In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher Misha Yurchenko discusses the importance of mindfulness, especially in corporate settings. With over a decade of experience, Misha shares his journey through burnout and how it led him to found Tokyo Mindfulness. The conversation covers how mindfulness can be integrated into daily life and corporate culture, the distinct roles of mindfulness and meditation, and practical advice for new leaders. This insightful discussion offers actionable steps for leaders and individuals seeking to enhance their well-being and productivity.

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

In this episode you will hear:

• How Misha overcame his severe burnout from his venture-funded startup
• Why the Western concept of mindfulness is not so common in Japan
• The importance of short, consistent mindfulness practices
• Corporate examples such as the story of Rakuten’s successful implementation of mindfulness programs

About Misha:

Misha Yurchenko is a Tokyo-based certified meditation teacher with over a decade of meditation experience. He has attended retreats worldwide, practicing a range of techniques. After experiencing extreme burnout from his venture-funded startup, he retreated to the mountains for a month of meditation. He later founded Tokyo Mindfulness, dedicated to helping others break free from their limitations. Misha combines meditation, breathwork, and nervous system healing in a practical and integrated approach to assist people in letting go of the ego, releasing old habit patterns, and finding inner freedom. He is the author of several books, writes a weekly Substack, and lives in Nerima with his family.

Connect with Misha :

Website: https://tokyomindfulness.com/

Events & Retreats: https://www.meetup.com/pro/conscious-living-japan/

Community & Newsletter: https://tokyomindfulness.substack.com/

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

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/

“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.

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

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

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: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here:

2025 Salary Guide

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 for the FocusCore podcast!

This week 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/

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by...