Nine years ago, I climbed to the top—and found myself quietly questioning everything. I had followed leaders I admired, built the systems, held the line... but I hadn’t built a relationship with my own why. I was leading, yes—but from misalignment. Silent burnout set in. High-performing on the outside, numb on the inside.

My recovery from overachievement wasn’t a straight line. It was deep, still, soul work. Rooted in reflection, shaped by my Japanese heritage, and softened by the truth that leadership is not a destination—it’s a becoming.

Now I guide others to find a sustainable, evolving path. Because real purpose doesn’t burn you out. It brings you home. Read More…

We’ve been sold a lopsided story about leadership: hard skills are non-negotiable, while soft skills are “nice to have.” But here’s the truth we don’t say out loud—soft skills aren’t soft. They’re the root system. We’ve been worshipping the branches—what’s visible, productive, fast. But without roots—presence, emotional clarity, humility—none of it holds.

In Japan, this isn’t a buzzword—it’s embedded in the spirit of Shokunin Kishitsu: the quiet discipline of showing up fully, with intention and pride. Skills aren’t separated from the soul. Leadership isn’t about being rigid—it’s about being supple.