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Unicorn
Word of the Day: Unicorn Operating in the business world is not all rainbows and unicorns. It’s even harder in Japan. In fact, in Japan, you have a better chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow than you do of finding a unicorn. A unicorn is a startup company…
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Laggard
Word of the Day: Laggard When purchasing new technology, would you call yourself an early adopter or a laggard? On the technology adoption curve, I am a laggard. In the world of technology, the term laggard describes people or groups who are slow to adopt new innovations. A laggard is typically the last to embrace…
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Strata fees
Word of the Day: Strata fees If you purchase an apartment as a family home or investment property, you also sign on the dotted line to pay strata fees. Strata fees are regular payments made by homeowners in a multi-unit building, such as apartments or condominiums, to cover the costs of shared services and maintenance…
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Climb the ladder
Idiom: Climb the ladder Traditionally, the boomer generation and Generation X were known for their dedication to climbing the ladder, giving their all to reach the top of their chosen career paths. They lived in a time when loyalty to a company and hard work often paid off with promotions and job security. The idiom…
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Cracks appear
Idiom: Cracks appear The idiom cracks appear is used when someone shows weakness or uncertainty, especially if they are being stubborn or during difficult negotiations. Often, this expression indicates that the person’s tough exterior is beginning to break down, revealing vulnerability. In negotiations, for instance, two sides may hold firm to their positions, displaying confidence…
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Propaganda
WotD: Propaganda Propaganda is a form of communication that aims to influence people’s beliefs and behaviours. It often presents information in a biased way, highlighting certain facts while ignoring others. Historically, propaganda has been linked to significant events, such as Soviet Russia and World War II, where governments used it to control public opinion. However,…
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Dogged
Word of the Day: Dogged When someone shows dogged determination, they refuse to give up no matter how hard the situation gets. This quality has played a vital role in our success as a human race. The word dogged describes a quality of persistence and stubbornness in pursuing a goal, especially when faced with challenges…
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Peer pressure
WotD: Peer pressure I’ve lived in Japan for more than two decades and am still impressed with the social order and safety I enjoy here. From what I’ve observed, one of the main ways Japan maintains such strict order is through extreme peer pressure. In simple terms, peer pressure is the influence that individuals from…
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Cling to
Word of the Day: Cling to When you cling to something, you hold onto it tightly or do not let go of it easily. In our world today, many countries cling to their established relationships, especially when it comes to international relations and geopolitics and evolving spheres of influence. However, it might be time for…
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Chain reaction
WotD: Chain reaction A chain reaction is a series of events where one action causes another, leading to a cascade of effects. This concept often comes into play in global economics, especially when discussing tariffs and trade relations. Let’s take a closer look at a situation where a tariff of 145% is imposed on Chinese…
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