エピソード

  • Telling the Truth: Journalism, Creativity, and Stories Beyond Borders with Yuri Kageyama

    Telling the Truth: Journalism, Creativity, and Stories Beyond Borders with Yuri Kageyama
    2026/04/14

    In this FocusCore podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Yuri Kageyama, an Associated Press reporter who grew up in both the US and Japan, attended international school and Huntsville High, and became bilingual through her father’s engineering career with NASA and IHI. Kage recounts being hired on the spot by The Japan Times, learning newspaper reporting and production, then choosing AP over other offers to write her own stories; AP sent her to Detroit during peak Japan-bashing, where she covered autos, crime, and policing and learned to focus on telling people’s stories despite prejudice.

    She discusses thinking and writing primarily in English, the cultural complexity of Japanese politeness, and AP’s fact-based standards amid today’s fragmented media environment.

    Yuri describes covering the Fukushima nuclear disaster and creating the multimedia performance/film “News from Fukushima,” including AP script review, then reads her poem “Fukushima” and reflects on the disaster’s ongoing impact, collaboration with artists, and balancing journalism with poetry.

    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

    In this episode you will hear:

    • Yuri's journey to becoming a bilingual reporter with the Associated Press
    • The cultural and language challenges she navigated between Japan and the US
    • Insights into the creative process behind "News from Fukushima" and its impact
    • Her experiences covering pivotal events like the Fukushima disaster
    • The blend of journalism and poetry in exploring complex narratives

    About Yuri:

    Yuri Kageyama is a reporter with the Associated Press.

    She grew up in the US and in Japan, and is a graduate of Cornell University, and she holds an MA in interdisciplinary field of sociology, anthropology, and social psychology from the University of California Berkeley.

    She is also an outstanding polymath as a celebrated poet fiction writer, essays journalist, filmmaker, and songwriter.

    Connect with Yuri:

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

    Website: http://yurikageyama.com/

    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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 10 分
  • Leading Talent Innovations in Japan with Matt Best

    Leading Talent Innovations in Japan with Matt Best
    2026/03/31
    In this FocusCore podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Matt Best, a Japan-based global talent acquisition leader with 25+ years’ experience across executive search, in-house TA, and transformation. Matt argues that the TA function should be a core business discipline tied to revenue, not an administrative HR function, and describes recurring “master–servant” dynamics in both agencies and in-house teams that prevent consultative advising. He explains his hybrid offering of retained executive search and “Talent Acquisition as a Service” (TAaaS), a temporary internal headhunting model that combines delivery with advisory work, capability-building, and direct sourcing, distinct from traditional RPO’s process-heavy “extra hands.” They discuss Japan-specific hiring realities requiring trust, networking, and softer outreach rather than LinkedIn-driven approaches, guidance for SMEs scaling fast, and the TA traits he hires for, especially business inquisitiveness and solution selling. Matt predicts AI will rapidly automate transactional TA work, shifting value toward strategic, high-touch stakeholder advisory and TA operations governance.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The unique challenges and solutions in talent acquisition across global marketsTransitioning talent acquisition into a core business disciplineThe role of culture and relationship-building in Japan's recruitment landscapeHow Talent Acquisition as a Service (TAaaS) is shaping hiring strategiesNavigating the complex dynamics between agencies and internal teamsProfiling innovative recruitment frameworks used by top financial firmsAbout Matt:Matt Best is a global talent acquisition leader with over 25 years of experience across agency executive search, RPO, and transformation roles. He believes talent acquisition is not an admin function, but a core business discipline closer to go-to-market sales than HR, as hiring decisions directly shape revenue, opportunity, and growth. Originally from North England, Matt has been based in Japan on and off since the early 2000s, beginning his career in London before moving to Tokyo.He has built high-performing recruitment teams serving firms such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and later moved in-house at Morgan Stanley, scaling technology hiring across Japan and Asia. He then joined RBS, recruiting across 11 countries from Australia to India, before helping design a trailblazing internal executive search function for Corning Inc. across APAC, which was later rolled out in the US.In 2014, Matt founded Best Practices to help organizations run talent acquisition as a revenue-enabling function. Now back in Japan, he advises on retained executive search and project-based talent acquisition as a service, supporting projects ranging from FinTech scale-ups to APAC market entry and post-acquisition C-suite builds.Matt is also a father of three, which he describes as his most complex operating model to date.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbest/Best Practice: https://best-practice.co/Gig RPO: https://gigrpo.com/homeConnect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分
  • From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)

    From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)
    2026/03/14

    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Naomi Takase(Washimi) about her transition from global luxury talent acquisition roles at Richemont and LVMH to joining her husband’s Indian-inspired jewelry brand, TaroWashimi, in 2024. Naomi describes a year-long, anxiety-filled decision process driven by concerns about career trajectory, reputation, and losing the corporate “name,” then explains how startup life requires more generalist skills while still relying on identifying problems and executing solutions. She discusses working closely with her husband, the brand’s detailed craftsmanship, and the constraints of scaling handmade products, including long waitlists and growing the team from about 5 to 15. Naomi also shares her HR priorities, hiring for potential, flexible work, and supporting working mothers, along with challenges of international expansion, such as regulations, shipping, and rising gold costs.

    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

    In this episode you will hear:

    1. How Naomi made the leap from a luxury career to entrepreneurship
    2. Insights into building a flexible and inclusive workplace culture
    3. Her perspective on people and leadership in growing a business
    4. Overcoming self-doubt and redefining professional identity
    5. Challenges and triumphs in expanding a niche brand across Asia
    6. Embracing career changes with agility and vision


    About Naomi:

    Naomi moved to Japan from New Zealand after graduating from university a long time ago. She began her career in Japan, in HR in a small recruitment firm that grew rapidly to over 700 employees during her 12-year tenure, and she was responsible for a lot of that. Naomi then moved in-house to talent acquisition, spending the next nine years with luxury groups, including

    Richman and LVMH. In both organizations, her roles were newly created and she was responsible for establishing the function. And then in 2024, she took a big jump and joined her husband's jewelry company, TaroWashimi. And it's a transition from a startup to a scale-up. And she enjoys the entrepreneurial environment and contributes through strategic organizational development.

    Naomi is also a busy mother of three and recently took up running with her husband.


    Connect with Naomi:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-takase/

    TaroWashimi: https://www.tarowashimi.jp/

    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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    45 分
  • Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring

    Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring
    2026/02/28
    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Brent Conkle (President and CEO) and Dan Ring of Global Leadership Solutions about the high cost of leadership mishires, especially their impact on morale, engagement, and turnover. They discuss Japan’s tight talent market and introduce their Second Opinion Service (SOS), which uses the Garuda AS suite of assessments to measure universal leadership competencies, stress sensitivity, and role fit with reliable, evidence-based results that can be customized to company and local culture. The conversation covers common hiring biases (prestige, likability, referrals), the value of data to align local and HQ decisions, and how the same methodology can support selection for management programs, succession planning, and onboarding through transition coaching. They also discuss AI’s role in hiring and share advice on making better critical hires.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The underestimated impact of leadership on team morale and engagementThe critical role of the Second Opinion Service in improving recruitment outcomesStrategies for successful onboarding and reducing turnoverThe relevance of stress sensitivity in high-pressure work environments like JapanThe future of strategic HR and how AI could reshape candidate assessmentAbout Brent:Brent Conkle is the President and CEO of Global Leadership Solutions Co., Ltd., bringing over 25 years of global experience in HR leadership, consulting, talent acquisition, and executive coaching across North America, Europe, and Asia. A certified HR professional and executive, leadership, and career coach, Brent is known for helping leaders cut through complexity, lead transformational change, and elevate performance with a strong focus on measurable ROI and long-term impact.Throughout his career, Brent has supported startups, corporate turnarounds, and major APAC transformation initiatives, consistently driving sustainable growth by enhancing employee engagement, retention, and organizational performance. His approach centers on developing stronger leaders and building highly engaged, high-performing workplaces.In addition to his role as CEO, Brent has served as a Regional Global Employment Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he supported foreign service officers and eligible family members with career strategy and professional development across international postings. He also works as a Transition & Executive Coach with Randstad RiseSmart, guiding professionals through strategic career transitions both within and beyond their organizations.Brent is the co-author of The Practical Leader: A Guide to Creating Highly-Engaged and High-Performing Organizations, offering practical tools and insights for workforce development. His mission is to coach global leaders to achieve outstanding results in their careers while creating organizations that are exceptional places to work.About Dan:Daniel Ring is an experienced Human Resources professional with over 12 years of expertise across Europe and Asia. He has a strong background in strategic HR initiatives, particularly in change management and talent development, and is passionate about leveraging technology to improve workplace practices and enhance employee experiences.In his role as a consultant with Global Leadership Solutions, Daniel works closely with organizations to support leadership development and address challenges such as organizational change and employee engagement. He focuses on equipping leaders with the tools and strategies needed to align people practices with business objectives.Daniel’s career has included roles such as Senior HR Business Partner at Broadridge Financial Solutions and Head of HR at NatWest Markets Japan. In these positions, he helped implement global career frameworks, redesign leadership structures, and streamline HR operations. His regional experience has given him a broad understanding what it takes to deliver for diverse, international organizations.Daniel is committed to helping organizations and their leaders develop effective strategies for building strong teams and achieving sustainable success in today’s evolving business landscape.Connect with Brent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentconkle/Global Leadership Solutions: https://getglsjapan.com/Connect with Dan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejpFacebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 4 分
  • Navigating Japan's FinTech Landscape with Pieter Franken

    Navigating Japan's FinTech Landscape with Pieter Franken
    2026/02/14

    In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet interviews Pieter Franken, a FinTech pioneer and innovator with a rich history in finance, technology, and regulation. Pieter outlines his journey from a trainee scientist in Holland to becoming a key figure in Japan's FinTech ecosystem. He shares his experiences and significant contributions, including his roles at Citigroup, Shinsei Bank, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, as well as his co-founding of Safecast, a crucial citizen science project post-Fukushima. The conversation delves into the evolution of FinTech globally and in Japan, discussing the impact of cloud computing, APIs, and mobile technology, as well as governmental roles in stimulating innovation. Pieter also talks about the upcoming Global Finance and Technology Network Forum (GFTN) in Tokyo, highlighting its importance for FinTech discussion and networking. Additionally, he touches upon the complexity of integrating new technologies into human systems and stresses the need for adaptive, human-centric innovations.

    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide


    In this episode you will hear:

    1. Pieter Franken's journey from Holland to Japan and his pivotal role in the FinTech industry
    2. The evolution of Japan's startup ecosystem and cultural shifts in recent decades
    3. The role and impact of cloud computing and mobile technology in FinTech's growth
    4. The establishment of Safecast and its significance in citizen science and data transparency
    5. The importance and anticipation of the Global Finance and Technology Network Forum in fostering industry dialogue and innovation


    About Pieter:

    Pieter is a fintech pioneer, deep-tech innovator, and builder with over three decades at the intersection of finance, technology, regulation, and public good.

    He’s held senior leadership roles at institutions like Citigroup, Shinsei Bank, Monex, and UnionDigital Bank; advised regulators including the Monetary Authority of Singapore; and helped build global platforms focused on financial inclusion, open data, and responsible innovation. He’s also a co-founder of Safecast, one of the most influential citizen-science projects in the world, and a driving force behind Japan’s fintech ecosystem through Elevandi and the Japan Fintech Festival.


    Connect with Pieter:

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

    GFTN Japan: http://gftn.co/japan

    GFTN Forum[Feb 24-27th 2026]: https://gftnforum.jp/?utm_medium=paid-search&utm_source=google&utm_term=gftn%20japan&utm_content=branded-insights-learning&utm_campaign=gfj_2026_jp_search_traffic_280126&_gl=1*1uvuohl*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7rDMBhCjARIsAGDBuEBY1bz21ngvAnJufNmlwr_Kxe4Ku6uz1R5I6beSQvq5Qiv7h2aZCHkaAmI3EALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAqxUcYm4HHIROSay5zHtoL9JyGrmm



    Connect with David Sweet:

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

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

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

    Instagram:

    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分
  • Business Transformation Journey and Sustainability in Japan with Paul Beddie

    Business Transformation Journey and Sustainability in Japan with Paul Beddie
    2026/01/31

    In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet interviews Paul Beddie, a global business development executive and sustainability advocate with a 30-year career. Paul shares his accidental journey to Japan and his extensive experience working across various sectors, including management consulting and software. He provides insights on the challenges and nuances of leadership in Japan, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and adapting to cultural contexts. The discussion also delves into sustainability, where Paul highlights the need for a holistic approach in businesses and the urgent shift required from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Despite the complexities, Paul remains optimistic about the potential for profitability through sustainable practices.

    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide

    In this episode you will hear:

    1. How Paul pioneered his path from international affairs to global business leadership
    2. What foreign leaders often misunderstand about Japan's business environment
    3. Challenges and opportunities in promoting corporate sustainability within Japanese and global contexts
    4. The critical importance of relationship building in Japan's business culture
    5. The impact of personal belief and responsibility in achieving successful career outcomes


    About Paul:

    Paul is a global business development executive, a sustainability champion, and one of those rare leaders who can really talk through a purpose and proposal without sounding dull.

    He's got a great 30 year career. He's delivered more than a hundred million in profit and helped create over a billion dollars in value. With leading multicultural teams across four continents. He's advised CXOs and boards on digital transformation, energy transition, and global expansion. He's launched businesses in China.

    He's guided smart city innovation and taught some of Japan's top universities and built relationships at the highest levels of industry. And at his core, Paul is a connector of people, ideas and possibilities, and he carries a simple North Star: do the right thing.


    Connect with Paul:

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

    The FutureMax Institute: https://www.futuremaxinstitute.com/

    Connect with David Sweet:

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

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/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...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • FocusCore New Year Reflections and Predictions <2026>

    FocusCore New Year Reflections and Predictions <2026>
    2026/01/14

    Welcome to the Year of the Horse, and to another episode of the FocusCore podcast. Kicking off 2026, David Sweet reflects on the last year for FocusCore. He discusses some highlights and some insights into what the organization has seen happen over 2025. David also predicts what he thinks might happen in 2026 in the recruitment and talent acquisition landscape in Japan.


    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: INSERT Short Link => Attribution link Salary guide 202


    In this episode you will hear:

    1. The impact of FocusCore becoming a partner with IIC Partners for global recruitment solutions.
    2. Key insights from Salary Guide 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of competitive salaries.
    3. Strategies for SMEs in Japan to compete in talent acquisition.
    4. The growing demand for CFOs with cross-border expertise.
    5. How companies are leveraging interim executives for strategic advantage.
    6. The impact of AI and tech advancements in Japan



    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.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    22 分
  • Winter Re-release #3 - Driving DHL’s Growth and Leadership in Japan with Karsten Michaelis

    Winter Re-release #3 - Driving DHL’s Growth and Leadership in Japan with Karsten Michaelis
    2026/01/04

    As we step into the New Year and take a moment to reset after the holiday season, this episode marks the final Winter re-release before we return with brand-new content.

    To start the year on a thoughtful note, we’re revisiting one of this year’s most popular episodes, perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea as you reflect on the year that’s passed and look ahead to what’s next, just like David will be.

    Thank you for being with us through the Winter re-releases, and we’ll see you very soon with new episodes in the year ahead.

    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Karsten Michaelis, CEO for North Asia and President of DHL Global Forwarding Japan. Karsten shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, with a particular focus on his leadership journey across various Asian countries, including Japan. He discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in managing teams in Japan, the importance of adapting to local cultures while maintaining core management principles, and the necessity of bridging the gap between headquarters and local expectations. Additionally, Karsten touches on fostering innovation, sustainability efforts at DHL, and the evolving landscape of logistics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of global logistics and effective leadership in a multicultural environment.


    The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary Guide


    In this episode you will hear:

    1. Karsten's strategies for adapting leadership approaches across different cultures
    2. The importance of understanding and bridging HQ and local expectations in Japan
    3. Insights into fostering innovation and responsive leadership within a global organization
    4. How DHL is leveraging digital tools and AI to drive operational excellence
    5. Sustainable business practices and the future of logistics in a carbon-neutral world
    6. Karsten's personal reflections on motivation and leadership development in the logistics industry

    About Karsten:

    Currently the CEO North Asia and President/Representative Director of DHL Global Forwarding Japan, Karsten is responsible for the overall strategy and development of our business in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Philippines, which encompasses air- and oceanfreight, customs clearance, industrial projects, ocean bulk, motorsports as well as some warehouse activities.

    Karsten brings over two decades of forwarding experience with him which began in Germany in 1996. Since 2002, he has been working in Asia Pacific with postings in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Australia and Singapore. Prior to his current role, Karsten held several positions with DHL Global Forwarding, heading the oceanfreight team in Asia Pacific he was responsible for the development of the ocean freight business spanning 21 countries across Asia Pacific.

    Karsten graduated with Honors in Business and Management Studies from Oxford Brookes University. He currently sits on the Asia Pacific Management Board for DHL Global Forwarding and is based in Tokyo.


    Connect with Karsten:

    LinkedIn:

    続きを読む 一部表示
    46 分