An American residing in Japan since 1996, Carl founded and successfully sold a software localization company. He served as President of the Harvard Club of Japan from 2008-2016. Carl has consulted for companies including Uniqlo and has been an independent director at two mid-sized Japanese companies. Since 2014 Carl has run Tokyo Way KK, a travel […]
There's no business like show business... as the song goes at least. Movies, films, video.. we see a lot of successful films that come out. There are thousands of others that are not exactly so successful. In fact they probably lose money. What does it take to produce a movie? What are the costs, the […]
Hong Kong and Singapore used to be amongst the 'go to' destinations for global businesses who wanted to establish regional headquarters in APAC. Every multi-national who wanted to have a global presence just had to have an office in one or both of these locations. But with growing geopolitical tensions over Hong Kong and Greater […]
That country manager has to go! This is a theme more common than you would expect. So many MNCs are chronically dissatisfied with who’s running the show for them in Japan that one of our members has built a business stepping into the breech on an “interim” basis. Some of these engagements run a few […]
By popular request, we are excited for a Tokyo discovery tour with Tokyo WAY CEO Mr. Carl Kay. He will be taking us off the beaten path to show us the blossoming Kuramae area along the Sumida River. You will get a chance to hear the history and see how the area is changing with […]
One of the biggest challenges of being the CEO of a company with the headquarters outside of Japan is dealing with the HQ. People are always coming in looking to 'advise' and contribute their thoughts on what needs to be done as Japan can't be all that different from other markets. Some with good intention and […]
Japan has what it takes to be an economic superpower. As new global realities and national rivalries force unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for global leaders, Japan’s social resilience, political stability, corporate competitiveness, technocratic pragmatism, and private-sector innovation potential are poised to deliver positive upside surprises and real opportunities. No one doubts the potential; but can […]
If you’ve been to a retail shop in Tokyo, Osaka, or maybe one of the many malls around Japan you may not realize the work that it takes to open. Hundreds of brands come to Japan. Some are massively successful while others may be more of a ‘flash in the pan’. Besides having a big […]
Back by popular demand! This is the second in our 'Investors Circle' series. This event is not about hiring, warehousing, or marketing of your products. The investors circle is a personal event where we learn from each other as well as guest specialists about what we can do to be successful personally. In this special […]