Day 5 in Tokyo: reconnecting across the city
Day 5 turned into a wonderful tour through my Tokyo network, with each meeting tied to a different part of my journey in Japan. I started the morning with Joe Pournovin in Mita, then headed to lunch with Gaz Monteath, followed by my very first visit to the Foreign Correspondents Club for coffee with Gary Bremerman. I wrapped up the day with another first, a visit to the Tokyo American Club to see Michael Case. It felt like revisiting all the paths that have shaped my work, friendships, and sense of belonging in Tokyo.
The morning began in Mita with Joe Pournovin from Yamathon. Joe started the Yamathon in 2010 as a small charity challenge looping around the Yamanote Line. Over time it has grown into a major Tokyo community event, raising money for important causes and connecting people who love the city. I did a half Yamathon with my Deloitte team in 2016 and it remains one of my favorite team experiences. Talking with Joe today brought back the atmosphere of that day and reminded me how powerful community efforts can be.
Next was lunch with Gaz Monteath, who now works at Cross Border Learning. We had so much to discuss. Japan is evolving in interesting ways, yet the need for leadership development and global talent growth remains as strong as ever. It is something both of us care deeply about, and hearing how Gaz supports organizations in building these competencies was energizing. The conversation felt especially meaningful because we met in the neighborhood where I did my post MBA internship, the experience that ultimately set me on the path to Japan Consulting Office.
In the afternoon I visited the Foreign Correspondents Club for the first time and met Gary Bremerman for coffee. Gary was someone who gave me a boost of confidence during my post MBA job search, especially during a memorable walk around the Imperial Palace. Today we talked about his work with Happy Mondays and his kaizen-based platform that helps people improve their negotiation skills at work. It is exactly the kind of practical, grounded support many professionals wish they had earlier in their careers.
The day ended with my first visit to the Tokyo American Club in Azabu to meet Michael Case. We reminisced about meeting at GLOBIS, reconnecting again in San Francisco, and now finding ourselves catching up once more in Tokyo. Michael is doing impressive work at Josy’s, and the company received an innovation prize at Stanford last summer. It was inspiring to hear how the organization has continued to grow and innovate.
As you can see I also met someone famous at the Tokyo American Club’s 007 themed night. A perfect bit of lightheartedness to finish a full and meaningful day. Another memorable day in Tokyo, a reminder of how these connections continue to shape my work and my love for this city.
