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 being laid off to developing global thinkers for over 30 years. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, hybrid leadership, and the impact of music on leadership.

The episode includes a rapid-fire round on the Rolling Stones, underscoring Andrew's passion for music. He also discusses the challenges and strategies of developing global talent and announces the release of his new audiobook, 'Get A G.R.I.P. on Presentations.'

Register for our upcoming Salary Guide Release Event: Salary Guide Event

In this episode you will hear:

•  What first drew Andrew to the field of leadership and talent development, and the start of AMT Group
• About Global Readiness®
• The impact of cultural differences on leadership styles in Japan and the US
• The art of storytelling as a tool in leadership and presentations
• The challenges and opportunities of hybrid leadership in a post-pandemic world
• The vibrant role of music in enhancing leadership and teamwork dynamics
• Andrew's experiences and thoughts on the future of global talent improvement and readiness

About Andrew:

 Andrew is the President and Chief Enthusiast of Advanced Management Training Group K.K.

For over 30 years, Andrew has been developing global thinkers, helping leaders. Teams boost their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills across Asia and North America and Europe. He is the author of the Get a G.R.I.P. series on Global Readiness®, which is a four-book series with a new audio version just out.

And when he's not energizing executives, he's a rocking musician and he fronts the band called The moonshots. Andrew brings a unique blend of business insights and creative passion.

Connect with Andrew:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsilberman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtchief/?hl=ja

AMT Group K.K.

https://www.amt-group.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMsto1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2UUpCOTBkdUxPY0tOeEhQAR6AaLCYPcKkjjTZTWW_CgzfTy_XyRLRlbKAt9KfzCwI_HRFybBtnhGQK5Rueg_aem_j4u8nPMJKa5gAaRdaqsLaw

Get A G.R.I.P.

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 traditional bookkeeping to a value-driver function. They discuss the importance of leadership and digital skills in FP&A, the differences in FP&A practices between Japanese and global companies, and the role of strategic finance business partnering. Taisuke also provides insights into leveraging generative AI for business understanding and the significance of effective communication and trust-building in cross-functional teams. The conversation provides valuable perspectives for finance professionals aiming to drive business performance and value creation.

Register for our upcoming Salary guide release event: Salary Guide Event

In this episode you will hear:

• Taisuke’s career progression and leadership development from local to global contexts
• The importance of leadership and digital acumen for future finance professionals.
• How Japanese companies can leverage FP&A as business partners.
• Challenges and opportunities in Japanese FP&A practices.

Things mentioned in the episode:

The Mind Of The Strategist: The Art of Japanese Business - Kenichi Ohmae

https://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-Strategist-Art-Japanese-Business/dp/0070479046

三枝匡(Tadashi Saegusa)

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC-%E4%B8%89%E6%9E%9D-%E5%8C%A1/s?rh=n%3A465392%2Cp_27%3A%25E4%25B8%2589%25E6%259E%259D%2B%25E5%258C%25A1

『実践　日本版ＦＰ＆Ａ』池側千絵

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%AE%9F%E8%B7%B5-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E7%89%88%EF%BC%A6%EF%BC%B0%EF%BC%86%EF%BC%A1-%E6%B1%A0%E5%81%B4%E5%8D%83%E7%B5%B5/dp/450253191X

Loglass経営企画サミット

https://www.loglass.jp/news/event-0417

About Taisuke Yoshida:

 After graduating from the University of Tokyo, Taisuke began his career at Sumitomo Chemical, where he mastered the art of cost management and performance improvement at both the factory and division levels. Driven to expand his global perspective, he earned his MBA from IESE Business School in Spain.

He then joined Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. (IGPI), advising CEOs and investors on business due diligent post-merger integration and management control systems across multiple industries. Taisuke is currently at Schneider Electric as the East Asia industrial automation business finance leader, partnering with business heads across the region to shape and execute strategies that improve performance and create enterprise value beyond the impressive credentials.

Taisuke brings a passion for innovation, transformation, and building strong, diverse teams, and he also brings a contagious enthusiasm for finance.

Connect with Taisuke Yoshida:

LinkedIn:...

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 Hill’s Colgate (Japan). Ricardo has years of experience leading marketing innovation and success in Japan, Brazil, Mexico and New York. In this episode Ricardo shares some unique experiences of being a leader in the pet care industry in Japan, as well as discussing global trends and innovations in marketing and brand management happening now and in the future.

In this episode you will hear:

• What makes the Japan market unique
• What Ricardo sees as emerging trends in the Japanese consumer market
• How the pet care industry is evolving in Japan and globally
• The importance of sustainability to Hill’s Pet Nutrition Japan
• How investing in R&D helps brands innovate and be competitive in the market

Things mentioned in the episode:

Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love Program: https://www.hillspet.com/food-shelter-love/my-shelter

About Ricardo:

Ricardo Tasca is the General Manager and Representative Director of Hill’s Colgate (Japan) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hill's Pet Nutrition and Colgate-Palmolive Company. He has held that position since January 1st, 2022.

Prior to that, Ricardo served for three years as the Marketing Director of Hill's Colgate (JAPAN) Ltd.

From 2016 to 2018, Ricardo served as Associate Director of the Global Marketing and Innovation Team for Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Ricardo joined Colgate Palmolive in his native Brazil in 2003 as Assistant Brand Manager. He progressed through positions in Marketing and Retail Marketing, becoming Group Brand Manager for Colgate Toothpaste in 2009.

In 2010, Ricardo moved to Colgate Palmolive Mexico, to lead the Latin America Innovation for Mouthwashes and Sensitive Toothpaste. In 2012, moved to Colgate Headquarters in New York as the Marketing Manager of the Global Toothbrushes business, leading global strategy & innovation for key segments of the category.

Ricardo holds a degree in Business administration from the FAAP University in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Connect with Ricardo:

Website: https://www.hillspet.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-tasca-11914418/

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.

“Doin’ the Uptown