The goal of the “Movers and Shakers Let’s Talk Story” series is to allow for deeper discussions about topics such as what leadership means, facing challenges and creatively addressing issues of the day and what leaders would like to see from the next generation, among other topics.
This EXCLUSIVE event provides special opportunities for our JASH NexGeners and their guests to meet and “talk story” with established community leaders as well as leaders from abroad.
With Colbert Matsumoto
October 15, 2019
On October 15, 2019 the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) hosted the first of a three part talk story series with some of our local community leaders. The first program featured Mr. Colbert Matsumoto, Chairman and President of Island Holdings, Inc. at the Island Holdings, Inc. board room located in downtown Honolulu.
Mr. Matsumoto spoke about his life growing up on Lanai when it was a pineapple plantation and how he grew up to become an attorney, insurance company executive and business and community leader in Hawaii. Like many successful people, he had some misgivings and missteps along the way. But he spoke to the group about how those challenges shaped who he is today. The group continued their conversation while enjoying food and drinks generously sponsored by the Island Insurance Foundation.
With Barbara Tanabe
November 13, 2019
On November 13, 2019 the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) hosted the second of a three part “talk story” series with local community leaders and JASH NexGen members. These sessions are small group discussions on leadership, and the path to leadership for the NexGen of leaders in Hawaii. This program featured Ms. Barbara Tanabe, JASH Board Director, Bank of Hawaii Director and Owner of Hoakea Communications. The program was held at the Bank of Hawaii board room in downtown Honolulu.
Ms. Tanabe opened the discussion by sharing her story about growing up as a Japanese American woman and how from a very early age she learned the importance of being self-confident and to be able to stand up for what you believe in. The NexGeners in attendance brought up thoughts and questions such as when they are advised by senior leaders to “lead” and they try to exert their style of leadership, how confusing it is when they meet resistance.
Ms. Tanabe’s advice to the group about “acceptance” in taking ownership and responsibility as a leader is to think about how their actions will affect the community and not just oneself. What is the end result that you want? Listening and being open to other perspectives while maintaining your beliefs is an important skill in leading.
On December 17, 2019, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) hosted the last of a three part talk story series with some of our local community leaders and JASH NexGen members. These sessions were designed to be small group discussions regarding leadership, and the path to get there for the NexGen in Hawai`i. Our last program featured JASH Board Director Mr. Bob Harrison, who is Chairman and CEO of First Hawaiian Bank (FHB). Our program was held at the exclusive First Hawaiian Bankers Club in downtown Honolulu.
Mr. Harrison opened the conversation by giving us some information regarding his background. He joined FHB in 1996 as Vice President of the Main Banking Center and thus, he is a 23-year veteran of the company and has 29-years of experience in the financial industry. From there, he climbed the ranks to become Vice President and Chief Risk Officer in 2006; President and Chief Operating Officer in 2009; CEO in 2012, and Chairman in 2014.
Mr. Harrison then turned the tables and asked the group why the average length of employment by the younger generation, in particular Millennials, is so much shorter than generations before them. The group discussed the reasons why the younger generation of workers “jump ship” so often, and how that negatively impacts the continuity of work and long-term planning for companies. Mr. Harrison spoke of his involvement in the Hawai`i CHANGE Initiative and the importance of the NexGen’s involvement in this project. He spoke of how the Baby Boomers are laying the groundwork but may not necessarily be around to implement it, so it’s up to NexGeners to lead CHANGE for the world in which they will live and their children will live.
JASH NexGen member Toby Tamaye commented, “What a great opportunity it was to have a one-on-one conversation with Hawaii’s largest bank CEO!” Thank you to Bob Harrison for his time and for sharing his story and his insight with the JASH NexGen members. Also, thank you to Island Insurance Foundation for their Sponsorship of the JASH NexGen Movers and Shakers Talk Story Series.
With Bob Harrison
December 17, 2019
With Steve Sombrero
March 30, 2020
On March 30, 2022, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) along with Aloha Beer Co. co-hosted the fourth installation in the JASH NexGen Movers & Shakers Talk-Story Series which began in 2019. These exclusive programs are by invitation only and are designed to be small group discussions regarding leadership and the path to get there for the NexGen in Hawai`i. This program featured former JASH Board Chair Steve Sombrero, who is the owner and founder of Cushman & Wakefield I Chaney Brooks and Aloha Beer Co., the latter of which is soon to be opening its third location in Waikiki.
Mr. Sombrero opened the evening’s conversation by sharing his background. He was born in Okinawa and lived in California before coming to Hawai`i. While in California, he met his wife Takako, who is originally from Japan. This was the beginning of Mr. Sombrero’s life-long journey of connecting the U.S. and Japan in both his personal and professional life.
Mr. Sombrero spoke fondly about his Okinawan grandmother, who instilled many of the values he shares and lives by today. He spoke about his diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, his struggles, as well as the hard work he invested to get to where he is today.
The term Mr. Sombrero emphasized and shared with the NexGen group was “Relentless Pursuit” – never give up! Sometimes it takes three, four, or even five attempts to finally succeed at something you believe in. It’s the journey that counts, not the destination. After Mr. Sombrero’s talk-story, the group enjoyed delicious food and drinks and re-connected with one another after a long time of COVID-19 restrictions. We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Steve Sombrero for sharing his personal story with the group and for graciously opening the Aloha Beer Co.’s HI BRAU Room for this special intimate program. MAHALO NUI LOA!