Catherine’s Monthly Wrap Up - May 2024
Welcome to the MAY edition of my blog!
If you've never been to Japan, May is the perfect time to visit. After the frenzy of the cherry blossom season, the city transforms into a lush, green garden, a refreshing change from its usual urban landscape. As I write this, we've hit June, and I’m secretly looking forward to the rainy season (I love a good rainfall) and the blooming of hydrangeas. They’re my favourite flowers in Japan, especially as they fill temples and neighbourhoods with beautiful hues of white, pink, blue, and purple. But more on June next month—let’s focus on May!
A Tale of Two Cities: New Zealand and Japan
I split my month between the autumn beauty of New Zealand and the spring charm of Japan. Returning to Christchurch after a long time, I was sad to leave Tokyo's lovely May weather but thrilled to see Christchurch’s golden and red leaves in full splendour.
Highlights from May
Jandals in Japan Podcast with Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith
One of the most exciting moments this month was interviewing rugby stars Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith. We chatted about their experiences in Japan, from the cultural respect in Japanese sports to their personal journeys from small-town New Zealand to the international rugby stage. Don’t miss this unique blend of sports, culture, and heartfelt stories!
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
How Beauden and Aaron became international rugby players in Japan
Differences between life in Tokyo and Nagoya for a rugby lifestyle
Advice from their mums and nanas, and their tips for Kiwis considering Japan
Their secret talents, favourite conbini treats, and preferred “nihongo”
🔗 Listen on your earbuds
🔗 Watch on YouTube
Cafe Miro in Christchurt
Revisiting Cafe Miro in Christchurch was a nostalgic delight. Once known as Cafe Roma, it’s a historic spot that has been revamped post-2011 earthquake. I enjoyed catching up with rugby player Andy Ellis over some flat whites by the fireside.
Dinner with Lawyer on Air in Tokyo
Catching up with past guests of my Lawyer on Air Podcast was a highlight. Anitha and Hiromi joined me at the Grand Hyatt Roppongi for an afternoon tea featuring blue jelly and blue cups of tea. While the colour was more appealing than the flavour, the company and conversation were fantastic.Global Women 2024 Members Hui in Waitangi
The 2024 Annual Members Hui at Waitangi was a transformative experience. The year 2040 will mark 200 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi, and nearly 150 years since women were given the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand—the first self-governing country to grant women this right. Waitangi, a place rich in history, was the perfect setting to host this year's Hui.I was honoured to speak on a panel discussing "Beyond Borders Local and Global Voices: In Pursuit of Gender Equality." This session brought together diverse voices from various industries to explore different perspectives and strategies for achieving gender equality. The aim was to foster discussions and generate actionable insights for advancing gender equality at home and abroad.
Along with me, my fellow panel members were:
Amanda Ellis, Moderator, Executive Director Hawaii/Asia Pacific for philanthropist Julie Ann Wrigley’s ASU Global Institute Of Sustainability and Innovation
Caroline Rainsford, Country Director for Google NZ
Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki (CE) of Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR)
Michele Embling, a full-time non-executive director, with current roles including the External Reporting Board – XRB (Chair), Toitū Tahua – The Centre for Sustainable Finance, Transpower, AIA, IAG, and the Australian Financial Reporting Council
The Hui was more than just a meeting—it was a magnificent experience that has shaped me, inviting me to see myself effectively for the first time, in the context of the Treaty. It challenged me to consider the knowledge, commitment, insight and aspirations in how I can bring the Treaty to life in my everyday work, my personal attitudes, and my contributions to community and nationhood outcomes in New Zealand and in Japan.
I thought I was “going to Waitangi,” but I discovered one “leaves from Waitangi.” With an impassioned spirit, leaving Waitangi, I felt invigorated to pursue my global obligations as a woman leader, realising the power of my words in inspiring change. I also recognized the profound impact one can have on an audience of changemakers and how speaking to them can reflect back and inspire oneself. This experience has motivated me to consider how I can contribute to community and nationhood outcomes both in New Zealand and Japan.
Celebrating
Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Membership
I am thrilled to announce that I have joined the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry! I'm honoured to be the first foreign female to join the Japan New Zealand Business Council Committee on the Japan side. I hope to help the Committee and TCCI strengthen the bonds between the two countries. My goal is to assist SMEs in Tokyo—comprising as much as 95% of Japanese businesses—in understanding the benefits of working with foreigners, empowering women into management and leadership roles, and enhancing their knowledge of the rule of law and corporate governance. Link here to a photo of me with the TCCI senior officers when then Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern visited Japan
Certified Executive Coach Achievement
I've recently earned my Certified Executive Coach certificate from Symbiosis Coaching. This is a significant milestone in my journey toward becoming a more effective and supportive executive coach for CEOs, women in law, and male allies. While this certificate marks the completion of a course, it's just the beginning of a lifelong learning and growth process in the field of executive coaching. I look forward to applying the core coaching competencies I've gained and continuing to develop my skills to better serve and support others in their professional journeys.
Lawyer on Air Podcast: May Episode
Due to travelling, we released just one episode in May but it was a highly captivating episode with Hiroko Miyazaki, former Managing Director at 3M Japan. Hiroko's journey from part-time assistant to industry leader is a testament to resilience and a growth mindset.Tune in to hear about:
Overcoming failure
Prioritising tasks
The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership
Pour yourself a glass of sake—Hiroko’s favourite—and join us for an inspiring conversation.
And finally …
…a personal touch: Here’s a photo of me and my mum. At nearly 91, she’s mentally sharp and in good spirits. I cherished the extra week spent with her before the Hui, listening to her stories and creating memories. Our family WhatsApp group keeps us connected, and I treasure our daily chats. How many near-91-year-olds do you know who can use an iPhone and do WhatsApp chats? These moments remind me of the importance of family and the legacy we carry forward. Every story she shares is a piece of my history, and I’m grateful for the time we have together.
See you next month!
Catherine