Q & A with our Founder and Director, Mr. Leo Sakai

1. What are some of the topics you would like to talk about?

I’m Leo Sakai, a Japanese American. I literally have one foot in each country, one in Japan and the other in the US. I’m the CEO of Little Monsters, a venture capital firm, where we look to invest in projects globally, with an eye towards emerging economies. I also have a seat on the board of Clarus Financial, an onshore private banking suite catering to high-net-worth retail clients, and since 2007 I am the founder and chairman of a non-profit organization called, Pursue Your Dream.

As a business leader with global experience in banking, investments, and non-profit work, I'm very passionate about financial literacy - especially empowering youth worldwide with money management skills. While my foundation, Pursue Your Dream, has another mandate, I have decided to launch a new dedicated NGO focused specifically on improving financial literacy. With roots spanning from Japan to the U.S., I aim to leverage my diverse background and network to make practical financial skills accessible globally. My goal is to equip young people with the knowledge needed to achieve financial security and independence.

I've witnessed firsthand through my international work the lack of financial literacy, even among mature adults and businesspeople. At the same time, proper understanding of concepts like budgeting, investing, and long-term planning can be life changing but on the boring side for kids. My new NGO will focus making it fun and interactive while providing the missing knowledge pieces.

Drawing from expertise gained over my career, we will develop interactive courses and tools adapted for different cultures and languages. I want to meet learners where they are, across developed and developing economies. With the right partners and technology, I believe we can empower millions worldwide with financial skills that unlock opportunities.

I'm excited to drive progress in this much needed area. And I welcome discussions with potential collaborators and donors who also see financial literacy as key to youth finding career success and living their dreams.

2. What are your strengths? What do you perceive as your value or contribution to society? What are your weaknesses?

My greatest strength is my communication and networking skills. Having worked internationally from New York to Japan, I'm able to connect with individuals from all backgrounds - whether they are underprivileged youth or ultra-high net worth clients. I listen first in dialogue, which builds trust and rapport. This enables me to bring together diverse partners - like academia, media, fintech, private investors and policymakers - to drive progress on society's problems.

My personal passion and evolving life's work involve connecting people worldwide. Similar to a "Mini United Nations," I aim to facilitate understanding between cultures. One specific area that pains me is financial illiteracy among youth and professionals. To address this, I'm in the process of launching a new non-profit - Peace Begins With A Smile. By making financial literacy education accessible across the globe, I believe we can unlock opportunities and empower dreams.

My main weakness is simply not having enough hours in the day! With ventures in banking, business, real estate, and now the non-profit space - I am spreading myself thin. My drive and ambition more often have to be reined in by the limitations of time. I am learning to prioritize self-care as well - taking moments to meditate, exercise, and recenter. The discipline this requires does not always come naturally. But nurturing both mind and relationships sustains the energy to keep pursuing meaningful work.

3. What do you think are important skills as a leader and why?

As a leader spearheading ventures in banking, business, real estate, and a new non-profit, there are three skills I see as most vital: communication, relationship-building, and perseverance. Effective communication enables me to connect with diverse partners across borders and backgrounds. By listening first and finding common ground, I can unite academia, media, tech innovators, investors and more to address needs like financial literacy for disadvantaged groups. This ability to bridge divides and collaborate is crucial for leaders driving social impact.

I also prioritize nurturing relationships over time - not just transactions. The strongest networks and teams run on trust and understanding. For example, I have a great friendship, business relationship board member, Edward Little. He's a good friend I've known for almost 20 years. Originally from New York, he used to work with the United Nations in various capacities. Nowadays he calls Harare, Zimbabwe his home, though his work still takes him worldwide. We met during my early banking days supporting entrepreneurs in Manhattan when I was a small business executive at Bank of America. Now decades later, we sustain both a personal and professional connection, as we each drive positive change via business, technology, and global nonprofits. These long-term relationships fuel the energy to persevere.

Finally, perseverance and discipline are key. Launching a nonprofit like Peace Begins With a Smile while managing other enterprises is no small feat! Passion must be matched with grit to see complex, long-term projects through. My ultimate duty as a leader is to inspire my team so we persist despite obstacles on our mission to empower dreams worldwide.

4. What are some things you would like to tell potential funders and donors?

I'm eager to share more with readers about my passion project - a start-up NGO focused squarely on improving financial literacy globally. As someone with deep finance experience and roots spanning Japan and the US, I've witnessed the massive gaps in practical money management skills, especially among youth and disadvantaged groups. For example, in my 2019 book "How to Raise Kids with Financial Literacy" published in Japan and Asia, I outlined how early intervention is key for empowering sound money decisions. We must meet children and teens where they are with engaging tools matched to their environment.

My goal now is to put similar targeted solutions to work internationally. While large organizations have attempted to move the needle on literacy, outcomes remain disappointing. I'm a firm believer in the "Giant Killing Model" - with agility and cross-sector partners, a small startup can defeat those giants.

I bring the ability to listen first and unite partners across academia, fintech innovators, media, and policymakers worldwide. Our lean nonprofit will collaborate to build literacy apps and tools adapted for different cultures. We'll leverage tech, on-the-ground partners, and an entrepreneurial spirit to address this urgent need. The time is right to take an innovative approach and deliver real progress. I'm committed to driving this work forward and equipping millions with financial skills to unlock brighter futures.