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I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and for those still celebrating, warm wishes from me to you. For everyone else, may this holiday season bring peace, reflection, and a little extra sweetness. The days after Christmas always feel like a quiet pause, a chance to look back on what I’ve learned and look forward to what’s next. As we head into the final week of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on some events that capture the essence of what I do and why it matters. One blog posts explores what it means to become a U.S.-Japan Council Leader and the responsibility of building bridges between nations. Leadership in a global context isn’t just about titles or roles: it’s about trust, dialogue, and the courage to create spaces where collaboration thrives. These bridges aren’t built overnight; they require patience, cultural understanding, and a willingness to listen deeply. Another post takes on the so-called “Christmas Cake” myth: the outdated idea that women have an expiration date for marriage or career milestones. Thankfully, this stereotype is fading, but the conversation about timelines and expectations is far from over. It’s also important to keep things equal and I’ll write about that soon: Japanese men also face enormous pressures at work, often sacrificing personal milestones for professional obligations. Equality means acknowledging challenges on both sides and striving for healthier norms that allow everyone to thrive, at work and in life. And then there’s a lighter reflection on sweet moments with yokan, a traditional Japanese confection that reminds me how small cultural experiences can spark big conversations about heritage and identity. Sometimes, it’s these simple pleasures that connect us most deeply to the values we carry forward. As I wrap up this year, I’m looking forward to the last week of 2025 with gratitude and anticipation. Thank you for being part of this journey with me, your engagement and curiosity make these conversations meaningful. Warmly, Saskia PS: Maplopo’s 70% discount on their Verb Masterclass program is about to end, check out the link below!
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