In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David Sweet welcomes Chie Ikegawa, an expert in finance and FP&A, to discuss the evolution of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in Japanese companies. Chie explains the unique challenges Japanese companies face in adopting FP&A practices compared to American companies, highlighting the cultural and structural differences. She shares her experiences in transforming FP&A departments, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment, role definition, and effective training. Chie also outlines the future of FP&A, including the impact of AI and data analytics on the function. Ultimately, she advocates for tailored FP&A solutions that fit the specific needs of Japanese companies.

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In this episode you will hear:

•  Chie's career journey and her advocacy for establishing strong FP&A functions.
• The evolution of FP&A in Japanese companies and why it's essential for growth.
• The key differences between US and Japanese FP&A models and their implications.
• The process of transforming traditional management accounting into modern FP&A functions.
• Real-world case studies from Fujitsu, Ajinomoto, and Kirin that highlight successful transformations.
• How AI and digital tools are reshaping the future of FP&A in Japan.

About Chie:

 Chie Ikegawa (PhD in Professional Accounting, MBA) is a finance professional who has served as CFO and FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) leader at the Japanese subsidiaries of global companies such as P&G, McDonald’s, Lenovo, and Kellogg. She now helps Japanese companies establish and strengthen their FP&A functions to maximize corporate and business value. She also serves as a board member of listed Japanese companies. She teaches management control, management accountants, and corporate governance at a business school.

She started golf 2 years ago and enjoys almost every weekend.

Her books are;

The Changing Roles of Management Accountants: A Japanese Perspective (2023)

Practical Implementation of FP&A in Japanese Companies (2025)

Connect with Chie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chie-ikegawa-1ba765b/

Website: http://strat.jp/

実践　日本版FP&A(her new book)

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%AE%9F%E8%B7%B5-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E7%89%88%EF%BC%A6%EF%BC%B0%EF%BC%86%EF%BC%A1-%E6%B1%A0%E5%81%B4%E5%8D%83%E7%B5%B5/dp/450253191X/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_1/355-0484169-3913341?pd_rd_w=ncOp1&content-id=amzn1.sym.fe9e7b6a-7eb1-4695-9d8d-c2c9268438f1&pf_rd_p=fe9e7b6a-7eb1-4695-9d8d-c2c9268438f1&pf_rd_r=C6MP8BCHWP7Z05QX392C&pd_rd_wg=BVLI6&pd_rd_r=0abae083-a1f9-4822-985b-bfbb70bc3fbc&pd_rd_i=450253191X&psc=1

Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/

Twitter:

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Andrew Silberman, President of Advanced Management Training Group (AMT). They discuss various aspects of leadership and talent development, specifically focusing on differences between Japanese and American leadership styles. He highlights the superior listening skills of Japanese leaders and explores how assertiveness from American leadership could benefit Japanese companies.

He shares his journey from starting a company after being laid off to developing global thinkers for over 30 years. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, hybrid leadership, and the impact of music on leadership.

The episode includes a rapid-fire round on the Rolling Stones, underscoring Andrew's passion for music. He also discusses the challenges and strategies of developing global talent and announces the release of his new audiobook, 'Get A G.R.I.P. on Presentations.'

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In this episode you will hear:

•  What first drew Andrew to the field of leadership and talent development, and the start of AMT Group
• About Global Readiness®
• The impact of cultural differences on leadership styles in Japan and the US
• The art of storytelling as a tool in leadership and presentations
• The challenges and opportunities of hybrid leadership in a post-pandemic world
• The vibrant role of music in enhancing leadership and teamwork dynamics
• Andrew's experiences and thoughts on the future of global talent improvement and readiness

About Andrew:

 Andrew is the President and Chief Enthusiast of Advanced Management Training Group K.K.

For over 30 years, Andrew has been developing global thinkers, helping leaders. Teams boost their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills across Asia and North America and Europe. He is the author of the Get a G.R.I.P. series on Global Readiness®, which is a four-book series with a new audio version just out.

And when he's not energizing executives, he's a rocking musician and he fronts the band called The moonshots. Andrew brings a unique blend of business insights and creative passion.

Connect with Andrew:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsilberman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amtchief/?hl=ja

AMT Group K.K.

https://www.amt-group.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMsto1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2UUpCOTBkdUxPY0tOeEhQAR6AaLCYPcKkjjTZTWW_CgzfTy_XyRLRlbKAt9KfzCwI_HRFybBtnhGQK5Rueg_aem_j4u8nPMJKa5gAaRdaqsLaw

Get A G.R.I.P.

We’ve wrapped up our summer re-release series and are back behind the mic with brand new episodes! No Mai Tai this time. Just fresh conversations with leaders shaping business in Japan.

In this episode of the FocusCore podcast, host David engages in a deep conversation with Taisuke Yoshida, a dynamic leader in strategic finance and business transformation. Taisuke shares his journey from Sumitomo Chemical to his current role at Schneider Electric, highlighting the evolution of finance from traditional bookkeeping to a value-driver function. They discuss the importance of leadership and digital skills in FP&A, the differences in FP&A practices between Japanese and global companies, and the role of strategic finance business partnering. Taisuke also provides insights into leveraging generative AI for business understanding and the significance of effective communication and trust-building in cross-functional teams. The conversation provides valuable perspectives for finance professionals aiming to drive business performance and value creation.

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In this episode you will hear:

• Taisuke’s career progression and leadership development from local to global contexts
• The importance of leadership and digital acumen for future finance professionals.
• How Japanese companies can leverage FP&A as business partners.
• Challenges and opportunities in Japanese FP&A practices.

Things mentioned in the episode:

The Mind Of The Strategist: The Art of Japanese Business - Kenichi Ohmae

https://www.amazon.com.au/Mind-Strategist-Art-Japanese-Business/dp/0070479046

三枝匡(Tadashi Saegusa)

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9C%AC-%E4%B8%89%E6%9E%9D-%E5%8C%A1/s?rh=n%3A465392%2Cp_27%3A%25E4%25B8%2589%25E6%259E%259D%2B%25E5%258C%25A1

『実践　日本版ＦＰ＆Ａ』池側千絵

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%AE%9F%E8%B7%B5-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E7%89%88%EF%BC%A6%EF%BC%B0%EF%BC%86%EF%BC%A1-%E6%B1%A0%E5%81%B4%E5%8D%83%E7%B5%B5/dp/450253191X

Loglass経営企画サミット

https://www.loglass.jp/news/event-0417

About Taisuke Yoshida:

 After graduating from the University of Tokyo, Taisuke began his career at Sumitomo Chemical, where he mastered the art of cost management and performance improvement at both the factory and division levels. Driven to expand his global perspective, he earned his MBA from IESE Business School in Spain.

He then joined Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. (IGPI), advising CEOs and investors on business due diligent post-merger integration and management control systems across multiple industries. Taisuke is currently at Schneider Electric as the East Asia industrial automation business finance leader, partnering with business heads across the region to shape and execute strategies that improve performance and create enterprise value beyond the impressive credentials.

Taisuke brings a passion for innovation, transformation, and building strong, diverse teams, and he also brings a contagious enthusiasm for finance.

Connect with Taisuke Yoshida:

LinkedIn:...