STFD: The Founder Mantra Helen Iwata Swears By (And Why You Need It Too)

She was managing three departments at McKinsey, saying yes to everything, and one night she sat down to journal — and wrote, through tears, "I have a choice." That one sentence ended her corporate career and launched one of Tokyo's most respected executive coaching practices.In this episode of the Produck Podcast, we sit down with Helen Iwata, founder of Sasuga Communications and a 35-year Japan veteran, to explore what it really takes to communicate with impact — whether you're a Japanese professional trying to find your voice in a global room, or a founder who can't stop saying yes to everything.🧠 Why Japanese professionals are great listeners — but often understand nothing (the harmony trap vs. the comprehension trap)💼 The burnout at McKinsey that forced Helen to write "I have a choice" in her journal — and quit the next day🗣️ How to be assertive AND humble at the same time (the challenge every Japanese business professional faces globally)📖 The book Helen published 10 years ago that she re-read at a silent book club — and realized was still 99% relevant today🛑 STFD: why "Slow the F Down" might be the most important mantra for founders running at full speed🙅 People pleasing: when it's fine, when it's destructive, and how to get genuinely comfortable saying noHelen Iwata is the founder of Sasuga Communications, an executive coaching and leadership development practice based in Tokyo. With 7 years at Nippon Steel Trading and 10 years at McKinsey behind her, Helen now coaches corporate leaders and entrepreneurs on communication, leadership, and women's success — with a guiding philosophy of "less effort, more impact." She's also the author of a Shoga Khan-published book on business communication, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heleniwata/Connect with Helen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heleniwata/Sasuga! Website: https://sasugacommunications.com/Sasuga! Tips for You Newsletter: https://go.sasugacommunications.com/stfyWomen's Presentation Workshop: https://go.sasugacommunications.com/wpwGrab Helen's Book: https://tinyurl.com/2huby5s8Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, coaches, and unconventional thinkers doing remarkable things in Japan and beyond.If you enjoy the Produck Podcast and want to help keep it going, becoming a Patreon supporter is the best way to do it. Starting at just $5/month, your support directly shapes the future of the show. We'd love to have you in the community: https://www.patreon.com/c/ProduckPodcast 🙏#produckpodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #JapanBusiness #CommunicationSkills #SasugaCommunications #McKinsey #FounderMindset #BusinessJapan #FemaleEntrepreneur #WorkLifeBalance