Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai

Awakening Your Ikigai: Unveiling Strengths with Hendrik Kwee

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0900

In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, I welcome Hendrik, a friend and professional contact since 2019, to discuss talents and strengths. We reconnect after several years and reflect on how their collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial for Jennifer's business survival. Hendrik shares his experience working at Manulife Japan, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and the positive energy at the Indonesian Pavilion Expo. We delve into Hendrik's journey to Japan, his struggles and learnings in a different culture, and his newfound passion for Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment. Hendrik highlights the importance of knowing one’s talents and leveraging them to live a fulfilled life, aligning this with the concept of Ikigai. We also discuss the potential pitfalls of overusing strengths and the paradigm shift required in corporate environments to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Hendrik discovered his passion and Ikigai through the CliftonStrengths assessment, including his journey from Indonesia to Japan and his unique experiences in the Japanese workplace
The importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, and how a strengths-based approach differs from trying to fix weaknesses
How leveraging individual strengths can boost workplace morale, enhance engagement, and improve overall quality of life
Practical steps to uncover and use your hidden talents in daily life
The crucial role that connections and community play in achieving professional success and finding purpose

Things mentioned in the episode:

CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/how-cliftonstrengths-works.aspx

32 CliftonStrengths team synergy sessions, 498 people over the last 2 years (Jan 2024 – Dec 2025)

About Hendrik:

Hendrik joined Manulife in January 2023 as Global Learning Partner, reporting into Asia Learning Lead and rolled up to Katherine MacNaughton`s organization. While sitting in the global team, Hendrik`s role is to build a learning culture in the Japan market. Hendrik ensures Japan programs are aligned with Manulife strategies & priorities while meeting the Japan market needs.

Prior to joining Manulife, Hendrik had similar roles and responsibilities in companies such as Philip Morris International and Bridgestone. Hendrik also performed an APAC regional role during his time in Bridgestone where he led regional talent management related projects covering 11 countries working in the Regional HQ of Bridgestone in Singapore. Hendrik`s background is in talent management and development areas.

Hendrik was awarded an MBA from Murdoch University in Singapore in 2018 and graduated with a Bachelor of Business from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

Outside of work, Hendrik is a father of 2 daughters.

Connect with Hendrik:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-kwee-2512474b/

Contact: https://www.gallup.com/learning/certification/en/10644108/profile.aspx

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Pivoting Towards Potential: Discovering Ikigai with Dr. Greg Story

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0900

In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Greg Story, discussing a variety of topics from his personal experiences and insights. They delve into Dr. Story's transformative journey from overcoming a challenging childhood and academic setbacks to achieving success in Japan. The conversation also touches on the significance of living an intentional life, the profound impact of near-death experiences, and the importance of adapting to technological advancements like AI. Dr. Story emphasizes generosity, discipline, and the value of helping others in personal and professional growth.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Dr. Greg Story's mindset shift from fear to potentiality.
Insights on how AI can enhance our personal and professional lives.
The importance of leading an intentional life and fostering community.
The influence of karate in developing discipline and confidence.
Greg's transformation from an underconfident student to a PhD holder and leader.
Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding in leadership.

About Greg

Dr. Greg Story is the President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. He holds a Ph.D. in Japanese organisational decision-making and is a 40-year veteran of Japan with broad business leadership experience, having served as Country Head of four organisations in Japan.

He launched a start-up in Nagoya and completed major turnarounds in both Osaka and Tokyo for Austrade. In 2001, he was promoted to Minister Commercial in the Australian Embassy and became the Country Head for Austrade. In 2003, he joined Shinsei’s Retail Bank, a unique mix

of start-up and turnaround, where he managed 550 staff in the Platinum Banking Division—responsible for two-thirds of the bank’s revenue—eventually becoming Joint CEO of the Retail Bank. In 2007, he was appointed Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan.

Since 2010, Dr. Story has led Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan as President. He is a Master Trainer, an international award-winning Sales Leader, and the author of eight books including Japan Sales Mastery, Japan Business Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, and Japan Leadership Mastery.

Beyond his corporate career, Dr. Story is an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Faculty at Griffith University. He is also a 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate and applies martial arts philosophies and strategies to leadership and business.

Things mentioned in the episode

Greg doing Unshu in 1987

Interview video with Lance Lee

Dale Carnegie Tokyo Website

Dr. Greg Story’s author page on Amazon

Dr. Greg Story’s podcast page on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Greg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstory/

Connect with Jennifer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of Community Impact: Passion and Persistence with Joe Pournovin

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0900

Season 4 is here! In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer is joined by Joe Pournovin, a community builder and educator, to explore his incredible journey from Manchester to Japan and the creation of the Yamathon event.

Joe shares his experiences with resilience, persistence, and imposter syndrome, and discusses the importance of passion in driving sustainable community impact. He highlights the challenges and triumphs of organizing the annual Yamathon walk in Tokyo, which has grown significantly over the years.

The conversation underscores the power of volunteerism, the beauty of human connections, and the importance of finding one's own Ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The origins and evolution of the Tokyo Yamathon
Joe's journey to Japan and finding purpose
Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity
The value of community and volunteering
Strategies for finding your purpose and making an impact

About Joe Pournovin

Joe Pournovin is a community builder, educator, and the founder of Tokyo Yamathon—an annual impact walk that brings together thousands of people to explore Tokyo and raise funds for local NPOs. Based in Tokyo, Joe is passionate about creating meaningful connections between people, purpose, and place. He also leads partnership development at Laurus International School of Science, where he helps bridge education and real-world impact.

He’s also a fellow Northerner also from the Manchester area and a North Easterner Tokyoite.

Connect with Joe Pournovin

Tokyo Yamathon

Website: https://www.tokyo-yamathon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tokyoyamathon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoyamathon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tokyo-yamathon

IVG Japan

Website: https://www.ivgjapan.org

Connect with Jennifer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Things mentioned in the episode:

The FooTNiK: https://footnik.com/

Outrun Cancer: https://www.outruncancer.net/our-stories#:~:text=A%20former%20Matamata%20woman%20and,to%20mark%20a%20personal%20goal.

KITTYZILLA: https://www.instagram.com/kittyzillastudio/

The Ikigai of The Sento Mindset: Embracing Vulnerability and Transformation with Katheryn Gronauer

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0900

Join Jennifer as she delves into an enriching conversation with Katheryn Gronauer, a dynamic coach and facilitator with expertise in leadership, cross-cultural transition, and wellness. There are fascinating parallels between business or life transitions and the traditional Japanese “sento” or public bath experience. Whether navigating a career shift, exploring new ventures, or simply seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom on embracing change, “dropping the towel” to be more authentic and finding more alignment in your work and life. Don't miss the valuable lessons on transparency, resilience, and the profound impact of incremental progress.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Katheryn’s first experience with feeling out of alignment with her environment
Learning to be an entrepreneur in her own way
The Sento Mindset as a metaphor for transformations
The question: Are you transitioning or transforming?

About Katheryn

Katheryn Gronauer is a coach with expertise in leadership, cross-cultural transition, and wellness.

She is a graduate of Sophia University with a degree in International Business & Culture, a certified coach through both the Center for Executive Coaching (International Coaching Federation Accredited) and Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and a certified ATD Trainer & Change Management Facilitator.

Beyond coaching and training, Katheryn is a Speaker and Writer. She has spoken at Tedx on The Sento Mindset, the US Embassy, Toyo University, Roppongi Cooperative, and more.

She has written for JapanToday, Savvy, Women’s Health, HuffPost, and more, as well as authored the book Confessions of a Yo-yo Dieter on her experience of losing 40 pounds with Western and Eastern health concepts.

Katheryn is originally from Florida and currently lives with her family in Tokyo.

Connect with Katheryn

www.katheryngronauer.com

www.thrivetokyo.com

lu.ma/thrive-tokyo

www.linkedin.com/in/katheryngronauer

www.instagram.com/katheryngronauer

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of Redefining Success and Work Life Balance with Cynthia Usui

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0900

In this engaging episode of 'Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai,' host Jennifer Shinkai speaks with the inspiring Cynthia Usui about career breaks, life after 60, redefining her concept of Ikigai, and finding new purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to re-entering the workforce, taking on different career roles, and ultimately redefining conventional wisdom around work-life balance and career trajectories. Cynthia is now doing amazing work opening doors for children from struggling families and we hear how mattering to someone is key to her ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What happened when Cynthia’s joyful life of actively raising her daughter came to its natural end
Cynthia’s frustrating experience with the coaching question: What do you love to do?
Cynthia’s three question “Life Check Up”
Why your career is like the Tokyo Metro and how you can get back on the train after a career break
Cynthia’s real talk that many corporations don’t want their workers to hear

About Cynthia

Born in Manila in 1959, Cynthia arrived in Tokyo in 1980 as a Monbusho Scholar. After graduating from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, she worked for a trading company and married a Japanese diplomat. She became a mother at 30 and decided to become a stay-at-home mom. As wife of a diplomat, she has lived in five different countries, and when her daughter left for college, she went back to work as cafeteria manager at the International School Bangkok. She returned to Tokyo at age 52 and accepted the only role she could find - junior banquet assistant at the Tokyo American Club. In 2013, she joined the hospitality industry and quickly rose from corporate sales manager at ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo to senior manager of Coca-Cola's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games hospitality team. Cynthia is a passionate advocate for women returning to the workforce, has written several books on the subject, and is a media personality called on to discuss social and political issues. She turned 65 last year and has tasked herself with raising support for children from single-parent households.

Connect with Cynthia

薄井シンシア Cynthia Usui | LinkedIn

薄井シンシア / 専業主婦・駐妻→子育て後に就職、転職を重ね、10年で社長→65歳に起業検討 (@UsuiCynthia) / X

Instagram

薄井シンシア – Cynthia Usui

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of Reflective Coaching & Supervision, with Elizabeth Okada

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome back to the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season. In this first episode of 2025 I am thrilled to be talking with Elizabeth Okada, renowned coach in her own right, as well as being a sought after coaching supervisor and trainer. Elizabeth joins us to help demystify coaching, supervision and to discuss her most recent development as a retirement coach.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The difference between Supervision and Mentor Coaching
How supervision can help you enhance your coaching practice
The importance of curiosity and reflection in your coaching practice
What made Elizabeth decide to pursue being a supervisor
How Elizabeth coaches people through the transition into retirement

About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth started her career as a teacher and then continued this when she moved to Japan. Elizabeth had the chance to move into training and spent several years in language and intercultural training roles before taking on positions in Talent Management and Leadership Development. Since 2005 Elizabeth has been a coach working with leaders in a variety of industries. She is also a Coach Supervisor and trains coaches.

Most recently Elizabeth has started supporting leaders who are transitioning into retirement so that they can have a rich and fulfilling post-retirement life.

Connect with Elizabeth:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-okada-04848825

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of “Room in Your Mind” with Misha Yurchenko

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of the podcast we are discussing burnout and mindfulness with the founder of Tokyo Mindfulness, Misha Yurchenko. Misha has some amazing insights to share with you all about the pattern of burnout he experienced repeatedly in his work life, and how he broke this pattern. Many people can still experience burnout or stress after finding their ikigai, so this conversation is an important reminder that part of ikigai is having room in your mind. Listen to the episode to hear more about how to make this room and break those destructive work patterns!

In this episode you’ll hear:

Misha’s formula for what suffering is and how to lower it in your life
About Misha’s experience of burnout whilst running a startup
How the quality of the hours you work can affect you more than the quantity
The importance of taking ‘proper’ breaks and holidays
How Misha made changes in his life to stop the patterns that led to burnout

About Misha:

Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher with over ten years of meditation experience. He has attended retreats worldwide, practicing a range of techniques. His primary practices today are samatha-vipassana and the Brahmaviharas in the Theravada Buddhist tradition.

After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he retreated to the mountains for a month of meditation. He later founded Tokyo Mindfulness, dedicated to helping others break free from their limitations. Misha combines meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing in a practical and integrated approach to assist people in letting go of the ego, releasing old habit patterns, and finding inner freedom.

He is the author of several books, writes a weekly Substack, and lives in Nerima with his family.

Connect with Misha:

Website: https://tokyomindfulness.com/

Substack: https://mishayurchenko.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyomindfulnessjapan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misha-yurchenko-88458565/

Meetup Group: https://www.meetup.com/pro/conscious-living-japan/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of Mottainai & Creativity, with Victoria Close from Biku Designs

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of the podcast our guest is Victoria Close from Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono jewellery brand. The Japanese concept of Mottainai ( もったいない ), which expresses a sadness or regret about wasting or mistreating resources, has become very important to Victoria in both her life and work. It also gave her a word for something she’d felt since she was a young child. In the episode we find out more about Mottainai, about Victoria’s creative work, and insights into showing up authentically and intentionally online as a creative and a business owner.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

About the concept of Mottainai and how it manifests in Victoria’s life and work
What Victoria’s learned about starting her own business
How Victoria is showing up authentically on YouTube
The importance of intentionality
About the Creative Calm challenge and how you can participate

About Victoria:

Victoria Close is the creative force behind Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono jewelry brand. She crafts unique pieces using vintage and antique fabrics and other found objects she personally sources. Driven by the 'mottainai' philosophy, Victoria is dedicated to repurposing forgotten items and keeping them out of landfills.

In 2023, Victoria launched ‘Studio Biku’ in Shimokitazawa, a cozy Showa-era studio. Here, she designs her jewelry, runs a small shop featuring 12 international makers based in Japan, conducts creative workshops, and rents out the space to emerging artists and designers for their own classes.

A dedicated advocate for creative small businesses, Victoria offers practical, hands-on and online courses, and founded the Overseas Makers Guild, a free Facebook community that supports, connects, and celebrates handmade business owners. She also mentors creative entrepreneurs through her one-on-one programs. Victoria has called Tokyo home for over half her life and lives in Shimokitazawa with her British husband and their two children.

Connect with Victoria: 

Website: https://www.bikudesigns.com/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studio_biku

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Expanding Ikigai of Live Theatre in Japan, with Michael Walker

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome back to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai. This week I am joined by Michael Walker, Founder and Artistic Director of SheepDog Theatre based in Tokyo, Japan. As a lifelong fan of live theatre I know very well the ikigai of being an audience member, but in this episode Michael shares with us what it's like to be involved in the production side of things. From acting to directing and running his own theatre company, Michael gives us a fascinating glimpse into the magic of theatre production in Japan.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What theatre means to Michael in terms of ikigai
How Michael got bitten by the theatre bug while visiting Edinburgh
How Michael applies lessons learned from sport to live theatre
About SheepDog Theatre’s beginnings and its current transition
Michael’s advice for people wanting to pursue a seemingly impossible dream

Things mentioned in the episode:

THE LITTLE FELLOW

By Kate Hamill

Directed by Michael Walker

Studio Actre, Tokyo

July 3-7, 2024

Sheepdog Theatre returns to Studio Actre for its production of Kate Hamill’s wickedly funny play, The Little Fellow. The story is based on the real life memoirs of 19th century courtesan Harriet Wilson, who entertained the most powerful men in England of the time. When the famous Duke of Wellington breaks a promise that would set her up for life, she seeks out retribution, not just on him, but all the men who’ve crossed her. The play is simultaneously violent and poignant as it explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation.

About Michael:

Michael graduated from Sydney’s Theatre Nepean drama program before working as a professional actor for nearly a decade. After moving to Japan, he formed Maidenagoya Productions, Chubu’s first independent theatre company.

In 2019 he moved to Tokyo and formed Sheepdog Theatre. After a slow start (thanks to the pandemic), Sheepdog Theatre found its momentum in 2023 and is now a fully professional company.

When not being creative, Michael enjoys riding his motorcycle through the many beautiful parts of Japan.

Connect with Michael:

Website: http://sheepdogtheatre.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheepdogtheatre/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheepdogtheatre/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Finding Yoyu & Cultivating Abundance in Your Life, with Marci Kobayashi

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome to another episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we are talking about yoyu, a Japanese concept conveying one’s capacity to handle or afford something. Author Marci Kobayashi joins us to discuss the concept of yoyu and her upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life." Listen to the episode to hear more about yoyu and how it links to ikigai!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What Yoyu is and how Marci came to learn about it
How Marci applied the concept of Yoyu to a challenging time in her life
About the importance of proactively taking time for yourself
About ‘tiny altars’ and how they make claiming space more manageable
How you can figure out what makes you feel a sense of yoyu

About Marci:

Marci Kobayashi is a writer, teacher, and business owner in Tokyo. Raised in the U.S., she arrived in Japan as a college student in the early ’90s and has lived there ever since. In 2002, she started a company to provide English-conversation programs and study-abroad advising, which evolved into assisting international organizations and entrepreneurs in improving their global reach online through web design and coaching.

Marci also has a dedicated spiritual practice, enjoys studying alternative-healing modalities, cooking a whole-foods flexitarian diet, and exploring Japan. She is the author of the upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life." She's also working on a memoir chronicling the five years she was the primary caregiver for her father-in-law, a WWII Japanese war veteran, as he navigated Alzheimer’s.

Connect with Marci:

Website: https://marcikobayashi.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarciSKobayashi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcikobayashi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-kobayashi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marcikobayashi

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Obsessive Ikigai & The Healing Power of Self Love, with Elizabeth Hendrick

Wed, 08 May 2024 05:00:00 +0900

This week’s episode contains general discussions of BDSM and torture.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we talk to author Elizabeth Hendrick about her book EXODAI, a memoir about her struggles with her sexuality and the story of how she eventually learnt to love herself after a particularly toxic BDSM relationship with a Japanese dominatrix. For over a decade Elizabeth’s ikigai compelled her to write about her own experiences in order to help others who have been ostracised for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and who have struggled with self acceptance, self love and healing.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

About Elizabeth’s memoir EXODAI and what compelled her to write it
How Elizabeth felt ostracised as a young LGBTQ+ person and struggled to reconcile her sexuality with her Christian beliefs
What made Elizabeth realise she lacked self love and how she decided to heal herself
How Elizabeth ended up in a torturous relationship with a Japanese dominatrix
About the dark side of ikigai and how it can be an obsession or addiction

Things mentioned in the episode:

FEW Japan June Conference:

https://fewjapan.com/css-2024-the-fewture-conference/

Buy the EXODAI book here:

https://exodai.co.uk/

About Elizabeth:

ELIZABETH HENDRICK published her debut work, EXODAI, in September 2023. She was compelled to write about her struggles with her sexuality and narrate the story of how she eventually learnt to love herself as a lesbian woman, placing particular emphasis on her BDSM relationship with a Japanese dominatrix. Elizabeth believes her story will be of value not just to LGBTQ+ and BDSM/fetish communities, but to all individuals who have been ostracised during their adolescence and whose lack of self-love is sabotaging their adult lives. EXODAI is also an intriguing peek behind the curtain of Tokyo’s exotic and sometimes shocking BDSM underworld.

Elizabeth was born and raised in East Anglia. She graduated in mathematics from Durham University in 1994 and began a career in financial services in London. In 2004, she left finance to enter the risky world of entrepreneurial start-ups. During her first project to launch a film magazine, she developed the practice of keeping a diary of events. It was her cathartic response to dealing with the stress of heading up an underfunded start-up. Since then, she has kept records and written memoirs covering all her remarkable life experiences, including being a contestant on a reality TV show. In 2016, Elizabeth retired from the corporate world and moved into part-time business education, specifically to focus on her career as a writer. Over the course of her life, she has lived and worked in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. She currently works and resides in Tokyo, and she doesn't stop writing!

Ultimately, Elizabeth is keen to promote self-awareness in the realm of sexuality and bring solace to those who have been ostracised or who lack self-love and acceptance.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Website: https://www.exodai.co.uk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exodai

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodainarrated/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exodaimemoir

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/exodaimemoir

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554135806819

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai in Vagabondism, with Tengyo Kura

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome to another episode of season three of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. On the podcast this week I got to sit down with Tengyo Kura, a self professed vagabond. Tengyo has a beautiful outlook on life that has propelled him around the world to connect with many people from different cultures, countries and experiences. Vagabondism is how Tengyo lives his life and is directly connected to his ikigai, and is a way for him to experience true connection to other people. Tengyo has some amazing insights to share with you all that will leave you truly inspired to seek out more true connection in your own life!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How teaching languages to students made Tengyo realise he was a storyteller at heart
Why we can never truly understand each other completely, but how love and respect lead to true connection
What vagabondism means to Tengyo & what we can learn from people living a vagabond life
Tengyo’s advice for those interested in experiencing vagabondism for themselves

About Tengyo Kura:

Tengyo was born in 1972, and studied anthropology at a university in Tokyo.

Since 2001, Tengyo has been living as a vagabond (stranger) in various parts of the world.

Tengyo taught English at a university in Mongolia, was a language teacher at a law school in Sri Lanka and encountered the Tsunami in 2004. He was a lecturer of Contemporary Japanese Culture at a university college in Norway (2005-2009), and organized the Hiroshima A-bomb exhibition in cooperation with the City of Hiroshima and the Nobel Peace Committee in 2008. He was a Japanese language and cultural teacher at a secondary school in Latvia (2011-2012), and was nominated for the Best Teacher Award in the capital city of Riga in 2011.

Tengyo lived in India and other Asian countries and wrote stories for his storytelling work “Chronicle of Vagabondism” in 2013. He collaborated with Latvian artists for the EU Capital of Culture Commemorative Event in Riga, Latvia in 2014. He lived in several countries in South America and wrote stories for his storytelling work “Chronicle of Vagabondism” from 2014 to 2016. Tengyo also created a storytelling artwork "The Tokyo Vagabond x Ueno" in 2017. Tengyo was a storyteller of an exchange program for TURN, a big cultural project initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (2017-2020). He also worked with Cocoroom, an art NPO in the biggest Japanese homelessness community in Osaka City (2020-2022), and was appointed as a chief member of the NPO in 2022.

Tengyo resumed activities in Africa in November 2022, and introduced a Japanese concept of social inclusive programs to countries in the southern part of Africa. Tengyo is now carrying out various activities called African Jamboree 2025 that emphasize cultural exchange between Japan and some African nations until 2025.

Connect with Tengyo:

Website: https://vagabond.link/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Unlocking Ikigai: Navigating Transitions and Emerging with Purpose with Adrian Francis

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome to Season 3 of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai!

Adrian Francis is the filmmaker behind the powerful documentary Paper City, exploring the impact of the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945 and the ongoing struggle for it to be acknowledged and remembered. Adrian was brave enough to come on the show at a point where he has not figured out his next steps yet. I thought this was an opportunity not to be missed: to hear from someone in the midst of a transition after completing a major project. If you are also going through a period of transition and haven’t got it all figured out, I think you will find much solace and inspiration in this episode. All those questions? Those hard to grasp ideas and concepts that feel so murky right now? Totally normal…in fact, an essential part of the process!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Adrian came to make a film about the firebombing of Tokyo
What happens when you finish a project that has been the main focus of your life
How you can find meaning for your next challenge
Flashing forward and backward in our lives to see what our values are independent of current circumstances

About Adrian

Originally from Australia, Adrian Francis has lived in Tokyo for 17 years, working as a teacher, writer, and documentary filmmaker. He majored in documentary film at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University. Francis directed the award-winning documentary short, Lessons from the Night, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. He was invited to participate in the Berlinale Talents program at the Berlin Film Festival, where he began developing the project that would become Paper City—his first feature-length film. Paper City premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2021 and has screened theatrically in Japan, and internationally at festivals and through Al Jazeera's Witness series. It has won numerous awards, including the Audience Award at the Tokyo Documentary Film Festival, an ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) Award for Best History Documentary, and Best Emerging Director at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. He recently gave a TEDxWasedaU talk on the bombing of civilians, Paper City: Memory, Forgetting, and the Firebombing of Tokyo. Most recently, Adrian has become interested in what we can do to take climate change action.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Paper City Screening:

March 1-7 at Eigakan Stranger

Screening daily at 11:20 (with English subtitles)

3 Chome-7-1 Kikukawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0024

https://stranger.jp/movie/2541/

TEDxWasedaU Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFr3U3bbuMg

Connect with Adrian and find out more about Paper City:

Paper City Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercitytokyo/

Paper City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papercitytokyo

Paper City X: https://twitter.com/papercitytokyo

Paper City Website: papercityfilm.com

Adrian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adrian_francis_/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Finding Your Ikigai in the Midst of a Mental Health Challenge, with David Macdonald

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0900

Content Warning: In this episode of the podcast David Macdonald and I have a frank discussion of mental illness, depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal thoughts.

If you are in Japan and want to talk to someone about these issues please consider contacting the Tokyo English lifeline at https://telljp.com/.

Today on the podcast we have a very important conversation with David Macdonald about mental health challenges. Originally from Canada, David is CEO of an independent advisory and consulting firm, focused on supporting Japanese companies go global, and global companies come to Japan, especially in media and tech. Whilst in the corporate world David experienced some mental health challenges that led to a diagnosis of depression and then later bipolar disorder. In this episode David and I discuss what ikigai means to someone for whom simply getting out of bed in the morning is their reason to get out of bed.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What brought David to Japan in the 90s
What it was like for David to be succeeding in his corporate career while simultaneously experiencing depression and being diagnosed as bipolar
The importance of being honest at work and at home about the internal challenges you are facing
About the work of a Japanese firm, Tech Doctors, using data from wearable devices to improve diagnoses and therapies for various illnesses
What you can do if you think someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge like depression

About David:

David is CEO of an independent advisory and consulting firm, focused on supporting Japanese companies go global, and global companies come to Japan, especially in media and tech. David brings decades of international experience, including strategic leadership, general management, culture development and talent strategy, and a rich multicultural background.

A Canadian native with formative years in Germany and the UK, David came to Japan in 1995. Armed with a BA (Honors) in History and Politics (International Relations) and an MSc in East Asian Business, he also holds several qualifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Governance, and Cross-cultural Leadership and Management, and is a strong advocate of mental health awareness in the workforce, and is very open with his own struggles with bipolar disorder.

He helped pioneer NTT DoCoMo’s non-Japanese team in 1999, with the i-mode mobile internet service. His trajectory included key roles at major media and tech brands like Disney, Google (YouTube), and Discovery as GM and President for Japan. Much of his work at Discovery focused on transformation, and post-merger with Warner Media, he steered the Discovery business and served as VP for Networks.

He also serves as an Independent Director for Tokyo Prime traded KADOKAWA CORPORATION, as a member of the remuneration committee, and stewards diverse non-profits as a member of their boards.

Things mentioned in the episode:

David’s TedXtalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_macdonald_let_s_talk_about_mental_health

Connect with David:

Website: http://djmac.jp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djmacdonald/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djmacjapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmacjapan/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai in Empowering Others to Have Fitness Autonomy, with Menya Hinga

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0900

Happy Holidays everyone! This can be a time that tests our health and wellness goals, so this episode’s guest is here to help. Menya Hinga is an online health and fitness coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness—Japan’s largest non-profit fitness community. Menya has helped hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations make better decisions related to fitness, habits and health. Listen to the episode to feel more empowered and confident in your ability to make changes in your life!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How an online health and fitness coach is different to a personal trainer
What fitness autonomy is and why Menya strives to help his clients achieve it
What made Menya reassess his relationship to alcohol and drinking
The importance of your environment when making big changes in your life
How Menya empowers people to believe in their own ability to change

About Menya:

Menya helps high-performers who are struggling to manage stress and weight gain, learn to stress less, move more, and eat better in order to transform their health and performance.

As an expat, father of 3 (soon to be 4!), and personal trainer turned online health and fitness coach, Menya knows how difficult it can be to create work-life balance while wearing many different hats.

So for more than a decade he’s helped hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations make better decisions related to fitness, habits and health as a health and fitness coach, personal trainer, and co-founder of SOGO Fitness—Japan’s largest non-profit fitness community.

Connect with Menya:

Website: www.menyahinga.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/menyahinga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menyahinga/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The ikigai in fighting and filmmaking with Rionne McAvoy

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On this latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai I talk to Rionne McAvoy who I first came into contact with through their documentary film “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan.” The film is an incredibly moving look at an often ignored aspect of life in Japan for many mothers and their children, as well as helping to improve their living conditions.

Listen to the episode to hear more about the documentary, as well as learning how Rionne found his ikigai in filmmaking, martial arts and pro wrestling!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Rionne got started in martial arts
What brought Rionne to Japan
About becoming a pro wrestler in his thirties
About Rionne’s love of filmmaking
What led Rionne to make The Ones Left Behind, a documentary on single mothers in Japan

About Rionne:

Rionne McAvoy is a documentary filmmaker originally hailing from the Gold Coast in Australia. Residing in Tokyo for almost 20 years, his documentary "The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan" is a shining light down the path of improving the living conditions for single parents both in Japan and around the world. His documentary delves deep into Japanese society culture and history to expose a side of Japan that many refuse to admit exists.

Connect with Rionne:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IamRionne

Website: https://japanmediaservices.com/

Film Twitter: https://twitter.com/singlemomjapan

Film Instagram: instagram.com/onesleftbehind

Film Website: onesleftbehind.com

Trailer for film: https://vimeo.com/772395650

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Finding Your Ikigai in Frocking Up!

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0900

The COVID-19 lockdowns across the world were a very stressful time for a lot of us, but there were also a lot of stories of positive community building and support that came out of that time. One of those stories was that of Frock Up Friday, a facebook group started by friends Bev and Suzie in the UK. The page started as a place where they and their friends could get dressed up on a Friday night and post pictures of their fabulous outfits! After a few weeks the page had amassed thousands of members, well beyond Bev and Suzie’s intended group of friends and family. On the podcast I talk to Bev and Suzie about Frock Up Friday, the ways the group has promoted values like inclusion, compassion and self care, and how this all relates to their ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What led Bev and Suzie to start Frock Up Friday
How the group has helped people feel more connected and less lonely
About how dressing up for fun on Fridays has led people to be more confident and creative
How the group brings different types of people together and lets them learn from one another

About Frock Up Friday:

In March 2020 during the lockdowns at the beginning of the COVID 19, two friends Bev and Suzie decided to dress up on Fridays, pretend like they were going out, and post their photos on a Facebook group page they created called Frock Up Friday. They invited their friends to join the group and share photos of their Friday outfits.

After just a few weeks the group had over 13,000 members worldwide.

Initially the group was just about dressing creatively and sharing styles but it’s become something so much more. Frock Up Friday for many people became an escape from the virus; from the impact of lockdown; from politics; and from anxieties of personal battles in health, mental health, body image and gender issues to suggest a few.

Frock Up Friday is about promoting inclusion and self care, sharing compassion, encouraging zero negativity, frocking up without costing the earth, and encouraging people to dress for dopamine!

Connect with Frock Up Friday:

Website: https://www.frockupfriday.com/

Book: https://www.frockupfriday.com/the-book

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222855365767059/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frockupfriday/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Combining Multiple Sources of Ikigai, Or Not, with Genie Gurnani

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0900

If you are a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ll love this episode!

Join me as I have a fabulous chat with Genie Gurnani, internationally televised drag queen from Drag Race Thailand Season 2, AND globe-trotting creative leader and marketing executive who has led teams at Disney, Vice Media, and Netflix. We discuss Genie’s dual careers, and how the two complement one another. Genie also shares with us some of the ways being on Drag Race opened doors to wonderful opportunities to try new things and discover new talents, and how important it is to not let fear stop you from taking advantage of exciting things that come your way!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

About Genie’s two lives as a marketing executive and a drag queen, and how they balance the two
How being a drag queen helped and hindered Genie’s marketing career
Advice for people who are feeling marginalised at work, or in general
How taking opportunities that came after being on Drag Race led to Genie developing new skills and talents
How Genie found comedy and storytelling to be a common thread running through both the corporate and entertainment worlds

About Genie:

Genie is a globe-trotting creative leader and marketing executive who has led teams at Disney, Vice Media, and Netflix. They are also an internationally televised drag queen who is part of the world's fiercest reality TV franchise, having starred on RuPaul's Drag Race Thailand. In the past, Genie thought these were two different careers, two different lives, two different selves. But eventually they realized, everything they do is one and the same. They are an entertainer. They create entertainment. And they help brands be more entertaining to connect with their audiences.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Joey Graceffa YouTube video with Genie: https://youtu.be/e9QjdBEOc4Q

Connect with Genie:

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@wishforgenie

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wishforgenie

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wishforgenie

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The Ikigai of Changing a Side Hustle to a Life Saviour, with David John

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On this episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast I talk to virtual magician, David John. Before COVID, David was running a tourism business and was doing magic on the side, but then the pandemic hit and he had to turn his side hustle into his main income! David’s virtual magic experience was in high demand during lockdown, internationally, as people were feeling isolated and David’s show helped bring people together. Listen to the episode to hear all about how and why his side hustle became his life saviour!

In this episode you’ll hear:

How David weathered the pandemic as his tourism business was put on hold
About David turning his side hustle of magic into his main income during the pandemic
How working in various corporate roles has helped David with his virtual experience work as a magician
The value in doing different jobs and careers throughout your life instead of just thinking there’s only one career for you
How important David’s virtual entertainment work became for people separated by the pandemic

About David:

David John is a talented and innovative virtual magician, known for his mesmerizing performances that captivate audiences from all around the world. With a deep passion for magic and a strong commitment to his craft, David has mastered the art of illusion in the digital world, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for his viewers.

David's performances are characterized by sleight of hand, mind-illusions, and comedic presentation. His attention to detail and dedication to creating an authentic magical experience sets him apart from other magicians in the virtual world. Whether he's making objects disappear into thin air or performing mind-reading acts through live video interactions, David leaves his audience in awe, questioning the very limits of reality.

David engages his viewers through captivating storytelling and interactive elements. His ability to connect with his audience, even from a distance, is truly extraordinary.

Connect with David:

Website: https://virtual.TheMagicOfDeejay.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/virtualmagicninja

Youtube: www.youtube.com/virtualmagicninja

Latest Reel: https://youtu.be/gSjCS8KyHVo

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Finding Your Ikigai on the Mountain with Alison Beale

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the podcast we are all about mountains and mushrooms! I am talking with the wonderful Alison Beale about her weekly trips to the mountains around Tokyo and why she has become rather addicted to these hikes. Alison shares with us some of the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits she has experienced on her trips to various mountains and why she loves discovering all the wonderful biodiversity on the mountains, including mushrooms!

In this episode you’ll hear:

How rehabilitating an injury led Alison to weekly mountain walks
Why Alison enjoys finding different types of mushrooms while hiking
Advice on how to keep yourself safe while walking in the mountains alone
What Alison learnt about fear and ways to use that in everyday life
The community aspect of hiking and how life affirming it can be

About Alison:

Alison is Director of the University of Oxford Japan Office. She came to Japan immediately after graduating from Oxford and has had a long career in international education and cultural relations, mostly with the British Council. She worked for the organization in various cities in Japan, and then in Trinidad and Tobago and Shanghai China, before coming back to Tokyo. She then decided to ditch her peripatetic life, and now heads up the representative office of the University of Oxford in Japan.

Alison is passionate about building links between the UK and Japan and holds a number of voluntary positions for example as Vice-President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Executive Director of the Japan-British Society. She is also a fan of the performing arts and is on the Board of the New National Theatre Tokyo.

Things mentioned in the Episode:

Blog post about Unconscious Processing: https://jennifershinkai.com/2020/01/07/need-inspiration-pop-to-the-loo/

Connect with Alison:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aliyama_japan

Blog: https://www.japan.travel/en/blog/author/alison-beale/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

The Ikigai in Career and Activism with Rochelle Kopp

Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the show I have a fantastic conversation with my long term mentor and multi-potentialite, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle is a consultant, an author, a mentor, an educator, a board director, and an activist. Last year Rochelle was named as one of Change.Org Japan’s Changemakers of the Year, and has recently been spearheading a movement to protect Tokyo’s green oasis Jingu Gaien from a redevelopment plan that would sacrifice a thousand trees and raze two historic stadiums in order to make room for three skyscrapers. Listen to the episode to hear all about Rochelle’s career and activism and how both are sources of ikigai for her.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Why her career as an intercultural consultant is a source of ikigai for Rochelle
How Rochelle started her activism through online petitions to protect Japan’s green spaces
Why trees and green spaces are so important for our physical and mental health
Rochelle’s ideas about what her role as a non-Japanese person in Japanese society is and could be

About Rochelle:

Rochelle is a consultant, author, mentor, educator & board director specializing in global communication, leadership, human resources, & organizational development. She primarily works with Japanese companies with global operations and global firms doing business in Japan, primarily through training seminars, teambuilding, and coaching. Rochelle also keeps busy with several other activities. She writes columns for the Japan Times and several Japanese publications including the Asahi and the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, and has published over 35 books on intercultural and management topics. She is an outside board director to two Japanese companies. She is a mentor through 500 Global. And more recently, she has become an activist, spearheading a movement to protect Tokyo’s green oasis Jingu Gaien from a redevelopment plan that would sacrifice a thousand trees and raze two historic stadiums in order to make room for three skyscrapers. Her petition on Change.org has over 195,000 signatures and last year she was named one of Change.org Japan’s Changemakers of the Year.

Connect with Rochelle:

Website: www.japanintercultural.com

Twitter: @Japanintercult in English and @JICRochelle in Japanese

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.kopp/

Petition for Jingu Gaien: https://www.change.org/Save_jingugaien_en

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

A Lifetime of Ikigai in Rugby, with Koji Tokumasu

Wed, 10 May 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of the podcast I’m joined by Koji Tokumasu, who was selected as “one of the most influential 50 members of rugby in the world” by Rugby World (UK) in 2017. Koji was General Manager at the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bid Committee to gain the right for JRFU to host RWC2019, the first time outside of the traditional Unions, AND was the Senior Director at Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee to deliver the most successful Rugby World Cup ever! Join us for this episode as Koji shares with us his enduring love of rugby and how it led him on a journey across the world, and back to Japan to spread that love for rugby here!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Koji went on a journey from Japan to Wales inspired by a love of Welsh rugby
The remarkable story of Koji’s involvement in Japan making a bid for the Rugby World Cup leading to success in 2019
How Koji adapted to life after the Rugby World Cup after spending so much time working towards that goal
Why and how Koji started the Shibuya International Rugby Club
How rugby taught him to enjoy playing the game (of life) without just focusing on the end result

About Koji:

Koji Tokumasu is a visiting professor at Kanda University of International Studies, Special Director at Japan Rugby Football Union, and President of Shibuya International Rugby Club. Koji was the Senior Director at Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee to deliver the most successful Rugby World Cup ever. He was General Manager at the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bid Committee to gain the right for JRFU to host RWC2019, the first time outside of the traditional Unions. Koji was also selected as “one of the most influential 50 members of rugby in the world” by Rugby World (UK) in 2017.

Koji Tokumasu has also held positions as Editor and writer of Sports Department at Nishi Nippon Shimbun (Newspaper with 600,000 daily print run in the Kyushu area), English teacher and Marketing Director at Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Editor at Kodansha International Publications Co Ltd, and Head of International Relations/ Marketing/Public Relations/ of Japan Rugby Football Union. Koji has also held honorary positions as Board Member of Asia Rugby, Board Member of World Rugby, Board Member of Japan Rugby Football Union, President of Asia Rugby, Honorary President of Asia Rugby, and Special Director at Japan Rugby Football Union (International relations).

Connect with Koji:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koji-tokumasu-43369823/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004972381746

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Neo Kimono Styling and the Ikigai in Evolving Cultural Traditions with Yui Maejima

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we are joined by Yui Maejima. Yui is a Neo Kimono Stylist supporting her clients to find themselves through a new perspective in their kimono. Yui’s first experience with kimono as a child made her never want to wear them again, but then as a young adult she went to the US and through being in another culture began to appreciate being Japanese more. She decided to immerse herself in something uniquely Japanese as a way to explore her cultural identity and express herself, and settled on modern kimono fashion. Through her love of fashion and of being Japanese, Yui found her ikigai in Neo Kimono style and now helps others see themselves in a new light with her styling.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Yui’s first experience with kimono made her not want to ever wear kimono again at 10 years old
How being in the USA made her appreciate her Japanese culture and embrace kimono as a way to express a part of her identity as well as her love of fashion
About how kimono used to be contemporary daily wear in the past and how that freed Yui up to evolve and modernise kimono in her styling
About Yui’s styling business and how it connects to her Ikigai

About Yui:

Yui Maejima was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. As a college student she studied information systems in the US for two and half years before returning to Japan and working as a systems engineer. Her experience in the US gave her a new appreciation for Japanese culture and she studied the art of wearing kimono.

After 7 years as a systems engineer. she pivoted her career into the kimono industry working first in a kimono rental company and then as a freelance kitsukeishi 着付師 (Kimono dresser). Now Yui refers to herself as a Neo Kimono Stylist supporting her clients to find themselves through a new perspective in their kimono.

Things Mentioned in the Episode:

Yui’s client with braided hair: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClwyRLshC9i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Connect with Yui:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yui_michael/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelYuiJP/

Website: https://michael-yui.com/

Airbnb experience: https://www.airbnb.jp/experiences/48477

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Achieving Your GOLD with Steve Judge

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we have a truly inspirational guest for you. Steve Judge is a professional speaker, author, and resilience coach, who in 2002 experienced a near fatal car accident and due to his injuries was told he may never walk again. But he decided to fight that prediction and found a passion during his rehabilitation that motivated him.

Throughout his rehabilitation he kept setting goals for himself and achieving them, from standing and walking, through to running, cycling and Power Triathlons. Eventually Steve became an elite athlete, and in 2011, in Beijing, he crossed the finish line to become world champion in the power triathlon! So if you are looking for motivation and inspiration, especially through setbacks and challenges, this episode is for you.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

About Steve’s autobiography, Don’t Lean on Your Excuses
The near fatal car accident that Steve experienced in 2002
How anger and thinking of his future self motivated Steve throughout his rehabilitation
How Steve became an elite athlete and two time world champion
Why Steve now wants to empower others through motivational speaking
Why Steve wears a 5 yen coin, or “go-en”, around his neck

About Steve:

As a professional speaker, author and resilience coach Steve’s mission is to deliver his story that took him from wheelchair to world champion and beyond. His journey starts with a 5 Yen (Go-En) coin that he was given by a Japanese traveler in 1996. Steve tells his story of how he used this coin and the Japanese concept of Kintsugi to mend his badly broken body and how he feels that he is now on the path to fulfill in his life in relation to his Ikigai.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Sustainable Wellness and Ikigai with Saori Okada

Don’t Lean on Your Excuses book

Connect with Steve:

Contact: i.nspire@steve-judge.co.uk

Website: https://www.steve-judge.co.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveJudge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevejudgegold

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejudgegold/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-judge-908293b1/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveJudgeGOLD

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user118912033

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai After an Olympic Medal; What’s Next? With Alison Mowbray

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome to the latest episode of the podcast. This week I am talking to Alison Mowbray, former Olympic medal winning rower in the British Rowing Team, and current leadership development consultant and coach. Alison initially pursued an academic career in microbiology, got her PhD, became a science teacher… and then tried out for national selection in the British Rowing Team. She’s competed at the Olympics twice and won silver as part of the quad sculls team in 2004.

After retiring Alison continued to set and achieve her goals that included ultra-marathons, an autobiography, becoming a rowing coach, hiking, dancing tango, and more! Phewf! Join us to hear more about how Alison pursues her goals and what she has learnt about ikigai and her life’s purpose along the way.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Alison pursued an academic path in Science, getting her PhD and becoming a science teacher before making the British Rowing Team at the age of 27
How Alison decided what to do next after retiring from international rowing
What marathon running taught Alison about how we can limit ourselves by the goals we set
About the importance of doing things for yourself rather than always waiting for an external motivation
Alison’s advice on not judging what gives your life purpose, or comparing it to other people’s

About Alison:

Alison was on the British Rowing team for seven years and competed in five World Championships and two Olympic Games. Not being particularly sporty at school and having not even stepped in a boat until she went to Liverpool University at the age of 18, Alison then kept rowing on the back burner for many years while she pursued an academic career. Having achieved a 1st Class degree in Microbiology from Liverpool and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Cambridge University, Alison moved to London to train as a science teacher and attempt National selection. She made the British Rowing team that year at the age of 27. Two years later, she achieved last minute qualification for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she finished 10th in the single sculls event.

Alison worked part-time as a science teacher while training full-time towards the Athens Olympics and in 2004, at the age of 33 and in the last race of her career achieved an Olympic silver medal in the final of the quad sculls.

Retiring from international sport, Alison was a science teacher for several years alongside a developing career in Inspirational Speaking. She now works as a Leadership Development Consultant and Coach, hikes long-distance trails, runs marathons and ultra-marathons, dances tango and sings in a local choir. Alison also still coaches rowing, including to local children in Zambia in 2022.

Alison wrote and published her autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal Life in 2013 and is currently finishing a Science/Lifestyle book called The 10 Healthy Habits.

Connect with Alison:

Autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal Life

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-mowbray-33b36a13

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonmowbray.feelinginspired/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

The Ikigai in Going with the Flow, with James Nepaulsingh

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 +0900

On the latest episode of the podcast I chat to the multi-talented James Nepaulsingh. James is a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and host of the Plus Future Podcast! James joins us to discuss his ikigai and we have a great discussion about his approaches to life and to pursuing new hobbies and learning new things. Listen to the episode and get inspired to treat life as an experiment and break out of any box you feel you may be stuck in!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How to do more of the things you enjoy
What led James to pursue abstract art
The importance of protecting yourself from negative people
What being remarkable means to James
James’ advice to listeners for 2023

About James:

James is a multipotentialite: a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and podcaster. He graduated from Oxford University and the Royal College of Art and was awarded a coaching certification from Cambridge University. He holds two board positions in Japan and lectures law part-time at Japan’s top-ranking universities.

He is Senior Legal Counsel at one of Japan’s best-known institutions. He uses his fine art background to approach the corporate world through a creative corporate design lens. In the art world, he regularly holds exhibitions in Tokyo and London. His works have recently been displayed at a virtual exhibition that took place during a private event organised at the National Gallery, London.

James is accredited as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation and a Mediator by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

James is British and is of Trinidadian origin.

Things Mentioned in the Episode:

If you want to see James’ art for yourself you can purchase your own copy of James’ art book, All Of Me, with half of the proceeds going to Refugee Empowerment International. Check out the links below!

Japan: https://amzn.asia/d/fvWWPYn

UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2IwLBl4

US: https://a.co/d/4zvkI9s

Connect with James:

James’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nepopublic/

Plus Future Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusfuturecoaching/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nepotek1

Plus Future Podcast: https://plusfuturepodcast.com/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Mental Wealth with Maurice Rabb

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0900

Trigger Warning/Content Warning:

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about mental health, mental illness, as well as suicide ideation. We don't go deep into the topic, but we just wanted to let you know that that is what is coming up in case it is something which might trigger you. So, I hope that you will enjoy the episode today and if you are struggling in any way, please do reach out to your local provider of mental support services.

Show Notes:

This week on the podcast I talk to Maurice Rabb. Maurice is a member of the Tokyo English Lifeline Japan Executive Board, he’s also a California licensed attorney, professional development and strategy consultant, diversity and inclusion strategist, career coach, and a legal tech evangelist.

In the episode we discuss the work TELL Japan has been doing for the last 50 years and how it has been helping people through these times of increased stress and anxiety, especially during the pandemic. We also discuss some personal instances of mental health challenges and Maurice has some great advice on becoming Mentally Wealthy!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Maurice’s involvement with mental wellness services started in junior high through a peer to peer program called the Natural Helpers Program
What led Maurice to become involved with TELL, Tokyo English Lifeline Japan
The sorts of challenges people are facing over the pandemic the TELL has been helping with
How mental health is a continuum with many different layers of varying degrees, and you don’t need to wait until things get really serious to reach out for help
How to access resources for mental wellness at work and why leaders should educate themselves on what resources are available for their team members
Advice to parents about looking after your own mental health

About Maurice:

Maurice L. Rabb has been a TELL Japan Executive Board Member for several years. He is a California licensed attorney, professional development and strategy consultant, diversity & inclusion strategist, career coach, and legal tech evangelist.

He has been living and working in Asia for more than 15 years. During his time in Asia, Maurice has worked for U.S. and Japanese law firms as an international business lawyer and human resources professional and for a global education Non-Profit Organization.

Things mentioned in the episode:

Tell Japan website: https://telljp.com/

Mental Health Pyramid video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aXFzDyuALI

Connect with Maurice:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricelrabb/

Website: http://www.mauricelrabb.com/

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai-Kan and The Return of Nicholas Kemp

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the podcast we have a returning guest, Nicholas Kemp, who we interviewed back in Season 1 Episode 18. Nick Kemp is a podcast host, Japanologist, Ikigai expert, solopreneur, and now author of the wonderful book on ikigai called IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living.

Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey of writing the book and pick Nick’s brain on all things ikigai!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What Ikigai-Kan is and how it differs from Ikigai
How writing the book taught Nick to embrace his limitations
Nick’s ideas around self-actualisation and self-acceptance and how they relate to being an author
The importance of celebrating your achievements within yourself first, before waiting for external validation
What to do when your ikigai is challenged by other people

About Nicholas:

Nicholas Kemp is a father, husband, Japanologist, researcher, solopreneur, and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. He is the founder and head coach of Ikigai Tribe, a small community of educators, psychologists, coaches, and trainers who serve their personal communities using the ikigai concept.

Links of things mentioned in the episode:

Jess Wade Wikipedia editor

Season 1 Episode 18 episode with Nicholas

Connect with Nicholas:

IKIGAI-KAN book: https://ikigaikan.com/

Ikigai Tribe website: https://ikigaitribe.com/

Twitter: @NicholasKemp

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

The Ikigai of Family with The Kumagai Family

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0900

On this episode of the podcast, for the first time I interview a family!

The Kumagai family are an amazing and inspirational family that believes strongly in family togetherness. Through individual projects and family projects the Kumagais are bringing their philosophy of togetherness, inclusion and connection to their neighbourhood and wider community. This conversation is a great example of how ikigai can be found in family and how family can help individuals find and pursue their own ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Susana talk about her philosophy that the family is where community starts
How their role in their family helps motivate the Kumagais as individuals to pursue their own projects
About all the different community projects the Kumagais have founded and are involved in, including The Family Project, Book Swap Japan and Our Living Room Cafe
How the themes of togetherness, inclusion and connection are practised by the Kumagais at work, school, in the neighbourhood and the community at large

About the Kumagais:

The Kumagai family is based in Chofu in Japan. The four Kumagais are: Susana (raised in Venezuela with Japanese heritage), Antonio, Sara (age 16) and Daisuke (age 14). As a family they launched The Family Project aka Oyakodon Project (named after a Japanese chicken and egg dish representing parent and child) to encourage families to work together for social change. Each member of the family has their own role and own projects which are linked below.

Connect with the Kumagais

The Family Project

Twitter: @OyakodonProject

Website: https://contactoyakodon.wixsite.com/home

Book Swap Japan 川の図書館　(The Library by the River) - Sara

Twitter: @BookSwapChofu

Website: https://bookswapjapan.org

Our Living Room Cafe 無料カフェ - Daisuke

Twitter: @livingroomchofu

Website: https://ourlivingroomcafe.mystrikingly.com

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Sustainable Wellness and Ikigai with Saori Okada

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the podcast I talk to Saori Okada, Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). Saori’s work is focused on wellness that is centred around longevity and empowering people to achieve sustainable wellness. In the episode Saori will share with you about her work in this field, her personal wellness journey, and how ikigai relates to a sustainable wellness lifestyle.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

TW: In this episode we discuss eating disorders.

In this episode you’ll hear:

About the duality of fear and excitement experienced when moving to a new city or country
How the pandemic affected people’s willingness to talk about wellness
What Mogami’s Japanese Wellness Puzzle is and how ikigai fits into it
Why ikigai as a concept has such global relevance
How hitting rock bottom was a path to feeling ikigai

About Saori:

Saori is the Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). She is also a speaker, a student of Japanese calligraphy for 20 years and a certified holistic wellness coach. She is also the author of a narrative memoir titled "Until the Death of Me", where she bravely shares her eating disorder recovery journey. A former leader in media analytics with global experience, Saori leans on "Mogami's Japanese wellness puzzle", the five wellness pillars centred around longevity to empower individuals to achieve a sustainable wellness lifestyle through educational content and wellness experiences.

Connect with Saori:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogami_wellness/

Website: https://www.mogamiwellness.com

Saori’s book, “Until the Death of Me”: https://amzn.to/3bmnZrn

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Adventure, Ikigai and Coming Home with Cory McGowan

Mon, 30 May 2022 05:00:00 +0900

Welcome to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! This week I had the pleasure of talking with Cory McGowan, half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer. Cory currently lives in scenic Minakami, and is actively involved in the rural revitalisation movement in the area. Listen to this episode to hear a fantastic conversation in which Cory talks about his love of adventure, how that relates to his ikigai, as well as how he facilitates other’s ikigai through his coaching work.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What it was like for Cory and his family to move from Tokyo to the countryside of Minakami
How Cory conceptualises his role in the Minakami community
Cory’s work as a ‘relocation concierge’ in Minakami, and in the rural revitalisation movement in Japan
How building the life he has now involved a breakdown of sorts, and how that enabled transformation and breakthrough
Cory’s coaching work with men in Japan, and the discussions around ikigai and purpose happening in those spaces
What dogs can teach us about ikigai!

About Cory:

Half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer, Cory is based in the beautiful mountains of Minakami, Japan with his wife Miho and two boys, Taiyo and Sky. A Japan resident since before the turn of the millennia, his whole career has been based in Japan, and more than half of his life has been spent outside his native home of America.

After decades in education and people development, and working at all levels of management, the move into ontological coaching has been a coming home for him in the same way moving from Tokyo to the mountains was. He sees partnering with leaders and teams in such a time of civilizational transformation as an incredible privilege, and also has a personal mission to be a leader in the rural revitalization movement in Japan.

Connect with Cory:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-mcgowan-328b2b5/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryadventurepartner/

Website: www.adventure-partner.net

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B092VVSJJ9

The Ikigai in Sharing Happy Moments with Tiziana Alamprese

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the podcast we talk to the wonderful Tiziana Alamprese. Tiziana is an infectiously positive and energetic person, who loves to share her joy with others. Tiziana has spent decades as a top marketing professional and now is embarking on a new journey with her own company, Tiziana Alamprese Consulenza, bringing love, innovation and creativity into branding and marketing.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The various ways Tiziana uses her social media to spread positivity (#greypride)
What ‘Love-ting’ is, and why it is important to Tiziana’s business
How Tiziana finds her ikigai in sharing positive moments with others
Tiziana’s advice for people struggling to express their true selves in the workplace

About Tiziana:

Tiziana is a free spirit, against all discriminations, abuses and wars done in the name of religion, race, sex, money and political faith.

Her challenge at work, for the last 30 years, has been to contribute in a creative and innovative way to the changing process within the automotive business. Keeping her smile untouched!

Tiziana has covered international roles in the areas of Marketing, Digital and CRM, and has been a steady contributor to the success of the brands she’s managed as Marketing Director in Japan since 2005.

Tiziana is ready to start a new adventure, with her own company - Tiziana Alamprese Consulenza - to spread her creative ideas & marketing strategies towards wider horizons!

Tiziana’s specialties: Business Achievements & Customers Happiness through Creativity, Innovation & Love Branding; a true Love-ting, not just a Marketing top professional

Connect with Tiziana:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tizianaalamprese

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Things mentioned in the episode:

TELL Japan website: https://telljp.com/

Audacious Dreams and Ikigai with Lowell Sheppard

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0900

This week on the podcast I talk to the inspirational Lowell Sheppard. Lowell is the Founder of HOPE International Development Agency Japan, author of the book Never Too Late and Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and an avid sailor. He is currently training for his dream solo voyage across the Pacific, by sailing around Japan in collaboration with the History Channel.

Lowell shares some truly remarkable stories about his work as a social entrepreneur, his love of sailing, how he conceptualizes his ikigai and his legacy, and how he helps others find their purpose and to achieve their dreams.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The relationship between dreams and ikigai
What Nemo North is, and why Lowell considers it to be part of his ikigai
How the possibility of learning new things is also a huge part of Lowell’s ikigai
About Lowell’s Never Too Late Community and why it resonates with people, especially middle-aged men
Where Lowell sees his legacy, you may need some tissues handy!

About Lowell:

Lowell Sheppard is an author, speaker, social entrepreneur, former minister, Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, husband, father, long-distance cyclist, and aspiring sailor. Lowell has spent his entire adult life working with established non-government organisations (also known as non-profit societies) and in several NGO start-ups. As Founder of HOPE International Development Agency Japan, Lowell has seen the growth of HOPE-JP to be in the top 2% of charitable organisations in Japan with the coveted “nintei” certified tax-deductible status.

Lowell has served for the last twenty years as an informal advisor to companies and boards in the area of ethical decision making and thought leadership with a focus on community legacy. He has dedicated much of his life to social and environmental improvement projects.

As an author, his book Never Too Late (Lion Hudson PLC, 2005) was published in four languages and was the catalyst for his latest social enterprise called the Never Too Late Academy, which helps others gain the courage and tools to realize their dreams. T

he flagship course is called “Daring To Realize Your Dream”.

Lowell moved onto a sailboat two years ago in Tokyo and is currently sailing full time around Japan, training for his solo crossing of the Pacific before the age of 70. His voyage is being documented by the History Channel.

Connect with Lowell:

Websites: https://www.nevertoolateacademy.com/

www.hope.or.jp

www.navigate22.com

www.pacificsolo.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlY62JTMMkU

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacificsolo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowellinjapan/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Too-Late-Change-Course/dp/0825461014

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Community: Make March Matter

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0900

On February 27th, 2020 Make March Matter (MMM), the best, most supportive online network of people came into being for small business owners struggling to make sense of what was happening as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Now two years on, that group set up by Jennifer Shinkai just to get through March, has blossomed into a vibrant community that continues to be a source of inspiration, joy and connection for its members. Today we’d like to introduce you to some of them!

In this episode you’ll hear:

The importance of having a network to be part of when tough times hit
The benefits of joining a network where people come from a variety of work and life situations
Why Jennifer chose not to monetise the group
How light accountability helped to give structure to the week when that had disappeared from suddenly working from home
The benefits of the MMM “pause” and other self care skills that are practiced in MMM meetings
How to leave with grace, when it’s time to move on to a new “season”
Eric’s brilliant question that he asks himself when he’s making a decision
What does a sustainable community look like and succession planning

About Mari

Mari Ono is an Associate Partner at a technology consulting firm. She is an experienced consultant in digital transformation (DX) and sustainability especially in the manufacturing industry. She has managed projects in the areas of corporate and manufacturing strategy, risk management, IT system introduction, business process reengineering (BPR), and merger and acquisitions (M&A). Her expertise ranges from the fields of corporate strategy, supply chain management, sales and corporate alliances, and post-merger integration (PMI).

She graduated from the University of Tokyo and holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She owns two MBAs from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Vienna, Austria) and the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, USA). She specializes in leading global projects with diverse cultures. She has abundant experience in projects in Southeast Asia, Europe, North, and South America, including the United States and Japan, and working and leading virtual teams. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariono/

About Eric

Originally from Ottawa Canada, Eric has lived in Japan for over 25 years and has extensive experience as a teacher, teacher-trainer, and human resource manager for a global leader for business communication training programs. In addition to being a key trainer and advisor for many major multinational companies, Eric also has experience with global marketing of study abroad programs, professional development of teachers, language assessment and curriculum creation. As his job was greatly downsized due to the pandemic, Eric started his own company, Alterra Education, in April 2020.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/altmaneric/

https://www.alterra-edu.com/

About Catherine

Catherine O’Connell is Principal & Founder of her award-winning boutique law firm, Catherine O’Connell Law. She is the first foreign female to set up a law practice in Tokyo and winner of the British Chamber British Business Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2020.

Her business experience includes promoting legal services to SMEs and women entrepreneurs, legal support for launching businesses/services in Japan, legal & compliance risk-opportunity strategic consulting (pre-acquisition) post-acquisition integration of legal systems and legal literacy, bicultural and bilingual commercial transactional support, transcultural management issues, compliance policies and procedures, ethics investigations, in house legal department operations, management and procedures.

Catherine has lived in Japan since 2002 and is Host of the award-winning “Lawyer on Air” Podcast sharing inspirational stories about business and life in the law from women working in the law in Japan. She believes that no two lawyers are the same and every lawyer has an inner lawyer extraordinaire whose story is just waiting to be unlocked.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/

www.catherineoconnelllaw.com

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Jennifer Shinkai

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0900

For the 20th and final episode of Season One we decided to flip the script a bit. I’ve had multiple people ask me where my interview is, and when can they hear me talk about my Ikigai. Jayne, my wonderful podcast manager and host of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, was one of those people and she volunteered to interview me for the podcast today. So enjoy this final episode of Season One, where I am in the hot seat being asked the questions. Thank you so much for supporting Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai so far and stay tuned for Season Two!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Jennifer came to Japan and why she decided to stay on
When the concept of Ikigai appeared on Jennifer’s radar and why her interest was piqued
Jennifer’s career path in Japan from English teaching, to recruitment to running her own business
Jayne and Jennifer discuss the ways we connect with our Ikigai, outside of work
Jennifer’s advice for people looking to connect with their Ikigai in the new year

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Connect with Jayne

Linked In: Jayne Nakata

Facebook: Transformations with Jayne Nakata | Facebook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformationswithjayne/

Website and Podcast: Podcast | Japan | Transformations with Jayne Nakata

Authenticity and Ikigai in the Workplace with Yuta Hasumi

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0900

On this week's episode Yuta Hasumi joins us to discuss his work in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the corporate world and his work with Ikigai Authentic Ltd as an executive coach and advisor for businesses. Yuta discusses his perspective of Ikigai as a Japanese man, and why diversity and inclusion is so important to him. He also gives us some great advice for people experiencing difficulties in the workplace getting their voice heard, especially if they are in a minority or have minority opinions.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Why Yuta works within organisations to champion diversity and inclusion
What a diverse and inclusive workplace feels like for the people in it
Some of the expectations Yuta has felt as a Japanese man
How to find your voice in your workplace if you are in a minority and/or feel like your voice is not usually listened to
What made Yuta decide to set up his own company, Ikigai Authentic Ltd

About Yuta:

Yuta Hasumi is the Managing Director of Ikigai Authentic Ltd. He has led the worldwide Diversity & Inclusion business strategy and implementation for over 12 years. Yuta advises organisations and drives leadership accountability through goals and metrics to achieve a diverse & inclusive workforce, workplace, and marketplace for business growth around the globe.

Yuta obtained an MBA with honors in Human Resources Management at Waseda Business School, and holds a BA degree in International Law from Waseda University.

Yuta is also:

Director of GEWEL, Japan
Certified Coach, COF, Rosinski & Company
Chair of D&I Advisory Board, Medito Foundation, Netherlands & UK
Member of the U.S.-Japan Council, US & Japan

Connect with Yuta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuta-hasumi/

Ikigai Authentic Ltd website: HOME — Ikigai Authentic Ltd.

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Beyond the Ikigai Venn Diagram with Nick Kemp

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0900

This week we are talking to the wonderful Nick Kemp. Nick is the founder of Ikigai Tribe, a membership site and podcast that focuses on the concept of Ikigai from a Japanese perspective. Nick learnt about Ikigai whilst living in Japan and really connected with it. Later he saw Westernised frameworks based on this concept and felt there were a lot of misconceptions of what Ikigai was. He decided to work at dispelling some of these misunderstandings of Ikigai by moving beyond the famous Venn diagram and exploring what Ikigai as a concept and philosophy really means.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Nick discovered the concept of Ikigai
Why Nick founded Ikigai Tribe, a membership site and podcast focusing on Ikigai from a Japanese perspective
How hosting his own Ikigai Podcast expands his understanding of the concept of Ikigai
Nick’s advice for those struggling to find a source of Ikigai
Examples of the ‘dark side’ of Ikigai

About Nick:

Nick is the founder of Ikigai Tribe, a membership site and podcast that focuses on the Ikigai concept from the Japanese perspective. As a Japanolgist Nick studies philosophical and physiological aspects of Japanese culture with an emphasis on Ikigai. Nick lived in Japan for over 10 years, living in various suburbs of the Big Mikan that is Tokyo and in Toki-shi a small village in Gifu prefecture where his wife is from. He currently lives in Melbourne Australia with his wife and son. He hopes to spend his life living both in Japan and Australia after the pandemic.

Connect with Nick:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicholasKemp

Ikigai Tribe website: Find Your Ikigai - Become a Certified Ikigai Tribe Coach

The Ikigai podcast: The Ikigai Podcast - Exploring What Ikigai Means To Japanese (Ikigaitribe.com)

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Re-release Episode 5: Dr Justin Sanders: Finding your Ikigai in Lifelong Learning

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0900

In episode 5 Dr. Justin Sanders and I talk about the connection of lifelong learning to Ikigai, the 60 year curriculum, how it helps the brain, and how to approach study when there are almost too many options available. We also touch on how credentials can be a way to increase your impact in the world - not just about the skills you learn but the different doors that will be opened for you.

If you are wondering if you are too old to go back to school, be inspired by the 92 year old at TUJ!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Why Dr Sanders is so passionate about education
How he found his way to Temple University Japan
About the benefits of lifelong learning beyond just employment advantages
Criteria you can use when deciding what kind of learning to engage in

About Justin:

Dr. Justin Sanders is the Director of Temple University Japan's Continuing Education Program, one of the oldest and largest providers of personal and professional development to Tokyo's international community. With over 15 years in the international and higher education sectors, before coming to Japan, he served as a Research Specialist and then Global Recognition Manager for the International Baccalaureate (IB), a leading global international education organization.

Prior, he spent several years supporting good governance in community colleges around the United States with the Association of Community College Trustees, and served a two-year tour as an education volunteer with the US Peace Corps, working in rural Azerbaijan. Justin received an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Arizona, an MA in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University, and a PhD in Education from the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Osaka University. His research focuses on international education and national development, institutional international strategy development, and adult learning.

Connect with Justin:

TUJ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TUJContinuingEd

TUJ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/school/35437867

Justin’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-sanders-2b386635/

TUJ Website: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/cont-ed/index.html

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Re-release Episode 2: Robin Lewis: Ikigai in Social Impact

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0900

It was a delight to talk to Robin Lewis about how he moved from inspiration to action to integrate his ikigai and purpose around sustainable living. He talks candidly about the challenges of being so engrossed in your ikigai that you fail to look after yourself, finding an ikigai partner, about being an intrapreneur or volunteering as a way to bring even more fulfilment into your day.

We also talk about home karaoke, the Princess Bride and a future career as a snowboarder.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The experience that raised Robin’s awareness around the need for reducing plastic waste
Moving to Hakuba and the perils of an all encompassing Ikigai
What he learnt from the movie the Princess Bride and how Ikigai shifts
What an ‘intrapreneur’ is and how it relates to Ikigai

About Robin:

Robin has 10 years of experience working in the fields of social impact and sustainable development, including as a consultant at the World Bank, and has led humanitarian operations in countries including Haiti, Nepal, and Mozambique. He is the Co-founder of mymizu, an award-winning initiative to tackle plastic waste, and is the Representative Director of Social Innovation Japan, a platform for social good. In 2017, he took on a sponsored expedition, walking 600+km along Japan’s disaster-affected coastline to document the recovery from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis. Robin is a Board Member of the Shibuya QWS Innovation Council, a TEDx Speaker, and graduated with an M.A. in International Business.

Connect with Robin:

Websites:

www.mymizu.co

www.socialinnovationjapan.com

www.robin-lewis.com/about

Facebook: @mymizu.co

Instagram: @robinlewisphotography & @mymizu.co

Twitter: @robintlewis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlewis88/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Art with Konatsu Ishijima

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0900

Have you wanted to do more art but think of yourself as not creative? My guest is the wonderful Konatsu Ishijima, an artist, personal coach, and theatre company founder. I was very impressed with Konatsu’s courage as this is not only her first podcast in English, which is not her first language, but her first podcast ever!

Konatsu has a wonderful artistic perspective which correlates to her Ikigai. She talks about her Ikigai as a fluid experience of moving between different ideas, emotions and experiences, ‘a shaking and a changing’. This shaking and changing is also something she incorporates into her art practice.

Konatsu also believes everyone can be an artist and in the interview she talks about different ways you and I can express ourselves artistically, including dancing with our families.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How being born in an artistic community in the Japanese countryside, with its contradictions, shaped Konatsu’s idea of Ikigai as ‘a shaking and a changing’ of seemingly disparate ideas and states of being
How she incorporates this shaking and changing into her visual and performance art
What led Konatsu to start her own theatre company despite having no formal experience in the theatre
About Konatsu’s personal coaching and live painting sessions
Why art is not limited to the formal or institutional, and why dancing at home with your family is art

About Konatsu:

Born in 1984 in Mashiko, Tochigi. Konatsu Ishijima grew up with her father, a potter, and her mother, an art college graduate, in a town of art and nature.

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University in 2007, she worked in the customer service industry at a venture company and Leica Camera Japan K.K., where she worked with over 2,000 customers, mainly executives and artists.

In 2017, she started her own personal coaching business using a unique method called "Colourful Notebooks®", in which she uses coloured pens to draw what's on her mind on a plain white notebook.

In 2018, Konatsu was teaching mutual understanding training at venture companies, listed companies and multinational corporations. She supported team building that focuses on the human side of people, not on common sense and preconceptions.

In 2020, in order to start a theatre company, which Konatsu has always wanted to do, she set up a theatre company despite having no experience, and gathered 20 members in two nights through social networking sites.

In 2021, she changed her coloured pens to brushes and acrylic paints, and started live painting to vividly depict people's true nature on a blank canvas. By letting go of words, her expression awakens like a fish in water.

In the meantime, her own work as an artist has made her more persuasive in her personal coaching, and she offers six months of continuous coaching to help her clients who want to take care of not only their work, but also their family and all the things they love.

Connect with Konatsu:

Website: https://colorankoran.com/

Theatre company: https://gekidan-unlimited.studio.site

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/konatsu.ishijima

Instagram: https://instagram.com/conatwo.i

Note: https://note.com/conatwo

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Ikigai and Yarigai in an NPO: Supporting marginalised youth with Kozue Oka

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0900

Children living in care homes due to neglect or abuse are largely invisible to us here in Japan. Kozue Oka, the director of Mirai no Mori shares with us the reality of working in an NPO that is necessary because of a problem. Kozue’s stories of how Mirai no Mori supports these children is so inspirational, as are the plans they have to create their own dedicated campsite to become a trusted place in the world for children who are growing up in care homes.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The difference between the well known term“Ikigai” and “Yarigai”
How Kozue came to working for the NPO Mirai no Mori that supports the growth neglected and abused children through outdoor experiences
The situation with children in care homes in Japan and the challenges they face when they “graduate”.
Challenges of providing outdoor programs to children in care homes during the pandemic
The dark side of ikigai and how Kozue keeps herself well
Mirai no Mori’s plans to build their own campsite to support marginalised children even more
Kozue’s advice for those thinking about joining an NPO
How you can help Mirai no Mori achieve their big goal of creating a dedicated campsite

About Kozue

Kozue Oka is the Executive Director at Mirai no Mori. Born and raised in Japan, she has always believed in the power of nature. After studying Environment/Outdoor Education in Sweden for a year, she joined Mirai no Mori to share her experiences and to create an environment in which marginalized youth can be steered toward a positive cycle of self-actualization and creativity by discovering new possibilities and develop into confident individuals.

Connect with Kozue

Website: https://mirai-no-mori.jp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiraiNoMori

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirainomori/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mirai_no_Mori

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Re-release Episode 3: Noemi Inoue: Ikigai in Public Service

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 05:00:00 +0900

Noemi Inoue is the first foreign-born woman to be elected as a local councillor in Japan. Originally from Bolivia, Noemi talks about how her ikigai around public service led to her starting an NPO, changing her nationality and then becoming a three-time elected politician in Sumida ward in Tokyo.

We had some issues with sound quality as is the joy of online recording but I loved hearing about Noemi’s story as a proud Sumida resident who is not ready to give up my British passport. I am in awe of her!

And so impressive to be interviewed in her third language too. I hope you enjoy it!

2:50 From Bolivia to Tokyo

5:30 Coming back to the workforce after 10 years

6:40 Mr Inoue suggests “why don’t you become Japanese and work for the UN?!”

7:20 And now why don’t you become a councillor?!

8:20 Changing nationality as part of a commitment to her Ikigai

11:40 Rights and Obligations

12:58 The trigger between idea and action to run for office

15:01 Seeing the challenges of foreigner living in Japan and wanting to ease that

17:00 “It’s not part of my job…” but doing it anyway from an act of service

20:50 Motivation to support those in needs in daily life

22:30 Being a voice for the disenfranchised

22:42 Talking about the Sumida Koen renewal project

25:55 Challenges as a politician - how Noemi keeps going

28:42 Her secret weapon - an approachable politician!

30:30 Being not only a councillor but a friend

31:55 Where does she get her energy from?

33:21 Advice for foreigners in Japan

35:08 Taking your first step in public service

38:30 Noemi announces the next iteration of her Ikigai! (just kidding!)

Bio

Noemi Inoue, Born in La Paz, Bolivia in December 5th 1961.

Noemi Inoue completed her studies at the San Andres University where she majored in Economics. She started a high-powered career at the Banco Central de Bolivia which she left years later for a career at the United Nations, a move, she calls, “the turning point in my life.”

Eighteen years ago, Noemi moved from New York city to Tokyo to become the first non-Japan born woman to join local politics. Currently, she holds the official post as Councillor of Sumida ku which Noemi describes as "a busy but rewarding career."

HomePage: Noemi Inoue | 井上ノエミ墨田区議会員公式ホームページ

Blog: http://noemiblog.at.webry.info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noemi.inoue.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inouenoemi?lang=en

Re-release Episode 6: Dr Ashley Dash: Finding your Ikigai in Positivity

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0900

I loved talking about recovering a positive mindset, practical tips around unemployment and the thrillingly disconcerting moment when everyone gets behind your idea. I just loved chatting with Dr. Ashley Dash and after we stopped recording we went on for another 30 mins! Wish I had a director's cut!

Dr. Dash is known for her ability to help individuals identify the patterns that keep them stuck and move them into action. She is determined to create safe spaces for black business professionals in Corporate America through speaking, coaching, and courses using her high energy and direct approach. Her mission is to help people overcome personal circumstances, regain control of their lives, and find purpose through career freedom.

A self-proclaimed information junkie, she believes in Faith over Facts and Facts over Feelings. Dr. Ashley Dash has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership. She is also a Certified Job and Career Development Coach and Job and Career Transition Coach. However, celebrating and loving Black men remains her best and all-time favorite superpower.

Facebook: https://facebook.com/drashleydash

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygaryroper/

Career Breakthrough Strategy Session: www.workwithdrashleydash.com

National Black Man Day™ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natlblackmanday

Website: www.blackmanday.com

Speaker Sheet: bit.ly/drdashleyspeaks

Show Notes 01:35 First culture shock - what do you mean by countryside? 02:48 Ikigai as a positive mindset Revisit your genius level as a child 03:47 Getting back to being ready to take on the day with positivity 5:11 When did the joy stop showing up? 6:58 Ashley’s journey back into positivity - talking about issues that need to be dealt with 8:35 Gratitude in a box 9:13 Music as a mood shifter and a big plug for Goal Cast! Don’t force positivity but find ways to lift yourself up 11:29 Curation of information 13:20 Innovation around Black Man Day 14:23 Who is supporting multi-layered Black men in a positive way? 16:16 Curating what a whole Black man looks like- building empowered and positive hub of resources 17:50 The power of sharing your idea - making it real 19:53 but how it can be a bit disconcerting when you are used to people pushing back! 20:48 How your ikigai can resonate with others 21:18 Magical moments - against all odds - short time, pandemic, time zones 22:43 August 8th 2021! 23:31 Don’t make finance a barrier to service 24:43 Make it Matter Book - Make your Legacy 25:31 The power of choice and intention. Integrating all the information that you have 26:55 3 pieces of practical Advice for those furloughed or laid off due to Covid 29:34 Stay in practical mode for 48 hours and then you can grieve 30:19 Why positive mindset is essential for the long term unemployed 31:01 How being open AND having clear criteria brought Ashley to Japan 31:56 Be specific and people can help you 34:55 Friday Career Affirmations - turning her homesickness into gratitude 37:50 The power of amazing bosses 39:94 Even in difficult situations you still have control 41:34 the power of the F* off Fund 42:23 Finances first 43:11 Believe you are the right candidate for the job 43:57 Interviews aren’t the time to be humble - but you don’t need to be braggadocios either! 45:30 An extra tip for when you are laid off - get your appraisals printed outa and your factual achievements on your linked in profile! 46:31 Do all Japanese people have ikigai? 47:33 Yes, but are they always connected to

Re-release Episode 8: Dr David Sweet - Ikigai and Arete (Pursuit of excellence)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0900

In this episode with renaissance man, Dr. David Sweet, we talk Shakespeare, Stoicism, the parable of the talents and the evils of the snooze button.

With the pursuit of excellence in all things as the essence of his Ikigai, David surprises me with a thoughtful moment of connection and celebration and shares his perspective on "Consistent persistency".

You will also learn about how to structure a THREE HOUR (I know, right?) morning routine, the importance of mentors, and how it doesn't actually take athleticism to be a runner. He also offers some great advice on how to drive in fog as a job seeker and I embarrass him by saying what a positive impact he has had on my life and in the last year especially.

Hope you enjoy listening to this and please go out and tell someone what they did to have an impact in your life.

(You can also check out Can Giraffes Swim? over on Amazon https://amzn.to/3uBiAlh)

Mini bio

David Sweet is an author, poet, entrepreneur, executive coach, and runaholic. In the Sweet Success series, his books include Sweet Success, Sweet Sales and Recruit!. His poetry includes Pop Rocks and Split Infinity Forward. He lives in Tokyo with his wife, sons, fish, ukuleles, and running shoes. He can be found at www.drdavidsweet.com

Re-release Episode 7: Ikigai as flow and identity with Jessica Gerrity

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:00 +0900

Could your hobby become your ikigai? Be inspired by Jess's Kyudo story

Jess’s description of flow - being in the here and now

The long journey of 11 years from the first view to being an integral part of who she is now

Identity transition - from runner to archer, how different roles serve us at different times

How the flow from kyudo (her ikigai) spreads into other parts of her life.

In this episode you will hear:

2:17 Starting Kyudo Japanese archery in your 30s

3:03 A life of many elements including being a tourism Ambassador for Saitama prefecture, working with artisans

5:58 transforming into a fearless warrior!

7:05 Jess’s journey into kyudo began with Robin Hood!

7:46 Stumbling upon a dojo and being transfixed by the silence, calm 11 years ago

9:28 Finding a way in took a long time - 3 kids worth in fact!

11:47 How important it is to make it easy to get beginners to find the information -

13:01 from fun hobby to ikigai - The falling away. deprioritizing of other interests

Kyudo filling the stress relief space of running, slowing her life down

15:40 A shifting sense of self and identity - does this one thing need to remain my ikigai?

17:37 Jess masterfully handles my question about why is Kyudo so blooming slow! focus on the self and the breath, not the target

18:29 dancing with strangers, developing synchronicity immediately building trust and togetherness

21:09 Individual performance versus the movement of the team

21:48 cycle of competence

23:06 Jess describes a recent experience of achieving flow during Kyudo

26:36 is it better not to have a record and just hold it in your mind?

27:36 Challenging sports yabusame - horse back archery

29:16 Sports Yabusame’s refreshing Approach to beginners

31:40 Finding the approach that matches your lifestyle needs - how to make it sustainable?

33:42 Dealing with the haters who question your approach - “How can you start something else when you haven’t mastered this?”

34:30 Different approached to mastery and living your life

36:38 Understanding your own motivation

39:01 Acknowledging the change in yourself when you are engaged in your ikigai and how it impacts other parts of your life

41:28 Changing relationship with children, physical and mental health

44:38 Advice on taking your first steps - test out the community and the environment

46:30 Building your ikigai into your lifestyle sustainably

47:56 Starting You, Me and Zen Kyudo Club https://www.facebook.com/youmeandzen/ https://www.instagram.com/you.me.and.zen/

49:26 Transition into your ikigai can be life changing and bring magical moments

About Jessica:

Jessica Gerrity was born in Auckland, New Zealand. After graduating her Masters she came to Japan to work as an English teacher with no Japanese language ability.

Jessica has worked in the Japanese media industry for over 15 years. Often appearing on television to talk about her home country.

Jessica currently writes for GekkanNZ a Japanese language magazine based in New Zealand, and for Kyudo Nippon, a quarterly magazine for all things related to kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.

Jessica practices kyudo in her spare time. She started 3 years ago after watching a practice she decided that she would start too.

Jessica is the Saitama Prefecture tourism and PR Ambassador: Love Saitama Ambassador.

Jessica is a mother to three children, 11, 10 and 7. Her youngest child was born with microcephaly and has intellectual and physical disabilities. This month her youngest was also diagnosed with epilepsy.

Social Media Links

Instagram- https://instagram.com/jessintokyo

Twitter- https://instagram.com/jessintokyo

Youtube- https://youtube.com/c/jessintokyoblog

Design Thinking and Ikigai with Brittany Arthur

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0900

When Covid hit, Brittany found herself locked out of Japan, her usual country of residence, where her home and her business are located. 18 months later, she is still waiting to be allowed to enter Japan again but this has not stopped her from keeping her business moving forward even if it means waking up at 2 am to lead a workshop for clients in Japan. I hope Brittany’s story will inspire you to take another look at your own situation and use Brittany’s design thinking insights to redesign your Ikigai.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What happened when Japan closed its borders to foreign residents and how Brittany overcame this challenge
How the pandemic has given Brittany a chance to define what it is she loves about her work
Brittany’s top tips for using design thinking to help you identify your Ikigai
Why it’s important to give more time to define the problem before you look at solutions
How we can make a prototype of our Ikigai and why it’s important to go through iterations that have a set time frame

About Brittany

Brittany is the co-founder of Design Thinking Japan and the host of the Business Karaoke Podcast and Business Karaoke MeetUp. She is passionate about curating a community of global leaders who exchange stories to modernize the dialogue around business in and with Japan. She also specializes in facilitating Human Centered Design workshops for the Japanese market. These workshops support organizations and individuals to ignite innovation and creativity to achieve business impact in our ever-changing world.

Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.designthinkingjapan.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/_brittanyarthur/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyart/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Improving lives and Ikigai with Henry Seals

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0900

We all want to instinctively move away from pain, it’s in our DNA. My guest today is Henry Seals, a man who spends his time helping people to do this and to live better lives. Henry gives us an open and honest account of how he navigated divorce in Japan to achieve the best outcome for everyone - a philosophy that can apply in all areas of life and work.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Henry navigated divorce in Japan and the philosophy that helped him
His mother’s sage advice that helps him to lead his life
The question that helped him to decide when it was time to make a change and how letting go of someone helped them to find their own way in life
How we can help people with visualisation instead of just venting
Henry’s final advice for us when it comes to how we deal with our own problems

About Henry

The author of Making It in Japan, Henry has spent over 25 years in Japan helping companies and individuals find success, overcome obstacles, and make a difference in society.

Born in West Virginia USA, Henry attended Harvard University where he majored in East Asian Studies. After studying at Kyoto University during this time, Henry Graduated and began his career as an IT consultant in Japan.

Supporting numerous Silicon Valley companies as the IT lead and CIO for Asia, Henry also provided his services to Dale Carnegie, where he became a Trainer and Coach.

In 2009 he focused talents on helping address the impact of the financial crisis on companies and their staff by providing his insight to transform Human Resource approaches in such global companies as NN and AIG.

He has held executive positions in several cutting edge technology start-ups with a focus on infusing engagement as a tool for building high performance and dynamic work environments.

In his spare time Henry continues to provide coaching and training through his Seals Improvement Seminars, as well as volunteering to provide outreach to the disabled in Japan and together with his wife, continues to publish books and articles on how to achieve financial, spiritual, and professional success in Asia, while chairing and participating in NPO activities to raise the profile of the disabled and other minorities in Japan.

A naturalized Japanese citizen, in 2020 he was appointed as the first naturalized Japan Human Rights Commissioner.

A father of 5 daughters, in his free time Henry enjoys spending time with his children, gaming, investing and volunteering.

Connect with Henry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henry.seals/

YouTube (Seals Improvement Services):

https://youtube.com/channel/UC5KlzKIfeHpHxih0iue5mHg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sealsimprovementservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-seals-b27267/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Life and Ikigai when you have cancer with Matthew Dons

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 05:00:00 +0900

How would you react if the doctor told you your test results were bad, so bad that you only have months left to live. This is what happened to my guest Matthew Dons, five years ago. Since then he has been on a quest to find information and treatments that would save his life. Along the way, he has used his experiences to help others to do what he has done. Matthew has some fascinating insights on life that we can all learn about Ikigai and put into practice now.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

His early interest in computers and introduction to the “other internet”
How not following the rules led him to establish a successful “unconference” that launched a tech community in Tokyo
The actions that Matthew took when he was told he had less than a year to live
The importance of having things to look forward and things to reminisce from the past
Why a self-confessed cynic would take up marketing
How you can support Matthew and his family through his gofundme page

About Matthew

Matthew Dons is a marketing consultant based in Tokyo. He specialises in Direct Response Marketing, the only form of marketing that can be measured, tested and tracked. He takes clients by referral only but can be contacted here: http://www.makemarketingpay.com/

Connect with Matthew

https://www.matthewdons.org

https://www.youtube.com/c/KaraMoon/videos

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Using Ikigai for inclusivity and love with Steven Haynes

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:00:00 +0900

Be prepared to laugh and maybe even have a bit of a teary moment too and look out for the fabulous shoes! My guest in this episode is none other than Steven Haynes, a most beautiful soul, who is a prolific creator and bringer of joy and love to this world. I hope this episode will be a chance for you to get to know a little more about how he both deliberately and then also spontaneously weaves his ikigai into his many projects and how his biggest wish is to for us all to be happy, to be who we want to be and move forward together.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Steven starts his day and how he manages it and finds inspiration
The opportunity that Steven took to create a documentary that ultimately reunited a trans woman with her parents
Stevens concerns about the terrible suicide rate in Japan and what he personally does to support the people around him
Why Steven decided to create a beauty pageant for plus size women and how it’s going - spoiler alert- it’s going great!
Why your advancing age is your permission slip to do and give more

About Steven

Born in San Francisco, USA, Steven Haynes has worked with Japanese and International legends like Diana Ross, Hikaru Utada, Ken Hirai, DCT

Steven is a multi-talented entertainer active in TV, movies, commercials, magazines, events, etc.

In August 2020, he was the Executive Producer for “You Decide (息子のままで女の子になる” which won the Japanese film documentary award at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival.

As a beauty pageant producer he has supported four Japanese winners (Miss International Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Miss International Queen Ai Haruna, former Miss Universe Performing Partner)

Currently, he is the owner and national director of Miss Supra National Japan, one of the top 5 beauty pageants in Japan, and in 2021 launched “Today’s Woman” a plus sized beauty pageant encouraging body positivity in Japan.

You Decide Documentary: https://www.youdecide.jp/en

Today’s Woman Pageant: https://www.todayswoman.com/

Connect with Steven

Website: http://steven-smile.com/top.htm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_a_haynes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.haynes.543

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Episode 11: The rest is the work - the art of “Time off” and your Ikigai with Max Frenzel

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 20:00:00 +0900

Max Frenzel makes his own sourdough. What a guy! He obviously makes time to do this. In Episode 11 of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, he talks about the benefits of rest and something he refers to as (Insert American accent here) “Noble leisure”. If you have ever wondered how you can improve your life through choosing your activities more carefully, then this is the episode for you.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Come and find Jennifer and Max here on LinkedIn.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The idea of work ethic vs rest ethic
Why Japan is losing 3% of its GDP from overwork
A western history of celebrating being busy instead of rest
What is “noble leisure” and why we should do more of it
Why boundaries are critical for deep rest
The importance of sleep for productivity and creativity
How to reframe time off to avoid guilt

About Max

Max Frenzel is the co-author of the international bestseller Time Off: A Practical Guide to Building Your Rest Ethic and Finding Success Without the Stress. His ideas have been featured in Fast Company, Financial Times, Thrive Global, Entrepreneur Magazine, and other publications. After receiving his PhD in Quantum Information Theory from Imperial College London and working as a postdoctoral research fellow at Tokyo University, Max has been involved in several tech startups, focusing on the intersection of AI research and product design. Most recently he has been interested in the applications of AI and deep learning to creativity, design, and music. Some of the AI-art Max has been involved in was exhibited at places like the Barbican Centre in London, and he is a regular public speaker on topics such as AI and creativity. In his time off, Max enjoys good coffee, tries to perfect his bread baking skills, and produces electronic music and performs around Tokyo.

Connect with Max

Website: https://maxfrenzel.com

Time Off: https://timeoff.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-frenzel-60597361/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mffrenzel/

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Episode 10: Finding your Ikigai in your community with Nina Cataldo

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 20:00:00 +0900

When Nina Cataldo moved back to Japan after finishing college she was surprised to find that even though she considered it her “motherland”, having grown up in Tokyo, she was seen as an outsider. This set her on the path to creating a community for women who identify as Hafu (mixed-race Japanese person) called “Hafu Women”. A proud Hafu herself, Nina advocates and educates for recognition and the fair treatment of marginalized communities in Japan. Nina is someone making waves and following her passions, so I just knew I had to interview her to find out more about her ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Come and find Jennifer and Nina on LinkedIn.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How Nina’s experience of being shy at a young age has helped her in her life and career as an adult
What Nina did when she noticed a lack of support for Hafu Women like herself
Nina shares her Brave and Bold Mastermind for Asian Women and how it helps entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses
The importance of Asian women being even more visible in spite of racial tension and discrimination
Nina’s challenges with her own energy when her work is also her passion

About Nina

Nina Cataldo is a DEI Facilitator and Multicultural Communications Specialist based in Tokyo, Japan. Originally from Tokyo, Nina grew up in the Pacific Northwest of the United States before returning to Japan at the age of 23. She is the founder of Hafu Ladies and co-founder of the Brave & Bold Mastermind program for Asian women entrepreneurs.

In 2019, Nina quit her full-time job in order to sail around the world on Peace Boat for 4 months as an English-Japanese interpreter. Upon returning to Tokyo, she began her career in the fields she’s most passionate about: communication and fostering human connections through the DEI lense.

Connect with Nina

Website - www.ninamcataldo.com

Brave & Bold Mastermind - https://kristymariko.wixsite.com/bravebold2021

Hafu Ladies - www.facebook.com/hafuladies

Connect with Jennifer

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Episode 9: Leaving glamour, gaining health through your Ikigai with Violet Pacileo

Tue, 25 May 2021 20:00:00 +0900

Have you been thinking about leaving Tokyo and finding your own piece of paradise in the Japanese countryside? That’s exactly what Violet Pacileo did when faced with the reality of her highflying but stressful life in Tokyo’s financial industry. However, moving her family to the slowly dying town of her ancestors in Otoyo in Kochi, Shikoku was not all freshly dried green tea and yuzu baths!

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Come and find Jennifer and Violet here on LinkedIn.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What drove Violet to create a dream life and career for herself in finance that didn’t make her happy
Her experience during an Ikigai workshop with Jennifer that helped her to make a huge change in her life
The benefits of speaking about your ikigai with someone who isn’t invested in the outcome or in a group setting
What happened when she landed in rural Kochi with her international mindset and some of the surprising opportunities that came her way
Why networks are so important in Japan and how Violet built a new one at lightning speed in a traditional rural area.

About Violet

Violet is a seasoned finance professional with over 15+ yrs working in Tokyo, London and LA for Japanese and international investment banks and asset managers. Her background is in Japanese equities where she spent her time selling Japanese stocks to institutional investors, researching and analyzing Japanese listed companies, introducing Japanese companies to foreign institutional investors, advising Japanese companies on their institutional investor strategies including ESG and corporate governance strategies and most recently consulted for a HK based hedge fund. She relocated to the countryside in Kochi in Aug 2020 to promote economic development in the region. She is of mixed heritage, born in Tokyo and raised in both Japan and the UK, giving her the advantage of connecting with Japanese and English speakers on a native level. She has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights and has hosted many female networking and speaker events including for Women in Finance Tokyo. She is the host of NHK World's Otoyo: Bringing Fresh Life to a Traditional Community, and is scheduled to host more episodes along the theme of Genkai Shuraku ("Marginal Village"). Her company VP Advisors K.K. is also building a Crossfit retreat in the town of Otoyo, which is due to open in Spring 2022.
Connect with Violet

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violet.daike.pacileo/

https://www.instagram.com/otoyostrength/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-pacileo-949b1815/

Website: https://www.otoyostrength.com/

VP Advisors: Coming soon.

Links mentioned in this episode

Violet’s NHK appearance: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2007418/

Jennifer’s Ikigai workshop Special offer for listeners for this episode

https://20210610poyikigai.peatix.com/

Episode 8: Dr David Sweet - Ikigai and Arete (Pursuit of excellence)

Thu, 13 May 2021 08:24:00 +0900

In this episode with renaissance man, Dr. David Sweet, we talk Shakespeare, Stoicism, the parable of the talents and the evils of the snooze button.

Hope you enjoy listening to this and please go out and tell someone what they did to have an impact in your life.

(You can also check out Can Giraffes Swim? over on Amazon https://amzn.to/3uBiAlh)

Mini bio

Episode 7: Jessica Gerrity Ikigai as flow and identity

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:40:56 +0900

Could your hobby become your ikigai? Be inspired by Jess's Kyudo story Jess’s description of flow - being in the here and now The long journey of 11 years from the first view to being an integral part of who she is now Identity transition - from runner to archer, how different roles serve us at different times How the flow from kyudo (her ikigai) spreads into other parts of her life. 2:17 Starting Kyudo Japanese archery in your 30s 3:03 A life of many elements including being a tourism Ambassador for Saitama prefecture, working with artisans 5:58 transforming into a fearless warrior! 7:05 Jess’s journey into kyudo began with Robin Hood! 7:46 Stumbling upon a dojo and being transfixed by the silence, calm 11 years ago 9:28 Finding a way in took a long time - 3 kids worth in fact! 11:47 How important it is to make it easy to get beginners to find the information - 13:01 from fun hobby to ikigai - The falling away. deprioritizing of other interests Kyudo filling the stress relief space of running, slowing her life down 15:40 A shifting sense of self and identity - does this one thing need to remain my ikigai? 17:37 Jess masterfully handles my question about why is Kyudo so blooming slow! focus on the self and the breath, not the target 18:29 dancing with strangers, developing synchronicity immediately building trust and togetherness 21:09 Individual performance versus the movement of the team 21:48 cycle of competence 23:06 Jess describes a recent experience of achieving flow during Kyudo 26:36 is it better not to have a record and just hold it in your mind? 27:36 Challenging sports yabusame - horse back archery 29:16 Sports Yabusame’s refreshing Approach to beginners 31:40 Finding the approach that matches your lifestyle needs - how to make it sustainable? 33:42 Dealing with the haters who question your approach - “How can you start something else when you haven’t mastered this?” 34:30 Different approached to mastery and living your life 36:38 Understanding your own motivation 39:01 Acknowledging the change in yourself when you are engaged in your ikigai and how it impacts other parts of your life 41:28 Changing relationship with children, physical and mental health 44:38 Advice on taking your first steps - test out the community and the environment 46:30 Building your ikigai into your lifestyle sustainably 47:56 Starting You, Me and Zen Kyudo Club https://www.facebook.com/youmeandzen/ https://www.instagram.com/you.me.and.zen/ 49:26 Transition into your ikigai can be life changing and bring magical moments Jessica Bio
Jessica Gerrity was born in Auckland, New Zealand.

After graduating her Masters she came to Japan to work as an English teacher with no Japanese language ability.

Jessica has worked in the Japanese media industry for over 15 years. Often appearing on television to talk about her home country.

Jessica practices kyudo in her spare time. She started 3 years ago after watching a practice she decided that she would start too.

Jessica is the Saitama Prefecture tourism and PR Ambassador: Love Saitama Ambassador.

Instagram- https://instagram.com/jessintokyo

Twitter- https://instagram.com/jessintokyo

Youtube- https://youtube.com/c/jessintokyoblog

FB-

Episode 6 Dr Ashley Dash: Finding your Ikigai in Positivity

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:52:36 +0900

Dr. Ashley Dash inspires action through her lived experiences in person and online. She often shares her greatest life challenges, including how she went from being an unemployed college graduate to landing a $100k+ job in Human Resources with Mercedes-Benz. Or revealing how years later, she restarted her life after facing foreclosure and unemployment, shifting back to six-figures with an international move to Japan. Dr. Dash is known for her ability to help individuals identify the patterns that keep them stuck and move them into action. She is determined to create safe spaces for black business professionals in Corporate America through speaking, coaching, and courses using her high energy and direct approach. Her mission is to help people overcome personal circumstances, regain control of their lives, and find purpose through career freedom. A self-proclaimed information junkie, she believes in Faith over Facts and Facts over Feelings. Dr. Ashley Dash has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership. She is also a Certified Job and Career Development Coach and Job and Career Transition Coach. However, celebrating and loving Black men remains her best and all-time favorite superpower. Facebook: https://facebook.com/drashleydash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygaryroper/ Career Breakthrough Strategy Session: www.workwithdrashleydash.com National Black Man Day™ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natlblackmanday Website: www.blackmanday.com Speaker Sheet: bit.ly/drdashleyspeaks Show Notes 01:35 First culture shock - what do you mean by countryside? 02:48 Ikigai as a positive mindset Revisit your genius level as a child 03:47 Getting back to being ready to take on the day with positivity 5:11 When did the joy stop showing up? 6:58 Ashley’s journey back into positivity - talking about issues that need to be dealt with 8:35 Gratitude in a box 9:13 Music as a mood shifter and a big plug for Goal Cast! Don’t force positivity but find ways to lift yourself up 11:29 Curation of information 13:20 Innovation around Black Man Day 14:23 Who is supporting multi-layered Black men in a positive way? 16:16 Curating what a whole Black man looks like- building empowered and positive hub of resources 17:50 The power of sharing your idea - making it real 19:53 but how it can be a bit disconcerting when you are used to people pushing back! 20:48 How your ikigai can resonate with others 21:18 Magical moments - against all odds - short time, pandemic, time zones 22:43 August 8th 2021! 23:31 Don’t make finance a barrier to service 24:43 Make it Matter Book - Make your Legacy 25:31 The power of choice and intention. Integrating all the information that you have 26:55 3 pieces of practical Advice for those furloughed or laid off due to Covid 29:34 Stay in practical mode for 48 hours and then you can grieve 30:19 Why positive mindset is essential for the long term unemployed 31:01 How being open AND having clear criteria brought Ashley to Japan 31:56 Be specific and people can help you 34:55 Friday Career Affirmations - turning her homesickness into gratitude 37:50 The power of amazing bosses 39:94 Even in difficult situations you still have control 41:34 the power of the F* off Fund 42:23 Finances first 43:11 Believe you are the right candidate for the job 43:57 Interviews aren’t the time to be humble - but you don’t need to be braggadocios either! 45:30 An extra tip for when you are laid off - get your appraisals printed outa and your factual achievements on your linked in profile! 46:31 Do all Japanese people have ikigai? 47:33 Yes, but are they always connected to

Episode 5: Dr Justin Sanders: Finding your Ikigai in Lifelong Learning

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 02:09:49 +0900

In episode 5 Dr. Justin Sanders and I talk about the connection of lifelong learning to Ikigai, the 60 year curriculum how it helps the brain, how to approach study when there are almost too many options available.

We also touch on how credentials can be away to increase your impact in the world - not just about the skills you learn but the different doors that will be opened for you.

If you are wondering if you are too old to go back to school be inspired by the 92 year old at TUJ!

Bio
Dr. Justin Sanders is the Director of Temple University Japan's Continuing Education Program, one of the oldest and largest providers of personal and professional development to Tokyo's international community. With over 15 years in the international and higher education sectors, before coming to Japan, he served as a Research Specialist and then Global Recognition Manager for the International Baccalaureate (IB), a leading global international education organization. Prior, he spent several years supporting good governance in community colleges around the United States with the Association of Community College Trustees, and served a two-year tour as an education volunteer with the US Peace Corps, working in rural Azerbaijan. Justin received an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Arizona, an MA in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University, and a PhD in Education from the Graduate School of Human Sciences at Osaka University. His research focuses on international education and national development, institutional international strategy development, and adult learning.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/TUJContinuingEd

https://www.linkedin.com/school/35437867

https://www.tuj.ac.jp/cont-ed/index.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-sanders-2b386635/

Episode 4: Sarah Liu: Ikigai as Influence

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 01:15:06 +0900

Loved talking to the passionate and professional Sarah Liu of The Dream Collective about finding the core of your ikigai and evolving how it shows up in the world. She also talks about how borderline burnout was the impetus of her side hustle becoming her priority and the importance of saying yes and experimenting. Let me know your takeaways in the comments and how listening to this podcast has influenced you!

1:44 The ability to Influence as Sarah’s Ikigai

2:50 Leaving a mark and having an impact on others

4:10 How Sarah discovered her focus of influence - women’s leadership

5:18 How wanting to solve a problem for herself became a way to solve a problem for more people and The Dream Collective was born as a side hustle

7:20 Combining passion and profit by bringing value both in the content and commercial sense

8:31 I’ll give it a year - committing to the side hustle

8:56 “Borderline burnout” - inability to do onese best

9:55 Chūtohanpana　中途半端　 the issue of doing many things incompletely

11:08 How finding your Ikigai is like losing your car keys

11:57 Bringing seasonality and life stages into your ikigai

14:04 Evolution of Sarah’s ikigai in terms of how it manifests itself and shows up in the world

15:53 Differentiate between a core belief and the method

18:50 She Pivots - one of the ways that the ikigai core stays the same but the delivery method changes

20:09 Outsider advantage in She Pivots

20:59 Keeping your ikigai relevant to the reality of the world

22:52 What happens when your ikigai is too focused in a single role or aspect of your life

25:07 Ikigai is not a singular destination

25:55 Ikigai in Marriage

28:15 Starting small with integrating ikigai before you are “ready”

28:46 Bringing Ikigai into team goal setting

31:04 Balance and priorities

31:41 What do you care about the most? And do you spend most of your time doing what you care about?

32:25 How to keep your motivation when things are not progressing externally

33:12 Passion and Professionalism

33:59

Professionalism is waking up, not wanting to do it, but do it anyway

37:47 Show me your wallet and your calendar and I’ll tell you what your priorities are!

39:46 What will you need to deprioritize to follow your ikigai

42:00 Say yes to thinks as a way to find your ikigai

Bio
Sarah Liu, Founder and Managing Director of The Dream Collective, is an international thought leader, speaker, trainer and facilitator on next-generation leadership, diversity and inclusion and the future of work.

Having represented Australia in the G20 YEA since 2017, Sarah also served as an APAC advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Cabinet and sits on the judging panel for Forbes Awards. Sarah is invited to train leaders around the world across private and public sectors on leadership transformation and is an appointed regional partner for Google, lead trainer for National Women in Construction, Engineering, Media and Technology across AUNZ. She is also a member of the UTS Industry Advisory Board.

Whilst she manages a diverse portfolio of career and businesses, there is only one common thread across them all and that is to see more women in leadership and to transform the way we work.

Links
Website: http://www.thedreamcollective.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyLGBD/
Instagram:

Episode 3: Noemi Inoue: Ikigai in Public Service

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:53:28 +0900

And so impressive to be interviewed in her third language too. I hope you enjoy it!

2:50 From Bolivia to Tokyo

5:30 Coming back to the workforce after 10 years

6:40 Mr Inoue suggests “why don’t you become Japanese and work for the UN?!”

7:20 And now why don’t you become a councillor?!

8:20 Changing nationality as part of a commitment to her Ikigai

11:40 Rights and Obligations

12:58 The trigger between idea and action to run for office

15:01 Seeing the challenges of foreigner living in Japan and wanting to ease that

17:00 “It’s not part of my job…” but doing it anyway from an act of service

20:50 Motivation to support those in needs in daily life

22:30 Being a voice for the disenfranchised

22:42 Talking about the Sumida Koen renewal project

25:55 Challenges as a politician - how Noemi keeps going

28:42 Her secret weapon - an approachable politician!

30:30 Being not only a councillor but a friend

31:55 Where does she get her energy from?

33:21 Advice for foreigners in Japan

35:08 Taking your first step in public service

38:30 Noemi announces the next iteration of her Ikigai! (just kidding!)

Bio
Noemi Inoue, Born in La Paz, Bolivia in December 5th 1961.

HomePage: Noemi Inoue | 井上ノエミ墨田区議会員公式ホームページ
Blog: http://noemiblog.at.webry.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noemi.inoue.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inouenoemi?lang=en

Episode 2: Robin Lewis Ikigai in Social Impact

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 04:47:29 +0900

We also talk about home karaoke, the Princess Bride and a future career as a snowboarder.

Where to find Robin
www.mymizu.co

www.socialinnovationjapan.com

www.robin-lewis.com/about

Social Media

@mymizu.co (IG/FB)

@robinlewisphotography (IG)

@robintlewis (twitter)

@Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlewis88/

Shownotes

3:30 The experience that raised Robin’s awareness around the need for reducing plastic waste

4:30 moving from “Somebody should” to “I will”

6:30 Fall in Love with the problem was from John Saddington Blog: john.do

8:45 Sharing your ikigai with others - the value of a partner in your quest

10:13 Starting small

10:42 Moving to Hakuba and the perils of an all encompassing ikigai

12:45 Learning from negative experiences

14:00 My plans for home karaoke

16:16 Unconscious processing”

https://jennifershinkai.com/2020/01/07/need-inspiration-pop-to-the-loo/

17:08 Revenge as Ikigai learnings from the Princess Bride

"Inigo Montoya:
Is very strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, now that it's over, I don't know what to do with the rest of my life.

Westley:
Have you ever considered piracy? You'd make a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts."

18:41 How Ikigai shifts

22:04 The 3.5% rule

22:39 How volunteering may be a way to integrate your ikigai

26:08 Be an intrapreneur to integrate your ikigai

28:43 Listen to the nagging voice and take action

30:42 dealing with challenges and building a morning routine

32:52 A book he was “semi forced” to read

Max Frenzel and John Fitch Time Off https://amzn.to/35E6KMA (Amazon Affiliate Link - support my reading habit!)

34:20 Talking about the Ikigai venn diagram’s origins and how we can use it

38:09 Robin imagines his sliding doors moment where he does not take a walk along the beach

39:36 How to get in touch

Episode 1: Zane A. Zumbahlen Ikigai in a Blue Chip Company

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:04:26 +0900

"Can I have a corporate role and still integrate my ikigai?"

I hear this question a lot in my Ikigai workshops and write about it in Ikigai Myth Busting

Zane and I chat about walking beans and the power of knowing what your ikigai is NOT, taking risks, influencing others, and how to keep your focus as you become more senior in an organisation.

We take a trip down memory lane talking about the volunteer work we did back in 2018 for Deepen the Dialogue to advance women's participation in the workforce in Japan.

Let us know what you think and please like, subscribe and share

Zane A. Zumbahlen

Chief Human Resources / Talent Officer

A human resources leader with global expertise in large-scale innovation to drive strategic transformation and growth, Zane Zumbahlen is the Chief Human Resources / Talent Officer for Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). In this role, he is focused on driving business value, optimizing performance, reinvigorating continuous learning, driving the ongoing evolution of talent attraction and fostering engagement, diversity and inclusion.

Zumbahlen joined CTCA® in July 2020 following a 25-year career at IBM where he held various leadership roles in the United States, Sweden and Japan. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Human Resources supporting the synergy efforts for IBM’s acquisition of Red Hat in Armonk, New York, which helped strengthen the company’s position in the hybrid multi-cloud sector.

With a passion for servant leadership and service to the community, Zumbahlen has held board and other volunteer positions throughout his career for IBM as well as various nonprofit organizations. Most notably, he served organizations supporting women in business and has volunteered for charitable organizations such as InnVision in San Jose, California, which provides interim housing and support services for the homeless population.

Zumbahlen earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.

#1 Welcome to Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:49:02 +0900

Welcome to "Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai"

You’ve probably heard of the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” but are wondering how you can successfully apply it to your life. How do you start living a life of purpose, jumping out of bed, excited to face the day?
Join the Tokyo based, British born facilitator and coach, Jennifer Shinkai and her guests to hear real-life stories of how regular people found and integrated their ikigai. Be inspired by how they took their first steps and how their lives have changed.
Still don’t know what you want to be when you grow up? Looking for practical tips to find your ikigai? Then this show is for you.

Episode Notes

Find out about a little bit about Ikigai, the type of guests we'll be speaking with and what to expect.