What is it that only you can do?

As entrepreneurs in the start up phase of business, many Lean In Japan Entrepreneurs Circle members struggle with the feeling of “having to do it all”.  Weird guilt about how it is somehow cheating to outsource, to delegate or simply being worried about cash flow stop us from using a vendor! In the October LeanContinue reading “What is it that only you can do?”

You can’t be what you can’t see?

  This is Milly. Milly is 11 years old. She is an articulate, intelligent, thoughtful girl and also a natural athlete. This is a girl who shuns the ladder to the top bunk and does a pull-up instead. A few months ago, Spartan Race Japan held a trial event in Odaiba and Milly came alongContinue reading “You can’t be what you can’t see?”

Lean In Japan Entrepreneurs 2017/18 Kick Off Meeting – Event wrap up

“Revitalised”, “Energised” and “Inspired” Three of the closing comments at the September 21 Lean In Japan Entrepreneurs 2017/18 Kick Off meeting. (Not sure what Lean In is? Check out this post and my personal story on the power of peer support) 7 members joined the live meeting sponsored by Smart Partners K.K. and 2 members joined via Zoom.Continue reading “Lean In Japan Entrepreneurs 2017/18 Kick Off Meeting – Event wrap up”

Claiming your Strengths at Nagoya University

What activities leave you energised? Have you ever looked up at the clock and gone “Wow! Where did the time go?” What are the things that you most look forward to doing? According to Marcus Buckingham, these are what you can really consider your strengths. Forget about competency, skills  and what you are good at,Continue reading “Claiming your Strengths at Nagoya University”

Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 3: Normalising Flexibility

In the 3rd part of the 4 part Retaining Working Mothers in Japan series (Introduction, Communication during Childcare Leave, Smooth On-ramping for Working Mothers), we focus on a mindset that is going to support the work/life balance of your whole team. This will pay dividends in terms of productivity, retention and motivation for all yourContinue reading “Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 3: Normalising Flexibility”

Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 2: Smooth on-ramping

In Part 2 of the 4 part series on Retaining Working Mothers in Japan (Introduction and Part 1: Communication during Childcare Leave), I share some current best practices to make the on-ramping after childcare leave a little smoother: 1. On-board like a new hire If your employee has taken 1 year leave (which may be extended toContinue reading “Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 2: Smooth on-ramping”

Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 1: Communication during Childcare Leave

In the first part of the four part series on retaining working mothers in Japan, I focus on how having smooth communication with your employee during childcare leave. Find the rest of the series here. Part 1: Communication during Childcare Leave To facilitate a smooth return, it is important that the working mother on yourContinue reading “Retaining Working Mothers in Japan – Part 1: Communication during Childcare Leave”