Profile
千葉祥子
Shoko Chiba
With 25 years of experience in the world of finance at top global investment banks and consulting firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, and PwC, Shoko blended her financial background with holistic life coaching techniques, which she learned from the globally renowned coach Alan Cohen. This unique combination enables her to elevate people’s understanding of finance, business, and partnerships through targeted seminars and coaching sessions. Many have found their lives dramatically transformed after just a single 15-minute session with her.
Throughout her career, Shoko lived by the mantra: "I must not lose to others", which quickly became a metaphorical armor for her in the workplace. However, when she chose to remove this belief and embrace flexibility, she discovered a powerful truth: dreams are more readily achieved when we are adaptable. This revelation has motivated her to broaden her outreach focusing on the theme of "Shinayaka (living flexibly)" to empower women aiming for genuine success and leadership gain.
Shoko's life's work is centered on helping individuals find their inner voice and instilling the confidence to act upon it. She frequently hosts live broadcasts as a speaker and moderator and conducts insightful interviews with both established and budding celebrities, providing a source of enlightenment for many.
Her book "The 9 Habits of 'Shinayaka Ladies' Who Are Always Surrounded by Wonderful People" was a #1 bestseller in 26 Amazon categories.
Shoko Chiba
Executive Life Coach/Seminar Speaker/Interviewer
Representative Director, LA MER BLEUE Co.
Author: "The 9 Habits of 'Shinayaka Ladies' Who Are Always Surrounded by Wonderful People," (#1 bestseller in 26 Amazon categories)
Services
Executive Life Coaching
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Provides one-on-one life coaching to executives and otherw who are striving to succeed working in a global environment. Areas of expertise include: career, finance, communication, partnership, finding your own life purpose, etc.
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Instructs holistic coaching skills to coaches and leaders.
Consulting and Project Management
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Provides consulting services specialized in finance, corporate governance, communication, leadership, etc.
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Services include one-on-one and group consulting.
Interviews
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Runs online programs (currently in Japanese) interviewing best-selling authors, seminar leaders and various people who are experts in their field.
My story
Sudden shift in my career path.
During my junior year in college, I had no intention of jumping straight into the workforce after graduation. Instead, I was fully absorbed in the preparation for a study abroad program. However, during my spring break of that same year, I received a shocking piece of news. The clothing company that I was working part-time had gone bankrupt.
This was a jarring reality check for my college self as I, now, no longer has a stable source of income. As a result, I decided to put my study abroad plans on hold and immediately began job hunting. Just two months later by a stroke of good luck, I had received an offer from a foreign investment bank.
This meant at the age of 21, I decided to put my "dreams" on hold, and focus on earning money first.
Although it might sound strange, once I started working, I found the work was highly engaging and fulfilling, providing me with ample opportunities to learn.
My days were filled with a busy but enjoyable routine, and before I knew it, years had flown by. Suddenly, the time had come for me to finally consider beginning to do what I loved. It was then that I paused, for the first time, and thought,
"Wait a minute..."
Searching for something which brings joy to my heart
I had been swept up in a whirlwind of work and hobbies, always making my life extremely busy from morning to night. I had no idea how to shift from the lifestyle I had decided upon at 21 to making what brings joy to my heart the center of my life.
Looking around at friends and senior colleagues, I didn't see anyone living this way. Although I had no major complaints about my relationships or my working environment, I began to feel a growing sense of urgency. If I continued living each day in the same busy way, would I fail to fulfill the promise I made to my younger self? Would I end up regretting it later?
- Where does my talent lie?
- How can I live without depending on a company?
- Is it really possible to make a living doing what I love?
- How can I make more free time?
- And most importantly, what truly brings joy to my heart?
Before I knew it, I was deeply contemplating these things every day. It was the first time I realized that I had not been listening to the true voice of my heart, and always putting off what I loved for "later".
Upon reflecting, I remembered the numerous times people had approached me for advice on work, lifestyle and personal matters. I remembered the joy I felt when they told me: "I'm glad I talked to you," or "I want to meet and talk to you again, Shoko."
Transitioning from a global company to life coaching
When I graduated from college and decided to earn money, I dove headfirst into a company I knew nothing about. The lessons I learned there were immeasurable: how to work and communicate in a global environment, how to cultivate top-tier work techniques, and how to manage my personal life.
When I returned to the true purpose of my life, I realized that by sharing the challenges that I had gone through I could help others who are struggling with their own paths to achieve their true desires.
Everything that happens in life has a meaning. Whether you find your purpose early or late in life, it is never the wrong time to pursue it.
From the day I truly decided to practice pursuing "what brings joy to my heart", my life began to move smoothly, without strain. Now, I provide support to my clients as they move towards their own happiness, and fill their life with excitement. Each time I see the happy smiling faces of my clients as they undergo transformation, I can't help but think this was why worked extremely hard until this point.
It is my heartfelt wish that you too, will lead such a life.
