by Helen Iwata | Apr 30, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
I’m back in Tokyo after visiting Europe, including a 5-day Paris vacation with my daughter. In the old days, the overdoing, perfectionist, people pleasing me would work ridiculously hard until the last minute to cram in as much as possible before a vacation. Then I...
by Helen Iwata | Apr 23, 2024 | All, Personal Growth
“Do you use the same calendar for work, personal, and volunteer activities?” This was one of the questions in a workshop for women in business on Creating Space in our Rooms, Devices, Calendars, and Minds. My answer was “Yes.” I have one calendar, which I also share...
by Helen Iwata | Apr 15, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
This week, I’m on my Grand European Tour – Frankfurt, London, Paris, and… Huddersfield (where my parents live). If you’re on social media, you might enjoy some highlights on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. I went to the gym the other day and saw 8 women...
by Helen Iwata | Apr 8, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings
If you use presentation slides in your work, how much time do you spend creating them? How confident are you that they convey your message clearly? How engaging and persuasive are your slides? Since my early days as a “communication specialist” with McKinsey Japan,...
by Helen Iwata | Feb 20, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
Overcoming nerves and improving public speaking… Improving English pronunciation as a native Japanese speaker… If you’re interested in either of these topics, I have some surprising “less effort, more impact” ways that you can improve, so read on. American English...
by Helen Iwata | Jan 30, 2024 | All, Communication Skills, Personal Growth
It’s taken me OVER A YEAR to pluck up the courage to post the video of my Burns Night speech! That’s because I don’t usually make fun of people or say rude words – but I do in this speech. Making fun of men and using colorful language is fully expected in the...
