In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, I welcome Hendrik, a friend and professional contact since 2019, to discuss talents and strengths. We reconnect after several years and reflect on how their collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial for Jennifer's business survival. Hendrik shares his experience working at Manulife Japan, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and the positive energy at the Indonesian Pavilion Expo. We delve into Hendrik's journey to Japan, his struggles and learnings in a different culture, and his newfound passion for Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment. Hendrik highlights the importance of knowing one’s talents and leveraging them to live a fulfilled life, aligning this with the concept of Ikigai. We also discuss the potential pitfalls of overusing strengths and the paradigm shift required in corporate environments to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Hendrik discovered his passion and Ikigai through the CliftonStrengths assessment, including his journey from Indonesia to Japan and his unique experiences in the Japanese workplace
• The importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, and how a strengths-based approach differs from trying to fix weaknesses
• How leveraging individual strengths can boost workplace morale, enhance engagement, and improve overall quality of life
• Practical steps to uncover and use your hidden talents in daily life
• The crucial role that connections and community play in achieving professional success and finding purpose

Things mentioned in the episode:

CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/how-cliftonstrengths-works.aspx

32 CliftonStrengths team synergy sessions, 498 people over the last 2 years (Jan 2024 – Dec 2025)

About Hendrik:

Hendrik joined Manulife in January 2023 as Global Learning Partner, reporting into Asia Learning Lead and rolled up to Katherine MacNaughton`s organization. While sitting in the global team, Hendrik`s role is to build a learning culture in the Japan market. Hendrik ensures Japan programs are aligned with Manulife strategies & priorities while meeting the Japan market needs.

Prior to joining Manulife, Hendrik had similar roles and responsibilities in companies such as Philip Morris International and Bridgestone. Hendrik also performed an APAC regional role during his time in Bridgestone where he led regional talent management related projects covering 11 countries working in the Regional HQ of Bridgestone in Singapore. Hendrik`s background is in talent management and development areas.

Hendrik was awarded an MBA from Murdoch University in Singapore in 2018 and graduated with a Bachelor of Business from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

Outside of work, Hendrik is a father of 2 daughters.

Connect with Hendrik:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-kwee-2512474b/

Contact: https://www.gallup.com/learning/certification/en/10644108/profile.aspx

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In:

In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Greg Story, discussing a variety of topics from his personal experiences and insights. They delve into Dr. Story's transformative journey from overcoming a challenging childhood and academic setbacks to achieving success in Japan. The conversation also touches on the significance of living an intentional life, the profound impact of near-death experiences, and the importance of adapting to technological advancements like AI. Dr. Story emphasizes generosity, discipline, and the value of helping others in personal and professional growth.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Dr. Greg Story's mindset shift from fear to potentiality.
• Insights on how AI can enhance our personal and professional lives.
• The importance of leading an intentional life and fostering community.
• The influence of karate in developing discipline and confidence.
• Greg's transformation from an underconfident student to a PhD holder and leader.
• Strategies for fostering empathy and understanding in leadership.

About Greg

Dr. Greg Story is the President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan. He holds a Ph.D. in Japanese organisational decision-making and is a 40-year veteran of Japan with broad business leadership experience, having served as Country Head of four organisations in Japan.

He launched a start-up in Nagoya and completed major turnarounds in both Osaka and Tokyo for Austrade. In 2001, he was promoted to Minister Commercial in the Australian Embassy and became the Country Head for Austrade. In 2003, he joined Shinsei’s Retail Bank, a unique mix

of start-up and turnaround, where he managed 550 staff in the Platinum Banking Division—responsible for two-thirds of the bank’s revenue—eventually becoming Joint CEO of the Retail Bank. In 2007, he was appointed Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan.

Since 2010, Dr. Story has led Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training Japan as President. He is a Master Trainer, an international award-winning Sales Leader, and the author of eight books including Japan Sales Mastery, Japan Business Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, and Japan Leadership Mastery.

Beyond his corporate career, Dr. Story is an Adjunct Professor in the International Business Faculty at Griffith University. He is also a 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate and applies martial arts philosophies and strategies to leadership and business.

Things mentioned in the episode

Greg doing Unshu in 1987

Interview video with Lance Lee

Dale Carnegie Tokyo Website

Dr. Greg Story’s author page on Amazon

Dr. Greg Story’s podcast page on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Greg

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

Connect with Jennifer

LinkedIn:

Season 4 is here! In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer is joined by Joe Pournovin, a community builder and educator, to explore his incredible journey from Manchester to Japan and the creation of the Yamathon event.

Joe shares his experiences with resilience, persistence, and imposter syndrome, and discusses the importance of passion in driving sustainable community impact. He highlights the challenges and triumphs of organizing the annual Yamathon walk in Tokyo, which has grown significantly over the years.

The conversation underscores the power of volunteerism, the beauty of human connections, and the importance of finding one's own Ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The origins and evolution of the Tokyo Yamathon
• Joe's journey to Japan and finding purpose
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity
• The value of community and volunteering
• Strategies for finding your purpose and making an impact

About Joe Pournovin

Joe Pournovin is a community builder, educator, and the founder of Tokyo Yamathon—an annual impact walk that brings together thousands of people to explore Tokyo and raise funds for local NPOs. Based in Tokyo, Joe is passionate about creating meaningful connections between people, purpose, and place. He also leads partnership development at Laurus International School of Science, where he helps bridge education and real-world impact.

He’s also a fellow Northerner also from the Manchester area and a North Easterner Tokyoite.

Connect with Joe Pournovin

Tokyo Yamathon

Website: https://www.tokyo-yamathon.com

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tokyo-yamathon

IVG Japan

Website: https://www.ivgjapan.org

Connect with Jennifer

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

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

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Things mentioned in the episode:

The FooTNiK: https://footnik.com/

Outrun Cancer: