Bridging Talks: Keisuke Goto on Ramune, Empowering Foreign Founders, and Bridging Japan's Startup Ecosystems

In this episode, we connect with Keisuke Goto, Founder and CEO of Ramune Inc., a platform and community dedicated to empowering foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. Keisuke shares his journey from a Tokyo-based software project manager who moved to California for five years, to starting Ramune remotely to provide vital back-office support and digital insurance to the Japanese market.

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Keisuke Goto, Founder & CEO of Ramune Inc.
• 00:01:49 - Career Journey: From Tokyo Software Manager to California & Launching Ramune
• 00:05:12 - Early Mistakes: Why Meeting Customers **in Person** is Crucial for an Online Business
• 00:07:31 - Shifting Focus: Building a Global Community for **Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan**
• 00:10:18 - Startup Vibes: Comparing **Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Kumamoto's Ecosystems**
• 00:12:04 - New Project: Launching a **Digital Nomad Hub in Kumamoto**
• 00:14:28 - The **Ramune Platform**: Back-Office Services, Mentoring, and Co-Building with Experts
• 00:17:48 - International Market Comparison: Why Ramune's Service is Needed in Japan (Not the US)
• 00:21:00** - Hobbies & Personal Growth: From Mountain Climbing to Learning Acting
• • 00:25:00 - Entrepreneur Motivation: The Importance of **Doing What You Love**
  • • 00:28:07 - Advice for New Founders: The Crucial Need for a **Clear Vision**
    • 00:29:41 - The **Ramune Vision**: Broadening Japanese Society Through Global Entrepreneurship
    • 00:33:06 - Final Thoughts & The Meaning Behind the Name "**Ramune**" (Lemonade Stand)
    🌐 Guest Info:
    • 👤 Keisuke Goto – Founder & CEO at Ramune Inc.
    • 🌐 Website → https://ramune.co.jp/
    • 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisuke-goto/
    📌 About Bridging Talks:

    Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based consultancy and tech company empowering global business through digital strategy, localisation, and cross-cultural insight and upcoming AI platform empowering global business.

    • 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast
    • 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281
    • 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367
    • 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks
    • 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks
    📩 Contact:

    Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com

    🎵 Music / Audio Disclaimer:

    The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to their respective artists.

Bridging Talks: The Future of HR and Performance Management in Japan with Dan Ring

In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks with Dan Ring, British HR Consultant, Founder of **Elevate**, and creator of **The People Protocol**, a data-driven performance management system helping companies operate with more clarity, accountability, and transparency.

Dan shares his journey from studying English Literature to becoming a Global HR Business Partner in the UK, Singapore, and Japan, and ultimately launching his own HR consultancy in Tokyo.

• 00:00 – Introduction & welcome
• 00:34 – Who is Dan Ring? From UK HRBP to founder of Elevate
• 01:50 – Technical note (cut/edit section, audio still plays)
• 05:08 – What is **The People Protocol**? Data-driven performance management
• 07:37 – The core problems Elevate solves: data, time, transparency
• 09:12 – Dan’s global HR journey: UK → Singapore → Japan
• 15:01 – The future of work: AI, layoffs & new career paths
• 16:26 – HR careers: Going from specialist roles to consultancy
• 19:05 – Why Japan? Opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs
• 23:46 – Starting Elevate: The leap into HR consulting
• 30:19 – Lessons learned: Networking, collaboration & going solo
• 36:41 – Planning culture in Japan vs firefighting in the West
• 41:27 – How coding & technical literacy help HR consultants
• 43:22 – Final advice: Think like an entrepreneur & take action

• 👤 **Dan Ring**
• 💼 **Role**: HR Consultant, Founder of Elevate, Creator of The People Protocol
• 🌍 **Focus**: Performance management, HR transformation, global leadership, Japan HR ecosystem
• 🔗 **Elevate** → https://www.elevate.help/
• 🔗 **LinkedIn** → https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpring/

Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based consultancy and tech company empowering global business through digital strategy, localisation, and cross-cultural insight and upcoming AI platform empowering global business.

• 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast
• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281
• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367
• 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks
• 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks

Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com

All rights belong to their respective artists.

#BridgingTalks #DanRing #ElevateHR #PeopleProtocol #HRConsultingJapan #HRTechJapan #PerformanceManagement #GlobalHR #HRBusinessPartner

🎤 Introduction

In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks with Lee Jean, entrepreneur, founder of Omnielt English, and host of The Produck Podcast. Lee shares his journey as a global entrepreneur, diving into the challenges of networking in Japan, navigating cross-cultural communication, and the unique role of hierarchy in Japanese business. Together, we explore how founders and business leaders from the West and Japan can bridge communication gaps to build stronger relationships and successful ventures.

🎯 In This Episode

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & welcome
• 00:02:00 – Lee’s entrepreneurial journey & global background
• 00:07:00 – Networking in Japan: challenges & opportunities
• 00:15:00 – Cross-cultural communication: Japan vs the West
• 00:25:00 – The role of hierarchy in Japanese business culture
• 00:35:00 – Advice for Japanese founders to connect globally
• 00:42:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect

🌐 Guest Info

👤 Name: Lee Jean

💼 Role: Entrepreneur, Founder of Omnielt English, and Host of The Produck Podcast

🌍 Focus: Global entrepreneurship, cross-cultural business, networking

🔗 Links:

• Stan Store
• The Produck Podcast (YouTube)
• Omnielt Website
• LinkedIn

• 
  

📌 About Bridging TalksBridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI.

🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367

📦 Amazon Music – Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks

📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com

🎵 Music / Audio DisclaimerThe music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists.

#BridgingTalks #LeeJean #OmnieltEnglish #TheProduckPodcast #Entrepreneurship #CrossCulturalBusiness #Networking #JapanBusiness #HierarchyInJapan #GlobalStartups #Tokyo #BridgingConnect

🎤 Introduction
In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi sits down with Joseph Allen, a front-end developer and freelancer with 8+ years of experience.

Joseph shares his journey from studying in Singapore to building a career in front-end development, diving into the AI & machine learning boom, and navigating the ups and downs of running a freelance studio.

We also discuss his cross-cultural work with Japan, insights into freelancing globally, productivity hacks, and personal projects that keep creativity alive.

🎯 In This Episode:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & welcome
• 00:01:10 – Early life & education in Singapore
• 00:02:01 – Portfolio & website beginnings
• 00:02:14 – AI & machine learning boom: impact on front-end
• 00:03:43 – First clients & early freelancing
• 00:05:09 – Cross-cultural work & Japan experience
• 00:07:31 – Networking & LinkedIn for developers
• 00:23:56 – Advice for early-career devs & freelancers
• 00:24:34 – React in the stack: practical choices
• 00:35:37 – Freelancing business: pricing, proposals & scope
• 00:41:21 – Tools & workflow: editor, versioning & automations
• 00:59:28 – Portfolio strategy & side projects
• 01:17:56 – Routines & productivity for solo developers
• 01:24:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect

• 
  

🌐 Guest Info

• 👤 Name: Joseph Allen
• 💻 Role: Front-End Developer & Freelancer
• 📍 Location: UK (working globally, including Japan)
• 🔗 Website (Professional): joseph-allen.github.io
• 🎨 Website (Creative): joe-memphis.netlify.app
• 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josephrossallen

• 
  

📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI.

🔗 More episodes:
bridgingconnect.com/podcast

💼 LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/105206281

🎧 Listen on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

• 
  

📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?
→ podcast@bridgingconnect.com

🎵 Music/Audio Disclaimer:
The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists.

#BridgingTalks #JosephAllen #FrontendDeveloper #Freelancing #GlobalCareers #JapanLife #CrossCulturalWork #WebDevelopment #RemoteWork #DigitalNomad #TechCareers #Startups #BridgingConnect

🎤 Introduction

In Episode 3 of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks withSafiyah (Jia) Kilby, CEO & Founder of STREETWYSE Inc. —anAI-powered safety solutions company on a mission to protect women, youth, and vulnerable individuals around the world, starting in South Korea.

From the UK to building a startup in South Korea, Safiyah shares her journey of turning personal conviction into a mission-driven tech company. We dive deep into how AI cansupport psychological and physical safety, her experience as a female founder in Seoul, the role of storytelling in entrepreneurship, and how martial arts has shaped her resilience.

If you’re interested in tech for social impact, women’s safety, and global entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

🎯 In This Episode:

• • [00:00:05] Welcome and Guest Introduction

  • [00:00:38] Introduction to Street Wise and Its Mission

  • [00:01:34] Safiyah's Personal and Professional Journey

  • [00:02:50] Transition from Film and Documentary to Tech

  • [00:04:18] The Inception of the Street Wise Concept

  • [00:07:08] The Pivot to Street Wise's Current Focus

  • [00:08:57] The Impact of the MeToo Movement in Korea

  • [00:10:48] Using Storytelling to Tackle Difficult Social Issues

  • [00:14:15] The Business Model and App Development

  • [00:18:00] Building a Team and Finding the Right Co-Founder

  • [00:22:20] Cultural Differences in Business and Social Norms

  • [00:26:40] The Role of Mentors and a Strong Support System

  • [00:29:50] Navigating the Startup Scene as a Female Founder

  • [00:32:00] Insights on the Korean Startup Ecosystem

  • [00:35:10] The Importance of Resilience and Self-Care

  • [00:38:00] Challenges with Government Grants and Language Barriers

  • [00:41:20] The Difference Between Starting a Business in the UK vs. Korea

  • [00:44:50] The Importance of Building Community and Networking

  • [00:48:30] Future Plans for Street Wise

  • [00:52:10] The Vision of Bridging Gaps Through Technology

  • [00:55:40] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Korea

  • [00:58:00] Personal Growth and Lessons Learned

  • [01:02:25] Final Thoughts and Conclusion

  
  

  
  

🌐 Guest Info

👤 Name: Safiyah Kilby
🏢 Role: Founder/CEO – STREETWYSE Inc
📍 Location: Seoul, South Korea
🔗 Website: http://www.streetwyse.me/
💼 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetwyse-inc/

----

📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West and East through digital, strategy, and AI.🔗 More episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe?si=C3jWgQPgTXCZcM5o_gWy8Q&nd=1&dlsi=126d0061fe6441ca🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367📦 Amazon Music - Podcasts:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks📺 YouTube: /@bridgingtalks 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?→ podcast@bridgingconnect.comMusic/Audio Disclaimer:The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists.
#AIForGood #WomenSafety #FemaleFounder #TechForSocialImpact #GlobalEntrepreneurship #SouthKoreaStartups #StartupJourney #BridgingTalks #WomenInTech #SafetyTech #MartialArtsAndBusiness #SocialImpactTech #CrossCulturalBusiness #EmpowerWomen #AIStartup

🎙️ Bridging Talks – Episode 2From UK to Japan: Lessons in Global Hiring & Human Connection

Guest: Paul Roberts – Tokyo-based recruiter and blogger.

In this episode, we dive into Paul’s unique global journey and his perspective on recruitment, business, and human connection between the West and East.

🎯 In This Episode:

• [00:00:05] Welcome and Guest Introduction

• [00:00:52] Paul Roberts' Personal and Professional Background

• [00:02:30] The Journey from London to Tokyo and Becoming a Recruiter

• [00:03:52] The Experience of Being a Foreigner Working in Japan

• [00:06:05] Transitioning to Tech Recruitment in Tokyo

• [00:08:44] The Evolving Tech and Recruitment Landscape in Japan

• [00:11:13] Key Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Tech Recruitment

• [00:15:08] The Importance of Soft Skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring

• [00:17:30] Insights on Japan's Talent Market and Hiring Trends

• [00:20:20] How COVID-19 Impacted the Japanese Job Market

• [00:23:08] Discussion on Relocating to Japan for Work

• [00:26:07] The Value of Work Experience and Specialization

• [00:28:40] Addressing the Japanese Language Barrier for Foreigners

• [00:31:05] Advice for Foreigners Seeking Jobs in Japan

• [00:35:54] Understanding the Hiring Process in Japan

• [00:39:10] The Role of Recruiters and How to Work with Them

• [00:43:30] The Importance of Networking and Building Connections

• [00:46:15] Personal Reflections on Living and Working in Tokyo

• [00:50:30] Future Predictions for the Japanese Job Market

• [00:52:19] Discussion on the Startup Scene in Japan

• [00:55:00] The Influence of AI on the Recruitment Industry

• [00:59:50] The "Recruitment Grind" and Market Demands

• [01:03:00] Final Thoughts on the Future of Tech and Recruitment

• [01:06:17] Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways

• [01:10:00] Closing Remarks and Thanks

📍 Learn more about Paul Roberts:

Website: https://paulroberts.jp
LinkedIn: /paulrobertstokyo

📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI.

🔗 More episodes:

💼 LinkedIn:

🎧 Spotify:

🍎 Apple Podcasts:

📦 Amazon Music:

📺 YouTube:

📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?

Email us at: podcast@bridgingconnect.com

🎵 Music/Audio Disclaimer:

The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists.

#BridgingTalks #PaulRoberts #Recruitment #HiringInJapan #JapanJobs #GlobalCareers #CrossCulturalCommunication #WorkInJapan #JapaneseBusiness #RemoteWork #JapanRecruitment #InternationalBusiness #CareerAdvice #StartupLife #ThoughtLeadership #CulturalDifferences #GlobalHiring #ExpatLife #ForeignersInJapan #BilingualCareers