Events & Engagements

Global Workforce Development: Leadership, Strategy, and Culture for a Resilient Future

Panel Discussion | Hosted by U.S.-Japan Council

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Dr. Kathy Pike spoke on a panel about why mental health must be recognized as a strategic priority for high-performing companies worldwide, particularly in Japan. The session, moderated by Dr. Curtiss Takada Rooks, also featured contributions from Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Ms. Yumiko Noda, and Mr. Gino Gordon. Together, the panel explored how mental health, belonging, and sustainability will shape the future of work in Japan and beyond. Dr. Pike emphasized that mental health is not simply a matter of employee well-being but a fundamental driver of organizational performance, innovation, and global competitiveness. The discussion reinforced the message that prioritizing mental health, alongside belonging and sustainability, is essential for companies seeking to thrive in 2050 and beyond.

(Left to Right: Curtiss Takada Rooks, Assistant Professor of Asian and Asian American Studies, Loyola Marymount University, Yumiko Noda, Chairman & Representative Director, Veolia Japan GK, Dr. Kathleen Pike, One Mind CEO, Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder & CEO, Quality Electrodynamics, LLC, and Gino Gordon, Chief Strategy Officer, Red Phoenix Entertainment)

Workforce Mental Health and Well-Being Cocktail Event

Webinar | Hosted by One Mind at Work, Columbia University, Heidrick & Struggles, and Pasona N A.

Location: Tokyo, Japan

One Mind co-hosted a convening at the Hotel Okura in collaboration with Columbia University, Heidrick & Struggles Japan, and Pasona NA, Inc. This event marked the inaugural launch of the Japan Mental Health and Well-being Leadership Coalition and brought together more than 60 senior leaders – including CHROs, executives, and in-house industrial physicians – from over 50 companies to address the growing importance of workplace mental health in Japan. Dr. Kathy Pike emphasized the urgent need for a scientific, strategic, and community-driven approach to workplace mental health, introducing the 3Ps Framework – Protection, Promotion, and Provision – as a comprehensive model for advancing well-being in organizations. Dr. Tsuyoshi Akiyama further urged a shift in mindset and encouraged companies to view employees facing mental health challenges as assets rather than burdens. The program underscored the urgency of Japan’s workforce challenges, including a shrinking labor pool, low employee engagement, and significant economic losses tied to mental health issues. As one of the first convenings of its kind to bring together U.S. and Japanese leaders around workplace mental health, the event signaled a new era of collaboration dedicated to embedding mental health into corporate strategy and workplace culture.

(Left to Right: Haruka Kokaze, Tsuyoshi Akiyama, President, World Federation for Mental Health, Dr. Kathleen M. Pike, Steven Greenberg, Partner-in-Charge, Japan, Heidrick & Struggles Japan, Kenji Furushiro, President & CEO, PASONA NA, Inc.)

Read a recap on PASONA N A, Inc.’s website

View a list of participating companies

High Performance Companies Today: Why Mental Health is an Essential Strategic Priority

Panel Discussion | Hosted by Asia Society

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Dr. Kathy Pike delivered a keynote address on why mental health must be recognized as a strategic priority for high-performing companies worldwide, particularly in Japan. She noted that Japan’s distinctive workplace dynamics present both challenges and opportunities for organizations seeking to attract and retain top talent. Introducing the 3P Framework – Protection, Promotion, and Provision – Dr. Pike outlined a model for creating healthier and more productive work environments. She also emphasized the strategic benefits of investing in mental health, from strengthening employee engagement to reducing turnover and driving innovation. The event underscored that mental health is not simply an employee benefit, but a fundamental driver of business growth, resilience, and long-term success.

View a recording from the event

(Left to Right: Jesper Koll, Chair of the Policy Committee, Asia Society, and Kathleen Pike, One Mind CEO)

Navigating Global Business in New York City

Panel Discussion | Hosted by The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York (JCCI)

Ms. Haruka Kokaze participated in a special program where she shared her experiences growing up within the Japanese expatriate communities of New York, Houston, and London. She emphasized the tremendous opportunity and responsibility of Japanese subsidiaries to proactively support the mental health and well-being of expatriates and their families. Ms. Kokaze also reflected on how this background has shaped her professional journey while engaging in dialogue with visiting students from Chuo University in Japan. This discussion prompted the students to reflect on the importance of mental health as they prepare to enter the workforce.

(Left to Right: David Ernst, Senior Gala Consultant, JCCI, Haruka Kokaze (One Mind), Masaaki Maeda, Vice President, JCCI)