John is a social entrepreneur, a provocateur and a facilitator of change.
He is a proud third generation Japanese American. Whatever wisdom he shares, comes from the dreams of his great- grandparents who were killed by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, and from the hopes of his grandparents and parents, who were all imprisoned in the internment camps of Poston Arizona during World War II. These great sacrifices have focused his efforts to become and assist others to become more authentic and compassionate citizens of the world.
While his formal education includes several degrees and post-graduate work, his real development as a human being emerged from his professional and volunteer work. His career traversed all sectors deeply grounded in human needs and human development. He survived three start-ups in the Silicon Valley and in LA spanning three different decades. John worked in what he calls the “for-purpose” field, interrupted by for-profit and public-sector jobs. His asymmetrical career has taught him the great lessons of reflection, self-regulation, and re-generation that he endeavors to share with others.
He founded Random Acts of Progress, to coach organizations and individuals to align their work to their passions to fully express their potential through education, equity, and equanimity.
He is a practicing philanthropist raising and giving money to human development organizations his entire life. He has been privileged to advise, and counsel thousands of individuals, families and foundations about their generosity that resulted in billions of dollars in gifts and grants.
John just released his new book titled, 'Quest: 121 questions of liberation from the prison of self-domestication.' A unique book of 121 existential questions that beckons the reader to pause,reflect and even write their thoughts in the book. He is a prolific writer with more than 1000 blog posts. His popular newsletter, Your Weekly Ass Kicker, helps leaders reflect on their self-development and their moral alignment.
He and his wife Sarah serve as Executive Producers for an award winning documentary: The Race Epidemic-The Resurgence of the Yellow Peril, now being shown on PBS. A unique film calling for increased civic engagement catalyzed by the virus of hate and violence against Asian-Americans.
He is most grateful to have fallen head over heels in love with his wife, a woman he met on a plane 40 years ago. And the proud father of three successful college graduates with no student debt. It is the story of his family and his ancestors that energizes his journey in the hopes it energizes others.