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Last week, I had dinner with a friend. We had known each other for over 10 years and had dinner with each other before. However, on this night we exchanged more than just pleasantries. We shared stories about our life and history, exposing others to vulnerable places within us. When dinner was over, and we went our separate ways, I will admit a part of me was concerned that I had shared a bit too much, but based on my experience, I knew I had not and that we had become closer, but more so than that we had both gained power and insight that could make our lives better. How exactly does being vulnerable do that? Vulnerability is an immense power. However, that power

In business and personal development, making oneself scarce is often misunderstood. It’s not about being aloof or unapproachable but strategically managing your presence to enhance your value and influence. This principle is deeply rooted in the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, particularly in laws such as “Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor.” However, when we blend this with the Japanese business principle of “Ho-ren-so” (報連相), which emphasizes timely and concise communication, we discover a powerful approach to personal and professional growth. The Law of Scarcity: A Power Play Scarcity creates value, a fundamental economic principle that also applies to human interactions. When you’re always available, people may take your time and presence for granted. Being selective about when and how

In leadership, staying open to new experiences and perspectives is crucial. When faced with unfamiliar situations, we often rely on past experiences to predict positive and negative outcomes. However, this reliance can make us overly cautious, causing us to miss opportunities that a fresh approach or situation might offer. I want to share a story where I encountered something new and was embraced by a community. For those who have had negative experiences with the Japanese, you might read this with scepticism, anticipating a negative twist. But consider what this caution adds to your situation. The more we close ourselves off, the less others see our “excellence” and our light – the very light attracting moths, butterflies, and those who want to amplify your light

All of us strive for self-improvement. Whether enhancing our appearance, honing our skills and behaviours, or advancing our station in life, this consistent pursuit is a testament to our shared humanity. The critical question in this journey is how we achieve our desired growth. The answers lie in our capabilities: patience, consistency, clarity, and emotional stability. As a CHRO, COO, and Human Rights Commissioner, I’ve spent thousands of hours listening to and supporting people in finding their keys to improvement. I want to share an example of how witnessing excellence taught me about my keys, hoping it might resonate with you. In February, I travelled to Texas for my best friend’s 50th birthday party, organized by his sister in Dallas. Assuming I couldn’t attend due

Recently, I attended a seminar on Healing Work Hurt given by Dr. Ashley Dash and McIsiah Kadema. To be honest, the reason I attended was because an organization I help manage, Tokyo Black Professionals, was sponsoring the event. As an executive and someone who considers themselves satisfied in their career, I did not think “Work Hurt” related to people such as myself. Therefore I intended to listen, and perhaps learn tips I could share with my team and staff in company. However, as I listened to Dr. Dash explain both the definition of work hurt, and the impact of it, I started to become very aware that work hurt has had a tremendous impact on the decisions I have made in my career. Even though