Ticking off 23 years in 2024 of living and working in Japan, tell us, was Japan a country you’d always envisioned yourself living in? What are some of your favourite things about Tokyo?
Living in Japan wasn’t something I envisioned early on, but it’s a path that unfolded through opportunities and decisions I made along the way. My first encounter with Japan came through studying Japanese at what is now Ara Institute of Canterbury, which sparked a deep interest and expertise in the language and culture. Over time, my love of language combined with law, evolved into a career and a very fulfilling life in Japan.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts - where tradition meets modernity. I love the vibrant neighborhoods, the peaceful oases of shrines and gardens tucked between skyscrapers and around corners, and the incredible food culture is second to none. The diversity of experiences you can have in one day - whether attending a business meeting in Marunouchi, admiring cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in a small café - is what makes Tokyo truly special to me.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey to date?
My career has been a journey of continuous evolution. After graduating from the University of Canterbury, I was admitted to the Bar in spring with Christchurch bursting with the cherry blossoms outside the Law Courts on the banks of the Avon River. I began my legal career at what is now Anderson Lloyd, where I worked for seven years as a solicitor. There, I used my legal expertise and Japanese language skills to assist Japanese clients navigating the New Zealand market. This role provided an incredible foundation for understanding cross-cultural business and legal dynamics and set the stage for my transition to Japan for the first of many assignments.
Over the years, I’ve worked as a lawyer, advised multinational corporations, and transitioned into governance and entrepreneurship. Along the way, I’ve embraced leadership roles and achieved a significant milestone as the first foreign female - and the first Kiwi -to serve on the boards of Fujitsu and Toyota in Japan. This accomplishment not only reflects my professional expertise but also my dedication to advancing gender diversity and inclusion in leadership.
In 2018, I founded my own law firm, marking a shift from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Establishing the firm during cherry blossom season felt symbolic—a time of growth and renewal. Beyond legal practice, I’ve expanded into podcasting and coaching, driven by my passion for storytelling, mentorship, and helping others navigate their own career paths and become their true selves. These ventures reflect my commitment to empowering others and contributing to a more inclusive professional landscape.
What has been your proudest achievement/moment so far throughout your career?
One of my proudest achievements has been establishing my own law firm in Japan, particularly as a foreign woman in a highly traditional industry and country (Japan). Starting from scratch required resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in myself and my vision.
Another very proud moment was earning my place on the boards of Fujitsu and Toyota in Japan. These roles represent not only a personal milestone but also the broader progress of diversity in leadership. It’s been rewarding to challenge assumptions and inspire others to follow nontraditional paths.
You are currently the host of two different podcasts, Lawyer on Air and Jandals in Japan. What was your inspiration behind starting each podcast and what can listeners expect from these series?
Lawyer on Air was inspired by the incredible yet hidden stories of women lawyers in Japan - both Japanese and foreign - who are breaking barriers and redefining success. The podcast provides a platform to share their journeys, wisdom & insights, and career advice, offering inspiration to others navigating careers in law and beyond. It’s now the number one podcast for legal careers in Japan!
Jandals in Japan, on the other hand, was born out of a love for connecting the cultures and business communities of New Zealand and Japan. It delves into success stories of Kiwi expats exporting to Japan, their challenges and experiences in Japan, faux pas along the way, and ultimately celebrating the unique bond between the two countries.
Both podcasts reflect my passion for storytelling and my belief in the power of shared experiences to educate, empower, and build connections.
What were some of your fondest memories or experiences from your time studying at UC?
Returning to university at 23 was a pivotal moment in my life. After working in a first career as a Japanese-speaking tour guide, I enrolled at the University of Canterbury to pursue my passion for law and Japanese with a renewed sense of purpose. The supportive environment at UC allowed me to thrive academically and build lifelong friendships.
On the lighter side, it’s hard not to mention the sausage rolls and Cookie Time cookies from the café - they were a delicious reward after hours spent in lectures and study sessions! I also loved the beautifully manicured grounds of Canterbury University, which provided a serene and inspiring backdrop for both work and relaxation. These experiences, both academic and personal, laid the foundation for a global career and instilled in me the values of perseverance and adaptability.
What advice would you give to a new graduate looking to join the workforce?
Say yes to opportunities, especially early in your career, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. Those experiences will help you grow and open doors you might not have imagined. At the same time, learn to recognize when to say no later in your career, as focus and boundaries become critical to long-term success.
Invest in building relationships as your network is often your greatest asset. Be curious, ask questions, and find mentors who inspire you. And don’t shy away from upskilling, even if it feels daunting; being a lifelong learner and studying at different stages of life has been one of the most transformative experiences for me.
Any other comments or remarks you’d like to make?
Let me share three insights I have come to know to be true:
At university, I was a diligent student, with grades that ranged from excellent to average. What I want young students to understand is that your university marks are just a snapshot of where you are at one moment in time; they don’t define your potential or determine your future. Rather than let grades become a limitation, view them as a stepping stone. Your career is yours to shape, and you have the power to reframe your story and craft a future that reflects your ambitions and values.
I’ve learned that success is rarely a straight line; it’s about embracing the twists and turns that make your journey unique. For me, that’s meant transitioning from law to entrepreneurship, navigating cultural nuances, thriving through rejection and failure, and taking on leadership and governance roles in the boards I now serve on.
And if there’s one lesson I’ve learned most of all, it’s this: the door to opportunity is always marked PUSH. Whether it’s founding a business, learning a new skill, or advocating for change, the most rewarding outcomes come from being bold, taking initiative, and stepping outside your comfort zone. And never underestimate the power of community - friends, mentors, and colleagues - to support and inspire you along the way.
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