The FocusCore Podcast

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 Japa...

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 “cricke...

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 c...

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 whe...

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...

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...

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 i...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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 G...

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 Davi...

During the month of December, as the year winds down and the holiday season begins, we’ll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep you company during the festive period, we’ll be re-releasing some of this year’s most popular episodes, perfect to enjoy with a warm drink by your side as you reflect on the year, just like David will be. In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, ho...

During the month of December, as the year winds down and the holiday season begins, we’ll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep you company during the festive period, we’ll be re-releasing some of this year’s most popular episodes, perfect to enjoy with a warm drink by your side as you reflect on the year, just like David will be. In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, ho...

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Robert Heldt, Co-founder and CEO of Custom Media, a B2B marketing agency based in Tokyo. Robert shares his journey from his hospitality background to becoming a leader in digital marketing and strategic communications in Japan. He emphasizes the cultural differences in marketing between Japan and the West, particularly the impor...

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...

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Damian Rhodes, founder of Talent Diagnostic Solutions, about his career journey and insights into leadership and recruitment in Japan. Damian shares his unique background, beginning with a year as a monk, and discusses important lessons from that time. He emphasizes the human-centered approach in recruitment and the significance...

In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet welcomes Chie Ikegawa, an expert in finance and FP&A, to discuss the evolution of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in Japanese companies. Chie explains the unique challenges Japanese companies face in adopting FP&A practices compared to American companies, highlighting the cultural and structural differences. She shares h...

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Andrew Silberman, President of Advanced Management Training Group (AMT). They discuss various aspects of leadership and talent development, specifically focusing on differences between Japanese and American leadership styles. He highlights the superior listening skills of Japanese leaders and explores how assertiveness from Amer...

We’ve wrapped up our summer re-release series and are back behind the mic with brand new episodes! No Mai Tai this time. Just fresh conversations with leaders shaping business in Japan. In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David engages in a deep conversation with Taisuke Yoshida, a dynamic leader in strategic finance and business transformation. Taisuke shares his journey from Sumitomo...

During the month of August, we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be. The last episode of Summer re-release, we are joined by yet another amazing guest at the forefront of marketing and business le...

During the month of August, we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be. In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Roop Kaistha, the head of Asia Pacific at AMS, about the...

During the month of July we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be. On this episode of the podcast we sit down with the Managing Director and President of DSV Solutions in Japan, Scott Smalley. Scot...

During the month of July we will be enjoying some summer weather and taking a break from recording new episodes. To satiate your thirst we will be re-releasing the hottest episodes of the year, every week, for you to enjoy with a Mai Tai by the pool like David will be. Welcome back to the FocusCore podcast with host Dr. David Sweet. This week we are talking about leadership and business mastery wi...