Kumi Yanagida

Founder, YUZU CONSULTING | Anchoring ‘IKIGAI’ and Mindful Leadership through Traditional Japanese Artistry & Philosophy

United Kingdom

About

Bringing the discipline of traditional Japanese aesthetics and the philosophy of 'IKIGAI' to the forefront of modern global leadership. With over a decade of experience navigating global corporate landscapes -including my tenure at Russell Reynolds Associates building best-in-class executive teams -I have witnessed firsthand the profound challenges faced by modern multinational leaders. True leadership requires more than strategic acumen; it demands absolute mental clarity, emotional agility, and an unwavering inner anchor. Today, through YUZU CONSULTING, I bridge the worlds of high-level executive advisory and ancient Japanese philosophy. I curate bespoke workshops and executive retreats that translate the philosophy of IKIGAI into actionable frameworks for senior leaders, HR directors, and distinguished private circles in London. An Authentic Lineage & Academic Foundation My work is anchored in a lifetime of cultural stewardship. Raised in Tokyo within a home featuring its own traditional Chashitsu (tea ceremony house), my childhood was seamlessly steeped in the living arts, rituals, and classical philosophies. Complementing this authentic heritage, I hold an M.A. in Social Anthropology from SOAS, University of London, specialising in Japanese Ethnography. Before entering the corporate world, I also served as an assistant director for television documentaries focusing on Japanese traditional arts and Living National Treasures. I am also a certified Executive Coach. How We Collaborate (Bespoke Services) I partner with multinational organizations, forward-thinking institutions, and exclusive private communities to deliver highly curated, premium experiences: ・ Executive & Board Retreats: Cultivating leadership alignment, profound focus, and resilience through Eastern philosophies and tailored mindfulness practices. ・ Bespoke Private Salons: Curating intimate, intellectually stimulating cultural experiences for milestone gatherings and discerning private circles. Whether you are seeking to elevate your leadership team’s collective clarity or bring an exquisite, meaningful experience to your private circle, I invite you to begin the conversation. ✉️ Please feel free to drop me a DM or connect to explore a bespoke partnership. www.yuzuconsulting.net/

Experience

  • Founder at YUZU CONSULTING
    2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Curate and deliver premium, bespoke workshops and executive retreats that integrate traditional Japanese aesthetics and the philosophy of 'IKIGAI' into modern leadership development and personal growth. Partner with multinational corporations, prominent educational networks, and exclusive private communities across London to cultivate mental clarity, alignment, and inner resilience. Key Offerings & Impact: ・ Executive & Board Retreats: Translate Eastern philosophies and tailored mindfulness practices into actionable frameworks for senior leadership teams, enhancing collective clarity, focus, and emotional agility. ・ Bespoke Private Salons: Design intimate, intellectually stimulating cultural experiences and reflective sessions for milestone gatherings and discerning private circles. Entrusted by global executives, HR leaders, and distinguished London circles to deliver meaningful, high-impact experiential sessions.

  • Executive Coach/Career Coach at Freelance
    2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

  • Senior Vice President at Life Shift Co., Ltd.
    2021 - 2021 · Less than a year

    - Played as the core member of the management team. - Developed an assessment model for senior employees to thrive and achieve successful life shift. - Led the project of developing the on-line learning platform and successfully launched the platform. - Provided coaching services to management levels of client companies to stimulate their mindset change.

  • NPO Family House (Tokyo, Japan)
    • Business Consultant/Advisor
      2010 - 2020 · 10 yrs

      - Established in 1991, Family House is a well known NPO in Japan to offer accommodations for families of children with chronic life-threatening illnesses including pediatric cancer who have come from rural areas to large hospitals in Tokyo for their treatments. - Lead and/or advise various projects including development of competency models and of training programs to penetrate minds and skills of competency models within the organization. Communicated with medical professionals and patient groups through projects.

    • Committee Member
      Apr 2017 - Mar 2018 · 1 yr

      Project: Production of promotional DVD of Family House

    • Committee Member
      Apr 2016 - Mar 2017 · 1 yr

      Project: Research of the needs of Family House at pediatric care

  • Executive Coach/Career Coach at Freelance
    2010 - 2020 · 10 yrs