What does it take to build trust, lead effectively and grow a business in Japan? In this episode, we explore the holistic nature of Japanese leadership, why trust is the currency of business and how Japan’s post-bubble years may have given rise to the risk-averse manager.
133 – Trust and Leadership: An Entrepreneur’s Journey in Japan with Timothy Connor Read More »
Olesia Kaodichuk, Senior Director at EPAM Systems and creator of Ikigai Coaching Cards, emphasizes how Japanese philosophy deeply influences her approach HR.
132 – Beyond Engagement with Olesia Kyrylchuk Read More »
One Japanese word can change your life. It did for us, and it’s how connected with Kumiko Sugiyama, a Japanese language coach, business Japanese trainer, and ICF Associate Certified Coach who blends language learning with coaching, communication skills, and a deep love of Japanese culture.
131 -Ikigai and Belonging with Insights from Kumiko Sugiyama Read More »
The Little Book of Ikigai is an easy and enjoyable read that draws deeply on the cultural nuances of Japan. Ken Mogi has a knack for taking complex cultural concepts and framing them in a way that is accessible, relatable, and engaging.What I particularly appreciate about Ken’s writing is that he avoids turning ikigai into
The Little Book of Ikigai Read More »
Some people don’t need fixing—they need a sanctuary. In this conversation, Chie Sawa shares how reflection creates clarity, calm, and better decisions for globally minded leaders in Japan. Together, we explore thriving, co-reflection, and the power of having a protected space to hear yourself clearly again
130 – Reflecting to Thrive with Chie Sawa Read More »
Caitlin Kight returns to host The Ikigai Podcast and interview me about my new book, A Year of Ikigai. Caitlin interviewed me for my first book—which she also edited—back on Episode 45, and she was also a guest on Episode 29. She is deeply connected to the Ikigai Tribe journey, having completed the Ikigai Tribe Coach Certification and joined our inaugural retreat in Japan, so there is a real sense of shared understanding behind this conversation.
129 – Reflections on A Year of Ikigai with Nicholas Kemp Read More »
Learning Japanese for work is rarely a straight line from grammar to fluency. The biggest gap for many professionals is not vocabulary, but the cultural logic behind Japanese communication: indirectness, shared context, and a constant awareness of how words land on other people.Podcast HighlightsShohei’s background across Japan, Malaysia, and the UK Why language learning becomes ikigai
128 – Unlocking Cross-Cultural Communication in Japan with Shohei Yoshida Read More »
With constant distractions everywhere, how can you stay receptive to notice life’s aha moments?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Mae Yoshikawa about how moments of deep insight, known in Japanese culture as kizuki, can reshape self-understanding and perspective on life.Podcast HighlightsA life shaped by multiple worlds. Mae explains how her life was
127 – The Power of Awareness: How Kizuki Moments Transform Our Lives with Mae Yoshikawa Read More »
How can we find meaning in today’s workplace?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick Kemp speaks with Tina Bagwell to explore how meaning, identity, and belonging are reshaping modern work and what it means to build a more human-centered professional life.Podcast HighlightsA foundation of intentional living. Tina shares how living in Okinawa helped shape her
126 – Aligning Work with Purpose: A Conversation with Tina Bagwell Read More »
How much can we truly hold?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Shigeki Nishimura about utsuwa, a concept that encourages us to focus less on doing more and more on expanding our inner capacity in work, leadership, and life.Podcast HighlightsFrom corporate engineer to global leadership thinker. Shigeki shares his life in Germany.What is
125 – Expanding Your Inner Capacity: The Utsuwa Philosophy with Shigeki Nishimura Read More »
