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The FocusCore Podcast

Dr. David Sweet
Japan
FP&A
Leadership
Artificial Intelligence
Sustainability
Talent Acquisition
Logistics
Schneider Electric
Tarowashimi
DHL Global Forwarding Japan
Recruitment
Renewable Energy
LVMH
Human Resources
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide
Focuscore Japan
Second Opinion Service
Asia
Talent Acquisition As a Service
DSV

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, consu... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes102Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ManagementBusinessCareers

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Artwork for The FocusCore Podcast

Latest Episodes

During July and August, we'll be taking a short break from recording new episodes. To keep the conversations going, we'll be re-releasing some of our favourite recent episodes. So whether you're catching up or listening again, we hope you enjoy these... more

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 ... more

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 ... more

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 e... more

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Recent Guests

Per Rasmussen
President and representative director of Millet Mountain Group Japan; former executive at Lego, Braun, Gillette, Groupe SEB
Millet Mountain Group Japan
Episode: Growing Global Brands in Japan: What Headquarters Gets Wrong with Per Rasmussen
Steve Bleistein
CEO and founder of Relansa (Tokyo-based); author and leadership/growth expert
Relansa, Tokyo-based
Episode: Unlocking Explosive Growth: Strategies with Steve Bleistein
Ernest Higa
Chairman, president and CEO of Higa Industries; former Domino's Pizza Japan founder and operator
Higa Industries; First Kitchen; Delsole Corporation
Episode: Navigating Business Longevity and Leadership in Japan with Ernest Higa
Jonathan Cant
Focus Core's business director, expert in country managers and CFO searches in Japan
Focus Core
Episode: Market Entry Challenges and Leadership Solutions in Japan with Jonathan Cant
Yuri Kageyama
Reporter with the Associated Press (AP)
Associated Press
Episode: Telling the Truth: Journalism, Creativity, and Stories Beyond Borders with Yuri Kageyama
Matt Best
Global talent acquisition leader with 25+ years in agency, executive search, RPO and transformation
Best Practices (founded 2014)
Episode: Leading Talent Innovations in Japan with Matt Best
Naomi Takase
HR professional turned entrepreneur; co-leader of TaroWashimi
TaroWashimi
Episode: From Corporate to Entrepreneur in Japan with Naomi Takase(Washimi)
Brent Conkle
President and CEO with 24+ years in HR consulting, people development, and talent acquisition
Global Leadership Solutions
Episode: Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring
Dan Ring
HR professional with 12+ years in Europe and Asia, focused on strategic HR, change management, and talent development
Global Leadership Solutions
Episode: Transforming HR Practices in Japan with Brent Conkle & Dan Ring

Host

David Sweet
Host of The FocusCore Podcast; focuses on executive leadership, talent, and market-entry strategies in Japan; affiliated with FocusCore

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings
  • Deep insight into the Japanese business culture

    Presented by someone who knows both sides of the business world US(foreign) and Japanese. A shortcut on how take take advantage to what’s great in Japan and avoid common pitfalls. Highly recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ebiling
    United States3 years ago
  • Brilliant insights

    If you are looking to build your career in Japan, David’s episodes are gold!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sjn200451
    Japan4 years ago
  • Always taking away something new

    From each episode, I always take away something new.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Barefoot Lunch
    Japan4 years ago
  • Fun and insightful Japan podcast

    Fun and insightful Japan podcast with an eclectic mix of guests covering a broad range of topics. Well hosted by Dr David Sweet of 7 Marathons in 7 Days fame.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jelfsy43
    Japan4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Each episode leaves a fresh takeaway, with a mix of guests and topics.
The show blends host's experiences with a broad range of guests for a holistic Japan business view.
Episodes are gold for building a career in Japan and navigating market nuances.
Listeners call out deep insight into Japanese business culture and practical guidance.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#168
Denmark/Business/Careers

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Exploring Cross-Cultural Leadership and some Rock’n Roll with Andrew Silberman
Q: What sparked Andrew's interest in leadership and talent development?
He describes an entrepreneurial start in Tokyo after being laid off, which led to building their own training business and ultimately focusing on developing global thinkers, starting in 1992.
Growing Global Brands in Japan: What Headquarters Gets Wrong with Per Rasmussen
Q: Walk us through how you created different segments in Japan versus Europe and how you sold that approach to the market.
The segmentation in Japan was built around three tiers: the top enthusiasts, the mid-range marathon-focused users, and the broad casual hikers. This reflected Japan's climate, terrain, and user behavior, leading to a Japan-specific product and marketing strategy that differed from France and other markets. The approach emphasized aligning product development with local needs and demonstrating practical benefits for each segment.
FP&A Transformation in Japanese Corporations with Chie Ikegawa
Q: What advice would you give CFOs in Japan about FP&A transformation?
Learn from Western practices while adapting them to Japanese realities; ensure top management commitment, create a formal FP&A structure under the CFO or corporate planning, and invest in training, process modernization, and cross-functional collaboration to sustain transformation.
FP&A Transformation in Japanese Corporations with Chie Ikegawa
Q: What makes a great FP&A partner beyond technical finance skills?
A great FP&A partner acts as a co-driver of the business, possessing not only finance and accounting knowledge but also deep business passion, leadership, and strong communication to help stakeholders understand the story behind the numbers and drive actionable decisions.
FP&A Transformation in Japanese Corporations with Chie Ikegawa
Q: For you, what does FP&A really mean in a Japanese corporate context, and how does it differ from a US model?
FP&A in Japan has long existed but tends to be spread across non-finance functions and lacks a centralized, formal FP&A function. The key shift is consolidating planning and budgeting under a focused FP&A function, ideally under the CFO or corporate planning, and building a cross-departmental capability with dedicated training and career paths so FP&A can lead strategic decision-making rather than just report numbers.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The FocusCore Podcast

What is The FocusCore Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show focuses on how to succeed doing business in Japan, with a steady stream of conversations that center on leadership, talent, and cross-cultural strategy. Episodes often explore hiring, training, retention, governance, and market-entry dynamics, featuring executives, HR leaders, recruiters, and operators who share practical playbooks, frameworks, and lived experiences in Japan. Notable strengths include a clear emphasis on actionable frameworks, from proactive talent pipelines to leadership assessments and cross-border collaboration, delivered through thoughtful storytelling and real-world anecdotes. The format tends to feature high-profile guests and practitioners who bring deep local context, making it helpful for listeners evaluat... more

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The FocusCore Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 102 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The FocusCore Podcast?

Recent guests on The FocusCore Podcast include:

1. Per Rasmussen
2. Steve Bleistein
3. Ernest Higa
4. Jonathan Cant
5. Yuri Kageyama
6. Matt Best
7. Naomi Takase
8. Brent Conkle

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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