by Helen Iwata | Jun 11, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
Perhaps the worst and best advice I’ve received so far in my 3-decade career in Japan. WORST ADVICE: Underpromise and overdeliver I received this advice from a senior colleague in my early days at McKinsey Japan. “Brilliant!” I thought. What a great way to delight my...
by Helen Iwata | Jun 3, 2024 | Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Personal Growth
Do you sometimes find networking events tiring or a bit intimidating? What if you could have a positive impact without expending a lot of energy? The other day, I attended an event. But I’d just recovered from being ill, so I didn’t feel like bouncing around the room...
by Helen Iwata | May 27, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
Five years ago, my business was going extremely well based on decades of experience as a bilingual British woman in corporate Japan, a solid professional reputation, and GREAT client relationships. But one area that I’d neglected was my look. More than one person...
by Helen Iwata | May 21, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
What do you do when you get sick as a business professional? Even if you work for a company that provides paid leave, you may find it difficult to let go and trust that everything will be okay without you – especially if you’re in a manager or expert position!...
by Helen Iwata | May 14, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills
“I get so nervous giving presentations.” Many clients tell me this when we start working together. And my response is usually, “Good. That means you’re a normal human being.” Why it’s normal to be nervous As human beings, from primitive times, we needed to be...
