『The FocusCore Podcast』のカバーアート

The FocusCore Podcast

The FocusCore Podcast

著者： Dr. David Sweet
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Meet interesting and inspiring and entertaining people who show why Japan is a unique, fulfilling and sometimes frustrating place to do business. We will discuss how to hire, train and retain talent. How to create values that motivate, and review best practices that have worked and attempts that have failed. David will be speaking to company presidents, CEOs, CFOs, HR professionals, coaches, consultants as well as sharing with you some of my own experiences and opinions discovered over the years in this great country. The focus is simple: To explore how to succeed in business in Japan.Copyright 2026 Dr. David Sweet マネジメント マネジメント・リーダーシップ 出世 就職活動 経済学
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  • Summer Re-release #1 - Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring

    Summer Re-release #1 - Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring
    2026/07/14
    During July and August, we'll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep the conversations going, we'll be re-releasing some of our favourite recent episodes. So whether you're catching up or listening again, we hope you enjoy these episodes while soaking up the summer sunshine. We'll return in September with brand new conversations!In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Brent Conkle (President and CEO) and Dan Ring of Global Leadership Solutions about the high cost of leadership mishires, especially their impact on morale, engagement, and turnover. They discuss Japan’s tight talent market and introduce their Second Opinion Service (SOS), which uses the Garuda AS suite of assessments to measure universal leadership competencies, stress sensitivity, and role fit with reliable, evidence-based results that can be customized to company and local culture. The conversation covers common hiring biases (prestige, likability, referrals), the value of data to align local and HQ decisions, and how the same methodology can support selection for management programs, succession planning, and onboarding through transition coaching. They also discuss AI’s role in hiring and share advice on making better critical hires.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The underestimated impact of leadership on team morale and engagementThe critical role of the Second Opinion Service in improving recruitment outcomesStrategies for successful onboarding and reducing turnoverThe relevance of stress sensitivity in high-pressure work environments like JapanThe future of strategic HR and how AI could reshape candidate assessmentAbout Brent:Brent Conkle is the President and CEO of Global Leadership Solutions Co., Ltd., bringing over 25 years of global experience in HR leadership, consulting, talent acquisition, and executive coaching across North America, Europe, and Asia. A certified HR professional and executive, leadership, and career coach, Brent is known for helping leaders cut through complexity, lead transformational change, and elevate performance with a strong focus on measurable ROI and long-term impact.Throughout his career, Brent has supported startups, corporate turnarounds, and major APAC transformation initiatives, consistently driving sustainable growth by enhancing employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance. His approach centers on developing stronger leaders and building highly engaged, high-performing workplaces.In addition to his role as CEO, Brent has served as a Regional Global Employment Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he supported foreign service officers and eligible family members with career strategy and professional development across international postings. He also works as a Transition & Executive Coach with Randstad RiseSmart, guiding professionals through strategic career transitions both within and beyond their organizations.Brent is the co-author of The Practical Leader: A Guide to Creating Highly-Engaged and High-Performing Organizations, offering practical tools and insights for workforce development. His mission is to coach global leaders to achieve outstanding results in their careers while creating organizations that are exceptional places to work.About Dan:Daniel Ring is an experienced Human Resources professional with over 12 years of expertise across Europe and Asia. He has a strong background in strategic HR initiatives, particularly in change management and talent development, and is passionate about leveraging technology to improve workplace practices and enhance employee experiences.In his role as a consultant with Global Leadership Solutions, Daniel works closely with organizations to support leadership development and address challenges such as organizational change and employee engagement. He focuses on equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to align people practices with business objectives.Daniel’s career has included roles such as Senior HR Business Partner at Broadridge Financial Solutions and Head of HR at NatWest Markets Japan. In these positions, he helped implement global career frameworks, redesign leadership structures, and streamline HR operations. His regional experience has given him a broad understanding what it takes to deliver for diverse, international organizations.Daniel is committed to helping organizations and their leaders develop effective strategies for building strong teams and achieving sustainable success in today’s evolving business landscape.Connect with Brent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentconkle/Global Leadership Solutions: https://getglsjapan.com/Connect with Dan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Growing Global Brands in Japan: What Headquarters Gets Wrong with Per Rasmussen

    Growing Global Brands in Japan: What Headquarters Gets Wrong with Per Rasmussen
    2026/06/30
    In this FocusCore Podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Per Rasmussen, President and Representative Director of Millet Mountain Group Japan. Per brings over 30 years of leadership experience at the intersection of European consumer brands and the Japanese market, having led iconic companies including Lego, Braun, Gillette, Groupe SEB (T-Fal), and now Millet. He shares how leadership in Japan has evolved and why the nemawashi(根回し) approach (consensus-building before decision-making), is key to sustainable team management. Per explains the critical role of bridging headquarters and local organizations, warning that leaders who arrive too "HQ-heavy" often fail to listen to what the Japan team actually needs. He discusses how Millet localized its product and market strategy for Japan, moving beyond elite mountaineers to serve everyday hikers, and the patience required to build brand recognition in a crowded market. Per also recounts how he created the electric kettle category in Japan from zero, growing it to nearly 2 million units annually. The conversation covers omni-channel retail challenges, the limits of data-driven analysis for smaller organizations, and what Per wishes he had known when he first arrived in Japan 35 years ago.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Why nemawashi(根回し) is essential for leading Japanese teamsHow "HQ-heavy" leadership fails in JapanMillet's Japan market segmentation strategyCreating the electric kettle category from zero to 2 million unitsOmni-channel retail challenges in JapanWhat 30+ years in Japan has taught Per about patience and trustAbout Per Rasmussen:​Per Rasmussen has built his career at the intersection of European brands and the Japanese market, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in Japan.He currently serves as President and Representative Director of Millet Mountain Group Japan, where he leads the local development and growth of the French outdoor brand.With deep expertise in strategy, consumer-centric product and marketing development, and multi-channel retail operations, Per is known for translating global brand ambition into locally relevant, sustainable growth. He is also recognized for building strong Japanese teams and serving as a trusted bridge between global headquarters and local organizations.Outside of work, Per spends much of his time in his small garden, where he grows chilies, herbs, and tomatoes, turning them into powders, sauces, pickles, and pastes that he shares with the younger staff in his office. He is also a keen observer and small-time collector of Japanese pottery. Per's wife is Japanese, and the couple met in Denmark, marrying in 1983 before moving to Japan in 1989. They have two adult sons, both based in Copenhagen, Per's home country of Denmark. Per and his wife are avid intermediate skiers, and he is looking forward to returning to scuba diving next year, staying active at the gym to prepare. Japan's food, sake, shochu, and wine scene also remains a favorite pastime, often paired with domestic travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations and time with local friends.Connect with Per Rasmussen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-rasmussen-3b58321b/Millet Japan Website: https://www.millet.jp/?srsltid=AfmBOorafRuzcjjgEtFWy186m7zJtupcFZWiHb-ylDwbJBXrW1KVVms-Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.
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    54 分
  • No Nonsense Job searching for the Japan Executive

    No Nonsense Job searching for the Japan Executive
    2026/06/14

    Many executives trying to find jobs in Japan rely on passive tactics—applying on LinkedIn, meeting recruiters, and polite networking, then get frustrated when nothing happens, despite market claims of talent shortages. David Sweet explains that most job-search advice is built for mid-management, while executive search firms and recruiters primarily serve client mandates, often resulting in “crickets” for candidates; LinkedIn applications also rarely reach decision-makers. Instead, executives should stop waiting to be rescued and run their search like B2B sales: build a strategy and target list of 40–50 companies (dream firms, PE-backed growth, APAC HQs, market entrants), research via chambers, trade shows and media, then reach out directly to presidents and senior leaders with a research-focused message. Use meetings to learn needs, competitors, and expand networks, staying patient given fewer senior roles.

    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

    In this episode you will hear:

    • Move beyond mid-management job search strategies
    • Craft a list of dream companies and take the direct approach
    • Utilize resources like chambers and trade shows for in-depth research
    • Engage executives in meaningful dialogue, not just job requests

    David Sweet Bio:

    ​David Sweet is the Founder and CEO of FocusCore Japan, based in Tokyo. FocusCore provides a broad range of services from executive to talent management and leadership consulting. His particular focus is in Human Resources.

    Prior to establishing FocusCore Group, David was a Director with the Tokyo consultancy Wall Street Associates, leading operations, training, and recruitment in multiple sectors. He also worked for 10 years in the U.S. Treasury Department in labor relations and organizational development.

    He is the author of six books, including "Sweet Sales", "Sweet Success", and "Recruit!". He is also a Certified Executive Coach. David earned a MA in Communications from Regis University and a PhD in Leadership Development.

    Are you enjoying the FocusCore Podcast? Please take a few minutes and leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts! Scroll down the show page, select leave a rating, and tap ‘Write a review’.

    Connect with David Sweet:

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

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

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

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

    Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

    This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.

    “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.
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    22 分
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