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.
Watch Episodes on YouTube
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)
In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks with Naomi Takase 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 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.
Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring
In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet speaks withBrent 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.
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.
B2B Marketing Innovation in Japan with Robert Heldt
In this episode, 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.
Bridging Global Recruitment Gaps in Japan with Damian Rhodes
In this episode, 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.
Driving DHL’s Growth and Leadership in Japan with Karsten Michaelis
In this episode ,David Sweet interviews Karsten Michaelis, CEO for North Asia and President of DHL Global Forwarding Japan, who shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, with a particular focus on his leadership journey across various Asian countries.
Exploring Cross-Cultural Leadership and some Rock’n Roll with Andrew Silberman
Featured guest Andrew Silverman, the President and Chief Enthusiast of Advanced Management Training (AMT) Group, and a published author and rock musician, shares his vast experience in boosting communication, leadership, and teamwork skills over 30-plus years across Asia, North America, and Europe.