Bridging Talks

Ep. 7 – Building a Knowledge Legacy: From Silicon Valley to AI with Kei Watanabe

🎤 Introduction In this episode, we connect with Kei Watanabe, Co-founder of Glasp, a San Francisco-based startup revolutionizing how we capture and share digital knowledge. Kei shares his journey from studying law in Japan to navigating the high-stakes tech ecosystem of Silicon Valley. We dive into the success of their YouTube Summary extension, which has reached millions of users, and the mission behind Glasp: preventing "knowledge isolation." Kei discusses unconventional growth strategies—from cold outreach on Slack to skipping major accelerators—and how the launch of ChatGPT served as a pivotal moment for their AI integration. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a tech enthusiast, Kei’s insights on staying true to a long-term mission are not to be missed. ⸻ 🎯 In This Episode: 00:01:19 - Introduction: Kei Watanabe, Co-founder of Glasp 00:01:42 - What is Glasp? Social Web Highlighting & YouTube Summary 00:03:02 - Career Journey: From Law in Japan to Business in Seattle 00:05:09 - The Genesis: How a Founder Book Club Led to Glasp 00:06:04 - The Vision: Preventing Knowledge Isolation 00:08:07 - Applying Product Management Experience to Startups 00:09:53 - Community Building: Slack, LinkedIn & Twitter Outreach 00:12:34 - Growth Hacks: Automation to Reach 5,000 Early Users 00:15:55 - Strategy: Why Glasp Declined Major Accelerators 00:20:19 - Scaling via SEO: Leveraging Medium and Backlinks 00:30:22 - The ChatGPT Pivot: Launching an AI Extension in 24 Hours 00:33:50 - Fundraising: Surviving the "Valley of Death" in the US 00:37:48 - Mission vs. Hype: Why Glasp Refused to Pivot Only to AI Summaries 00:54:31 - Founder Mindset: Avoiding Short-Term Competition 00:56:35 - Personal Growth: Why Habit beats Motivation 01:02:08 - Advice for Founders: Staying Loyal to Your Vision 01:04:06 - Final Thoughts & Connecting with Kei ⸻ 🌐 Guest Info: Kei Watanabe – Co-founder at Glasp YouTube Summary → https://glasp.co/youtube-summary [https://glasp.co/youtube-summary] Twitter/X → https://x.com/KeiWatanabe17 [https://x.com/KeiWatanabe17] Glasp Profile → https://glasp.co/kei [https://glasp.co/kei] ⸻ 📌 About Bridging Talks: Bridging Talks is a global business and technology podcast hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd. We explore entrepreneurship, AI, and cross-cultural communication between the UK, Japan, and beyond. 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast [https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast] 💼 LinkedIn: Bridging Connect [https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281] 🎧 Spotify: Bridging Talks [https://open.spotify.com/show/2v8G6Z0] 🍎 Apple: Bridging Talks [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367] 📺 YouTube: @BridgingTalks [https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks] 📩 Guest/Partner Inquiries: podcast@bridgingconnect.com [podcast@bridgingconnect.com] ⸻ 🎵 Music Disclaimer: Music by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to artists. #BridgingTalks #KeiWatanabe #Glasp #SiliconValley #AI #Startups #YouTubeSummary #Entrepreneurship #JapanToUS #FoundersJourney

Ep. 6 – Ramune: Empowering Foreign Founders, and Bridging Japan's Startup Ecosystems | Keisuke Goto

Bridging Talks: Keisuke Goto on Ramune, Empowering Foreign Founders, and Bridging Japan's Startup Ecosystems 🎤 Introduction In this episode, we connect with Keisuke Goto, Founder and CEO of Ramune Inc., a platform and community dedicated to empowering foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. Keisuke shares his journey from a Tokyo-based software project manager who moved to California for five years, to starting Ramune remotely to provide vital back-office support and digital insurance to the Japanese market. 🎯 In This Episode: * 00:00:00 - Introduction: Keisuke Goto, Founder & CEO of Ramune Inc. * 00:01:49 - Career Journey: From Tokyo Software Manager to California & Launching Ramune * 00:05:12 - Early Mistakes: Why Meeting Customers **in Person** is Crucial for an Online Business * 00:07:31 - Shifting Focus: Building a Global Community for **Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan** * 00:10:18 - Startup Vibes: Comparing **Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Kumamoto's Ecosystems** * 00:12:04 - New Project: Launching a **Digital Nomad Hub in Kumamoto** * 00:14:28 - The **Ramune Platform**: Back-Office Services, Mentoring, and Co-Building with Experts * 00:17:48 - International Market Comparison: Why Ramune's Service is Needed in Japan (Not the US) * 00:21:00** - Hobbies & Personal Growth: From Mountain Climbing to Learning Acting * 00:25:00 - Entrepreneur Motivation: The Importance of **Doing What You Love** * 00:28:07 - Advice for New Founders: The Crucial Need for a **Clear Vision** * 00:29:41 - The **Ramune Vision**: Broadening Japanese Society Through Global Entrepreneurship * 00:33:06 - Final Thoughts & The Meaning Behind the Name "**Ramune**" (Lemonade Stand) 🌐 Guest Info: * 👤 Keisuke Goto – Founder & CEO at Ramune Inc. * 🌐 Website → https://ramune.co.jp/ [https://ramune.co.jp/] * 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisuke-goto/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisuke-goto/] 📌 About Bridging Talks: Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based consultancy and tech company empowering global business through digital strategy, localisation, and cross-cultural insight and upcoming AI platform empowering global business. * 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast [https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast] * 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281] * 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367] * 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks] * 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks [https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks] 📩 Contact: Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com [podcast@bridgingconnect.com] 🎵 Music / Audio Disclaimer: The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to their respective artists.

Ep. 5 – The Future of HR and Performance Management in Japan | Dan Ring

Bridging Talks: The Future of HR and Performance Management in Japan with Dan Ring 🎤 Introduction In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks with Dan Ring, British HR Consultant, Founder of **Elevate**, and creator of **The People Protocol**, a data-driven performance management system helping companies operate with more clarity, accountability, and transparency. Dan shares his journey from studying English Literature to becoming a Global HR Business Partner in the UK, Singapore, and Japan, and ultimately launching his own HR consultancy in Tokyo. 🎯 In This Episode: * 00:00 – Introduction & welcome * 00:34 – Who is Dan Ring? From UK HRBP to founder of Elevate * 01:50 – Technical note (cut/edit section, audio still plays) * 05:08 – What is **The People Protocol**? Data-driven performance management * 07:37 – The core problems Elevate solves: data, time, transparency * 09:12 – Dan’s global HR journey: UK → Singapore → Japan * 15:01 – The future of work: AI, layoffs & new career paths * 16:26 – HR careers: Going from specialist roles to consultancy * 19:05 – Why Japan? Opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs * 23:46 – Starting Elevate: The leap into HR consulting * 30:19 – Lessons learned: Networking, collaboration & going solo * 36:41 – Planning culture in Japan vs firefighting in the West * 41:27 – How coding & technical literacy help HR consultants * 43:22 – Final advice: Think like an entrepreneur & take action 🌐 Guest Info: * 👤 **Dan Ring** * 💼 **Role**: HR Consultant, Founder of Elevate, Creator of The People Protocol * 🌍 **Focus**: Performance management, HR transformation, global leadership, Japan HR ecosystem * 🔗 **Elevate** → https://www.elevate.help/ [https://www.elevate.help/] * 🔗 **LinkedIn** → https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/] 📌 About Bridging Talks: Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based consultancy and tech company empowering global business through digital strategy, localisation, and cross-cultural insight and upcoming AI platform empowering global business. * 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast [https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast] * 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281] * 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367] * 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks] * 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks [https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks] 📩 Contact: Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com [podcast@bridgingconnect.com] 🎵 Music / Audio Disclaimer: All rights belong to their respective artists. #Tags: #BridgingTalks #DanRing #ElevateHR #PeopleProtocol #HRConsultingJapan #HRTechJapan #PerformanceManagement #GlobalHR #HRBusinessPartner

Ep. 4 – Building a Global Freelance Career: Frontend, AI & Life Between Cultures | Joseph Allen

🎤 Introduction In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi sits down with Joseph Allen, a front-end developer and freelancer with 8+ years of experience. Joseph shares his journey from studying in Singapore to building a career in front-end development, diving into the AI & machine learning boom, and navigating the ups and downs of running a freelance studio. We also discuss his cross-cultural work with Japan, insights into freelancing globally, productivity hacks, and personal projects that keep creativity alive. 🎯 In This Episode: * 00:00:00 – Introduction & welcome * 00:01:10 – Early life & education in Singapore * 00:02:01 – Portfolio & website beginnings * 00:02:14 – AI & machine learning boom: impact on front-end * 00:03:43 – First clients & early freelancing * 00:05:09 – Cross-cultural work & Japan experience * 00:07:31 – Networking & LinkedIn for developers * 00:23:56 – Advice for early-career devs & freelancers * 00:24:34 – React in the stack: practical choices * 00:35:37 – Freelancing business: pricing, proposals & scope * 00:41:21 – Tools & workflow: editor, versioning & automations * 00:59:28 – Portfolio strategy & side projects * 01:17:56 – Routines & productivity for solo developers * 01:24:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect 🌐 Guest Info * 👤 Name: Joseph Allen * 💻 Role: Front-End Developer & Freelancer * 📍 Location: UK (working globally, including Japan) * 🔗 Website (Professional): joseph-allen.github.io [https://joseph-allen.github.io/] * 🎨 Website (Creative): joe-memphis.netlify.app [https://joe-memphis.netlify.app/] * 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josephrossallen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrossallen/] 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI. 🔗 More episodes: bridgingconnect.com/podcast [https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast] 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/105206281 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281] 🎧 Listen on: * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe?si=C3jWgQPgTXCZcM5o_gWy8Q&nd=1&dlsi=126d0061fe6441ca] * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367] * Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks] 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com [podcast@bridgingconnect.com] 🎵 Music/Audio Disclaimer: The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #BridgingTalks #JosephAllen #FrontendDeveloper #Freelancing #GlobalCareers #JapanLife #CrossCulturalWork #WebDevelopment #RemoteWork #DigitalNomad #TechCareers #Startups #BridgingConnect

Ep. 3 – From UK to South Korea: Using AI to Protect Women Safety | Safiyah Kilby

🎤 Introduction In Episode 3 of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks withSafiyah (Jia) Kilby, CEO & Founder of STREETWYSE Inc. —anAI-powered safety solutions company on a mission to protect women, youth, and vulnerable individuals around the world, starting in South Korea. From the UK to building a startup in South Korea, Safiyah shares her journey of turning personal conviction into a mission-driven tech company. We dive deep into how AI cansupport psychological and physical safety, her experience as a female founder in Seoul, the role of storytelling in entrepreneurship, and how martial arts has shaped her resilience. If you’re interested in tech for social impact, women’s safety, and global entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. 🎯 In This Episode: * [00:00:05] Welcome and Guest Introduction * [00:00:38] Introduction to Street Wise and Its Mission * [00:01:34] Safiyah's Personal and Professional Journey * [00:02:50] Transition from Film and Documentary to Tech * [00:04:18] The Inception of the Street Wise Concept * [00:07:08] The Pivot to Street Wise's Current Focus * [00:08:57] The Impact of the MeToo Movement in Korea * [00:10:48] Using Storytelling to Tackle Difficult Social Issues * [00:14:15] The Business Model and App Development * [00:18:00] Building a Team and Finding the Right Co-Founder * [00:22:20] Cultural Differences in Business and Social Norms * [00:26:40] The Role of Mentors and a Strong Support System * [00:29:50] Navigating the Startup Scene as a Female Founder * [00:32:00] Insights on the Korean Startup Ecosystem * [00:35:10] The Importance of Resilience and Self-Care * [00:38:00] Challenges with Government Grants and Language Barriers * [00:41:20] The Difference Between Starting a Business in the UK vs. Korea * [00:44:50] The Importance of Building Community and Networking * [00:48:30] Future Plans for Street Wise * [00:52:10] The Vision of Bridging Gaps Through Technology * [00:55:40] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Korea * [00:58:00] Personal Growth and Lessons Learned * [01:02:25] Final Thoughts and Conclusion 🌐 Guest Info 👤 Name: Safiyah Kilby 🏢 Role: Founder/CEO – STREETWYSE Inc 📍 Location: Seoul, South Korea 🔗 Website: http://www.streetwyse.me/ [http://www.streetwyse.me/] 💼 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetwyse-inc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetwyse-inc/] ---- 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West and East through digital, strategy, and AI.🔗 More episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe?si=C3jWgQPgTXCZcM5o_gWy8Q&nd=1&dlsi=126d0061fe6441ca🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367📦 Amazon Music - Podcasts:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks📺 YouTube: /@bridgingtalks 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?→ podcast@bridgingconnect.comMusic/Audio Disclaimer:The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #AIForGood #WomenSafety #FemaleFounder #TechForSocialImpact #GlobalEntrepreneurship #SouthKoreaStartups #StartupJourney #BridgingTalks #WomenInTech #SafetyTech #MartialArtsAndBusiness #SocialImpactTech #CrossCulturalBusiness #EmpowerWomen #AIStartup