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This week's posts explored three connected ideas: the joy of anticipation, the importance of meaningful work, and Japan's talent for turning the familiar into something unexpected. Whether reflecting on upcoming travel, workplace engagement, or a seasonal Starbucks creation, each topic highlighted the value of staying curious and appreciating what surrounds us. On Monday, I wrote about the quiet joy of having something to look forward to. As I prepare for a return trip to Japan, I'm excited to reconnect with friends, attend the GLOBIS International Alumni Reunion and US-Japan Council Member Days, and work on a new HR project. The experience reminded me that while mindfulness encourages us to be present, anticipation can also be a powerful source of gratitude and optimism. Sometimes the journey begins long before the flight takes off. On Wednesday, I explored the concept of "rust-out," sometimes called "boreout," which occurs when employees are underutilized rather than overworked. In Japan's labor-shortage environment, this raises an important question: are organizations making the best use of the talent they already have? Too many skilled professionals spend their days on repetitive administrative tasks rather than applying their expertise and creativity. This is where AI has exciting potential. By reducing low-value work, AI can help employees focus on activities that require judgment, problem-solving, and relationship-building. For Japan, workforce amplification may be just as important as workforce expansion. For Fun Friday, I took a lighter look at Starbucks Japan's new Pumpkin Soupuccino. Although I've never had the chance to try it, the concept immediately struck me as uniquely Japanese. One thing I always appreciated while living in Japan was the creativity surrounding seasonal products. Rather than stopping at a pumpkin-flavored latte, someone decided to create something that sits somewhere between a soup and a café drink. Whether it becomes a lasting favorite or simply this year's novelty, it perfectly captures Japan's ability to reinvent familiar traditions in surprising ways. Looking back on the week, a common theme emerges: making better use of what's already in front of us. Anticipation allows us to enjoy future experiences before they arrive. Organizations can unlock greater value by helping employees use more of their talents. And creativity often comes from seeing familiar things through a different lens. Sometimes the most interesting opportunities are not found in something entirely new, but in discovering new possibilities within what already exists. Thank you, as always, for reading. Warmly, Saskia
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