About and FAQ

“Gaijin” means foreigner in Japanese. My mum is Chinese Malaysian, my dad was Indian from Kenya, and I grew up as a Chindian in East London before moving to Japan 10 years ago – I’ve been a foreigner my whole life.

And despite coming from a fairly tough background, I “smashed” my way into Oxford University, became a history teacher in London, then moved to Japan on a Daiwa Scholarship in 2014. I became a PR consultant in Tokyo and was promoted at every company I joined, which is also a bit rare.

The term “Gaijin Smash” generally refers to foreigners intentionally or accidentally breaking Japanese social norms or rules.

Japan has a LOT of rules and social norms, but I’ve found success by embracing a different approach. By most notably defying the expectations of a typical salaryman to take a year of paternity leave, I’ve managed to prioritize what’s important to me.

The Gaijin Smash isn’t meant to be offensive. I just felt that it represented how I’ve navigated through my life – always being a foreigner, and regularly smashing through obstacles – especially in Japan.

I want to help you achieve the same progress, endorsing you to be courageous and travel a different path.

Adhering to the principles of the International Coaching Federation, I have a pure view on coaching. I believe in asking questions to bring out insights and breakthroughs, rather than just giving advice.

I provide coaching sessions using a framework which I developed called CEASE.

The structure of most conversations is as follows:

• Challenge – What is the issue or goal we are dealing with today?
• Explore – Why is this important to you? What do you want to change? What do you want to keep?
• Address – What is standing in your way?
• Strategize – What is the next best step that we can take right now?
• Evaluate – How will we know if our strategy is effective?

As a general rule, I don’t believe in long-term coaching packages as I think coaching is most effective when it is targeted on a specific issue within a limited time frame. 

I don’t use any other products – no personality tests, tarot cards, meditation, hypnosis, Reiki, spiritual rituals, or brainwave theories – if this is what you are looking for, I am probably not the right guy. I use a simple and direct coaching framework in order to help you reach a solution fast.

I also do not coach people who are on anti-depressants or need clinical therapy. While I am a trained suicide lifeline counsellor, I do not pretend to be a psychologist or psychiatrist. 

I hold a PGCE in Secondary Teaching, and a Masters in Leadership from the UCL Institute of Education. I was an Ofsted rated “Outstanding” teacher, which means I know how to connect with, and empower people with new learnings.

I hold an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, which equips me with a well-rounded and impactful approach to helping clients achieve their strategic goals.

As a Vice President in Strategic Communications at one of the world’s largest PR firms, I advised and trained executives how to communicate effectively, especially in crisis and high-stress situations.

I am a trained phone counsellor with TELL Japan (Tokyo English Lifeline) which developed my active listening skills.

And finally, I am a certified coach with the Coach Training Alliance, and my practice adheres to the principles of the International Coaching Federation.

I specialize in coaching high-achieving international professionals in Japan who:

• Are seeking to rediscover their passion and purpose.
• Want to enhance their leadership skills and confidence.
• Strive to achieve better work-life balance and prioritize what matters most.
• Need support navigating career transitions and personal growth challenges.

My clients are individuals who are driven to succeed, eager to make meaningful changes in their lives, and committed to personal and professional growth.

My clients are normally managers, consultants, freelancers, and business owners. 

I focus on helping international professionals in Japan – but this isn’t exclusive.

Generally, as long as you can speak English and you are committed to improving your life, there’s an opportunity to work with me. In the best case scenarios, you have very specific goals or areas of your life that you want to improve.

Go to the Contact page to schedule a free 30 minute Suitability Session where we can both see if we would work well together or not. 

After a free suitability session, a single session is 45,000 JPY, and the leadership program of six sessions is 199,000 JPY. 

This fee reflects the 1-on-1 VIP-level attention that you receive during, between, and after each session. Each session is co-created meaning that you receive individualized guidance tailored to your specific needs, maximizing the impact of each session. 

The Gaijin Smash leadership program has been designed for high achieving individuals who are ready to make a significant positive change in their life, and who are prepared to invest in themselves. The value extends far beyond the cost, as it empowers each person to take control of their lives and to improve it even after the course ends.