The FocusCore Podcast

Dr. David Sweet
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The FocusCore Podcast

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.

  1. Navigating Leadership Changes in Japan with Carlo La Porta

    APR 30

    Navigating Leadership Changes in Japan with Carlo La Porta

    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Carlo La Porta, Managing Director of Mpowered Sales about the challenges of disengagement in large Japanese firms. Carlo discusses his 35-year career in Japan, his book on generational management issues, and the importance of empowering employees. He shares insights on the evolution of Japanese business practices, the differences in management styles among generations, and the issue of low employee motivation. Carlo outlines his six-step delegation process and emphasizes the need for better communication and delegation to enhance team performance. He also highlights the plans for expanding MPowered's training programs to help improve leadership and productivity in Japanese SMEs. In this episode you will hear: The evolution of Japanese business practicesThe key to successful delegation and leadershipCarlo's unique journey and what keeps him dedicated The roots of motivation and how to nurture it in the workplaceHow delegation can boost team performance and drive changeCarlo's approach to Mission Command and Servant Leadership About Carlo La Porta: Carlo La Porta is  the Motivation Architect and Managing Director of Empowered Sales K.K. He has built his 35-year career around designing and delivering business solutions in Japan. Drawing on his experience in multinational, multilingual, and multicultural organizations, as well as fully Japanese environments fluent in both local and western business practices. He believes in empowering teams to perform at their best. This conviction led him to establish MPowered Sales K.K. dedicated to evaluating. Employee work life quality and productivity with a focus on Japanese SMEs.   Carlo has also written a book in Japanese focusing on people management issues in Japanese environments due to the generation gap. The book is entitled in Japanese, “The Reiwa Era Leadership Revolution” and uh, of course that can be found on Amazon and it's been very, uh, popular with male managers in their forties and fifties. Carlo has held roles at KPMG consulting, bearing point, low end down Masai, which is now aiming Japan and Thompson Financial Services. He's worked with such prestigious clients as IKK Brita, Ong, NTT Urban Develop. Bent, MHI and Luxottica among many others. He's a graduate of Tokyo University where he focused on international trade in Japanese.  He holds an N1 Japanese language certification, which means he speaks nipon, go very well, as well as a plethora of other languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and he's lived in Japan for three decades and calls it.  The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide Connect with Carlo La Porta: Website: https://mpoweredsales.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlolaporta/ 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: a href="https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    59 min
  2. AI and PR Tech Innovations: An Interview with Dan Nestle

    APR 14

    AI and PR Tech Innovations: An Interview with Dan Nestle

    In this episode, an award-winning strategic communications executive and tech leader, host of the Trending Communicator podcast, Dan, is highlighted for his expertise and influence in the field. He has been recognized on PR Week's Dashboard 25 and the Propel 100 list. With over two decades of corporate and agency experience, Dan specializes in corporate and brand communications, integrated marketing, content strategy, social media, and brand storytelling. His proficiency in emerging trends like generative AI helps organizations adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape. Born in New Jersey and having spent 16 years in Japan, he brings a global perspective and speaks Japanese, reflecting his adaptability and broad insight. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear: Dan’s insights on the pivotal role of AI in shaping modern communicationsThe challenges and opportunities for PR tech leaders in 2024 and beyondHow a global perspective enhances strategy and promotes innovationKey trends in Comtech that every leader should watch About Dan:  Dan is an award-winning strategic communications executive communications technology leader and host of another wonderful podcast, the Trending Communicator. Dan's named two prs PR weeks Dashboard 25 in both 23 and 2024, and recognized on the Propel 100 list of the most influential PR tech leaders in the world for 2025. And he's at the forefront of AI and innovation and communications.  With over two decades of corporate and agency experience, Dan brings proven expertise in corporate and brand communications, integrated marketing, content strategy, social media, and brand storytelling. His deep understanding of emerging trends like generative AI and Comtech enables him to bridge the gap between strategy and innovation, helping organizations adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. He was born in New Jersey. Spent 16 years in the land of the rising Sun, and he speaks Japanese as well, which is a reflection of his adaptability and global perspective. And this curiosity and  ability to connect ideas across disciplines drives his passion for empowering PR and marketing leaders to confidently embrace AI and unlock its full potential. Connect with Dan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestle/ be-inquisitive.com (Company) trendingcommunicator.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. Mentioned in this...

    56 min
  3. The Generational Shift in Japanese Rugby: An Interview with Makoto Tosa

    MAR 31

    The Generational Shift in Japanese Rugby: An Interview with Makoto Tosa

    In this episode of the Focus Core Podcast, host Simon Jelfs interviews Makoto Tosa, a professional rugby player for NEC Green Rockets and Mitsubishi DynaBoars, and an Executive MBA student at the University of Cambridge. They discuss the fast-paced generational cycle in rugby, Tosa's career journey starting from junior high school in Japan to playing for Oxford and Cambridge University. Tosa shares insights on the differences and similarities between rugby cultures in Japan and the UK and his experiences balancing professional rugby, studies, and family life. They also explore Tosa's MBA project on Gen Z fan engagement strategies and his plans for a future career in sports business. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear: Tosa’s rugby journeyThe differences and similarities between rugby cultures in Japan and the UKTosa's MBA project on Gen Z fan engagement strategiesThe Generational Shifts in UK and Japanese rugby About Tosa:  Tosa has played professional rugby for the NEC Green Rockets and the Mitsubishi DynaBoars, as well as being a coach. And he also has experience working as an international relations manager for Mitsubishi DynaBoars. He has extensive experience in brand development, international relations, and athlete advocacy. He is one of a very special club of rugby players to have played for Oxford and Cambridge University in the Varsity match, and he is currently pursuing an executive MBA at the University of Cambridge, which includes an MBA project covering Gen Z fan engagement. Connect with Tosa:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/makoto-tosa-from-being-the-professional-athlete-to-the-world-of-sports-marketing/ Connect with Simon Jelfs: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjelfs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp  Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/  Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/  “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. Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

    43 min
  4. Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Innovation in Japan with Tim Romero

    MAR 14

    Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Innovation in Japan with Tim Romero

    In this episode of the Focus Core podcast, we dive into the innovative world of Japanese startups and corporate innovation with Tim Romero, partner at Jira Ventures and host of the Disrupting Japan podcast. Tim shares insights from his 30-year journey in Japan's startup scene, discussing the evolving ecosystem, key changes in corporate collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and investors. He also reflects on his experiences as a rock musician, professional podcaster, and educator, offering valuable lessons on leadership, sustainability, and technology's role in Japan's future. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear: Tim’s transformative experiences in the tech industryThe evolution of startup culture in JapanThe cultural challenges and opportunities in Japanese marketsFuture trends in entrepreneurship and international collaboration About Tim :  Tim Romero is a partner at Jira Ventures and is the very well known host of the successful podcast “Disrupting Japan”, which has been going for over 10 years. Tim is deeply involved in Japan's startup community as an investor, a founder, author, and educator, and he has founded several startups in Japan over the past 30 years. Tim has also taught entrepreneurship and corporate innovation.  He has led Google for Startups in Japan and worked with various enterprises in Japan for startup investment and innovation strategy.  Connect with Tim Romero: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timromero/  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@disruptingjapan7899?si=k5T0GbmULUaAj8uQ  Website: https://www.disruptingjapan.com/ (Disrupting Japan) https://www.jera.co.jp/en/corporate/business/ventures (Jera) 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/  “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. Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

    42 min
  5. Japan's Recruitment Challenges and Opportunities: An Interview with Roop Kaistha

    FEB 28

    Japan's Recruitment Challenges and Opportunities: An Interview with Roop Kaistha

    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Roop Kaistha, the head of Asia Pacific at AMS, about the evolving landscape of talent acquisition in Asia, particularly in Japan. With nearly two decades of experience, Roop shares her career journey, insights on the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition, and the importance of relationship-building in recruitment.  The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear: The importance of being market ready for Asian markets particularly in communication method choicesThe future of hybrid work vs in office only and the challenge of keeping engagement levels up The role of technology and AI in recruitment and some of Roop’s favourite toolsThe future trends in recruitment in Asia About Roop: Roop brings two decades of experience working across multiple markets, spending the last 15 years in Outsourcing and Talent Acquisition. She has a proven track record in the strategic management of large scale RPOs and MSPs across Asia Pacific. She has held various roles including Solution Design, Implementation, running the Innovation Centre for Asia Pacific and, most recently, as Regional Head of RPO and Professional Services. Roop was appointed as Regional Managing Director of APAC in 2022. She heads the APAC leadership team, driving APAC’s growth strategy and business plan objectives. Roop ensures the firm continues to exceed the expectations of clients across Asia, and to deliver further growth in this vital region. Connect with Roop:  https://www.weareams.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopkaistha/  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/  Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

    51 min
  6. Mindfulness and the Art of Corporate Wellness in Japan with Misha Yurchenko

    FEB 14

    Mindfulness and the Art of Corporate Wellness in Japan with Misha Yurchenko

    In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher Misha Yurchenko discusses the importance of mindfulness, especially in corporate settings. With over a decade of experience, Misha shares his journey through burnout and how it led him to found Tokyo Mindfulness. The conversation covers how mindfulness can be integrated into daily life and corporate culture, the distinct roles of mindfulness and meditation, and practical advice for new leaders. This insightful discussion offers actionable steps for leaders and individuals seeking to enhance their well-being and productivity. The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear: How Misha overcame his severe burnout from his venture-funded startupWhy the Western concept of mindfulness is not so common in JapanThe importance of short, consistent mindfulness practices Corporate examples such as the story of Rakuten’s successful implementation of mindfulness programs About Misha: Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher with over a decade of meditation experience. He has attended retreats worldwide, practicing a range of techniques. 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/ Events & Retreats: https://www.meetup.com/pro/conscious-living-japan/ Community & Newsletter: https://tokyomindfulness.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyomindfulnessjapan/ 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/  “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. Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan. 2025 Salary Guide

    45 min
  7. Leadership and Business Mastery in Japan, with Dr. Greg Story

    JAN 31

    Leadership and Business Mastery in Japan, with Dr. Greg Story

    The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide Welcome back to the FocusCore podcast with host Dr. David Sweet. This week we are talking about leadership and business mastery with Dr. Greg Story, President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. Greg is an author of a suite of books focusing specifically on mastering various aspects of doing business in Japan. He also releases multiple podcasts weekly and is a certified master trainer in all of the major Dale Carnegie training courses. So join us for this enlightening conversation about leadership, communication and the unique dynamics of doing business in Japan. In this episode you will hear: How Greg started Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training JapanWhy on the job training is not working for Japanese companies anymoreAbout Greg’s books teaching mastery in business and leadership in JapanThe importance of middle management in retaining quality talentHow technology like AI is changing recruitment in Japan Things mentioned in the episode: Dale Carnegie Tokyo Website Dr. Greg Story’s author page on Amazon Dr. Greg Story’s podcast page on Apple Podcasts About Dr. Greg Story: A Ph.D. in Japanese organisational decision-making, and a 40 year veteran of Japan, he has broad experience, having been Country Head of four organisations in Japan. He launched a “start up” in Nagoya, and completed “turn-arounds” in both Osaka and Tokyo for Austrade. In 2001 he was promoted to Minister Commercial in the Australian Embassy and the Country Head for Austrade. In November 2003, Dr. Story joined Shinsei’s Retail Bank, which interestingly was a special combination of “start-up” and “turn-around”. He had 550 staff in his Platinum Banking Division, responsible for two-thirds of the revenue of the Retail Bank, eventually becoming the Joint CEO of the Retail Bank. In July 2007, Dr. Story became the Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan. In October 2010, he became President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. He is a Master Trainer and an international award winning Sales Leader with Dale Carnegie. He is a thought leader and has written eight books: Japan Sales Mastery, Za Eigyo (The 営業), Japan Business Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, Anata mo Purezen Tatsujin (あなたもプレゼンの達人), Stop Wasting Money On Training, Toreningu de Okane Wo Muda Ni Suru No Wa Yamemashoo (トレニングでお金を無駄にするのわやめましょう) and Japan Leadership Mastery. He is an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Faculty of Griffith University. A 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate, he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business issues. Connect with Dr. Greg Story: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregstory/ Connect with David Sweet: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp  Facebook: :a href="https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia" rel="noopener...

    1h 9m
  8. The Nuances of Effective Marketing in Japan, with Ricardo Tasca

    JAN 14

    The Nuances of Effective Marketing in Japan, with Ricardo Tasca

    The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide Welcome to the first episode of 2025 for the FocusCore podcast!  This week we are joined by yet another amazing guest at the forefront of marketing and business leadership in Japan, Ricardo Tasca. Ricardo is currently the General Manager and Representative Director of Hill’s Colgate (Japan). Ricardo has years of experience leading marketing innovation and success in Japan, Brazil, Mexico and New York. In this episode Ricardo shares some unique experiences of being a leader in the pet care industry in Japan, as well as discussing global trends and innovations in marketing and brand management happening now and in the future. In this episode you will hear: What makes the Japan market uniqueWhat Ricardo sees as emerging trends in the Japanese consumer marketHow the pet care industry is evolving in Japan and globallyThe importance of sustainability to Hill’s Pet Nutrition JapanHow investing in R&D helps brands innovate and be competitive in the market Things mentioned in the episode: Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love Program: https://www.hillspet.com/food-shelter-love/my-shelter About Ricardo: Ricardo Tasca is the General Manager and Representative Director of Hill’s Colgate (Japan) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hill's Pet Nutrition and Colgate-Palmolive Company. He has held that position since January 1st, 2022.  Prior to that, Ricardo served for three years as the Marketing Director of Hill's Colgate (JAPAN) Ltd.  From 2016 to 2018, Ricardo served as Associate Director of the Global Marketing and Innovation Team for Hill’s Pet Nutrition.  Ricardo joined Colgate Palmolive in his native Brazil in 2003 as Assistant Brand Manager. He progressed through positions in Marketing and Retail Marketing, becoming Group Brand Manager for Colgate Toothpaste in 2009.  In 2010, Ricardo moved to Colgate Palmolive Mexico, to lead the Latin America Innovation for Mouthwashes and Sensitive Toothpaste. In 2012, moved to Colgate Headquarters in New York as the Marketing Manager of the Global Toothbrushes business, leading global strategy & innovation for key segments of the category.  Ricardo holds a degree in Business administration from the FAAP University in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Connect with Ricardo: Website: https://www.hillspet.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-tasca-11914418/ 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/  “Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by...

    45 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. David Sweet
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Dr. David Sweet
  • Show Website
    The FocusCore Podcast

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