Episode 19: Ganbarimasu Fighting Spirit, Cultural immersion, and Leadership with Art Deruga

In this episode, I chat with Art Deruga, Deputy Director at Global Affairs Canada and Performance & Life Coach. Art shares his experiences in international assistance and politics, his time living in Japan, and his passion for Shotokan karate. He discusses his leadership style, Ganbarimasu or "fighting spirit", influenced by his time in Japan, and his focus on aligning with his life's purpose. Art also talks about his coaching organization, Coach Art Elevation, and the importance of helping others find their life's purpose. The episode concludes with Art's advice for aspiring leaders and ways to overcome feeling stuck. Chapters Introduction [00:00:00] Art introduces himself, mentioning his role in global affairs, his experience in international assistance and politics, and his work as a performance coach. Karate Journey [00:02:07] Art shares his experience of learning to ski in Japan and getting his black belt in karate in Canada, including the benefits of karate for discipline and work-life balance. Alignment to Life Purpose [00:03:29] Art discusses his recognition of aligning with his life's purpose and his desire to help others achieve the same alignment. Cultural differences in Japan [00:13:15] The guest discusses the concept of "gambarimasu" and how it reflects the fighting spirit and collective focus in Japanese culture. Sports festival in Japan [00:15:06] The guest talks about the cultural significance of the sports festival in Japan, where the whole school comes together to work towards common goals and celebrate successes. Starting Coach Art Elevation [00:21:51] The guest shares the motivation behind starting Coach Art Elevation, which is to help individuals extract their authentic selves and achieve their life's purpose through coaching. Aspiring leaders and their real skills [00:25:28] Discussion about the importance of recognizing and utilizing one's real skills, such as resilience, to achieve success in leadership roles. Transitioning to leadership [00:26:27] Exploration of the mindset shift and challenges faced by individuals transitioning from individual contributors to leaders. Being true to your life's desires [00:27:23] Advice for new and aspiring leaders to stay true to their own desires and purpose in life, rather than solely relying on the advice and expectations of others. Art's question to David [00:35:09] Seeing stress as an opportunity for growth When stress is reframed as an opportunity for growth, it can lead to personal development and becoming a better leader. Reframing your "stuck" situation [00:37:00] How are you preparing when opportunities open up again? Learning mode vs. fight or flight [00:39:14] Learning mode vs. fight or flight Thinking of stress as a growth opportunity puts the mind in a learning mode rather than a fight or flight response. Patience [00:40:14] Exercising patience in leadership As one progresses in their career and aims for higher positions, patience becomes crucial in waiting for job opportunities and seeing the effects of decisions made.