In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Cory McGowan, Japan's coach for adventurous leaders, during his second appearance on the show. The conversation covers Cory's expertise in leadership coaching, navigating complex business problems, and the unique integration of outdoor activities in his coaching practice. Cory shares his journey from teaching and recruiting to becoming a director at KidZania Tokyo, running an outdoor adventure company, and ultimately founding his own coaching practice. They discuss the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and being at the development edge in leadership. Additional topics include the challenges and nuances of selecting a coach, the impact of retreats on team dynamics, and the entrepreneurial aspects of running a coaching business.

In this episode you will hear:

• The Concept of Adventure Mondays
• The Role of Nature in Coaching
• Selecting the Right Coach
• Coaching in Japan vs. Overseas
• The Role of a Coach

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About Cory:

Cory's the Japan's coach for adventurous leaders. He works with executives and leadership teams navigating transition, cultural complexities and bold visions based in the mountains of Japan.

Cory combines deep coaching expertise with a spirit of exploration, whether he is guiding leaders through strategic crossroads, facilitating team transformations or leading motorcycle tours through the mountains of Minakami. Through his company Adventure Partner, he invites leaders to step beyond comfort and into growth.

Starting with a wilderness retreat and continuing through a year of transformative coaching. Cory's clients span industries and cultures, but share a common thread. They're ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and connection.

Connect with Cory:

Website: https://www.adventure-partner.net/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/coryadventurepartner/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-mcgowan-328b2b5/?originalSubdomain=jp

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Menya Hinga, a certified health coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. The discussion revolves around the challenges high-performing professionals face in maintaining their health while balancing work and personal life. Menya shares his personal journey from aspiring lawyer to health coach, emphasizing the importance of sleep, nutrition, fitness, and stress management. He also discusses his approach to sustainable habit formation and offers practical tips for achieving long-term health and fitness goals.

In this episode you will hear:

• Menya’s journey into Health and Fitness
• Importance of the Big Four: Food, Fitness, Sleep, and Stress
• Why sleep and nutrition are often neglected by busy professionals
• The role of stress management in achieving overall well-being
• Impacting Lives Through Fitness

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

About Menya:

Menya Hinga is a Tokyo-based health coach who helps busy professionals simplify fitness. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s spent over 13 years helping people get stronger, leaner, and feel better in their bodies. He is the founder of MH Health Coaching and co-founder of SOGO Fitness. He is also a  level one certified functional strength coach, a level one certified nutrition coach, a certified personal trainer. Menya blends practical strategies with proven systems to help clients build habits that last. When he’s not coaching, he’s reading, playing piano, or getting a workout in by chasing his four kids around the house.

Connect with Menya:

Website: https://www.menyahinga.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

In this episode of the Focus podcast, host David Sweet interviews Loïc Pecondon-Lacroix, an accomplished finance-driven leader with experience in B2B industries across China, Japan, and Germany. Loïc, currently the President and Representative director of a ABB group in Tokyo, Japan, shares his thoughts on leadership, business transformation, and the cultural nuances of working in Japan. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience, shared vision, and flexibility in driving organizational change. Loïc also touches upon digital transformation, ESG investments, managing up, and the future of leadership. Throughout the episode, Loïc's engaging personal motto and experiences highlight his commitment to learning, development, and effective team management.

The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide

In this episode you will hear:

• Key strategies for leadership in cross-cultural contexts
• Lessons in digital transformation and crisis management
• The hidden impacts of ESG initiatives in the corporate world
• How courage is pivotal in executing ambitious changes
• Loïc’s unique motto and career philosophy

About Loïc:

Loïc is an accomplished finance-driven leader with extensive experience in industrial B2B business across China, Japan and Germany. A Frenchman in Tokyo, Japan, he recently joined the ABB group as President and Representative Director. Loïc’s career has developed with 3 core competencies: Strategy, Value Creation, and Governance. An apprentice leader, he is eager to continue to learn, develop and ensure knowledge is shared among teams and peers.

Known for his high energy, strong communication skills, and ability to lead and motivate teams, Loïc excels in crisis management, digital transformation, and key relationship building.

His motto: “I live and work in a tango of passion and reason, with the tenacious conviction and the discrete ambition to contribute.”

Connect with Loïc:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/loicpl/

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/

“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about salaries, the job market, hiring and what's important to both companies and individuals looking for a job specifically in Japan.

2025 Salary Guide