I crossed paths with Tomoko Ito at the Everything Conference, but not as much as I had hoped to, so The MultiPod comes to the rescue again with a chance to follow up with each other and record a conversation.   Tomoko is now back home in the LA area, where she maintains strong connections to her native Japan. I wasn't aware that she is a business coach for Japanese multipotentialites, which raised some interesting questions and curiosity about how multipotentiality is viewed and understood in Japan, if there are strong cultural differences between Japan and North America, at least, and how people adapt over there.   Tomoko is very well-placed to observe the contrasts on either side of the Pacific ocean, and we dove right into it (after another quick shout out to the brag bags and their lasting impact).   We cover: 

•  Is there as much pressure in Japan as anywhere else to specialize and commit to that one career 
•  How we each pursue our multiple interests, and the fact that it doesn't always have to be for money 
•  Poetry and baking as a couple activities Tomoko's pursued in the last little while, regardless of there being any money involved in it 
•  Toying with an idea for a YouTube channel that does virtual tours of the world, via Google Maps, Streetview etc. If you caught Episode 3 of this series where I showed some of the neighbourhoods and highlights of Minneapolis and St Paul, you'll get an idea of what it would be like 

  Tips include: 

•  Considering the side-hustle approach to gain anything from extra income to skills and experience 
•  Letting go of the pressure to make money from your interests can be a tremendous release, if it makes sense to do so 
•  The benefits of the Offers & Needs exchange, which remains something available to all, not just those who were there at the in-person networking session 
•  Setting yourself up for success, but equally only starting a project from a place of fun and enjoyment 

  On the subject of Offers & Needs, as I said to Tomoko, if it's something you'd like to organize for your own community or network, I'm happy to help give you some direction and overview as to how it works. Just send me an email at [email protected]   Encouragement links:   tomokoito.com Tomoko on Instagram   Photo credit: Jeff Brumley   The MultiPod @ the Everything Conference miniseries © Quick Edit Podcasts, 2024 Production and original music by Ted Cragg   ---- Stream more episodes of The MultiPod on our site, on YouTube, or or on your favourite podcast app.