In this episode of The Transformations with Jayne Podcast, I welcome guest Raven Takahashi to discuss their life in Japan and being "neurospicy".

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including why performance reviews are nonsensical, the impact of societal expectations and the importance of being true to yourself.

Raven shares some interesting stories about being labeled confrontational from a young age.

Raven and I also the importance of not being an 'ass'—to others or oneself. Tune in for an insightful discussion about navigating professional and personal life in Japan.

I'm brining you my latest life lessons, while it's still fresh in my mind. I initially thought that this kind of episode would not be "useful", until a friend reached out to tell me that listening to my last episode gave her the push to get out of the winter holiday gym funk and she'd gone back for her first work out. THIS is why I take the time to podcast. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me on these episodes and how they have helped you. It really means a lot!

This episode I riffing on uncovering an assumption I have had about myself that I found to be no longer "true", how I discovered the "relaxing gym visit" and "fixed scheduling" have been winning strategies so far. Listen to hear the challenge I set for you, too!

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast

00:58 Reflecting on the Last Episode

01:10 The Power of Starting Again

01:58 Pairing Habits for Success

03:12 Questioning Assumptions

04:09 Challenging Exercise Assumptions

08:13 Discovering a Relaxing Gym Routine

14:28 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Hi! We are back!

I'm making my "triumphant "return after a lengthy hiatus...I know the cliché of starting in January is not lost on me! But I'm also like - so what cliché! I'm going to do my thing.

We're kicking off the new year talking about restarting the podcast and my personal fitness goals.

I candidly discuss:

• the challenges of consistency,
• the importance of outer accountability, and my past struggles with gym attendance
• an eye-opening visit to a gym I first joined 20 years ago
• the power of just showing up, despite past failures

Tune in for a heartfelt and motivating story about transformation and resilience.

00:00 Welcome Back to Transformations with Jayne

00:43 New Year, New Beginnings

02:05 Fitness Journey and Accountability

05:17 Gym Hunting Adventures

12:27 Overcoming Mental Blocks

14:07 Embracing New Opportunities

16:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Jayne chats with Jacqui Miyabayashi about the intensive nature of afterschool activities, or 'Naraigoto,' in Japan and how to be more successful as a foreign parent.

Jacqui and Jayne share their experiences with their children's involvement in activities like swimming, baseball, volleyball and violin, discussing the challenges, costs, and the importance of choosing the right coach.

You'll hear practical aspects of supporting a young athlete, including managing schedules, providing nutrition, coping with injuries, and navigating team dynamics. Both Jayne and Jacqui offer insights and tips for parents navigating this journey, emphasising the importance of organisation, involvement, and supporting children's passions.

Jacqui mentions:

Kazoku Wallet: https://www.smbc-card.com/prepaid/kazokunoosaifu/index.jsp

Coke ON: https://c.cocacola.co.jp/app/wallet/

In this enlightening episode of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, guest host Brittany Arthur takes the reins to delve into the complexities of navigating public education in Japan, particularly for foreign mothers. Jayne, usually the host, steps into the guest role to share her experience as a foreign mum guiding her children through the Japanese school system. From kindergarten selection strategies to the financial and emotional investments of compulsory education, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent facing the challenges and opportunities of raising bilingual and bicultural children in Japan. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical tips that will empower you to make informed decisions for your family's educational journey!

Was this episode useful? We'd love to hear from you and your insights from your part of Japan. You can find us on Instagram @transformationswithjayne and @_brittanyarthur

In our latest episode, Jo and Jayne provide an end-of-year check-in for 2023. They discuss their personal transformations, from Jayne's newfound love for baseball and her refreshing "inner old lady" approach to life, to Jo's pursuit of her artistic passions and the importance of balancing work and leisure.

We talk about:

The health challenges that Jayne overcame in 2023, are going to mean 2024 is much better!

Jo's awesome triumphs with her art!

Work styles and how we are owning our "obaachan" power more and more

See you in 2024!

Kumiko Nakajima Ekstedt and I are discussing the differences between life in Japan and Sweden where Kumiko has lived for more than 14 years. I am interested to learn more about where in the world women have the best life and are able to live the life they want, be a mother if they want, have a career if they want. Full disclosure, I was having a very difficult time when I recorded this episode. My perimenopause symptoms were really giving me trouble and I may have gotten quite passionate about the summer holiday tooth brushing calendar. 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Kumiko, @transformationswithjayne and @kummy_in_sweden.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Kumiko shares her time between Japan and Sweden with her sons
• Some of the things that she found surprising even as a Japanese person when putting her sons into Japanese elementary school
• Some of the differences between Sweden and Japan that support women to have an independent life whatever their circumstances
• Jayne gets very passionate about summer holiday homework

About Kumiko

Kumiko is dedicated to a passion for empowering women and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Originally from Japan, Kumiko has been living in Sweden for the past 14 years, where she has built a life with her Swedish husband and two boys. Currently, she serves as a valued member of the management team in a sales organization.

Kumiko's mission is to support women in Japan by sharing her experiences and insights gained from living in Sweden. She believes that exchanging perspectives can bring about positive change and inspire women to pursue their goals and aspirations. Kumiko's deep understanding of both Japanese and Swedish cultures allows her to bridge the gap between the two, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.

Connect with Kumiko:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kummy_in_sweden/

Helen Iwata, the Less Effort More Impact Coach, is back on the show after five years! Helen has done quite a few transformations herself since 2018, and I can’t wait for you to hear how she is helping international and Japanese women in Japan to have more ease and joy in their lives. Now that is something we all want!! 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Helen has transformed since she was on TWJ 5 years ago
• Some of the top things that Helen sees in the women who come to her for coaching 
• Jayne overcomes not one but three interruptions 
• The #LessEffortMoreImpact movement and how it’s already helping both Japanese and international women 

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me and Helen, @transformationswithjayne and @heleniwata or send us a message here.

About Helen

Helen is the founder of The #LessEffortMoreImpact Movement for Women in Business. 

Born in the UK, she's an award-winning, bilingual coach with a 3-decade career in Tokyo, including 10 years with McKinsey & Company.

She has helped thousands of business professionals in Japan and beyond to see new perspectives and possibilities and discover how to make meaningful changes in their work results and relationships, confidence and communication, health and happiness - to do brilliant work without sacrificing their personal lives.

Helen is the author of Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu (英語の仕事術), published by Shogakukan, a Nikkei Woman Smart columnist, host of the Sasuga! Podcast, a karate world champion, wife, and mother.

Connect with Helen:

Website: sasugacommunications.com/movement

https://sasugacommunications.com/ 

Links: 

Episode 15 with Helen Iwata https://transformationswithjayne.captivate.fm/episode/episode-15-an-interview-with-helen-iwata- 

Connect with Jayne:

PodLaunch with Jayne: https://www.jaynenakata.com/podcastconsulting