Ep. 25: The Intersection of E-commerce and Psychology with Rieko Uesaki
Featuring guest
Rieko Uesaki
We had the privilege of speaking with Rieko Uesaki, who has masterfully leveraged empathy to build two complementary businesses. Through our conversation, we explored her journey launching Shopify in Japan in 2017 and the insights she gained working alongside local merchants. Rieko shared valuable perspectives on successful e-commerce strategies in Japan, emphasizing the importance of trust, localized copy, automation, and marketing. We delved into emerging trends like Amazon's luxury market expansion and discussed the fascinating connection between technology and therapy. The conversation took a deeper turn as we examined how empathy, when first applied to ourselves, becomes the foundation for meaningful contribution to business and community. Rieko's unique perspective on mental health during COVID, including common issues like self-doubt and isolation, provided powerful insights into personal and professional growth.
Themes of Inquiry
- E-commerce in Japan
- Empathy in business
- Mental health and therapy
- COVID impact on entrepreneurs
- Cross-cultural business strategies
We had the privilege of speaking with Rieko Uesaki, who has masterfully leveraged empathy to build two complementary businesses.
Episode Summary
We had the privilege of speaking with Rieko Uesaki, who has masterfully leveraged empathy to build two complementary businesses. Through our conversation, we explored her journey launching Shopify in Japan in 2017 and the insights she gained working alongside local merchants. Rieko shared valuable perspectives on successful e-commerce strategies in Japan, emphasizing the importance of trust, localized copy, automation, and marketing. We delved into emerging trends like Amazon's luxury market expansion and discussed the fascinating connection between technology and therapy. The conversation took a deeper turn as we examined how empathy, when first applied to ourselves, becomes the foundation for meaningful contribution to business and community. Rieko's unique perspective on mental health during COVID, including common issues like self-doubt and isolation, provided powerful insights into personal and professional growth.
The Guest Biography
Rieko Uesaki
Rieko Uesaki is a multifaceted entrepreneur who has built two complementary businesses centered around her superpower of empathy. She is the founder of ISSHONI, which partners with e-commerce merchants to help them succeed in the Japanese market, and Mindox, where she serves as resident therapist and life coach, providing clients with safe spaces and clarity to heal from past experiences and design fulfilling lives. Rieko played a key role in launching Shopify in Japan in 2017, working closely with local merchants and gaining deep insights into the Japanese e-commerce landscape. Her unique combination of business acumen and therapeutic expertise allows her to bridge the gap between technology and mental health, helping entrepreneurs navigate both professional challenges and personal growth.
Continue the Dialogue
Ep. 26: Japanese principles behind meaningful presentations and storytelling with Garr Reynolds
We had the privilege of hosting Garr Reynolds, internationally acclaimed communications consultant and author of the award-winning Presentation Zen series. In this episode, we explored how presentation and storytelling principles have evolved since Garr first launched Presentation Zen in 2007. We discussed authentic storytelling in the Corona age, examining how storytelling has become a core business competency beyond just marketing departments. Garr shared insights on winning audience attention, building trust as a storyteller, and the importance of knowing your audience. We covered practical tips for better presentations, including how to help audiences feel smart and engaged. The conversation touched on accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, the concept of nemawashi for developing buy-in, and even addressed the use of humor in Japanese business contexts.
Listen Now