Goodbye, October!

This month whisked me downunder to vibrant Melbourne, Australia. It was a short but memorable trip, packed with flat whites, exquisite Aussie Shiraz and Chardonnay, and quality time with colleagues. I finally got my hands on an Australian Women's Weekly magazine - courtesy of my dear friend - and it was a thrill to see my own article within those glossy pages!

Here’s the October 2024 Highlight Reel:

1. Overseas Adventures: First Australia Visit Since 2018 🌏

October’s whirlwind trip to Melbourne was brief - 48 hours on the ground - but filled with enough experiences for a week! I flew Qantas, testing out their PJs, sampling their delicious wines, and enjoying incredible service. My main event? The Toyota All Women’s Conference under the empowering theme THRIVE. I was surrounded by inspiring leaders committed to supporting women as they excel in their careers and personal lives.

And a big thank you to Tarns, my hero, for bringing me a mini-stash of Australian Women's Weekly magazines with my September article featured! Seeing it in print felt surreal; a tangible reminder of the journey. Soon, I’ll have it framed and up on my wall, six pages and all! I shared my thoughts about it on LinkedIn, so if you’re curious, you can check it out  🔗here. 

2. Jandals in Japan Podcast: Kiwi Success in Japan!

October on Jandals in Japan was exciting with stories of business success in Japan. Here’s a highlight:

🔗Episode 58: Off the Bike Onto the Mic

Listen to Jay Wilson, a motocross and supercross rider, recount how his passion led him to Japan, winning a world championship at age 14 and navigating challenges to achieve professional success. The episode touches on his pivotal COVID-19 moment that led to a life-changing partnership with Yamaha.

Have you subscribed yet? New episodes drop twice a month, filled with Kiwi business journeys. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here

3. Lawyer on Air Podcast: Sip, Listen & Be Inspired 🍷

Imagine yourself at my favourite Tokyo wine bar, virtually sipping and listening to inspiring stories from trailblazing women lawyers in Japan. Lawyer on Air is all about those authentic voices. Here’s what October brought:

🔗Season 8 Episode 9: Creating Your Path with Authenticity
General counsel and board member Aki Shimada shares her insights on authenticity and the power of bringing passion to work.

🔗Season 8 Episode 10: Advocacy in Family Law and Gender Violence
Yumi Itakura courageously discusses the challenges of family law and her empowering advocacy against gender violence.

4. AJBCC Women in Business Networking & ANZCCJ’s Welcome to Japan 🇦🇺🇯🇵

October was bustling with events celebrating Aussie connections! I joined the AJBCC Women in Business Networking at a charming craft beer house, meeting both new faces and LinkedIn connections who said, “I know you!” There was even a bit of “Chinese whispers” about my podcast, which some have started calling a “radio show”- does YouTube count as radio (asking for a friend)? 😄

A big welcome to the AJBCC group, treated to a warm reception with wine and door prizes at Shibuya’s Trunk Hotel. 🥂🌟

5. Rugby, Rugby, and More Rugby 🏉

Rugby fever continued in Japan this month! I had the privilege to attend the All Blacks’ private training session with Panasonic Wild Knights in Kumagaya. Though photos were off-limits, I captured the moment with memories (and my pink training jersey from last year).

The month closed with a VIP experience at the All Blacks vs. Brave Blossoms match on October 28, complete with a Conrad Hotel after-match function and the unforgettable chance to meet legends, including the new All Blacks coach, “Razor” . Check out the photos to see how many celebrities you can spot!

8. Tech & Art at the Sumida EXPO 🎨💻

A memorable day out included the CEATEC Tech Towards Society 5.0 Tech Expo where I explored Fujitsu’s AI, analysing my movements with AI against a Noh drama actor. Sony’s health tech detected my “stress” level - perhaps I need more practice in my Noh moves?

I wrapped up with the Sumida Expo, celebrating my friend Jennifer Shinkai’s art exhibit. Jennifer, an amazing executive coach, showcased her creativity, even selling a few pieces. Well done, Jen!

9. LLAN Gala 2024: Halloween Highlights 🎃

The LLAN Gala is on Halloween this year, promising to be a memorable event. Stay tuned for a full recap in November’s blog!

Closing thoughts … 

Meeting my longtime inspiration, Olga V. Mack, here in Tokyo was nothing short of remarkable. Olga has been a constant source of insights and motivation in my life, long before I stepped into my first board role. Her famous yellow notepad, “Notes to My (Legal) Self”, and her empowering book, “Get on Board”, both pushed me to envision the possibilities in my own career. She’s been a virtual mentor, instilling confidence in me to imagine new heights and turn them into reality.

Having Olga featured on my Lawyer on Air podcast felt like a full-circle moment. Her words resonated deeply with the Women in Law Japan (WILJ) community, inspiring each of us to believe in our power to make change. Seeing how she combines creativity, advocacy, and authenticity was a reminder of the “beautiful chaos” that mentors can bring into our orbits, shifting our perspectives and widening our horizons. She has a way of making ambition feel expansive and personal, a perspective that has been truly influential to me.

Meeting her in person, hearing her speak, and sharing our stories reignited a passion and curiosity within me that I’m carrying into 2025. She reminded me that imagination and audacity must be at the heart of our work, our dreams, and our goals. As I look forward, I feel this fresh sense of purpose, knowing that mentors like Olga have helped pave the way and that their influence is a gift to be carried forward.

So who’s your Olga?

Reflecting on the impact of mentors and icons can be powerful, especially as we close out one year and envision what’s to come. Hurrah to all of us for dreaming bigger and reaching higher - thanks to the nudges from unforgettable influences who remind us of our potential.

See you next month!

Catherine