Authentic. Eye-opening. Inspiring. Thought-provoking. These are a few words that come to mind when I think about the Ikigai Tribe training course that I had the pleasure of participating in last year facilitated by my friend and coach, Nick Kemp. Nick is a thoughtful, patient, and kind leader. His love, passion, and understanding of Japanese culture allowed him to gracefully, authentically, and with clarity move our group through the key tenets of the authentic Japanese philosophy of ikigai. 

Steeped in research and studies, and with the approval of Japanese ikigai experts, Nick’s training course is a one-of-a-kind, authentic look at what ikigai means for the Japanese. With great reverence for Japanese culture, and always with respect for those he is teaching and coaching, Nick listens deeply and responds thoughtfully as this beautiful philosophy is contemplated, made sense of, and iterated within his cohorts. An authentic philosophy that is not overly philosophical, ikigai offers refreshing and practical ways that we can use its wisdom and apply it to our everyday lives to have real effects on how we live and show up in this world. 

Understanding ikigai has allowed me to be happier, more at ease, more fulfilled, and more aware of where I derive purpose and meaning in my life. As an ex-pat coach, ikigai has been hugely helpful for my clients as they navigate challenging moments in their lives abroad. Ikigai is what can help you weather the storm. It is what gives you perspective. And it is what gives you hope. 

Learning about this philosophy and all its multifaceted beauty was a game-changer in my life. If you are looking for a way to understand yourself better, to live with more joy and more fulfillment, and to give your clients more tools for how they can lead more purposeful lives, here is your answer.

As a Nurse executive and emotional intelligence coach, I specialize in the personal and professional development of individuals. Intrigued by Ikigai, I came across Nick and the Ikigai Tribe while researching the topic, and after meeting Nick and learning more about the coaching program, I knew I had to join the tribe and learn everything I could about the authentic meaning of Ikigai. Being a member of the Ikigai Tribe has enriched my life on many levels, both personal and professional. 

Throughout the course, I had access to not only Nick's expertise in Ikigai, but to the many researchers and academics who were included in the webinars and literature as well. Each cohort was kept at a small size so that members could share and learn from one another. A great comradery among group members contributes insight, support and encouragement to each member as coaching plans are developed. I started my Ikigai coaching program design from recommendations provided by group members and Nick. 

The Ikigai Tribe coaching program is a recipe with all the right ingredients for success: a strong vision and mission, expertise and knowledge of Ikigai, masterful facilitation of webinars and group discussions by Nick, exposure to experts and academics in the history and cultural components of Ikigai and Japanese wisdom. I completed the course with a newfound understanding of Ikigai. I learned practices for self reflection and self awareness that I will use and coach others to use. I experienced great comradery with group members across the world, as well as ongoing support provided by Nick. I believe that Nick's mission of promoting the authentic meaning of Ikigai throughout the world and his ability to bring people together to learn and coach others is what makes this an exemplary program.

Joining the Ikigai Tribe changed my life for the better. Nick is so down-to-earth and approachable. He's also very devoted to showing the utmost respect and care for a country and culture he has such obvious appreciation and admiration for. 

Nick painstakingly researches the topic by going through experts in different facets of the field, and this research is never ending. I have found a community that I'm so fond of, and I look forward to our weekly catch-up calls. I also love incorporating what I'm learning about Ikigai in my own teaching and coaching practice.

Working with Nick was like working with an old friend. In a very short amount of time, it felt like we knew each other for years. Upon reflection, I believe this was because the environment for learning is built on psychological safety and vulnerability. As a leader, Nick models vulnerability and shares his journey and knowledge about ikigai and Japanese culture. 

The Ikigai Tribe has become a special place in my life because I am surrounded by a group of people who genuinely want to see me succeed and me them. New doors have been opened after completing the certification program. I have been able to integrate many of the concepts into the work I do with leaders. It has also changed the trajectory of my journey for the better. 

I would highly recommend this certification program to anyone who is looking for a different perspective on how to coach leaders to be at peace with the life they are choosing to live.

Nick is an amazing teacher who is a true Japanologist. He greatly appreciates Japanese cultue, speaks Japanese, and embodies all things related to an authentic understanding of Ikigai. The Ikigai Coach Certification Program will allow me to integrate a genuine understanding of Ikigai with my professional coaching approach that incorporates elements of Japanese and Jungian psychology.

Thorugh the coach certification program, I saw my purpose and meaning come to life in the form of a personal mission to help US veterans in their transition from military to civilian life. As a Board Certified Coach (BCC), I highly recommend Nick's program for professional coaches around the world. Val W. Finnell, MD, MPH Col, USAF (Ret.) Board Certified Coach

I started my Ikigai journey buying in to the Venn diagram. One of the greatest benefits of the programme was learning about Ikigai from Nick who has been immersed in Japanese culture. He put the concepts into their authentic context not massaged into a Western format. 

The certification is well structured with the right balance between content and discussion. I found the process thought provoking on a personal and business level. I am incorporating elements into my own coaching programme as increasing numbers of people looking for purpose in their lives.