Series of meetings …

This Monday and Tuesday, I had a series of meetings which covered somewhat similar topics and at the same time, diverse topics.  I had two breakfast meetings–one, brainstorming session to discuss Future of Japan, one of the Global Agenda Councils of the World Economic Forum, and the other where I made a presentation based upon my book “Strategic Shift from OR choices to the AND paradigm.”

I participated in two panel sessions–one in English at the Canadian embassy entitled “The Imperative for Strengthening Innovation” and the other “Design thinking to Innovation.”  For the former, I was one of the panelists discussing the clusters for innovation.  I moderated the latter session, on Design approach to Innovation where we had two designers–Ken Okuyama and Naoki Sakai.  This session was fascinating as the designers talked about their work and approach to design.  Both of them designed cars, but now are getting very close to the design of community, social infrastructure, and the society.   I was struck by the fact that both of them have been very successful in business, and that they are now thinking more about designing the better society.

I also had an interview (very long, it turned out) about the Japanese companies with long history over hundred years.  I did not know much about them, but as I was shown the list of the companies and thought about what made them so enduring, the discussion turned out to be interesting.

I also interviewed few people about their career shift, for my new book.  It was also full of new discoveries.   As I had so many meetings, I feel a bit overwhelmed with many new ideas and insights.     As the days were very long, I am physically quite exhausted.  But my mind feels so excited and full of energy!