Last week, I was able to join the Japan-Texas Economic Summit #JTES in Arlington, Texas thanks to the sponsorship and support of the US Japan Council. I want to start there, because access matters, and I do not take lightly the fact that I was invited into this space not as a speaker or sponsor, but simply as a participant who was trusted to show up, listen, and engage.

There was a lot of substantive content at JTES, and I will post about the technical and policy related insights next week. For this Mindful Monday, I want to focus on what stayed with me on a much more personal level.

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When two people you deeply respect, Glen S. Fukushima and Jackie Funasaki, nominate you for something, you pause. Titles and invitation-only honors have never been my thing. But this one? It means something.

Glen is not only one of the founders of the US‑Japan Council but a lifelong advocate for U.S.-Japan relations, a former trade negotiator, and someone whose leadership has shaped policy and business across the Pacific. Jackie is a powerhouse in the East Bay, a connector who brings people together with purpose and energy. She’s the kind of person who knows everyone, remembers what matters to them, and makes introductions that change lives. Her ability to build community is a masterclass in generosity and intention. Their confidence in me means more than any title ever could.Click below to read more!