Personal Growth Archives • Sasuga! Communications

What Would You Say To Your Future Self?

by Helen Iwata | Mar 19, 2025 | All, Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Effective Facilitation, Expert Interviews, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a 1-day workshop for female leaders at a stunning offsite in Hokkaido—Niki Hills Winery (highly recommend a visit!). The day before, I was treated to a winery tour and tasting. But the most memorable part? Seeing these special...

The Truth Behind My TEDx Talk (And 3 Presentation Tips For You)

by Helen Iwata | Feb 18, 2025 | All, Communication Skills, Conference Calls, Effective Facilitation, Expert Interviews, Personal Growth, Presentation Skills, Productive Meetings

Have you ever given a presentation that didn’t go as planned? Maybe you had problems with the slides, your mind went blank, or something else threw you off? If so, you’re not alone. Even experienced speakers face challenges—and I certainly did during my TEDx Talk...

5 Signs You Don’t Need Coaching

by Helen Iwata | Jan 9, 2025 | All, Personal Growth

For the first time in 13 years, I’ve decided not to work with a coach. It feels a little strange after so many years of working with amazing coaches around the world. I remember my first coaching experience in my corporate days – a delicious 30 minutes purely...

3 Practical Ways to Reset Your Energy and Focus Before the New Year

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....

Ice Baths Or Presentations: How To Calm Your Nerves

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...

Dokusho no Aki: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Revisit “Essentialism” and “Do Less”

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...