2024-2025 Peer-to-Peer Event Recaps
2024-2025 Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Event Recaps
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4th Workshop of our Annual Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Empowerment Online Sessions
Facilitators: Madeleine Hoffmann and Jennifer Shinkai [Co-hosts: Stephanie Napier & Emily Donkin]
On May 29th, FEW Japan hosted the fourth (and last!) session of our 2024-2025 Peer-2-Peer series: “Celebrate Yourself: #IAmRemarkable”, facilitated by the remarkable duo, Madeleine Hoffmann and Jennifer Shinkai. Speaking about our own achievements doesn’t always come naturally. It often brings hesitation rooted in fear or judgement or the belief that our accomplishments aren't worthy of recognition. But Madeleine and Jennifer approached the topic with empathy and insight, making it easy for participants to open up, explore the power of recognition, and celebrate their achievements no matter how big or small.
Rooted in a global movement launched by Anna Vainer and Anna Zapesochini at Google in 2016, #IAmRemarkable encourages people of all genders, races, and identities to speak openly about their accomplishments and challenge the societal discomfort around self-promotion. As of March 2025, the initiative has reached 700,000+ participants from 130 countries with over 3,000+ active facilitators delivering the workshop worldwide.
The session began with two powerful questions:
“Why is recognizing and sharing your achievements important?”,
and
“Why have you hesitated to share your achievements?”
These thought-provoking questions led to honest reflections in which participants expressed fear of being judged. But both facilitators reminded us that: it’s not bragging if it’s based on facts and our accomplishments don’t always speak for themselves.
The session also dug deep into how identity-based stereotypes like race, gender, age, and ability can shape how others perceive our competence. Whether it’s being judged by an accent or being questioned about the achievements of others because of our implicit biases, these experiences lead to internal barriers that create an environment where speaking up can be difficult for some people. As participants continued to share personal experiences and reflections, Jennifer reminded us that inclusion drives real impact.
In a powerful journaling exercise, participants were asked to write down the statement:
“I am remarkable because…”,
and reflect on either personal or professional wins. What followed was an uplifting round of sharing, where courage met vulnerability and community. Madeleine also mentioned the importance of not only recognizing our own achievements but to also “make it a habit to recognize and vocalize achievements and strengths of those around us.”
The session ended with practice exercises that participants can carry with them:
- Achievement Tracker: Keep track of your accomplishments. You may create an achievement box to remind yourself what you have achieved/overcome for a rainy day to bring sunshine and a rainbow back to your life. This could also take the form of a folder in your emails to accumulate positive feedback from others or achievements.
- Remarkable Wednesdays: Get a group of friends/colleagues to share an achievement out loud every Wednesday.
- Practice and Act: Continuously review and edit your #IAmRemarkable statements to make them more authentic and powerful. Practice saying them out loud.
- Stretch Goal: Identify someone you’re hesitant to share your achievements with and make it a goal to do so!
We’re deeply thankful to Madeleine and Jennifer for facilitating such a thoughtful and empowering workshop and to everyone who shared and listened with open hearts. The workshop was a wonderful reminder that celebrating our strengths is not only an act of self-acknowledgement, but also a powerful way to build confidence, embrace our worth, and discover just how remarkable we truly are.
Resources:
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3rd Workshop of our Annual Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Empowerment Online Sessions
Facilitator: Chinyere Okoli - The Sista Fund [Co-hosts: Stephanie Napier & Emily Donkin]
On April 17th, FEW Japan was delighted to host the third session in our 2024–25 Peer-2-Peer series: "Invest in Yourself: Building Your Road to Financial Independence," led by the inspiring Chinyere Okoli. With the empowering tagline "Live life on your own terms," the workshop focused on helping women take control of their financial lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Chinyere, the founder of The Sista Fund, is dedicated to helping women save smart, invest wisely, and build generational wealth. Financial topics can be intimidating for some, but Chinyere brought her financial expertise with such warm, encouraging energy that she immediately set the tone for open and honest dialogue.
The session began by exploring our personal money mindsets—how our experiences, upbringing, and beliefs shape the way we manage our finances. Chinyere guided participants through thoughtful reflection activities and engaging breakout room discussions where attendees could share and learn from one another. By identifying common money blocks and emotional patterns around spending, we were able to challenge old narratives and start reshaping how we think about wealth and success. It was powerful to see so many participants connect over shared experiences and walk away with renewed self-awareness and a more positive outlook toward money.
From there, the focus shifted to practical skills and tools to support financial growth. Chinyere introduced some user-friendly budgeting frameworks and highlighted helpful financial apps, offering guidance on how to track income and expenses in a way that supports long-term goals. Discussions on how to manage increased income, develop better spending habits, and approach debt strategically were especially useful. Participants also explored the topic of when to prioritize debt repayment versus saving or investing—an often confusing area that was made much clearer through Chinyere’s practical explanations.
Throughout the evening, what stood out most was the supportive and non-judgmental space created by Chinyere and embraced by all who attended. Women shared their stories, asked important questions, and encouraged one another in a community of trust. It was a reminder that financial conversations don’t have to be intimidating or isolating—they can be empowering and even joyful when approached in the right environment.
We’re incredibly grateful to Chinyere for her time, knowledge, and the compassionate way she guided the workshop. Her passion for helping women achieve financial freedom is both inspiring and impactful. Thank you as well to all of our members who joined us and contributed to such a rich and meaningful session. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events, including our Members Meeting on May 15th and the final Peer-2-Peer session of the year on May 29th. Until then, we encourage you to keep investing in yourselves -you deserve it.
If you are interested in exploring the topics covered in Chinyere’s session further, we invite you to review the additional resources provided.
Follow Chinyere:
Blog Posts:
Budgeting Apps:
- You Need a Budget (YNAB)
- GoodBudget
- EveryDollar
- MoneyForward (Japanese only)
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2nd Workshop of our Annual Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Empowerment Online Sessions
Facilitator: Rachel Ferguson - RFCC [Co-hosts: Stephanie Napier & Emily Donkin]
On January 16th, FEW Japan members participated in an enriching Peer-to-Peer workshop facilitated by Rachel Ferguson, a seasoned communications coach. The session introduced attendees to the concept of creating two resumes: the professional resume, showcasing education, work experience, and achievements, and the hidden resume, which delves into life experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
A standout takeaway was the reminder to embrace our whole selves when we show up in professional spaces. As Rachel highlighted, it’s not just about achievements—it’s about the journey that shapes who we are today. Through engaging activities and small breakout sessions, participants identified key themes in their personal and professional lives, reframed hardships as growth opportunities, and unearthed patterns and overlooked skills that contribute to their unique value. This workshop emphasized how embracing our full selves — both the parts we gladly share and those we prefer to hide — can enrich the way we connect and communicate, both personally and professionally.
From our participants:
“This session will help you understand all the ways you’re underselling yourself, help you understand your skills, and might even help you identify what you need to do to move your career to the next step.”
“Provides an alternative way of thinking about the skills and experiences I have had and where they fit into the choices I’ve made. Very valuable!!”
“A safe space to look at ourselves objectively whilst being vulnerable to reflect on ourselves as a whole, not just through the 'professional' language of the corporate world, but then channeling our whole to enrich how we can show up 'professionally'.”
“So interesting to connect all the different threads of my life!”
Thank you, Rachel, for leading such a transformative session! Connect with Rachel at her website to learn more about her work.
About Rachel:
Rachel Ferguson has an 18-year career in Japan. In 2023, she founded The Communication Concierge to assist Japanese companies in enhancing their performance through English language and cultural communication upskilling. She co-founded Kosodate Village, a non-profit organization that focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Japan. The organization emphasizes empowering young women and creating spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect. She is also a co-founder of Ryozan Park, a co-working-and-living community located in northern Tokyo, with a dedicated mission to promote diversity and foster work-life balance. They were awarded the "Entrepreneur of the Year" honour from the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan in 2019. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Rachel served as a news and weather announcer for NHK World TV. She holds master's degrees in creative writing and Japanese gender studies and has published a children's book and a volume of poetry.
Learn more about Rachel Ferguson:
https://commconcierge.devi.page/#hero1
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1st Workshop of our Annual Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Empowerment Online Sessions
Facilitator: Kyoko Takeyama - KT Consulting [Co-hosts: Blessing Thomas & Christine Brown]
On October 14th, FEW Japan members joined an inspiring Peer-to-Peer workshop led by Kyoko Takeyama, a coach specializing in empowering creative communicators. First, we checked in with what we each perceive to be our greatest challenges in communication before exploring how we could get clarity on what we want to say so that we can streamline our process, and then discussed how to express ourselves through effective storytelling.
The session also introduced the CLEAR framework, which we were guided through step by step. This framework supports us stepping into the spotlight to communicate with confidence. The workshop provided practical tools to amplify voices online, onstage, or in professional settings, helping attendees shine in their careers and through personal growth.
The CLEAR Framework:
C - Competence
L - Legend
E - Enlightenment
A - Articulate
R - Radiance
Participants explored how to:
- Identify their unique strengths.
- Develop impactful messaging.
- Share authentic stories that resonate.
Most professionals have difficulty speaking publicly about their expertise. Kyoko shows you how to intellectually and emotionally connect with your people so you and your career grow. Born to Japanese parents in New York and living most of her adulthood in Barcelona, she has spent her life deciphering English, Japanese, and Spanish messages to find that communication is more than speaking aloud. Kyoko has a B.A. and M.A. in Communications and works with global companies such as Autodesk, Domestika, and TEDx. When she’s not giving speeches, workshops, and coaching, she runs, paints, and sings. She welcomes people to connect on LinkedIn and talk about them and sincerely believes, if you’re great at what you do, the world needs to know about it!
Contact Kyoko Takeyama on LinkedIn or you can email her directly kyoko@kyokotakeyama.com.
What is the Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Program?
A Members Only event, the P2P program is a unique opportunity for FEW Japan Members to learn, thrive, and connect with each other. It is designed as a womxn-only, exclusive safe space built around our annual program theme and P2P theme that we explore through 4 learning journeys animated by 4 different experts.
Bringing together the leadership and talents of our members and external guest speakers, workshop facilitators will share their insights, methods, and applied tools in order for members to workshop, practice and strengthen their foundations in real time together. The workshops take place within a welcoming online environment with a safety net of supportive peers.
Whether you are growing your business or looking to optimize your experience in a current position. Maybe you are trying to identify your voice through a new life age or stage, or potentially you are interested in creating effective strategies to completely change your career and pivot into new projects. Whatever your aimsFEW Japan’s P2P Program and all the participants will be supportive and uplifting in their ongoing aim to develop and support you on your journey and in your next steps.
Who Will Benefit from Joining Peer-to-Peer Sessions?
Calling all our members at all ages and stages!
The P2P Annual Program is a rare opportunity for ongoing, year-long thought partnering with other talented women of all nationalities living across Japan.
- Creatives – curious about turning a creative passion into a side hustle, or expressing yourself through a new medium?
- Entrepreneurs – already started or thinking about starting your own business?
- Corporates – are you currently working at a company and wishing you could explore additional ways to develop your talents further and create a bigger impact?
- Pivoters and Inquisitors– are you looking to pivot your career, return to the workforce after caregiving or pivot out of one industry into adjacent opportunities that leverage your expertise?
CTA: Come explore your options and gain new perspectives on how to cultivate your knowledge, and strengthen your professional foundations! P2P is an authentic way to move your personal and professional development forward, gain new skills, expand your national networks and visibility, while at the same time being a part of a growing community who are committed to your thriving and success in Japan.
FEW Annual Program Theme
2024-2025 “Cultivating our Future”
Peer-to-Peer Annual Theme:
“Strengthening our Foundations”
Peer-to-Peer Thematic Learning Journeys
- Thursday, November 21st, 2024
- Thursday, January 16th, 2025
- Thursday, April 17th, 2025
- Thursday, May 29th, 2025
Express Yourself
Rediscover Yourself
Invest in Yourself
Celebrate Yourself
Kyoko Takeyama
Rachel Ferguson
Chinyere Okoli
Madeleine Hoffmann
Your Hosts for FEW Japan Peer-to-Peer Events
Our FEW Japan board of directors and membership engagement team are excited to host the Peer-to-Peer Events for you over the course of the year. They look forward to providing you with opportunities to be supported to achieve your goals, share your voice and learn more about how to use your talents more effectively.