by Helen Iwata | Dec 12, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
December in Japan is famously called Shiwasu (師走)—the month when even the monks are said to be running! If you’re feeling the rush right now, let me help you hit pause. I’ve compiled 3 free Sasuga! resources to give you a moment of clarity, energy, and peace of mind....
by Helen Iwata | Nov 12, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Effective Facilitation, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
Have you ever had an ice bath? I took the plunge on a recent family holiday to Thailand. This is something I thought I’d never do. I thought people who did it were mad. Even though I’d heard the benefits of improved circulation and sleep, reduced inflammation and...
by Helen Iwata | Oct 28, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
Have you heard of dokusho no aki (“autumn reading”)? If you grew up in Japan, you may remember this from your school days. This Japanese concept is said to come from a Chinese poem written in the Tang dynasty that Natsume Soseki referenced in his novel Sanshiro in...
by Helen Iwata | Oct 17, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
My stomach tightened. In our online meeting, Team Sasuga! had just encouraged me to go laptopless for 11 days! 😱 And then I realized that this was a GREAT opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new. At least I would have my notebook and phone…...
by Helen Iwata | Oct 1, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
Wow, I just published edition 444 of my newsletter, Sasuga! Tips For You. That represents a LOT of tips since I started the newsletter in 2015! Apparently, the number 444 represents “clarity and decisiveness.” And after going in circles thinking about the best topic...
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...
