by Helen Iwata | Dec 5, 2023 | Communication, Conference Calls, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Uncategorized
Have you struggled with language learning as an adult? Or have you ever given up on something else you wanted to do because someone told you it wasn’t possible? English Pronunciation Expert and Coach Aiko Hemingway shared in her recent TEDx Talk at Huntington Beach...
by Helen Iwata | Jul 3, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
Have you ever been in a meeting where your colleague didn’t seem to be paying attention or contributing fully? You might feel frustrated. But you probably don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life that could be distracting them. One day, I joined a 1:1 coaching...
by Helen Iwata | Jun 20, 2023 | All, Announcement, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
“My son has been sick this week, and he ended up watching YouTube for kids all day since he wants to be in my room where I work. I felt bad.” This is a classic example of mum guilt. In many cases, “Mum guilt” (or “Mom guilt” or “Mommy guilt”) is when you want to be a...
by Helen Iwata | Jun 13, 2023 | All, Announcement, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Presentations
I was amused when I read an article about how Japanese people were taking classes to learn how to smile after spending so long wearing masks during the pandemic. It makes sense though. Our facial expression has a huge impact on our communication to others as well as...
by Helen Iwata | Mar 13, 2023 | All, Communication, Interviews, Personal Development, Podcast
– a conversation with Kaki Okumura Isn’t it interesting that while Japan often admires and looks to the West for inspiration, the West similarly views Japan? Japanese wellness writer and illustrator Kaki Okumura grew up in the USA and struggled to...
by Helen Iwata | Feb 27, 2023 | All, Communication, Conference Calls, Facilitation, Interviews, Meetings, Personal Development, Podcast, Presentations
In 2022, Japan ranked 80th for English proficiency out of 112 non-English speaking countries and regions, falling two places compared with the previous year, according to a Swiss study. It’s easy to find media reports that Japan needs to improve its English skills...