Advertise on podcast: The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

What happens to purpose after 50? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Jeanne Bellew, teacher, mentor, and coach who works with people 50 plus who want to continue earning, stay relevant, and remain deeply engaged as they age. Jeanne shares her powerful personal journey of leaving the United States in her late 50's, selling everything, and moving abroad with her husband, two dogs, and a laptop. First to Costa Rica and now to Spain, what began as a practical need to earn income legally overseas became a life grounded in Ikigai, contribution, and freedom. Together, Jeanne and I explore how Ikigai is not something you achieve, but a practice that evolves throughout your life. They discuss why many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond already have everything they need, yet cannot see it clearly after decades defined by job titles and roles. Jeanne explains how unbundling skills allows people to recognize what they already know, enjoy, and do well, and offer those skills online to clients who value and pay for them. This conversation also dives into healthy longevity, dignity, and why earning and contributing later in life is not about hustle, side gigs, or reinvention, but about self respect, wisdom, and continued purpose. If you are navigating life after 50, questioning what is next, feeling the weight of ageism, or wondering how to stay engaged without burning out, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and real options. Because there is always a way. Connect with Jeanne Bellew  LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannebellew/  Websitehttps://duffelsanddogs.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I had the honor of sitting down with Emille Bryant, founder of Go Ikigai LLC, military leader, author, and lifelong student of purpose driven living. Our conversation flowed naturally into something deeper than a discussion about careers or success. We explored Ikigai as a way of life, not a diagram, not a job title, but a guiding force that shapes how we live, lead, and serve. Emille shared how his years in the US Air Force, his time living in Japan, and his immersion in Japanese culture influenced his understanding of discipline, service, and passionate purpose. What stood out to me most was Emille’s clarity around Ikigai. He explains it as something we discover, recover, or uncover throughout our lives, especially when we pause long enough to reflect on our most intense experiences and the moments that shaped us. This perspective aligns deeply with the Samurai values of Bushido that I teach and live by. In this episode, we talk about: Why Ikigai is not a destination but a way of living How military leadership and Bushido share common values of honor, courage, and service What it means to build your life around purpose instead of status or money Why it is never too late to begin living your Ikigai How time, energy, attention, and money reveal what truly matters This conversation is an invitation to look inward and ask an honest question. Am I living in alignment with my purpose, or am I living on autopilot? If you are not leaping out of bed in the morning, this episode may help you understand why and what to do next. Connect with Emille Bryant Author of Start With A Sparkle, Second Edition www.startwithasparkle.com Including the Start With A Sparkle Workbook Companion (2022) Co writer of the play HELA ADADEVOH: Return of the Goddess (2022) Creator of the online course Awaken to Brazen Creativity www.brazencreativity.com LinkedInwww.linkedin.com/in/emillebryant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when legacy collapses and purpose takes its place? In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way, Sarthak Mittal, multinational CEO, global branding strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Mittal Alliance, with operations across India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Sarthak shares his deeply personal journey of inheriting a once great family legacy that had fallen to ashes, and how discovering his Ikigai helped him rebuild not just a business, but a mission driven life. Inspired by his great grandfather’s story and his mother’s passion for art, Sarthak realized his calling was not only helping people find their passion, but turning that passion into a profession. This conversation explores resilience through failure, rebuilding during COVID, youth empowerment, and why true leadership is never about “me” but about service, teamwork, and contribution. Sarthak also breaks down his proprietary Five Pillar Branding Framework, aligning branding with Japanese principles such as Bushido, Kaizen, Ikigai, and Ganbaru. You will hear insights on: Rebuilding legacy after collapse Finding Ikigai through service and contribution Youth empowerment and leadership development The power of consistency over luck Why branding is about trust, emotion, and integrity How ancient wisdom applies to modern business This episode is a reminder that success is built through purpose, discipline, and never giving up, no matter how long the path may take. Connect with Sarthak Mittal https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceosarthakmittal/?originalSubdomain=inhttps://ceosarthak.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about Ikigai was incomplete? In this powerful Episode 45 of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Nicholas Kemp, speaker, author, Japanologist, and founder of the Ikigai Tribe, to explore the true Japanese meaning of Ikigai beyond the popular Venn diagram. Nicholas shares his personal journey from Australia to Japan, first visiting at age five in 1977, later living and working there, marrying a Japanese woman, and building a life deeply connected to Japanese culture. Long before Ikigai became a global trend, Nick encountered the word in Japan and began a decades long exploration of what it truly means. Together, Lori and Nick unpack: Ikigai Kan – why Ikigai is not something you find, but something you feel Yutori – the Japanese concept of mental and emotional space in a world of burnout Purpose in Japanese culture and what it means to truly use your life with intention Why modern Western interpretations of Ikigai miss its emotional and relational depth The role of reflection, journaling, and gratitude in cultivating a life worth living Japanese craftsmanship, apprenticeships, and the Samurai way of learning Identity, heritage, resilience, and honoring those who came before us This episode is a deep, reflective conversation about meaning, culture, purpose, and what truly matters. If you are seeking clarity, depth, and a more authentic understanding of Ikigai rooted in Japanese wisdom, this episode is for you. Work with Nick and become a Certified Ikigai Tribe CoachGet his book and learn more about his work: https://ikigaitribe.com/ Connect with Nicholas Kemp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Brian Gregory, CEO of ADMANITY®, author of fifteen books on marketing and copywriting, and a global authority on emotion based marketing. At the heart of our conversation is Ganbaru, the Japanese principle of perseverance, grit, and never giving up. Brian and I explore how this mindset shaped his life long before he ever had a name for it, beginning with his Olympic level training and continuing through his journey as an entrepreneur and innovator. Brian shares how relentless daily discipline, mental promises to himself, and a refusal to quit became the foundation for his success in business. We talk about the influence of his parents, the quiet lessons of work ethic and responsibility, and how those early experiences formed the armor he would later rely on in life. We also dive into the role of emotion in decision making and why people buy on emotion and justify with logic. Brian explains how years of observing failed advertising led him to create emotional algorithms and Primal AI, designed to help businesses identify the exact emotions that drive customers to say yes without the need for a large agency or massive budget. Brian also shares details about the free five minute YES Test and how it can help business owners better understand their emotional messaging and sales strategy. This episode is a reminder that the Samurai spirit still lives on today. It lives in those who refuse to quit, who continue to train when no one is watching, and who choose Ganbaru even when the path is difficult. If you are building a business, healing from hardship, or searching for the strength to keep going, this conversation will remind you why perseverance always matters. Connect with Brian Gregory Brian Gregory LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangregoryadmanity/ AdManity Website https://www.admanity.com Take the Free YES Test https://www.admanity.com/yes-test Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with Saori Okada, a UKIH registered health coach, Japanese calligraphy artist, and the founder of Mogami Wellness in London. Saori grew up in Tokyo, built a corporate career in New York, and later returned to her Japanese roots after years of struggling with eating disorders and perfectionism. What stood out to me most was her insight that healing is not about fixing our relationship with food but about rebuilding our relationship with ourselves. Together, we explore what Ikigai truly means beyond the Venn diagram. We talk about finding meaning in everyday moments rather than chasing achievements, and how Japanese concepts like itadakimasu invite mindfulness and gratitude into something as simple as a meal. We also dive into Wabi Sabi, embracing imperfection and change, and how Kintsugi teaches us that our cracks and challenges can become our greatest sources of beauty and strength. Saori shares how stillness, discipline, and creating space in our lives are essential practices in a fast, overstimulated world. Throughout the conversation, I reflect on my own experiences, Japanese heritage, resilience, and the values of respect, service, and perseverance that continue to shape my work and life. Saori also shares insights from her upcoming book, The Wisdom of Ancient Japan: Timeless Lessons to Live By, a collection of sixty Japanese concepts designed to support mind, body, and soul. This episode is a reminder that purpose is not something we chase. It is something we live, one moment at a time. Connect with Saori Okada Website: https://www.mogamiwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogami_wellness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saori-okada/ Book: The Wisdom of Ancient Japan: Timeless Lessons to Live By Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Bendifallah, a peer support group facilitator, speaker, and the creator of The Five Building Blocks of Recovery podcast. Jared has led over six hundred support groups with NAMI West Los Angeles and has spoken to countless middle school and high school students, helping to break the silence around mental health. Our conversation is heartfelt, honest, and deeply meaningful. We explore how the Japanese philosophies of Kaizen, continuous improvement, and Ikigai, what gives life meaning and fulfillment, can support the mental health recovery journey. Jared shares how focusing on small, steady progress helps people trust the recovery process, even when the path feels long and uncertain. We also talk about why true recovery is not just about stabilizing symptoms, but about finding purpose, direction, and something meaningful to live for. Jared opens up about his own journey, the years he spent without direction, and how the absence of Ikigai contributed to his mental health crisis. Through his work with NAMI, public speaking, and podcasting, he has found a sense of calling in helping others heal, grow, and rediscover hope. This episode is about resilience, compassion, and the courage to keep going one step at a time. It reflects the Samurai spirit of Ganbaru, never giving up, even when the road is difficult. If you or someone you love is navigating recovery, searching for purpose, or simply needs encouragement, I hope this conversation offers insight, comfort, and hope. Thank you for walking this path with me. LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bendifallah/ Public Speaking and Resourceshttps://thefivebuildingblocksofrecovery.com Five Building Blocks of Recovery Podcast Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/63BOX5Rl5pF5kC24YV5Y4U Connect with Jared Bendifallah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the opportunity to have a heartfelt conversation with Ido Kalev, former senior commander in Israeli intelligence and aviation security, had over 30 years of international experience.  Ido shared how his years of military service leading operations in six countries to rebuilding lives after trauma, prepared him to share insights in resilience, leadership under pressure, and emotional intelligence.  He spoke about Kintsugi the Japanese art of  repairing broken pottery to emerge a finished product even more beautiful, and Ganbaru, the principle of never giving up. We also spoke about Hanukah, courage, resilience, and faith.  It also happened to be recorded on the second day of Hanukah.  The principles of courage, Ganbaru, and Kintsugi reminded me of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat during WWII, who defied the Japanese government to write transit visas for Jewish refugees seeking escape.   You will want to check out Ido's recent book, "The Spy Who Led Me:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMXZRMHZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title for more information.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the peaceful paths of Okayama Korakuen Garden to the rich seasonal flavors that fill every market and meal, this season invites us to experience Japan with all of our senses. The gardens here showcase harmony and balance, and their changing colors remind us of the cycles of life and the quiet strength found in transition. Autumn in Japan is also a season of nourishment. The foods of fall carry stories of heritage and gratitude, from sweet potatoes to chestnuts and warm comforting dishes enjoyed by families for generations. These traditions are beautifully highlighted in the articles and videos linked below, offering a glimpse into Japan's culinary heart. This week on The Samurai Way podcast, the episode Taste and Tranquility explores the depth of this season and the meaningful lessons it offers. Autumn teaches us to savor, reflect, and reconnect with what brings us joy and purpose. As I continue my journey through Japan, I am reminded that every trip is also an inner journey. The landscapes, stories, and flavors of autumn invite us to be fully present, to honor the moment we are in, and to carry these lessons back into our lives with intention. I look forward to sharing more photos, videos, and insights from this beautiful season in Japan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I have the honor of welcoming Ahmet Bozer, a global business leader and former President of Coca-Cola International. With a remarkable 30-year career leading teams across Eurasia and Africa, Ahmet distills decades of insight and experience into his new book, Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential, a powerful framework that blends Eastern philosophy with Western practice to elevate leadership, resilience, and personal growth. In our conversation, Ahmet and I explore the timeless Japanese principles I teach, including Kaizen, the practice of continuous improvement, and Bushido, the way of the warrior. We discuss the balance between individual excellence and collective harmony and how these teachings, drawn from both ancient wisdom and modern business, shape not only stronger leaders but better human beings. Ahmet brings a depth of clarity and purpose that aligns beautifully with the heart of The Samurai Way. To learn more about his work and his book Soulgery, I invite you to visit his website: Links: https://soulgery.com/ https://soulgery.com/book-page/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of The Samurai Way, I'm sitting down with Carol Banens, a grief educator, grief to gratitude coach, and author who has turned her own loss into a journey of hope and purpose. After losing her husband, Carol discovered healing through creative writing and poetry, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi showing us how even broken pieces can be made beautiful again. We talk about how grief intersects with samurai wisdom, including the courage to keep going, the honesty to acknowledge your emotions, and the compassion to give yourself grace. Carol shares powerful poems from her work and reminds us that healing is a journey of patience, love, and small acts of bravery every single day. Some of the things we explore in this episode: • The physical and emotional impact of grief and why rest is essential • How our nervous system and sense of safety shape the healing process • Why community is so important and how connection supports recovery • The power of allowing uncomfortable emotions instead of pushing them away • How love, memory, and courage can come together to help us move forward Carol is also starting a new community for women navigating grief a safe, supportive space to be heard, to learn, and to heal together. If you'd like to connect with Carol, learn more about her programs, or grab her book, visit www.carolbanens.com. Her book Kintsugi Your Heart The Art of Living with Grief is a beautiful guide for anyone walking the path of loss. This episode is a reminder that grief changes us, but it doesn't have to break us. Even in the cracks, there is beauty, strength, and a way forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I am joined by international master coach, speaker, and transformational trainer Patrick Dean. Patrick has spent more than thirty five years guiding over forty thousand leaders around the world. His work blends the timeless wisdom of the samurai with modern leadership tools that help people step into clarity, intention, and their highest potential. Our conversation reminded me why these principles still matter so deeply today. We explore the power of commitment, clarity, and keeping your word, especially the promises you make to yourself. Patrick shares how his experiences in Japan shaped his understanding of leadership and why the samurai believed that true strength begins from within. Together, we reflect on ichi go ichi e, the reminder that every moment is unique and deserving of our full attention. We talk about the inner journey, the discipline of presence, and the quiet strength that comes from choosing to live the moment you are in rather than chase the next one. Patrick also offers meaningful insights into leadership, resilience, and healing, showing how Bushido principles can guide us through modern challenges with courage and compassion. If you are seeking personal growth, grounded purpose, or inspiration to never give up, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters. Patrick brings the samurai path to life in a way that is both practical and deeply human. You can learn more about Patrick at patrickdeancoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Akiko Yoshii Johnson, a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, personal trainer, and lifelong martial artist. Born and raised near Tokyo, Akiko has spent most of her adult life in North America, blending Japanese discipline, respect, and mindfulness with Western openness and creativity. Together, Lori and Akiko explore the Dojo Kun, the five principles of martial arts that guide not only training but daily life from humility and perseverance to respect and self-mastery. Akiko shares how her martial arts journey has evolved from strength to flow, and how aging gracefully through mindful movement has become her lifelong pursuit. This conversation offers a powerful reflection on Bushido, resilience, and the art of living with purpose — a true embodiment of the Samurai Way. Connect with Akiko Yoshii Johnson: https://www.ayjohnson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sits down with Brian Fried, an inventor, entrepreneur, and mentor known as The Inventor Coach. With 15 issued patents and over 19 years of experience, Brian has turned everyday frustrations into innovative products, from space-saving egg trays to clever paper towel solutions. As founder of the National Inventor Club and creator of the Inventor Smart Community, Brian has built platforms where inventors can learn, collaborate, and bring their ideas to life. He shares how the Japanese principle of Kaizen—constant improvement—guides his work and why true innovation must serve others, aligning closely with the spirit of Ikigai. Brian is also the author of three books, including his latest, How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea. Learn more at brianfried.com and nationalinventorclub.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Diana Fritz — a true embodiment of resilience. After surviving a rare cancer and losing her eye, Diana transformed her pain into purpose. Through the lens of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, she discovered that our cracks are not flaws to hide but symbols of strength, healing, and beauty. With over 25 years of leadership experience in executive management, human resources, operations, and technology, Diana now helps others rebuild with courage and authenticity. As a member of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Program and a certified DISC consultant, she empowers individuals and organizations to lead with heart, clarity, and resilience. In our conversation, we explore how adversity can become the forge for growth, how to embrace imperfections as part of your strength, and how service to others helps us heal. 🌐 Connect with Diana Fritz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fritz-b032064/ 🎧 Tune in now — and please like, follow, subscribe, share, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or YouTube so others can discover this message of resilience and renewal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices