💫 New Year, New Possibilities: Kicking Off 2025 with Intention! 💫

And just like that, January is a wrap! 🎬 What a month it’s been! Fresh starts, new connections, fascinating conversations, and a reminder that Japan always finds a way to surprise me (cue my driver’s license renewal experience!), all setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

With REIMAGINE as my guiding anchor word for 2025, I’ve been leaning into fresh perspectives, shaking up routines, and saying yes to big ideas that are a bit scary.

From engaging industry events to thought-provoking podcast conversations, January has been all about expanding revisioning my perspectives and stepping into new opportunities.

Here’s a snapshot of what shaped my January ⬇️

Ringing in the New Year with ACCJ, ANZCCJ & Tokyo’s Best and Brightest

Kicking off the year with 330 professionals at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) New Year’s Party at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo was networking at its finest. The week before I was at the same hotel but with the ANZCCJ for their Shinnenkai (New Year’s Party). Events like these are a great reminder of the power of being in the room—meeting people, exchanging ideas, and building relationships that might spark something unexpected down the track. That’s what happened to me in 2024 when a meeting at one of these parties led to me being on stage in front of 2500+ people. You can never underestimate the power of strategic and purposeful networking. More about this event here.

Old Meets New: The Great Driver’s License Renewal Adventure

Japan, you never fail to fascinate me! My driver’s license renewal turned into a deep dive into contrasts, some of the latest digital updates sitting right alongside relics from another era. It was a small but meaningful moment to appreciate how systems evolve while still holding onto legacy elements which is perhaps a reflection of Japan’s unique balance between tradition and innovation? Read more about my adventure here

Lawyer on Air: Conversations That Stay With You

This month on Lawyer on Air, I had the privilege of hosting two standout guests:

🎙 Emi Takeda (General Counsel, Accenture Japan):
A powerhouse leader balancing executive presence, leadership, and a passion for classical guitar and wine. A masterclass in owning your space in leadership.

🎙 Shinsuke Kaneko (Founder, Verse Law):
A story of reinvention, and fascinating journey from Big Law to startups to launching his own firm. Proof that the road less traveled can lead to some incredible destinations.

Both episodes underscored the importance of embracing career pivots and defining success on your own terms.

🎧 Missed the episodes? Catch up here: EMI TAKEDA | SHINSUKE KANEKO

My Word of the Year: #REIMAGINE

You may have missed my last blog in the hustle and bustle of the end of the year, but every year, I choose a guiding word; it is something that shapes my decisions, fuels my thinking, and reminds me to keep pushing forward. Past words - PLAY, EXPANSION, AUDACITY, BOLD, INTENTION - have helped me step outside my comfort zone.

This year, it’s REIMAGINE.

💡 Reimagine what’s possible.
💡 Reimagine how I show up.
💡 Reimagine what the next chapter looks like.
💡 Reimagine how I have done things up to now, and how I could do them with some tweaks!

This year’s word, REIMAGINE, is about seeing the world through the prism of possibilities.

It’s an invitation to challenge assumptions, embrace change, and craft new paths forward.

So far, it’s led to some fascinating conversations and fresh ideas and I’m only just getting started. More about my word of 2025 here

Women in Tech Policy: Finally Stepping Inside GRIPS!

Thanks to an invite from Microsoft Japan & Yoko Oshima, I joined a brilliant discussion on Women in Tech Policy at GRIPS (National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies).

The funny part? I lived near GRIPS for years and never once stepped inside. I move away… and then finally go inside! A good reminder that sometimes the things we need are right in front of us, we just need to walk through the door. 🚪

More here about the speakers who featured at the event.

PR in 2025: Playing by a Whole New Playbook

At an ACCJ event with Stephanie Roberts (Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems), I dug into how PR is evolving in a world of shrinking newsrooms, media overload, and the growing power of personal branding. I also explored how earned, owned, and paid media are converging in today’s fast-changing PR landscape.

One key takeaway? If you’re not building your own brand, someone else is telling your story for you. Time to take the reins!

Another key takeaway? Thought leadership and personal branding matter more than ever in a crowded digital space.

🎉 Hello, February—Let’s Celebrate! 🎉

January was a powerful start to the year, but February holds something extra special—it’s birthday month! 🎂🎈 A time for reflection, gratitude, and perhaps a little indulgence (champagne, anyone?).

Yes please! As is tradition, I’ll be raising a glass of sparkling champagne with friends and trying something new and exciting—an idea I’ll reveal in my next blog! 🍾✨
I’m looking forward to another month of meaningful conversations, fresh ideas, and celebrating life’s milestones. If you have a February birthday too, let’s toast to another year of growth and adventure! 🥂

 🚀 What’s one thing YOU’RE reimagining this year? Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to hear what’s sparking new ideas for you in 2025!

🥂 Here’s to champagne, fresh ideas, and making February one to remember!

 See you next month!

Catherine