Catherine’s Monthly Wrap Up - February 2024
Welcome to the fabulous February edition of my blog!
This month, I found myself caught in a delightful time warp, making February feel like the longest month ever – and I loved every moment of it!
From birthday celebrations to eagerly anticipating Tokyo's enchanting Cherry Blossom season, there was never a dull moment.
Speaking of birthdays, mine was an absolute standout thanks to Taylor Swift's mesmerising performance of the Eras Tour at the Tokyo Dome. Call me a Swiftie convert after that unforgettable show! It was like witnessing a living masterpiece unfold before my eyes – definitely a memory to cherish for years to come.
And let's not forget my snowy adventure to see Japan's adorable Snow Monkeys in Nagano prefecture. It felt like stepping into a scene straight out of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" – magical and utterly captivating. Plus, I conquered 17,000+ steps through snow and ice, a testament to my dodgy knee's resilience!
But the fun didn't stop there. I discovered Tokyo's hidden gem, the Cotton Club Jazz Bar, where I immersed myself in the soulful rhythms of Japanese jazz artists. It was a laid-back yet exhilarating experience that left me craving more – luckily, Dominic Miller's upcoming performance promises to satisfy that craving!
February also brought enriching professional experiences, like the Women in Law Japan (WILJ) event with the Tokyo Bar Association, where I gleaned invaluable insights into Japan's legal landscape. Meeting a LinkedIn contact in person was an unexpected highlight, emphasising the importance of nurturing real-life connections in our digital age.
In addition to all the excitement, at the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo, I had the pleasure of mingling with rugby players from New Zealand, representing the Chiefs and Blues teams. Despite always feeling tall in Japan, standing next to these towering athletes made me feel positively petite! Engaging in banter about rugby and swapping stories about their experiences in Japan was a highlight, reminding me of the universal language of sports and the camaraderie it fosters. It was a moment of connection and shared passion that left a lasting impression and moved my mojo to the upper limits!
During my fabulous quick trip to Osaka and Kyoto, I had the opportunity to head to the “Borderless” studio, to record as a guest on the "Unpacking Japan Podcast," set to be released in March. Back in my old stomping ground of Osaka, I found myself delving into discussions about Japan's legal system, offering insights on navigating legal matters and balancing jurisdictional laws. Amidst the bustling conversations, I made sure to soak in the tranquil ambiance of the Noku Hotel in Kyoto and surrounded by the timeless beauty of this ancient city, I seized the chance to visit the majestic Golden Temple (Kinkakuji), a serene power spot that left me feeling rejuvenated. Serendipitously, I even encountered a friend from Tokyo during my visit – talk about incredible timing! It had been nine years since my last trip to Kyoto, yet the experience felt refreshingly new and invigorating.
On another note, I'm thrilled to share that I've been appointed as a CriticalEye Board Mentor, joining an elite group of professionals dedicated to guiding CEOs through the intricate dynamics of the boardroom. As one of only three board mentors in Japan, I'm eager to leverage my expertise and insights to empower CEOs across the country to excel in their leadership roles. It's an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the success of Japan's business landscape in the boardroom.
On the podcasting front, February was a whirlwind of activity. From guesting on David Sweet's Focus Core podcast to releasing two captivating episodes of the Lawyer on Air Podcast, featuring inspiring conversations with legal luminaries Yuka Yamada who has a law firm role on a “reverse secondment” from her in house legal role, and Vivien Clancy who has lead an inspiring career so far and landed in her sweet spot of Legal Operations.
Your support means the world to me, so don't forget to leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts – your words can inspire others to tune in, and share with their friends!
And let's not overlook the Jandals in Japan Podcast, where my co-host Jayne Nakata and I delved into fascinating topics like technology collaborations between Japan and New Zealand with Pam Ford, and the art of recruitment for successful hires in Japan with Kerry Ellis.
With so much engaging content, you won't want to miss an episode – so hit that subscribe button now!
And finally…
As I prepare to celebrate the third anniversary of the Lawyer on Air Podcast on 8 March 2024, I'm reminded of the importance of celebrating life's victories, big and small.
Let's make March a month of jubilation, finding joy in every moment and raising a glass to life's little triumphs.
After all, why wait for milestones when every day is cause for celebration?
Stay tuned for more highlights and photos from my fabulous soirée in the March Blog – until then, keep shining bright and making every moment count!
See you next month!
Catherine