22 | Hansei and The Power of Reflection: Leading to Learn Part 2 [with Isao Yoshino]

Have you ever paused to reflect on the critical moments of your life and realized their impact on your own trajectory and others' lives?

In this special episode of Chain of Learning, I welcome back Isao Yoshino as we celebrate our decade-long partnership and the anniversary of our book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn." Together, we discuss the power of hansei—reflection—as the cornerstone of learning and wisdom.

We reflect on the journey of writing the book, the strength of our partnership, and the importance of asking the right questions. Mr. Yoshino shares how he continues to learn and grow from the book's lessons while uncovering the profound impact of reflection on his personal and professional development.

Join us as we explore practical ways to develop the habit of reflection, empowering you to gain new perspectives and insights.

Because remember, reflection is the crucial link in your chain of learning, guiding you toward continuous improvement and deeper wisdom.

YOU’LL LEARN: 

• How reflection - hansei in Japanese - is crucial for effective leadership and continuous improvement. 
• How failures can serve as powerful learning opportunities, and the significance of fostering a culture that embraces mistakes for deeper understanding and innovation.
• True learning happens through continuous reflection on both good and bad experiences, which leads to new insights and better decision-making.
• How "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" is not meant to be read just once; it is a resource for ongoing reflection and deep learning.
• The importance of a personal reflection process and how it can significantly contribute to one's leadership and personal growth journey.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/22
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – available in paperback, hardbound, audiobook, and ebook - LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about my Japan Study Trip / Japan Leadership Experience program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] Introduction to the power of reflection, or hansei, with guest Isao Yoshino
• [03:12] Overview of the concept of hansei – reflection – why it’s important and how it influenced the writing of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn
• [09:24] The importance of having an attitude toward learning 
• [14:06] Mr. Yoshino’s definition of powerful and hat makes Learning to Lead Leading to Learn powerful 
• [23:46] Mr. Yoshino’s learnings based on his new perspective 
• [28:59] The importance of asking open questions and hearing other people’s challenges and struggles 
• [30:00] A framework to help you practice reflection
• [34:51] How one plus one equals more than two

Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experience
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/