The FocusCore Podcast

Hosted by Dr. David Sweet

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Jun 2026

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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.

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June 14, 202621 min

No Nonsense Job searching for the Japan Executive

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 GuideIn this episode you will hear:Move beyond mid-management job search strategiesCraft a list of dream companies and take the direct approachUtilize resources like chambers and trade shows for in-depth researchEngage executives in meaningful dialogue, not just job requestsDavid 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/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.

May 31, 202655 min

Unlocking Explosive Growth: Strategies with Steve Bleistein

In this Focus Core podcast episode, host David Sweet interviews Steve Bleistein, CEO of Tokyo-based Relansa, Inc., and author of Dauntless Leadership, about rapid growth and leadership for international companies in Japan. Steve argues Japan is “no enigma” because value and leadership fundamentals are universal, and “we can’t do this because this is Japan” is an excuse that abdicates agency. He cites skincare company Takami’s fast growth by bucking department-store conventions, using limits to drive innovation, and focusing on direct customer acquisition and lifetime relationships. On leading change, he advises leaders decide the “what” while teams help with the “how,” cater to the vanguard, take action before buy-in, and ignore or remove naysayers. He also discusses hiring leaders who speak truth to power and think strategically, building internal leadership benches, poaching external talent, keeping HR from pre-vetting executives, understanding real decision-making dynamics, defining empowerment, and adapting to demographics through customer/market shifts and productivity-enhancing technology.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Why universal business values succeed in Japan and beyondBusting the myth of Japan’s business market being 'slow' or 'encrypted'The role of innovation in breaking traditional market normsHow to implement industry-defining leadership strategiesAddressing and adapting to the needs of an aging Japanese marketOvercoming the ‘Japan barrier’ in multinational corporationsAbout Steve:Steve is the CEO and founder of Tokyo-based Relansa, Inc., and a recognized expert on rapid business growth for international companies in Japan. He works closely with CEOs and senior leaders to help organizations achieve faster and more sustainable business results in complex cross-cultural environments.A fluent Japanese and French speaker, he is known for bridging Western and Japanese business thinking, advising global brands including Adidas, Godiva, Novo Nordisk, Danone, BMW, LVMH, L'Oréal, Lenovo, and Michelin, among many others.He is the author of seven business books, including Strategy On Your Own Terms, Disrupt or Be Disrupted, Dauntless Leadership, Indomitable Selling Capability, Rapid Culture Change, Charismatic Disruption, and Rapid Organizational Change.He has appeared on Bloomberg News as a commentator on Japanese business issues and has contributed articles to all three of Nikkei’s leading business publications in both English and Japanese.In addition to his consulting work, he serves as President of the Entrepreneur Committee at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, where he leads the popular “Conversation With” leadership series featuring senior executives from companies such as Danone, Lenovo, BMW, Unilever, Cartier, and Domino's Pizza Japan. He has also served on the board of Tsukuba International School since 2014.He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales, an International MBA from the University of South Carolina, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.Connect with Steve:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbleistein/Website: https://stevenbleistein.net/Newsletter: https://stevenbleistein.net/#newsletterregoGrowth Zone podcast: https://stevenbleistein.net/feed/podcast/the-growth-zoneApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-zone/id1892800069.Podcast: https://stevenbleistein.net/podcast-2/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.

May 14, 202658 min

Navigating Business Longevity and Leadership in Japan with Ernest Higa

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews entrepreneur Ernest Higa, Representative Director of First Kitchen Ltd. and Wendy's, founder of Domino’s Pizza Japan and chairman/CEO of Higa Industries, about building and leading businesses in Japan. Ernest argues that “scale” must now be global and that business life cycles are shortening, making longevity a key criterion when selecting brands. He explains the need to “think global, act local” without “going too native,” describing how Domino’s Japan required product, service, and menu innovation to match Japanese expectations for quality, hospitality, and variety. He discusses persuading US headquarters amid cultural gaps, noting there is no “cultural interpreter,” and illustrates supply-chain localization through developing preservative-free pepperoni and sausage to meet Japanese regulations and MOQs. Ernest also covers Japan’s evolving corporate governance, board effectiveness, diversity, entrepreneurial pitfalls like tax structure, leadership adaptability, post-COVID consumer recovery, inbound tourism growth, and his positive outlook for Japan’s economy.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:The importance of adapting global business models to local marketsHow Ernest Higa navigated the challenges of introducing American food brands to JapanCultural nuances impacting boardroom dynamics in Japan vs. the U.S.Key factors in choosing and managing leadership for international venturesWhy understanding cultural differences is crucial for bridging gaps with headquartersJapan’s shifting economy and its impact on the global business marketAbout Ernest:Ernest Higa is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Higa Industries Co., Ltd., Chairman and Representative Director of First Kitchen Ltd. and Wendy's. He is also a Director of Delsole Corporation (a publicly listed company), and Chairman of the Board of Councilors of the US- Japan Council and Advisor to the Commissioner of the Ministry of Culture. He also serves on the board of the Asian Cultural Council Japan Foundation, Temple University Japan, and Showa Women’s University. In 1985, he founded Domino’s Pizza Japan and became the largest international franchisee at that time, (he sold it in 2010). In 1990, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the New Business Conference, and in 1998, he was awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture for “innovation in the food industry” and recognized by Toyo Keizai as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs in Japan. He earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and his B.S. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.Connect with Ernest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-ernie-higa-06750b22/Higa Industries: https://www.higaind.jp/en/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.

April 30, 202655 min

Market Entry Challenges and Leadership Solutions in Japan with Jonathan Cant

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with FocusCore Business Director Jonathan Cant, who has spent 22 years in Japan. They chat about why global firms struggle with Japan market entry and leadership hiring. Jonathan says failures are often not the product but poor positioning and underestimating loyalty to incumbents, citing Tesco’s and Burger King’s early missteps and the importance of partnerships and carefully chosen niches. He argues a common day-one hiring mistake is over-weighting near-native English versus Japan market understanding, noting expat leaders without Japanese can create costly misunderstandings. He advises HQ to educate itself on Japan’s nuances, align stakeholders early, avoid excessive “non-negotiables,” and run confidential retained searches that build trust. For first hires, he favors a “builder” with energy, storytelling ability, networking skill, and emotional intelligence, plus clarity on investment roadmaps and realistic expectations.The 2026 FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2026 Salary GuideIn this episode you will hear:Common pitfalls global firms face when entering the Japanese marketThe critical balance between global headquarters and local market needsThe significance of emotional intelligence in today's leadership rolesWhy English proficiency shouldn't overshadow market experience for C-Suite candidatesThe evolving landscape of executive search and the importance of a human touchInsights into building and maintaining successful business operations in JapanAbout Jonathan:Jonathan Cant is a seasoned executive search leader specializing in senior hires across Japan. Originally from Newcastle in the UK, he has been living in Japan since 2004 and brings over two decades of on-the-ground insight into what makes leadership succeed in this market. He’s drawn to the people-oriented, results-driven nature of executive search, where relationships and outcomes go hand in hand.He works closely with global SMEs to identify and place Country Managers and CFOs, partnering with senior leaders across a wide range of industries. Over the past five years at FocusCore, Jonathan has built a strong reputation for bridging the gap between global expectations and the realities of doing business in Japan.Known for his practical perspective on leadership from emotional intelligence to the complexities of bilingual hiring, Jonathan has seen firsthand how misalignment between headquarters and Japan teams can make or break a business.Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two young sons, as well as following Newcastle United, cricket, cooking, and photography.Connect with Jonathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancant/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.

April 14, 20261 hr 10 min

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

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 GuideIn this episode you will hear:Yuri's journey to becoming a bilingual reporter with the Associated PressThe cultural and language challenges she navigated between Japan and the USInsights into the creative process behind "News from Fukushima" and its impactHer experiences covering pivotal events like the Fukushima disasterThe blend of journalism and poetry in exploring complex narrativesAbout 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/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.

March 31, 202657 min

Leading Talent Innovations in Japan with Matt Best

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.

March 14, 202644 min

From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)

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 GuideIn this episode you will hear:How Naomi made the leap from a luxury career to entrepreneurshipInsights into building a flexible and inclusive workplace cultureHer perspective on people and leadership in growing a businessOvercoming self-doubt and redefining professional identityChallenges and triumphs in expanding a niche brand across AsiaEmbracing career changes with agility and visionAbout 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, includingRichman 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/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.

February 28, 20261 hr 4 min

Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring

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.

February 14, 202658 min

Navigating Japan's FinTech Landscape with Pieter Franken

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 GuideIn this episode you will hear:Pieter Franken's journey from Holland to Japan and his pivotal role in the FinTech industryThe evolution of Japan's startup ecosystem and cultural shifts in recent decadesThe role and impact of cloud computing and mobile technology in FinTech's growthThe establishment of Safecast and its significance in citizen science and data transparencyThe importance and anticipation of the Global Finance and Technology Network Forum in fostering industry dialogue and innovationAbout 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/japanGFTN 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=0AAAAAqxUcYm4HHIROSay5zHtoL9JyGrmmConnect 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.

January 31, 202653 min

Business Transformation Journey and Sustainability in Japan with Paul Beddie

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 GuideIn this episode you will hear:How Paul pioneered his path from international affairs to global business leadershipWhat foreign leaders often misunderstand about Japan's business environmentChallenges and opportunities in promoting corporate sustainability within Japanese and global contextsThe critical importance of relationship building in Japan's business cultureThe impact of personal belief and responsibility in achieving successful career outcomesAbout 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/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.