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PODCAST

The FocusCore Podcast

Dr. David Sweet

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

business careers

All Episodes

01:04:23

Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2026/02/28

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

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58:00

Navigating Japan's FinTech Landscape with Pieter Franken

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2026/02/14

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

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53:49

Business Transformation Journey and Sustainability in...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2026/01/31

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

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21:30

FocusCore New Year Reflections and Predictions <2026>

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2026/01/14

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 Guide is here: INSERT Short Link => Attribution link Salary guide 202In this episode you will

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45:39

Winter Re-release #3 - Driving DHL’s Growth and...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2026/01/04

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 David will be.Thank you for being with us through the Winter re-releases, and we’ll see you very soon with

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51:44

Winter Re-release #2 - Strategic Finance and Business...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/12/14

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, host David engages in a deep conversation with Taisuke Yoshida, a dynamic leader in strategic finance and

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01:05:48

Winter Re-release #1 - Balancing Performance and...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/11/30

During the month of November, as the autumn leaves turn and the air grows crisp in Japan, we’ll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep you company, we’ll be re-releasing some of this year’s most beloved episodes, perfect to enjoy with a warm cup of tea while watching the last of the autumn colours, just like David will be.In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Menya Hinga, a certified health coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. The discussion

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50:02

B2B Marketing Innovation in Japan with Robert Heldt

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/11/14

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 importance of humility, relationship-building, and contextualized storytelling. Robert introduces the AIM

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45:39

Driving DHL’s Growth and Leadership in Japan with...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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 Japan, the importance of adapting to local cultures while maintaining core management principles, and

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51:14

Bridging Global Recruitment Gaps in Japan with Damian...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/10/14

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 of understanding cultural nuances, especially when working in Asia. They also delve into the role of AI

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49:20

FP&A Transformation in Japanese Corporations with...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/09/30

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 her experiences in transforming FP&A departments, emphasizing the importance of leadership

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01:02:58

Exploring Cross-Cultural Leadership and some Rock’n...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/09/14

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 American leadership could benefit Japanese companies.He shares his journey from starting a company after

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51:58

Strategic Finance and Business Transformation in...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/08/31

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 Chemical to his current role at Schneider Electric, highlighting the evolution of finance from

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46:02

Summer Re-release #4 - The Nuances of Effective...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/08/14

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 leadership in Japan, Ricardo Tasca. Ricardo is currently the General Manager and Representative Director of

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51:04

Summer Re-release #3 - Japan's Recruitment Challenges...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/07/31

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 evolving landscape of talent acquisition in Asia, particularly in Japan. With nearly two decades of

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43:23

Summer Re-release #2 - Managing Global Operations...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/07/14

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. Scott is a senior management executive with over 35 years of experience, 25 of which have been dedicated to

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01:09:26

Summer Re-release #1 - Leadership and Business...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/06/30

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 with Dr. Greg Story, President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. Greg is an author of a suite of books

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53:16

Exploring Coaching and Leadership with Cory McGowan

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/06/14

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Cory McGowan, Japan's coach for adventurous leaders, during his second appearance on the show. The conversation covers Cory's expertise in leadership coaching, navigating complex business problems, and the unique integration of outdoor activities in his coaching practice. Cory shares his journey from teaching and recruiting to becoming a director at KidZania Tokyo, running an outdoor adventure company, and ultimately founding his

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01:05:25

Balancing Performance and Wellness with Menya Hinga

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/05/31

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Menya Hinga, a certified health coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. The discussion revolves around the challenges high-performing professionals face in maintaining their health while balancing work and personal life. Menya shares his personal journey from aspiring lawyer to health coach, emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, fitness, and stress management. He also discusses his approach to sustainable habit formation

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52:26

Leadership in the Heart of Japan: An Interview with...

The FocusCore Podcast ·

2025/05/14

In this episode of the Focus podcast, host David Sweet interviews Loïc Pecondon-Lacroix, an accomplished finance-driven leader with experience in B2B industries across China, Japan, and Germany. Loïc, currently the President and Representative director of a ABB group in Tokyo, Japan, shares his thoughts on leadership, business transformation, and the cultural nuances of working in Japan. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience, shared vision, and flexibility in driving organizational

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94 results

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