The Jim Bouman Experience

On Sunday December 18, 2022 I was invited to speak at TEDxAwaji 2022. The theme was “Ikigai,” a Japanese word meaning “purpose in life” or “raison d’être.”My talk “The Power of Asking the Right Questions” covers my 8.5-year journey from early 2014 to late 2022 (age 22 to 30), from my first job to going solo and uncovering my calling. I tell stories to connect my life experiences and give you many useful life lessons.I won’t spoil it for you. I think it’s worth your time. I condensed 10 years of ups and downs, various personal transformations and lessons I still benefit from today into a 17.5 minute rollercoaster ride.But as a teaser I talk about:How I dealt with the toughest situation in my lifeWhy I moved to the other side of the worldHow I improved my relationshipsThe various ways I learnt to manage, control and change my emotions… at willHow I went from culturally oblivious to being well-likedAll the ways in which I failed to find my “ikigai” (aka “purpose in life)…and the way with which I found itHow I went from being a productive “robot”… to a procrastinator… to a productive “human”The ways I’ve found to continuously increase my happiness, fulfilment and effectiveness… week after weekThe 1 question that has changed my perspective on life, love and successIf any of this resonates, it’s worth a listen. Even if it doesn’t resonate, I think it’s worth a listen.Full transcript (English and Japanese): https://jimbouman.com/tedxawaji-the-power-of-asking-the-right-questions/My daily newsletter: https://letters.jimbouman.com/Website: https://jimbouman.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbouman/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjpbouman

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how and where to find office space in West Africa, whether he recommends foreign companies to buy or rent an office space and what the general acquisition process of office space in West Africa looks like._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:25) How and where to find office space in West Africa(02:23) Buying vs renting office space in West Africa(03:45) Average length of a rental agreement in West Africa(05:29) Property insurance in West Africa(05:50) Property managers in West Africa(06:40) Best location to rent an office for foreign companies(08:02) Summary(09:10) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me the state of internet access and cellular coverage in Benin and other parts of West Africa. We also discuss the WiFi options for companies, different providers and how people generally communicate with each other on their phones these days._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:25) Which is more common in West Africa: computer or smartphone(01:05) Do companies provide a phone(01:52) Smartphones or old-school flip phones(02:28) Prepaid vs subscription(03:32) Data vs calls vs SMS(04:32) Communication via data vs communication via phone network(05:21) How available is free WiFi in West Africa(05:47) Availability of 4G in Benin(06:37) Internet access in Benin(07:32) Internet providers in Benin(10:59) Stability of internet and electricity in Benin(13:19) Summary(14:03) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how to most effectively find a partner to work with, how the negotiation process works and what the customs are like before, during and after meetings.Some bonus tips for foreigners looking to do business in West Africa are mentioned towards the end of the video._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:22) How to approach a potential partner company in West Africa(02:59) Benefits of being the person connecting two companies in West Africa(05:47) What does a second meeting with a partner company look like(07:24) How many meetings are needed to get to an agreement with a partner company in West Africa(08:30) Verbal agreement or signed contract(08:59) Payment structure with a partner company(10:13) Business meeting customs in West Africa(12:20) Advice for foreigners trying to do business in Benin and West Africa(15:42) Summary(16:10) Bonus tip(18:10) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how people in Benin and other parts of West Africa view time and punctuality. We also touch on the importance of one’s job and how West Africans view work-life balance._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:18) Punctuality in Benin(02:20) What to do if you’re going to be late in Benin(03:40) Work comes first(04:32) Working hours and respecting time in Benin(08:40) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me what a normal employment process looks like, which management style people are used to and what type of employment contracts and benefits are common in West Africa.Book mentioned:The One Minute Manager: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B00MMG19OG/_______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:30) How do you manage an employee in West Africa(01:38) What to do on day 1 with a new employee in West Africa(03:11) Common management styles in West Africa(04:21) How often do managers talk with and give feedback to their employees in West Africa(06:50) Top-down or bottom-up approach in West Africa(08:24) Evaluating employees in Benin(10:45) How to give negative feedback in Benin(13:01) What does an employment contract in Benin look like(15:49) Common compensation structure in Benin(17:00) Paid leave and public holidays in Benin(17:27) Secondary benefits for employees in Benin(18:55) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to be more effective?Efficient?Productive?And.Look back on the progress you’ve made this past month.With a smile?In this episode I share my latest habits and work process.Made easy for you to understand.And made easy to implement.Looking forward to positive messages a month from now._______________________________(00:00) Staying focused with a vision board(00:30) Becoming more efficient by batching similar tasks(00:55) New work style to improve productivity and effectiveness(03:30) Results after 1 month_______________________________If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how companies can find people with the right skills and interests in West-Africa. He also goes into detail on how students and fresh graduates in West Africa can find their first job or internship.And for the entrepreneurs among us: during the second half of the video we share some interesting business ideas in the HR / Recruiting sector that you can pursue in West Africa.Job platforms in Benin mentioned:EmploiBenin: https://www.emploibenin.com/Government Initiative: https://psie.bj/_______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:31) How to find the right people for your business in West Africa(03:07) Online job boards and recruitment agencies in Benin(04:39) How to find IT professionals in West Africa(06:23) How to find an Accountant or Finance professional in West Africa(06:40) How to find the right people for manufacturing or agricultural jobs in West Africa(08:37) Recruiting online in West Africa(10:27) How to find your first job in West Africa(12:22) Do universities in West Africa support students to find a job or internship(15:22) What does a standard recruitment process look like in West Africa(17:08) Summary(18:28) Business opportunity in Africa(18:57) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Want to become a millionaire?It’s not so difficult.Just watch the first 30 seconds of this video.Done?Still not convinced?Watch the rest of the video.You’ll learn all about the secret ingredients to make it happen.__________________________(00:00) How to get rich and become a millionaire(00:38) The power of compounding(01:09) Compound effect outside of finance(02:35) The downside of compounding and what makes it difficult(03:45) Improving the compound effect by visualizing the future__________________________If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how a foreign company can successfully enter the West African market. There are tips here for both B2B and B2C companies as well as some cultural lessons about how businesses earn trust in West Africa._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:34) How to enter the West-African market(02:42) Deciding between setting up a Joint Venture and subsidiary(04:09) What kind of relationship should you establish with a local partner in West Africa(05:11) Share structure in a Joint Venture with an African partner(06:54) Do companies in West Africa trust foreign companies or domestic companies more?(08:35) How to establish trust with a company in West Africa(10:19) Trust in foreign companies(13:02) Selling your product or service in West Africa as a foreign B2C company(14:51) Tips for foreign B2C companies trying to sell their product in West Africa(16:21) Where to find information about doing business in West Africa(17:15) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Do you want to make your dreams a reality?It’s not so difficult.Visualize that dream.Every single day.Now you have your objective.How will you get there?Write down the steps you will take.And.Let somebody else know about this plan.Then.Start working.But.Don’t forget: make a weekly progress & improvement report.You don’t want to be walking in the wrong direction.You want to be running.Faster and faster.Towards your dream.Now that you know the secret.What’s holding you back?______________________________(00:00) Turning your dreams into a reality(01:07) The power of visualization(02:03) Combining visualizing with action(02:19) Research study into making visualizations more effective(03:25) Step-by-step process to realizing your dreams______________________________If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

Want to do business in West Africa but don’t know where to start?Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this series that dives into the ins and outs of doing business in West Africa.Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs of large conglomerates: we’ve got something for all of you.In today’s episode of Business in West Africa, David Kpondehou, CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting, explains to me how to enter the West-African market and start doing business in this part of the world. Due to his experience in Japan and Benin, those two countries are often referred to as examples in this video, but the information David shares with us applies to companies from other countries looking to do business in any of the West-African countries._______________ (00:00) Introduction and recap of previous episode(00:55) How to do business in West-Africa(03:28) How to find a partner or agent in West-Africa(04:46) How to judge if your partner or agent in West-Africa is reliable(07:22) Deciding on the ideal partner(09:24) Summary(10:12) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

Do you hold yourself and others to the same standards?Most of us don’t.Even among others, we hold different people to different standards?And why do we do that?Because we think some people have more potential than others?Because we believe in them more?Do you know that it is this belief that allows people to thrive?That gives them the confidence to try and stretch themselves?Or that makes them feel like they will never be able to do it? Do you want someone to achieve the impossible?Start by believing in them.Do you want your organisation to achieve the impossible?Start by establishing the right culture.Do you want yourself to achieve the impossible?Start by surrounding yourself with people that believe you can do it and push you to go for it.______________________________________(00:00) How our opinion affects the performance of people around us(01:54) Creating a high-performance culture in the company(03:43) What can you do to improve somebody else's performance______________________________________If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

In this first episode of Business in West Africa, I interview David Kpondehou, founder and CEO of Africa Samurai Consulting.From the day I met David I could feel his drive and passion in connecting Japan with West Africa, all to make West Africa and the entire African continent great (again). Coming to a country so far away from home isn’t easy, even more so when you don’t know anybody there and don’t speak the language.In this episode we discuss how he got to where he is today, how he founded Africa Samurai Consulting and he shares some valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone looking to do business internationally. Book mentioned:The Third Door: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B076NS2JSW/_______________ (00:00) Introducing David Kpondehou(01:19) Difference between Ivory Coast and Benin(02:25) Why leave Ivory Coast and move to Benin(02:58) Building connections in Benin when you have none(04:21) What made David want to serve people(06:18) Life after graduating university(09:18) Moving to Japan and joining Awaji Youth Federation(13:15) Arrival in Japan(16:02) How to network in Japan when you don’t speak Japanese(22:15) Investing in yourself is what kept David going(24:27) David’s philosophy on sleep(25:45) Starting African Samurai Consulting(28:36) David’s goals during his second year in Japan(32:00) Connecting Japan and West-Africa(33:46) David at TICAD 2019(36:12) Finding the right people for your network(37:33 How to manage a growing network(38:52) Give first, ask later(40:49) What is Africa Samurai Consulting(44:30) Key lessons about life and business in Japan(48:55) David’s Japanese language ability(50:08) Joining an event when you’re not invited by using the Third Door(53:13) Summary(55:05) David’s Japanese language ability part 2(55:32) David’s regrets from his time in Japan(57:07) Wrap-up_______________ Get in touchJim BoumanWebsite | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeDavid Kpondehou / CEO at Africa Samurai ConsultingWebsite | Facebook | LinkedIn | Africa Diaspora Network Japan

“Label a man a loser and he will start acting like one.”Aka the Pygmalion Effect.Surprised why someone you know can’t seem to live up to expectations?Have you thought about what you think of that person?And his potential?What do the other people around him think?Believing in someone can let that person soar.While not believing in someone can keep them down.Whether you’re dealing with a child.Or an adult.Belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy._______________________________(00:00) Pygmalion Effect - Impact of a leader's beliefs in his people(00:25) Rosenthal-Jacobson study(01:46) Pygmalion Effect in Israeli Defense Force(03:22) Implication of Pygmalion Effect(03:50) How to use the Pygmalion Effect for positive results_______________________________If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

Growing a startup isn’t easy.In the beginning it’s easy.Relatively.You simply do what you think is best.Try to get feedback from the marketplace.And adjust.Then it starts going well.And you hire new people.You assign them some tasks.So far no problem.But what do you do when you’ve got 10 people to assign tasks to?25?50?At some point, you need to have a culture.And a system that works.One that doesn’t take away your time.But that frees up your time.And has everybody working toward the same goals.That and more in today’s episode.(00:00) How to manage a team in a growing business(00:10) How most people manage a growing business(00:53) Establishing a corporate culture without setting goals(01:40) Grow a business by combining culture with goal setting (KPI)(02:37) Setting the right goals and KPIs(04:13) Setting goals works if you also treat your people the right way(04:55) Wrap-upIf you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

The company is changing.Priorities change.Objectives change.Targets change.It’s only natural that the responsibilities change, right?And the job roles?This happens in a startup.Not once.Not twice.Many, many times.There are wrong ways to manage this.And there are ways that work.That keeps the spirits up.And keeps everybody motivated.Curious?Listen to today’s episode.(00:00) How to change your team in startup(00:15) Step 1 - Be transparent with your team(01:11) Step 2 - Ask your people what they want to do(02:38) Step 3 - Test the people who want the same position(03:36) Step 4 - What to do once you've tested your team for two weeks(04:24) Wrap-upIf you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Want to change something in your life?Gotta change those circumstances.But where to start?What is it you want to change?What would the ideal situation be like?How can you get there? Which decisions do you have to make? Which actions do you have to take?Which changes should you make in your environment?ImplementThe process is not that difficult.The implementation is.Especially if you have to let go of some people in your life to get to where you want to be.(00:00) Change your life by looking in the mirror(00:42) Step 1 - Identify what you want to change(00:55) Step 2 - What would this part of my life ideally look like(01:06) Step 3 - Which actions or decisions can I make to realize this change(01:50) Case study(02:55) Changing your life involves changing your surroundings and people you associate with(03:36) Lessons for managers(04:28) Wrap-upIf you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Solomon’s Paradox.Aka: you’re better at helping other people make decisions than helping yourself make the right decisions.Investments.Friends.Colleagues.We all make the wrong decisions.Because we’re influenced by our emotions and biases.Want to make better decisions?Next time you face this kind of situation, ask yourself: what would I suggest to my friend?If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Want to become a better negotiator?Better salesperson?Better manager?It’s easier than you think.Understand what the other side wants, desires or valuesShape the conversation in such a way that it aligns with number 1Emotional connection established? Then lay out the steps the other side needs to take. This covers the logical side.Want to further up your game? Make the other side feel/think it was their idea all along.You now know the secret.Use it.Practice it.Master it.If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and it really makes a difference for the show. Consider including your Twitter or LinkedIn handle so we can thank you personally!Want to get in touch with Jim?Contact/Follow him: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter