by Helen Iwata | Dec 12, 2023 | All, Communication Skills, Managing Conflict, Personal Growth
Even though I’d practiced karate in the UK as a university student, when I first joined my dojo in Japan (over 30 years ago!!!), sensei laughed at my moves. I had to give up my blue belt and go back to being a white belt beginner. For years, I felt uncomfortable...
by Helen Iwata | Dec 5, 2023 | All, Communication Skills, Effective Facilitation, Expert Interviews, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
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 | Nov 28, 2023 | Communication Skills, Managing Conflict, Other Topics, Personal Growth
Do you like having your photo taken? We always check with event participants whether they’re okay with us taking photos to share on social media. One of our participants – a lovely Japanese lady – always said, “No.” She didn’t like having her photo taken....
by Helen Iwata | Nov 21, 2023 | All, Communication Skills, Managing Conflict, Personal Growth
How do you react when people around you are negative or angry? The other day, during an event for The #LessEffortMoreImpact Movement for Women in Business, the fire alarm at our venue went off. We immediately evacuated the building. While waiting for the alarm to stop...
by Helen Iwata | Nov 14, 2023 | All, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
Have you been in a presentation where the speaker is using a laser pointer? This could be in person or online. You see that little red dot shakily attempting to underline a phrase, whizzing from one side of the screen to the other, and even twirling in circles. Have...
