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

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 experience, Roop shares her career journey, insights on the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition, and the importance of relationship-building in recruitment.

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

In this episode you will hear:

• The importance of being market ready for Asian markets particularly in communication method choices
• The future of hybrid work vs in office only and the challenge of keeping engagement levels up
• The role of technology and AI in recruitment and some of Roop’s favourite tools
• The future trends in recruitment in Asia

Participate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey

About Roop:

Roop brings two decades of experience working across multiple markets, spending the last 15 years in Outsourcing and Talent Acquisition. She has a proven track record in the strategic management of large scale RPOs and MSPs across Asia Pacific. She has held various roles including Solution Design, Implementation, running the Innovation Centre for Asia Pacific and, most recently, as Regional Head of RPO and Professional Services.

Roop was appointed as Regional Managing Director of APAC in 2022. She heads the APAC leadership team, driving APAC’s growth strategy and business plan objectives. Roop ensures the firm continues to exceed the expectations of clients across Asia, and to deliver further growth in this vital region.

Connect with Roop:

https://www.weareams.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopkaistha/

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/

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 global logistics in Japan. Scott is bilingual, multicultural, well-connected and highly respected within the logistics industry and business in general in Japan. In this conversation we learn some of Scott’s strategies and advice for managing global operations in Japan, and multinationally.

In this episode you will hear:

• Some of the unique advantages to working in global logistics for different companies all over the world
• Scott’s advice on how to get started in sales and be effective
• The challenges involved in managing a logistics company in Japan
• How DSV Japan are achieving their sustainability goals
• How leaders can create stronger future organizations

Participate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey

About Scott Smalley:

Scott is a senior management executive with over 35 years of experience, 25 of which have been dedicated to global logistics in Japan. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director and President of DSV Solutions in Japan. Scott’s professional journey has been marked by a unique blend of strategic sales and operational expertise in global supply-chain management and logistics. As a bi-lingual, multicultural professional, Scott brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in managing global operations.

Although contract logistics has been Scott’s primary professional focus, he has extensive experience in freight forwarding and global customer relationship management. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with peers around the world to tackle complex supply-chain challenges, leveraging his global connections and insights to drive successful outcomes.

Scott’s career is defined by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a keen focus on the bottom line. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to design innovative supply-chain products and services, leading by example to ensure successful implementations. Scott is also deeply committed to coaching and encouraging his business teams to excel, helping them achieve results beyond their expectations. Scott’s peers consider him well-connected and highly respected not only within the logistics industry but also among multinational management professionals worldwide.

Connect with Scott Smalley:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-smalley-0186a

DSV website: https://www.dsv.com/en/countries/asia/japan

Connect with David Sweet:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

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

Instagram:

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 focusing specifically on mastering various aspects of doing business in Japan. He also releases multiple podcasts weekly and is a certified master trainer in all of the major Dale Carnegie training courses. So join us for this enlightening conversation about leadership, communication and the unique dynamics of doing business in Japan.

In this episode you will hear:

• How Greg started Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan
• Why on the job training is not working for Japanese companies anymore
• About Greg’s books teaching mastery in business and leadership in Japan
• The importance of middle management in retaining quality talent
• How technology like AI is changing recruitment in Japan

Participate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey

Things mentioned in the episode:

Dale Carnegie Tokyo Website

Dr. Greg Story’s author page on Amazon

Dr. Greg Story’s podcast page on Apple Podcasts

About Dr. Greg Story:

A Ph.D. in Japanese organisational decision-making, and a 40 year veteran of Japan, he has broad experience, having been Country Head of four organisations in Japan.

He launched a “start up” in Nagoya, and completed “turn-arounds” in both Osaka and Tokyo for Austrade.

In 2001 he was promoted to Minister Commercial in the Australian Embassy and the Country Head for Austrade.

In November 2003, Dr. Story joined Shinsei’s Retail Bank, which interestingly was a special combination of “start-up” and “turn-around”. He had 550 staff in his Platinum Banking Division, responsible for two-thirds of the revenue of the Retail Bank, eventually becoming the Joint CEO of the Retail Bank.

In July 2007, Dr. Story became the Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan.

In October 2010, he became President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. He is a Master Trainer and an international award winning Sales Leader with Dale Carnegie. He is a thought leader and has written eight books: Japan Sales Mastery, Za Eigyo (The 営業), Japan Business Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, Anata mo Purezen Tatsujin (あなたもプレゼンの達人), Stop Wasting Money On Training, Toreningu de Okane Wo Muda Ni Suru No Wa Yamemashoo (トレニングでお金を無駄にするのわやめましょう) and Japan Leadership Mastery.

He is an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Faculty of Griffith University. A 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate, he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business issues.

Connect with Dr. Greg Story:

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

Connect with David Sweet:

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

Twitter:

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 own coaching practice. They discuss the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and being at the development edge in leadership. Additional topics include the challenges and nuances of selecting a coach, the impact of retreats on team dynamics, and the entrepreneurial aspects of running a coaching business.

In this episode you will hear:

• The Concept of Adventure Mondays
• The Role of Nature in Coaching
• Selecting the Right Coach
• Coaching in Japan vs. Overseas
• The Role of a Coach

Participate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey

About Cory:

Cory's the Japan's coach for adventurous leaders. He works with executives and leadership teams navigating transition, cultural complexities and bold visions based in the mountains of Japan.

Cory combines deep coaching expertise with a spirit of exploration, whether he is guiding leaders through strategic crossroads, facilitating team transformations or leading motorcycle tours through the mountains of Minakami. Through his company Adventure Partner, he invites leaders to step beyond comfort and into growth.

Starting with a wilderness retreat and continuing through a year of transformative coaching. Cory's clients span industries and cultures, but share a common thread. They're ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and connection.

Connect with Cory:

Website: https://www.adventure-partner.net/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/coryadventurepartner/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-mcgowan-328b2b5/?originalSubdomain=jp

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 Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

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 and offers practical tips for achieving long-term health and fitness goals.

In this episode you will hear:

• Menya’s journey into Health and Fitness
• Importance of the Big Four: Food, Fitness, Sleep, and Stress
• Why sleep and nutrition are often neglected by busy professionals
• The role of stress management in achieving overall well-being
• Impacting Lives Through Fitness

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

About Menya:

Menya Hinga is a Tokyo-based health coach who helps busy professionals simplify fitness. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s spent over 13 years helping people get stronger, leaner, and feel better in their bodies. He is the founder of MH Health Coaching and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. He is also a  level one certified functional strength coach, a level one certified nutrition coach, a certified personal trainer. Menya blends practical strategies with proven systems to help clients build habits that last. When he’s not coaching, he’s reading, playing piano, or getting a workout in by chasing his four kids around the house.

Connect with Menya:

Website: https://www.menyahinga.com/

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

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 Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.