leadership Solutions, Daniel works closely with organizations to support leadership development and address challenges such as organizational change and employee engagement. He focuses on equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to align people practices with business objectives.Daniel’s career has included roles such as Senior HR Business Partner at Broadridge Financial Solutions and Head of HR at NatWest Markets Japan. In these positions, he helped implement global career frameworks, redesign leadership structures, and streamline HR operations. His regional experience has given him a broad understanding what it takes to deliver for diverse, international organizations.Daniel is committed to helping organizations and their leaders develop effective strategies for building strong teams and achieving sustainable success in today’s evolving business landscape.Connect with Brent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentconkle/Global Leadership Solutions: https://getglsjapan.com/Connect with Dan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet interviews Paul Beddie, a global business development executive and sustainability advocate with a 30-year career. Paul shares his accidental journey to Japan and his extensive experience working across various sectors, including management consulting and software. He provides insights on the challenges and nuances of leadership in Japan, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and adapting to cultural contexts. The discussion also delves into sustainability, where Paul highlights the need for a holistic approach in businesses and the urgent shift required from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Despite the complexities, Paul remains optimistic about the potential for profitability through sustainable practices.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:How Paul pioneered his path from international affairs to global business leadershipWhat foreign leaders often misunderstand about Japan's business environmentChallenges and opportunities in promoting corporate sustainability within Japanese and global contextsThe critical importance of relationship building in Japan's business cultureThe impact of personal belief and responsibility in achieving successful career outcomesAbout Paul:Paul is a global business development executive, a sustainability champion, and one of those rare leaders who can really talk through a purpose and proposal without sounding dull.He's got a great 30 year career. He's delivered more than a hundred million in profit and helped create over a billion dollars in value. With leading multicultural teams across four continents. He's advised CXOs and boards on digital transformation, energy transition, and global expansion. He's launched businesses in China.He's guided smart city innovation and taught some of Japan's top universities and built relationships at the highest levels of industry. And at his core, Paul is a connector of people, ideas and possibilities, and he carries a simple North Star: do the right thing.Connect with Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbeddie/The FutureMax Institute: https://www.futuremaxinstitute.com/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

As we step into the New Year and take a moment to reset after the holiday season, this episode marks the final Winter re-release before we return with brand-new content.To start the year on a thoughtful note, we’re revisiting one of this year’s most popular episodes, perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea as you reflect on the year that’s passed and look ahead to what’s next, just like David will be.Thank you for being with us through the Winter re-releases, and we’ll see you very soon with new episodes in the year ahead.In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Karsten Michaelis, CEO for North Asia and President of DHL Global Forwarding Japan. Karsten shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, with a particular focus on his leadership journey across various Asian countries, including Japan. He discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in managing teams in Japan, the importance of adapting to local cultures while maintaining core management principles, and the necessity of bridging the gap between headquarters and local expectations. Additionally, Karsten touches on fostering innovation, sustainability efforts at DHL, and the evolving landscape of logistics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of global logistics and effective leadership in a multicultural environment.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Karsten's strategies for adapting leadership approaches across different culturesThe importance of understanding and bridging HQ and local expectations in JapanInsights into fostering innovation and responsive leadership within a global organizationHow DHL is leveraging digital tools and AI to drive operational excellenceSustainable business practices and the future of logistics in a carbon-neutral worldKarsten's personal reflections on motivation and leadership development in the logistics industryAbout Karsten:Currently the CEO North Asia and President/Representative Director of DHL Global Forwarding Japan, Karsten is responsible for the overall strategy and development of our business in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Philippines, which encompasses air- and oceanfreight, customs clearance, industrial projects, ocean bulk, motorsports as well as some warehouse activities.Karsten brings over two decades of forwarding experience with him which began in Germany in 1996. Since 2002, he has been working in Asia Pacific with postings in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Australia and Singapore. Prior to his current role, Karsten held several positions with DHL Global Forwarding, heading the oceanfreight team in Asia Pacific he was responsible for the development of the ocean freight business spanning 21 countries across Asia Pacific.Karsten graduated with Honors in Business and Management Studies from Oxford Brookes University. He currently sits on the Asia Pacific Management Board for DHL Global Forwarding and is based in Tokyo.Connect with Karsten:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karsten-michaelis-7074955/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

During the month of December, as the year winds down and the holiday season begins, we’ll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep you company during the festive period, we’ll be re-releasing some of this year’s most popular episodes, perfect to enjoy with a warm drink by your side as you reflect on the year, just like David will be.In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Menya Hinga, a certified health coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. The discussion revolves around the challenges high-performing professionals face in maintaining their health while balancing work and personal life. Menya shares his personal journey from aspiring lawyer to health coach, emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, fitness, and stress management. He also discusses his approach to sustainable habit formation and offers practical tips for achieving long-term health and fitness goals.In this episode you will hear:Menya’s journey into Health and FitnessImportance of  the Big Four: Food, Fitness, Sleep, and StressWhy sleep and nutrition are often neglected by busy professionalsThe role of stress management in achieving overall well-beingImpacting Lives Through FitnessThe latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide About Menya:Menya Hinga is a Tokyo-based health coach who helps busy professionals simplify fitness. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s spent over 13 years helping people get stronger, leaner, and feel better in their bodies. He is the founder of MH Health Coaching and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. He is also a level one certified functional strength coach, a level one certified nutrition coach, a certified personal trainer. Menya blends practical strategies with proven systems to help clients build habits that last. When he’s not coaching, he’s reading, playing piano, or getting a workout in by chasing his four kids around the house.Connect with Menya:Website: https://www.menyahinga.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Karsten Michaelis, CEO for North Asia and President of DHL Global Forwarding Japan. Karsten shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, with a particular focus on his leadership journey across various Asian countries, including Japan. He discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in managing teams in Japan, the importance of adapting to local cultures while maintaining core management principles, and the necessity of bridging the gap between headquarters and local expectations. Additionally, Karsten touches on fostering innovation, sustainability efforts at DHL, and the evolving landscape of logistics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of global logistics and effective leadership in a multicultural environment.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here:  2026 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:Karsten's strategies for adapting leadership approaches across different culturesThe importance of understanding and bridging HQ and local expectations in JapanInsights into fostering innovation and responsive leadership within a global organizationHow DHL is leveraging digital tools and AI to drive operational excellenceSustainable business practices and the future of logistics in a carbon-neutral worldKarsten's personal reflections on motivation and leadership development in the logistics industryAbout Karsten:Currently the CEO North Asia and President/Representative Director of DHL Global Forwarding Japan, Karsten is responsible for the overall strategy and development of our business in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Philippines, which encompasses air- and oceanfreight, customs clearance, industrial projects, ocean bulk, motorsports as well as some warehouse activities.Karsten brings over two decades of forwarding experience with him which began in Germany in 1996. Since 2002, he has been working in Asia Pacific with postings in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Australia and Singapore. Prior to his current role, Karsten held several positions with DHL Global Forwarding, heading the oceanfreight team in Asia Pacific he was responsible for the development of the ocean freight business spanning 21 countries across Asia Pacific.Karsten graduated with Honors in Business and Management Studies from Oxford Brookes University. He currently sits on the Asia Pacific Management Board for DHL Global Forwarding and is based in Tokyo.Connect with Karsten: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karsten-michaelis-7074955/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet welcomes Chie Ikegawa, an expert in finance and FP&A, to discuss the evolution of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in Japanese companies. Chie explains the unique challenges Japanese companies face in adopting FP&A practices compared to American companies, highlighting the cultural and structural differences. She shares her experiences in transforming FP&A departments, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment, role definition, and effective training. Chie also outlines the future of FP&A, including the impact of AI and data analytics on the function. Ultimately, she advocates for tailored FP&A solutions that fit the specific needs of Japanese companies.Register for our upcoming Salary Guide Release Event:  INSERT Short Link => Attribution link Salary guide 2025In this episode you will hear: Chie's career journey and her advocacy for establishing strong FP&A functions.The evolution of FP&A in Japanese companies and why it's essential for growth.The key differences between US and Japanese FP&A models and their implications.The process of transforming traditional management accounting into modern FP&A functions.Real-world case studies from Fujitsu, Ajinomoto, and Kirin that highlight successful transformations.How AI and digital tools are reshaping the future of FP&A in Japan.About Chie: Chie Ikegawa (PhD in Professional Accounting, MBA) is a finance professional who has served as CFO and FP&A  (Financial Planning & Analysis) leader at the Japanese subsidiaries of global companies such as P&G, McDonald’s, Lenovo, and Kellogg. She now helps Japanese companies establish and strengthen their FP&A functions to maximize corporate and business value.  She also serves as a board member of listed Japanese companies. She teaches management control, management accountants, and corporate governance at a business school.She started golf 2 years ago and enjoys almost every weekend.Her books are;The Changing Roles of Management Accountants: A Japanese Perspective (2023)Practical Implementation of FP&A in Japanese Companies (2025)  Connect with Chie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chie-ikegawa-1ba765b/Website: http://strat.jp/実践 日本版FP&A(her new book)https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%AE%9F%E8%B7%B5-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E7%89%88%EF%BC%A6%EF%BC%B0%EF%BC%86%EF%BC%A1-%E6%B1%A0%E5%81%B4%E5%8D%83%E7%B5%B5/dp/450253191X/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_1/355-0484169-3913341?pd_rd_w=ncOp1&content-id=amzn1.sym.fe9e7b6a-7eb1-4695-9d8d-c2c9268438f1&pf_rd_p=fe9e7b6a-7eb1-4695-9d8d-c2c9268438f1&pf_rd_r=C6MP8BCHWP7Z05QX392C&pd_rd_wg=BVLI6&pd_rd_r=0abae083-a1f9-4822-985b-bfbb70bc3fbc&pd_rd_i=450253191X&psc=1Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

We’ve wrapped up our summer re-release series and are back behind the mic with brand new episodes! No Mai Tai this time. Just fresh conversations with leaders shaping business in Japan.In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David engages in a deep conversation with Taisuke Yoshida, a dynamic leader in strategic finance and business transformation. Taisuke shares his journey from Sumitomo Chemical to his current role at Schneider Electric, highlighting the evolution of finance from traditional bookkeeping to a value-driver function. They discuss the importance of leadership and digital skills in FP&A, the differences in FP&A practices between Japanese and global companies, and the role of strategic finance business partnering. Taisuke also provides insights into leveraging generative AI for business understanding and the significance of effective communication and trust-building in cross-functional teams. The conversation provides valuable perspectives for finance professionals aiming to drive business performance and value creation.Register for our upcoming Salary guide release event: Salary Guide Event In this episode you will hear:Taisuke’s career progression and leadership development from local to global contextsThe importance of leadership and digital acumen for future finance professionals.How Japanese companies can leverage FP&A as business partners.Challenges and opportunities in Japanese FP&A practices.Things mentioned in the episode:The Mind Of The Strategist: The Art of Japanese Business - Kenichi Ohmaehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-Strategist-Art-Japanese-Business/dp/0070479046三枝匡(Tadashi Saegusa)https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC-%E4%B8%89%E6%9E%9D-%E5%8C%A1/s?rh=n%3A465392%2Cp_27%3A%25E4%25B8%2589%25E6%259E%259D%2B%25E5%258C%25A1『実践 日本版ＦＰ＆Ａ』池側千絵https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%AE%9F%E8%B7%B5-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E7%89%88%EF%BC%A6%EF%BC%B0%EF%BC%86%EF%BC%A1-%E6%B1%A0%E5%81%B4%E5%8D%83%E7%B5%B5/dp/450253191XLoglass経営企画サミットhttps://www.loglass.jp/news/event-0417About Taisuke Yoshida: After graduating from the University of Tokyo, Taisuke began his career at Sumitomo Chemical, where he mastered the art of cost management and performance improvement at both the factory and division levels. Driven to expand his global perspective, he earned his MBA from IESE Business School in Spain.He then joined Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. (IGPI), advising CEOs and investors on business due diligent post-merger integration and management control systems across multiple industries.  Taisuke is currently at Schneider Electric as the East Asia industrial automation business finance leader, partnering with business heads across the region to shape and execute strategies that improve performance and create enterprise value beyond the impressive credentials.Taisuke brings a passion for innovation, transformation, and building strong, diverse teams, and he also brings a contagious enthusiasm for finance.Connect with Taisuke Yoshida:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taisuke-yoshida-595a2224/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

During the month of August, we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be.In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Roop Kaistha, the head of Asia Pacific at AMS, about the evolving landscape of talent acquisition in Asia, particularly in Japan. With nearly two decades of experience, Roop shares her career journey, insights on the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition, and the importance of relationship-building in recruitment. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:The importance of being market ready for Asian markets particularly in communication method choicesThe future of hybrid work vs in office only and the challenge of keeping engagement levels up The role of technology and AI in recruitment and some of Roop’s favourite toolsThe future trends in recruitment in AsiaParticipate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary SurveyAbout Roop:Roop brings two decades of experience working across multiple markets, spending the last 15 years in Outsourcing and Talent Acquisition. She has a proven track record in the strategic management of large scale RPOs and MSPs across Asia Pacific. She has held various roles including Solution Design, Implementation, running the Innovation Centre for Asia Pacific and, most recently, as Regional Head of RPO and Professional Services.Roop was appointed as Regional Managing Director of APAC in 2022. She heads the APAC leadership team, driving APAC’s growth strategy and business plan objectives. Roop ensures the firm continues to exceed the expectations of clients across Asia, and to deliver further growth in this vital region.Connect with Roop: https://www.weareams.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopkaistha/ Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ 

During the month of July we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be.Welcome back to the FocusCore podcast with host Dr. David Sweet. This week we are talking about leadership and business mastery with Dr. Greg Story, President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. Greg is an author of a suite of books focusing specifically on mastering various aspects of doing business in Japan. He also releases multiple podcasts weekly and is a certified master trainer in all of the major Dale Carnegie training courses. So join us for this enlightening conversation about leadership, communication and the unique dynamics of doing business in Japan.In this episode you will hear:How Greg started Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training JapanWhy on the job training is not working for Japanese companies anymoreAbout Greg’s books teaching mastery in business and leadership in JapanThe importance of middle management in retaining quality talentHow technology like AI is changing recruitment in JapanParticipate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey Things mentioned in the episode:Dale Carnegie Tokyo WebsiteDr. Greg Story’s author page on AmazonDr. Greg Story’s podcast page on Apple PodcastsAbout Dr. Greg Story:A Ph.D. in Japanese organisational decision-making, and a 40 year veteran of Japan, he has broad experience, having been Country Head of four organisations in Japan.He launched a “start up” in Nagoya, and completed “turn-arounds” in both Osaka and Tokyo for Austrade.In 2001 he was promoted to Minister Commercial in the Australian Embassy and the Country Head for Austrade.In November 2003, Dr. Story joined Shinsei’s Retail Bank, which interestingly was a special combination of “start-up” and “turn-around”. He had 550 staff in his Platinum Banking Division, responsible for two-thirds of the revenue of the Retail Bank, eventually becoming the Joint CEO of the Retail Bank.In July 2007, Dr. Story became the Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan.In October 2010, he became President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. He is a Master Trainer and an international award winning Sales Leader with Dale Carnegie. He is a thought leader and has written eight books: Japan Sales Mastery, Za Eigyo (The 営業), Japan Business Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, Anata mo Purezen Tatsujin (あなたもプレゼンの達人), Stop Wasting Money On Training, Toreningu de Okane Wo Muda Ni Suru No Wa Yamemashoo (トレニングでお金を無駄にするのわやめましょう) and Japan Leadership Mastery.He is an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Faculty of Griffith University. A 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate, he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business issues.Connect with Dr. Greg Story:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstory/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Menya Hinga, a certified health coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. The discussion revolves around the challenges high-performing professionals face in maintaining their health while balancing work and personal life. Menya shares his personal journey from aspiring lawyer to health coach, emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, fitness, and stress management. He also discusses his approach to sustainable habit formation and offers practical tips for achieving long-term health and fitness goals.In this episode you will hear:Menya’s journey into Health and FitnessImportance of  the Big Four: Food, Fitness, Sleep, and StressWhy sleep and nutrition are often neglected by busy professionalsThe role of stress management in achieving overall well-beingImpacting Lives Through FitnessThe latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide About Menya:Menya Hinga is a Tokyo-based health coach who helps busy professionals simplify fitness. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s spent over 13 years helping people get stronger, leaner, and feel better in their bodies. He is the founder of MH Health Coaching and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. He is also a level one certified functional strength coach, a level one certified nutrition coach, a certified personal trainer. Menya blends practical strategies with proven systems to help clients build habits that last. When he’s not coaching, he’s reading, playing piano, or getting a workout in by chasing his four kids around the house.Connect with Menya:Website: https://www.menyahinga.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.