The GLOBIS Stories Podcast

From Scientist to CEO | GLOBIS Stories Podcast with Toshi

GLOBIS Stories podcast host Kingsley Nlewedim is joined by Toshi Iwata, a GLOBIS alumm from the Part-time & Online MBA MBA class of 2022. Originally starting his career in the sciences, Toshi spent over a decade working in multinational companies across Singapore and the United States. Discover how his international experiences and a personal history of musical conducting shaped his passion for leadership and training, eventually leading him to transition from a technical specialist to a manager in the cosmetics industry. Toshi discusses his journey of founding LeadGL, Inc., an education company focused on developing global citizens through entrepreneurial learning in English. He shares how his MBA studies at GLOBIS helped him bridge the gap between technical expertise and business management, providing him with the essential skills in marketing, strategy, and critical thinking needed to launch his own venture. Learn about his commitment to "authentic leadership" and how LeadGL’s project-based curriculum is empowering both students and business professionals to communicate and lead effectively in a diverse world.

Why I Chose an English MBA in Tokyo | GLOBIS Stories Podcast with Kenji

GLOBIS Stories podcast host Tanner Schroeder is joined by Kenji, a GLOBIS alumnus from the part-time MBA class of 2024. Born and raised in Japan, Kenji shares how his childhood experiences at summer camps in the United States and a later two-year professional transfer to San Jose inspired him to master business communication in English. Discover how his desire to move beyond being a "bridge person" to becoming a true business partner in a global environment led him to pursue an MBA at GLOBIS University in Tokyo while continuing his career. Kenji discusses the practical advantages of the Pre-MBA program, the impact of learning through real-world business cases, and the unique challenges of navigating different mindsets between Japanese and English. He shares a lighthearted but insightful story about transitioning from a failed office "sandwich club" to a profitable "ice cream shop" by applying his MBA accounting and marketing knowledge. Learn about his kokorozashi, or personal mission, centered on "making people smile with fun learning," and how he aims to leverage global talent within Japanese corporations.

Building a Community in Japan: A Journey from Vietnam to Tokyo | GLOBIS Stories Podcast with Chi

GLOBIS Stories podcast host Tanner Schroeder is joined by Chi, a GLOBIS alumna from the full-time MBA class of 2024. Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, Chi shares her international journey, which includes studying accounting and finance in Brighton, UK, before returning to Vietnam to work in the real estate industry in Ho Chi Minh City. Discover how Chi’s desire to explore her potential and experience Japanese culture led her to pursue an MBA at GLOBIS University in Tokyo. Chi discusses the challenges and triumphs of being the only Vietnamese student in her batch, navigating an international environment using her second language, and overcoming initial feelings of isolation to build a diverse network of friends. She shares practical advice on landing an internship and transitioning into a full-time role in Japan, emphasizing the importance of showing a willingness to learn the language and culture. Learn about her kokorozashi, or personal mission, centered on building meaningful connections and how she is now prepared to launch her professional career in Tokyo.

Stop Waiting for Opportunity to Fall from the Sky | GLOBIS Stories Podcast with Stéphane

GLOBIS Stories podcast host Tanner Schroeder is joined by Stéphane, a GLOBIS alumni. Stéphane, originally from the western part of France, shares his journey, including over a decade of living and working in Japan. Discover how Stéphane, an urban planner who graduated from the English MBA program about 10 years ago, first came to Japan for a professional opportunity in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Stéphane discusses how his personal life, including marrying a Japanese woman, led him to seek a job in Japan. He shares why he chose to pursue his MBA, even though his boss was not supportive, and how the frameworks and critical thinking skills he gained helped him advance his career, particularly at Toyota Motor Corporation. Learn about his personal mission, or kokorozashi, which he defines as a process of building context for one's own growth, and how he successfully transitioned to working as a consultant in Southeast Asia, focused on smart cities and digital transformation.

Become Stronger in Japan | GLOBIS Stories Podcast with Rego

GLOBIS Stories podcast host W. Tanner Kirk is joined by GLOBIS Part-time & Online MBA student, Rego. Rego, originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, with a background in business economics, shares his journey, including seven years of living and working in Japan. Discover how Rego, a student in the October 2024 cohort, went from studying business economics for his undergrad to working in the recruitment industry and pursuing an MBA to become a future leader. Rego discusses how tokusatsu shows like Super Sentai and Ultraman introduced him to Japanese culture. He also shares why he chose to move abroad for self-development, how a scholarship led him to Japan, and how he decided to pursue his MBA after graduating during the pandemic. Learn about his personal mission, or kokorozashi, focused on inspiring people to become stronger both mentally and physically. He also shares his experiences with the nano-MBA and Pre-MBA programs, how the Technovate courses helped his work in the IT industry, and what it was like to star in the “GLOBIS Journey” video.